ADVERTISEMENT
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

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
0
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

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Ferrari’s Qatar GP disaster: how ‘balloon’ tyre pressures deflated their F1 hopes
Motorsports

Ferrari’s Qatar GP disaster: how ‘balloon’ tyre pressures deflated their F1 hopes

Ferrari Faces Calamity in Qatar: A Nightmare Performance Linked to "Balloon" Tyre Pressures! In a shocking revelation that has left...

by James Taylor
December 1, 2025
Leonardo Fornaroli dominates F2 championship in Qatar: why is F1 opportunity slipping away?
Motorsports

Leonardo Fornaroli dominates F2 championship in Qatar: why is F1 opportunity slipping away?

F1's Future Star Shines Bright in Qatar: Leonardo Fornaroli Claims F2 Championship! In a thrilling turn of events at the...

by Carl Smith
December 1, 2025
Aston Martin gears up for 2026 F1 revolution: Newey-designed car launch set for February 9
Motorsports

Aston Martin gears up for 2026 F1 revolution: Newey-designed car launch set for February 9

Aston Martin Sets the Stage for a Formula 1 Revolution with Launch of Adrian Newey-Designed Car! In a thrilling announcement...

by Publisher
December 1, 2025
Oscar Piastri’s title dreams shattered: McLaren’s shocking Abu Dhabi GP decision leaves him sidelined
Motorsports

Oscar Piastri’s title dreams shattered: McLaren’s shocking Abu Dhabi GP decision leaves him sidelined

F1 Drama Unfolds: Oscar Piastri's Title Hopes Dashed as McLaren's New Rules Sideline Him at Abu Dhabi GP In a...

by Harry Bright
December 1, 2025

Recent News

Ferrari’s Qatar GP disaster: how ‘balloon’ tyre pressures deflated their F1 hopes

Ferrari’s Qatar GP disaster: how ‘balloon’ tyre pressures deflated their F1 hopes

December 1, 2025
Leonardo Fornaroli dominates F2 championship in Qatar: why is F1 opportunity slipping away?

Leonardo Fornaroli dominates F2 championship in Qatar: why is F1 opportunity slipping away?

December 1, 2025
Aston Martin gears up for 2026 F1 revolution: Newey-designed car launch set for February 9

Aston Martin gears up for 2026 F1 revolution: Newey-designed car launch set for February 9

December 1, 2025
Oscar Piastri’s title dreams shattered: McLaren’s shocking Abu Dhabi GP decision leaves him sidelined

Oscar Piastri’s title dreams shattered: McLaren’s shocking Abu Dhabi GP decision leaves him sidelined

December 1, 2025

Newsletter

ADVERTISEMENT

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.