McLaren’s subtle way of conducting team orders – papaya rules, was a major talking point throughout the middle part of the Formula 1 season.
Effectively, it meant that Oscar Piastri would have to race in an ultra-clean manner with teammate Lando Norris as they chased down both championships.
A major talking point at the Italian Grand Prix after it was heard for the first time, the papaya rules were controversial from the outset.
They were adjusted with Norris’ title charge in mind after that, but now there appears to be another change heading into the season-closing triple header.
Oscar Piastri might have to help Lando Norris in ‘special scenarios’
After the chaotic Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which was won by Max Verstappen from 17th on the grid in rather heroic fashion, the drivers’ title is effectively out of sight for anyone else.
Verstappen has a key ‘advantage’ over Norris now, with a 62-point lead and just three races to go – meaning that McLaren can turn their attention to the constructors’ fight.
They’re in a far more commanding position for that championship, but they still need both drivers to work together and ensure that the best possible results are delivered.
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Speaking ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Piastri told Sky Sports F1 that the original papaya rules were back in place now.
“There are still special scenarios where I might have to help, but in most situations, it’s back to how it was before.
“The chance of winning the drivers’ title is very small, but the constructors’ title is not yet a done deal, and that’s the most important thing.”
How will this change the way Norris and Piastri race each other?
We have seen on multiple occasions before that the two McLaren drivers like to get pretty close to the boundaries of acceptability on track.
Notably, Piastri’s first lap overtake in Monza, which caused Norris to lose a position to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, ultimately cost them a 1-2 on Italian soil.
It’s also why the papaya rules were such a big deal to begin with because they altered a narrative which hadn’t been messed with (from the outside) yet.
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Now that things have been tweaked again, it should mean that Piastri can attack again in pursuit of victories, and apply more pressure on Norris.
This may be a bad thing for the Brit’s momentum heading into a big 2025 for a team, who have the fastest car in the sport currently and one final year of technical regulations to take advantage of it.
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