McLaren Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown has confirmed that the team will keep its internal approach to race strategy and driver treatment unchanged following discussions about the so-called “papaya rules.” Brown’s comments were made in the context of the 2025 Formula 1 season, in which McLaren secured the Constructors’ World Championship and Lando Norris won the Drivers’ World Championship with Oscar Piastri as his team-mate.
The term “papaya rules” refers to McLaren’s internal philosophy for how its two drivers, Norris and Piastri, are managed on track. The team has described these rules as a framework for clean racing between teammates, emphasizing respect, avoidance of contact, and opportunities for each driver to compete without interference. In public explanations, the term is used to convey fairness and mutual opportunity rather than an instruction set for specific race outcomes.
Brown addressed criticism that McLaren’s approach, which prioritizes equal opportunity for both drivers, had influenced race decisions or led to perceived tension during the season. He stated that the team remains committed to giving each driver a fair chance to compete for race results and championship positions while maintaining their established methods of competition.
McLaren’s standings in the 2025 season showed strong results from both Norris and Piastri. The team secured the Constructors’ title with several races remaining, and Norris secured the Drivers’ World Championship by a narrow margin over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Throughout the season, McLaren’s internal strategy for driver management attracted commentary due to several on-track situations where decisions were scrutinized by media and fans.
In official statements, Brown reiterated that McLaren will maintain its core principle of equal opportunity rather than alter its strategy in response to external commentary. He framed this position as part of the team’s broader racing philosophy, indicating that assessments of past performances and continual refinement are part of their operational approach.
McLaren’s explanation of “papaya rules” focuses on clear internal guidance such as avoiding risky on-track contact between team drivers and fostering clean racing. Team engineers have used this concept in radio communication to remind drivers about how they should approach wheel-to-wheel racing with one another, emphasizing respect and safety. Now, we did see the papaya rules cause some hiccups as the 2025 season progressed, but overall, if the team can keep the two drivers on equal terms and keep the communication clear between them, the same Papaya rules can bring major results for the reigning champions.
Brown’s remarks come amid ongoing discussion in the Formula 1 paddock about how teams balance competition between teammates with broader championship goals. McLaren’s stated approach emphasizes equality of race opportunity, and Brown’s declaration confirms that this principle remains part of the team’s race strategy.
