Zak Brown Confirms McLaren's 'Papaya Rules' Remain Despite Verstappen Threat

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that the team will not alter its driver strategy for the remainder of the F1 season, even after securing the Constructors' Championship. Despite the looming threat from Max Verstappen and the ongoing battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the Drivers' title, McLaren will stick to its 'papaya rules,' allowing both drivers to race freely.

Why it matters:

McLaren's decision highlights a commitment to fair competition within the team, a stance that has both galvanized their drivers and, at times, led to intense on-track moments. Maintaining this approach, even with a Constructors' title secured, underscores a philosophy centered on letting the best driver emerge victorious rather than imposing team orders, a rarity in modern F1.

The Details:

• Constructors' Triumph: McLaren clinched the Constructors' Championship with six races remaining, following strong performances at the Singapore Grand Prix.
• 'Papaya Rules' Prevail: The team will continue its policy of allowing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to race each other freely, provided they keep their on-track battles clean.
• Internal Competition: While this strategy promotes exciting racing, it has also led to a few tense moments, notably Norris's crash during an intense battle with Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix, and a recent lunge by Norris on Piastri in Singapore.
• Brown's Stance: Zak Brown explicitly stated, “Our strategy isn’t going to change because we’ve won the Constructors’, we’re going to approach the remaining race weekends in the same way we’ve approached every one before it.”
• Verstappen's Shadow: Despite McLaren's internal battle, Brown acknowledged that Max Verstappen remains a significant threat in the Drivers' Championship, stating, “While we’d like it to solely come down to our two guys, Max is still very much in the game.”

The Big Picture:

McLaren's 'papaya rules' have been a distinguishing feature of their season, fostering a competitive yet healthy rivalry between Norris and Piastri. This approach, while risky in terms of potential points loss from internal skirmishes, has likely pushed both drivers to perform at their peak. It also resonates with fans who often decry team orders that dictate race outcomes.

What's next:

Heading into the final quarter of the season, Oscar Piastri currently leads the Drivers' standings with 336 points, 22 points ahead of Lando Norris. Max Verstappen is in third with 273 points, trailing Norris by 41 points and Piastri by 63 points. The remaining races will see McLaren's drivers continue their fight for the individual title, with the added pressure of Verstappen's pursuit, all under the team's 'race-free' philosophy. Brown's confidence suggests McLaren is hungry for more than just a Constructors' title, aiming for a clean sweep of both championships.

“That's what we're here to do: win races and win Championships. And we couldn't be hungrier.”