For 2026, McLaren aims to continue the strategy implemented in 2025 by maintaining internal continuity. In fact, this year again there will be no designated number one driver, and both will have the opportunity to fight for the world championship.
Norris-Piastri axis: no clear number one at Woking
After securing both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2025 thanks to the Norris-Piastri duo, McLaren is focusing on continuity for 2026. In a Formula 1 often dominated by internal battles and hierarchical struggles, the Woking-based team goes against the trend. “We are committed to giving both drivers equal opportunities to win,” declared Zak Brown. There will be no number one driver in 2026, but both will have equal tools to compete for the championship.
McLaren, which managed to put a competitive car on the track in 2025, has been a crucial launchpad for both athletes. On one side is Oscar Piastri, who, despite some significant technical mishaps, has proven to be a calm and highly talented driver capable of aiming for the top positions in the standings. On the other side is Lando Norris, who this year races with car number one. The new world champion, after a fierce battle with Max Verstappen and his teammate, secured his first career world title, demonstrating substantial progress compared to previous seasons. The relationship between the two Papaya drivers is built on respect and healthy competition, though it has inevitably attracted media attention.
The “Papaya Rules”
Throughout the season, tensions have occasionally risen due to on-track incidents and the so-called “Papaya Rules,” which sometimes created confusion. Their friendship has been tested multiple times, leading some to describe them as being at odds. Notable examples include the start of the Canadian Grand Prix, the Singapore GP opening lap, and the controversial “position swap” ordered internally at Monza. These events fueled speculation of a rift within the team.
Despite these moments, both drivers have consistently affirmed the respect and friendship they share off the track. In contemporary Formula 1, Norris and Piastri, along with McLaren as a whole, represent a competitive and formidable duo while remaining attentive to internal harmony. In light of the results, Brown’s strategy appears to be working, but the question remains: will it be enough to keep rivals at bay again this season?
As McLaren enters the 2026 season as the team to beat, the decision to maintain equal status between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri sets the stage for one of the most fascinating internal dynamics on the grid. While the “Papaya Rules” have occasionally sparked controversy and tactical headaches, they have also fostered a high-performance environment that propelled Norris to his first world title. Whether this egalitarian approach can survive the intense pressure of a title defense remains to be seen, but for now, Woking is betting that two “number ones” are better than one.
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