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Oscar Piastri says McLaren’s ‘papaya rules’ team order structure will change in 2026
The controversial ‘papaya rules’ of McLaren are set to be changed for the 2026 Formula 1 season, as indicated by Oscar Piastri, following some internal challenges faced by the team the previous year. These rules were implemented to manage the intense rivalry between Lando Norris and Piastri, but ended up sparking controversy later on. Instances like Piastri being asked to yield to Norris at the Italian Grand Prix and a collision in Singapore led to adjustments in the rules, ultimately being scrapped after a tag incident at Austin. The scrutiny surrounding the ‘papaya rules’ even prompted the Australian parliament to inquire about Piastri’s fair treatment by McLaren. Piastri acknowledged the positives of these rules but confirmed there will be modifications for 2026 to streamline and enhance the racing experience within the team. He expressed satisfaction with the opportunities he received in the title race against Norris but also noted areas where improvements could be made for better clarity and fairness in the future.
