'No more 'Papaya rules' in 2026: McLaren has to get rid of term'

One of the most significant ones is the term that had nearly blighted their season - 'Papaya rules' - a reference to team orders and how they go racing, a friendly reminder that the team's objective is first, ahead of the drivers.

That a Formula 1 outfit has team orders is not extraordinary. All the team do it; Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes have all have had team-order moments that are still talked about today. Felipe Massa being told "Fernando is faster than you," Red Bull's 'Multi-21' controversy with Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettl, and "Valtteri, it's James," with reference to James Vowles' radio message to Valtteri Bottas.

While 'Papaya rules' in general is not a command, but an ethos how McLaren goes racing, but the term has now developed a negative connotation.

That was the case especially after the Italian Grand Prix, when Oscar Piastri was ordered to give Lando Norris the position back after the McLaren crew made a mistake during the Briton's pit stop.

Later on in the season, at the Mexico City and Sao Paulo Grands Prix, Norris completed arguably his best weekends in his Formula 1 career. His performance was met with boos on both occasions - possibly as a consequence of the negative opinion on team orders.

Each weekend, CEO Zak Brown, team boss Andrea Stella, plus drivers Norris and Piastri, were constantly asked about the meaning of the term, and what rules they had in place for the upcoming weekend. Australian media also went after the team, building a narrative that their favourite driver was being robbed by the team.

Which is why, heading into 2026, McLaren should actively try to avoid mentioning the 'Papaya rules' catchphrase at all. It does not mean team orders can't take place, or they can't have internal rules.

Most fans and observers have seemingly made up their minds about the 'Papaya rules', and the term has ended up with a negative meaning. Rebranding or leaving it behind can only make McLaren's life easier in 2026, especially if they once again chase both F1 titles.

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