McLaren Extends Papaya Rules to 2026 Season

McLaren Formula One team principal Andrea Stella announced on Thursday that the squad will maintain its "papaya rules" policy of equal treatment for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri into the 2026 season, emphasizing principles of fairness and sportsmanship despite past criticisms. The decision comes as the team prepares for sweeping regulation changes, with Norris, the 2025 drivers' champion, already adapting to a radically different car through simulator sessions at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England.

The papaya rules, which governed intra-team racing dynamics throughout 2025, prioritize integrity, equal opportunities, and non-interference between teammates unless safety demands otherwise. In the previous season, McLaren's competitive machinery positioned Norris and Piastri as frontrunners, but their freedom to race each other drew scrutiny for allowing Red Bull's Max Verstappen to mount a late title challenge. Norris ultimately clinched the championship by two points over Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi finale, while McLaren secured the constructors' title. Stella, speaking ahead of the MCL40 car's unveiling, defended the approach as core to the team's...