Zak Brown Reaffirms McLaren's Driver Equality Policy Amid 2026 Reset

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reaffirmed that the team's 'papaya rules' policy of giving both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri equal opportunity will continue into the 2026 season. Despite the massive regulation overhaul on the horizon, Brown stated that this fundamental approach to driver management is a core part of the team's DNA and will not change.

Why it matters:

In a sport where teams often prioritize a single championship contender, McLaren's commitment to driver parity is a bold and defining strategy. This approach was central to their 2025 Constructors' and Drivers' Championship success and will now be tested as the entire grid navigates a new set of technical regulations, where internal team dynamics could play an even more crucial role.

The details:

• 'Papaya Rules' Explained: The policy aims to provide both drivers with as level a playing field as possible, from strategy to car development, ensuring neither has an inherent advantage.
• A Test of Faith: The policy faced its biggest test when Max Verstappen closed in on the championship lead. Brown previously stated the team would sacrifice the Drivers' title to maintain parity if both drivers were in contention, a stance that held firm as Norris ultimately clinched the 2025 championship.
• A Culture of Learning: While the core principle is set, Brown emphasized that the team is always evaluating its performance. He acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable in F1, but the commitment to giving both drivers a fair shot at victory is the non-negotiable foundation of their racing philosophy.

What's next:

With the 2026 regulations resetting the competitive order, McLaren's driver equality policy will be under the microscope. As the team aims to build on its 2025 success, how they manage Norris and Piastri amidst the uncertainty of the new cars could be a decisive factor in their bid to remain at the front of the grid.