The 2025 Formula 1 season at McLaren offered one of the most fascinating and talked-about internal battles of the year: Lando Norris versus Oscar Piastri, two pure talents allowed to fight freely without pre-established hierarchies, while Max Verstappen was ready to capitalize on any opportunity. A bold, almost romantic choice, it sparked debate across the paddock and, according to some, risked compromising a title that the Woking team had been chasing for over a decade.
The “papaya rules” under scrutiny
Ralf Schumacher believes that, starting from the Qatar Grand Prix, McLaren should have implemented team orders, prioritizing Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri.
Throughout last season, McLaren’s famous “papaya rules” were often debated. The team opted not to designate a lead driver, resulting in Norris and Piastri taking points from each other in the championship battle—an outcome that almost played into Max Verstappen’s hands.
Ralf Schumacher’s perspective
Speaking to Formule 1 Magazine, Schumacher acknowledged that McLaren managed its internal dynamics fairly. He did not criticize the team orders given at Monza and Hungary. However, he added:
“In Qatar, I was a little surprised. If Max Verstappen had become champion, they would have shot themselves in the foot.”
Overall, Schumacher praised McLaren for treating its drivers with balance, but he also admitted:
“But if I had been the team principal, I admit, from Qatar onwards I would have favored Norris over Piastri.”
In the end, McLaren’s decision not to appoint a clear lead driver did not change the final result: Lando Norris still won the championship, albeit by a very narrow margin—just two points ahead of Verstappen.
McLaren walked a fine line all season, balancing sporting fairness and the ambition of a world title. Choosing not to impose hierarchies fueled tensions, discussions, and calculated risks, but it also allowed both drivers to perform at their maximum.
Ultimately, the gamble paid off, but the debate remains open: in a World Championship decided by infinitesimal details, is total freedom a core value or a luxury that few can truly afford? As the team enters 2026, the question of whether they can maintain this parity without losing more points to rivals like Verstappen remains the biggest challenge for Andrea Stella and Zak Brown.
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