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Max Verstappen Dismisses McLaren’s ‘Papaya Rules’: “I Wouldn’t Put Up With That Nonsense”

Redação by Redação
December 20, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Max Verstappen Dismisses McLaren’s ‘Papaya Rules’: “I Wouldn’t Put Up With That Nonsense”

Nov 22, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; McLaren Formula 1 Team driver Lando Norris of Great Britain (4) drives during practice for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 at the Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Formula 1’s reigning champion Max Verstappen is never one to mince words, and his latest target is McLaren’s quirky ‘papaya rules.’ Introduced midway through the 2024 season, the controversial term was McLaren’s code for ensuring harmony between its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as they tussled in a suddenly competitive car. For Verstappen, the concept was laughable.

“This is another nonsense quote,” Verstappen told Viaplay in a scathing critique.

“What is that supposed to mean? ‘Papaya rules’? I wouldn’t put up with that at all. When I’m told that by my engineer, I immediately say, ‘Just shut up.’”


‘Papaya Rules’ in the Spotlight

The term first grabbed attention at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where Norris’ race engineer, Will Joseph, uttered it over the radio after Piastri’s bold Lap 1 move left the pole-sitter vulnerable. With Verstappen’s Red Bull struggling in the latter half of the season, Norris had a chance to capitalize in the title fight but lost momentum due to the incident.

Verstappen was unimpressed by McLaren’s handling of its intra-team battles.

“They should have solved all that much easier and better as a team,” he added. “You’re allowed to race? Then just say that, but make it clear.”


Costly Lessons for Norris and McLaren

Despite leading the charge for McLaren’s resurgence, Norris fell short in the Drivers’ Championship, winning just three races despite eight pole positions. His costly loss to Piastri at Monza, compounded by a lack of consistency in high-pressure scenarios, highlighted McLaren’s relative inexperience in a title fight.

The Woking-based outfit, however, had a significant consolation prize: its first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years. Norris’ victory in Abu Dhabi clinched the title, and the Brit made his future intentions clear.

“We want to win the Drivers’ next year,” Norris said. “I’ve learned a lot, especially from Max and my competitors. As much as I’m happy now, I’m more excited to get next year going.”


Experience Over Chaos: Verstappen’s Edge

Verstappen, who started the season strong with seven wins in the first 10 races, managed to secure his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship despite Red Bull’s performance dip in the latter half of the year. Reflecting on McLaren’s title bid, Verstappen suggested they lacked the polish to execute a consistent campaign.

“[McLaren] had a very good car this year,” he said. “But for the Drivers’ Championship, they could have prepared much better.”


Can McLaren Step Up in 2025?

While McLaren’s newfound competitiveness put Red Bull under pressure, the drama surrounding its intra-team dynamic and questionable strategies like ‘papaya rules’ have left critics and fans wondering if they can truly challenge Verstappen’s dominance.

With Verstappen dismissing McLaren’s handling of its drivers as “nonsense,” the Dutchman’s sharp critique is a reminder that championship battles demand not just speed but also clarity, decisiveness, and cohesion. Whether McLaren can channel these lessons into a title-winning campaign remains to be seen.

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