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McLaren CEO Zak Brown has revealed that the team plans to continue using the contentious ‘papaya rules’ into the 2026 F1 season.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that the team will stick to the controversial ‘papaya rules’ for the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite previous scrutiny over driver management.
The ‘papaya rules’ were implemented in 2024 to ensure a fair racing environment for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, aiming to avoid conflicts on track.
Although the team faced challenges in the 2025 season as rival Max Verstappen closed in, Brown remained steadfast in prioritizing driver equality over winning titles.
As McLaren prepares for the 2026 F1 season with regulatory changes, Brown emphasized the ongoing commitment to providing both drivers equal opportunities for success.
Despite McLaren’s recent success and double championship victory, Brown emphasized the team’s continuous push for improvement and willingness to learn from past performances.
