Image by: McLaren (via X)
As the 2025 Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, McLaren CEO Zak Brown remains steadfast in his approach concerning internal team dynamics and external competition. In a recent interview, Brown reaffirmed that McLaren will persist with its so-called “papaya rules,” allowing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to race each other freely (with the usual caveats about clean racing), even as the threat from Max Verstappen looms large.
What Are the “Papaya Rules”?
The term “papaya rules” stems from McLaren’s team color (“papaya”) and refers to the policy by which the team does not favour one driver over the other in their pursuit of the Drivers’ Championship. Instead, Norris and Piastri are permitted to race each other head-to-head, so long as their on-track battles remain “clean.”
That approach is now being tested. McLaren wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship with six races to spare—but that doesn’t mean the team will shift into a more cautious mode. Brown was explicit: the team’s internal strategy will not change following the constructors’ win.
He explained,
“While we’d like it to solely come down to our two guys, Max is still very much in the game. … We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing. 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.”
In short: Brown wants consistency, hunger, and momentum. He believes that disrupting the internal balance now—say, by backing a single driver explicitly—could backfire or upset the competitive chemistry between Norris and Piastri.
Verstappen: Not Dead Yet
Brown’s insistence on carrying on with papaya rules is grounded in the reality that Max Verstappen remains a serious threat in the title fight. Despite trailing in the standings, Verstappen still has the machinery, experience, and willpower to mount a late charge. Brown acknowledges that McLaren would prefer a scenario where their drivers’ internal duel decides the championship, but he can’t ignore Verstappen’s presence.
Before the U.S. GP, the standings read as follows:
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Oscar Piastri leads with 336 points
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Lando Norris is second, 22 points adrift
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Max Verstappen is third, 273 points, 63 behind Piastri and 41 behind Norris
Though those gaps are sizeable, they’re not insurmountable—especially with four races still remaining. A string of perfect weekends or a misstep by McLaren’s drivers gives Verstappen the path to strike.
Brown’s remarks signal that McLaren understands this danger: the team cannot take its foot off the accelerator or settle for internal theatrics. They must keep executing at a high level, race by race, as though the constructors win never happened.
Risks and Rewards of the Approach
The “papaya rules” philosophy is bold and has significant upsides — and risks.
Pros:
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Maintains internal harmony: By not explicitly favoring one driver, McLaren avoids resentment and internal friction. It signals trust in both Norris and Piastri to deliver under equal terms.
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Encourages competitive spirit: Letting them race each other freely can sharpen their instincts, improve situational awareness, and elevate performance under pressure.
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Keeps momentum consistent: By treating each weekend the same, McLaren avoids complacency creeping in after securing a constructors’ title.
Cons:
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Potential intra-team incidents: Regardless of how “clean” one asks drivers to be, full-on competition can yield contact or mistakes (as has been seen in other teams and eras).
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Focus diluted: Some argue that when a title fight tightens, putting resources or communication weight behind one driver can give a team cleaner strategic clarity.
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Verstappen’s wildcard status: If Verstappen goes on a tear, McLaren may find itself in a three-way battle, and their dual focus could be a vulnerability.
Brown clearly understands these trade-offs. But he’s staking McLaren’s fate on consistency, cohesion, and doing what got them to this point.
Looking Ahead to the U.S. GP
As the paddock moves to the United States for the next Grand Prix, watchers will be watching not only the Norris–Piastri dynamic, but how McLaren maneuvers tactically under pressure. Can they juggle two drivers fighting for the crown while holding off the Red Bull veteran?
If McLaren executes flawlessly, the papaya rules could pay off handsomely: two drivers in contention, maximum points, internal stability, and a sweep of both titles. But if cracks appear—be it a collision between teammates, strategic misstep, or Verstappen’s surge—they may look back on Brown’s gamble as a pivotal decision.
One thing is clear: McLaren won’t be backing down or changing course now. Brown’s message is firm — the rules stay in place, the challenge continues, and Verstappen is very much still in play.
