McLaren reiterates the “papaya rules” at the risk of compromising the season
Without a doubt, this decision is carefully planned and, according to CEO Zak Brown, perfectly reflects the team’s philosophy: competing on equal terms, even at the risk of taking chances. The American CEO strongly emphasized that the historic British team will never favor one driver over the other:
“I want to be sure that if we don’t win, it’s because someone else beat us, not because we penalized ourselves.” Brown recalled 2007, when the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso paved the way for Kimi Räikkönen’s title, explaining that the experience shaped his view of team management:
“I will never tell one of our drivers to step aside just because the other is a point ahead. I’d rather relive 2007 than win through favoritism. I’d rather lose with honor than compromise the integrity of the team.”
Zak Brown’s stance is shared by team principal Andrea Stella. The Italian engineer, formerly at Ferrari, firmly believes that neutrality is the only way to maintain balance and motivation in such a delicate moment. With only a minimal margin separating them, the two McLaren drivers will have to give everything on track.
Unlike other teams, Woking does not intend to sacrifice one driver to maximize title chances. This approach may be risky, but it also highlights the team’s confidence in its internal strength—a principle the top management refuses to compromise on.
McLaren vs Red Bull, Marko: “We’ve already won at the last race”
On the other side of the paddock is Helmut Marko. The long-standing Red Bull advisor constantly applies pressure on the British rivals—a habit he has maintained throughout his time with the Austrian team. The octogenarian native of Graz emphasized how Verstappen’s improvements have reopened the championship:
“Even if Singapore and Mexico didn’t go perfectly for us, we still gained points on the championship leader. And now comes the Brazilian Grand Prix, where last year we made a decisive step toward the title.”
Marko also highlighted the psychological aspect of the battle, focusing on McLaren’s choice not to intervene between their drivers: “From what I understand, they will let Norris and Piastri race freely until the end. Perhaps Oscar will make our comeback more complicated, but we can’t rule out that internal rivalry may ultimately help us.”
This is a subtle yet clear reference: Red Bull aims to capitalize on any mistakes or tensions within the rival team to reduce the gap. Given current trends, this could become a significant factor for McLaren in the upcoming races, even though the Woking team has prepared thoroughly for the Interlagos weekend.
Finally, Helmut Marko recalled Red Bull’s recent history to underline that championships are often decided in the final moments. And he has every right to do so: “In 2010 Sebastian Vettel arrived in Abu Dhabi third in the standings and still won,” the 82-year-old former racing driver noted.
He added: “It also happened in 2012 and 2021, even on the last lap with Max. We know what it means to fight until the end and win under pressure.” While McLaren chooses fairness and sporting integrity, Red Bull prepares to strike precisely where tensions could be highest: inside the papaya garage. A potentially winning move.
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