What Are “Papaya Rules” In Formula 1? McLaren’s Team-Mate Code Of Conduct Explained

“Papaya rules” are a code of conduct governing how McLaren team-mates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris behave on track. The word “papaya” refers to the fruit, whose colour resembles McLaren’s iconic orange.

A familiar radio reminder

The drivers are often reminded of the papaya rules over the team radio when they are battling each other. In essence, they are free to race, but must keep the fight fair and clean and avoid colliding. Team principal Andrea Stella says both Piastri and Norris helped create the code. It also ensures equality and fairness between the two drivers, as McLaren has no designated number one.

What do they cover?

After the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, McLaren CEO Zak Brown summed up the code as “race him hard, race him clean, but don’t touch”. In 2024, Stella told BBC Sport the rules only have to do with racing without risks, with no contact between the two McLarens, and respectfully. Stella reiterated this for the 2025 championship fight: what matters is that the championship runs within the racing values McLaren created together with its drivers.

Tension in 2025

The rules caused tension between the pair as they fought for the drivers’ championship. Some pundits urged McLaren to ditch them and reduce its interference in the title battle. Norris won the 2025 drivers’ title in the final race in Abu Dhabi. McLaren clinched the 2025 constructors’ title at the Singapore Grand Prix with six races remaining.

Back in the spotlight after the Singapore sprint

During the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix sprint race, the McLaren drivers collided on the final lap. Norris tried to pass Piastri at Turn 5. Piastri defended his position, but the cars touched and spun together, ending Piastri’s race, while Norris finished eighth. Stella said it was unacceptable that two McLarens ever come together on track, that it is a fundamental principle of how the team goes racing, and that both drivers know it very well.