Will McLaren rue ‘papaya rules?’ in Norris v Piastri battle

MCLAREN have confirmed that they will continue to back both their drivers equally in the 2025 Formula On world drivers’ championship title fight - at least until one of them is mathematically out of contention.

- JEHRAN NAIDOO

Team principal Andrea Stella says this is rooted in fairness, but it may come at the cost of losing crucial points in an increasingly intense championship battle. With just five races and two sprint events remaining, Oscar Piastri currently leads the McLaren charge, but Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are closing in fast.

The Woking-based team are walking a tightrope between sportsmanship and strategic precision, and the next few weekends could determine whether their open-competition policy proves noble or naive.

“We are not going to close the door unless this is closed by mathematics,” Stella said, when asked if McLaren would soon begin favouring one driver over the other.