McLaren Confirms ‘Papaya Rules’ Will Continue in 2026 to Ensure Driver Equality

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McLaren has confirmed that its controversial “Papaya Rules” — a team philosophy aimed at ensuring fairness and equal opportunity between its two drivers — will remain in place for the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite intense internal and external pressure throughout 2025. McLaren CEO Zak Brown reiterated that the principle of treating Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri without favouritism will not change, even with the team entering a new era under fresh regulations and heightened competition.

Introduced to promote neutrality and avoid preferential treatment within the garage, the Papaya Rules have guided many of McLaren’s strategic decisions over the past two seasons. Rather than selecting a number one driver, McLaren has encouraged both Norris and Piastri to compete freely on track, provided they race cleanly and avoid damaging the team’s championship chances. Brown made it clear that this approach will continue, even if it means prioritising equality over a single driver’s title bid.

The concept has been debated within the F1 paddock due to high-profile moments in 2025 where split decisions and intra-team dynamics came under scrutiny. However, McLaren insists that lessons from both successful weekends and tougher races have reinforced the value of its principles. Brown emphasised that the team’s commitment to offering equal opportunities to win is fundamental to its culture and long-term strategy.

Looking toward 2026 and its major regulatory overhaul, McLaren believes that maintaining driver parity will help preserve team harmony and promote strong internal competition — something the squad regards as a strength rather than a weakness in its bid for continued success.