McLaren's 'papaya rules' explained: how Piastri and Norris must race clean in title fight

What are McLaren's 'papaya rules'?

McLaren's 'papaya rules' are a code of conduct governing how team-mates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are allowed to race each other on track. The word 'papaya' refers to the colour of the fruit that bears a resemblance to the iconic orange of the McLaren livery.

The drivers are frequently reminded of the rules over team radio during races when they are battling one another. In essence, it tells them they are free to race — but the fight must stay fair, clean and collision-free.

Bosses spell out the meaning

The principles have been laid out clearly by McLaren's leadership. Team principal Andrea Stella said both Piastri and Norris have been involved in creating the code, which also guarantees equality and fairness between the two drivers — McLaren do not run a designated 'number one'.

Team boss Zak Brown described the code of conduct after the 2024 Italian Grand Prix as: "race him hard, race him clean, [but] don't touch."

Stella told BBC Sport in 2024 that the rules "only have to do with racing with no risks, no contact between the two McLarens and respectfully."

Tension as the title race tightens

The guidelines have caused growing tension between the two drivers as they fight for the drivers' championship. For the 2025 battle, only 22 points separate the two McLarens in the title chase.

Stella reiterated the stance for this year's championship, saying: "What's important is that the championship runs within the principles. Racing values that we have at McLaren, and that we have created together with our drivers."

McLaren secured the 2025 constructors' championship with six races remaining at the Singapore Grand Prix, leaving the intra-team duel for the drivers' crown as the central storyline of the season's closing stretch. Some pundits have urged the team to ditch the papaya rules and reduce their interference in the title fight — but for now, the code remains in force.