What are 'papaya rules' in Formula 1?
- Published
'Papaya rules' are a code of conduct for McLaren team-mates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris on the racing track.
The word 'papaya' refers to the colour of the fruit that bears a resemblance to the iconic orange colour of McLaren.
The drivers are often told of 'papaya rules' on radio messages during races when they are battling each other.
It essentially reminds the drivers that they are free to race, but they must keep the battle fair, clean and avoid colliding.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said both Piastri and Norris have been involved in creating the code.
It also ensures equality and fairness between the two drivers as McLaren do not have a designated 'number one' driver.
The guidelines have caused growing tension between the two drivers as they fight for the drivers' championship.
McLaren won the 2025 constructors' championship with six races remaining at the Singapore Grand Prix.
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What do the rules mean according to the bosses?
McLaren have been urged by some pundits to ditch their papaya rules and reduce their interference in the title battle.
Boss Zak Brown described the code of conduct after the 2024 Italian Grand as "race him hard, race him clean, [but] don't touch."
Team principal 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".
Stella reiterated this for the 2025 championship battle, where only 22 points separate the two McLarens in the title chase.
"What's important is that the championship runs within the principles," he said.
"Racing values that we have at McLaren, and that we have created together with our drivers."
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