McLaren lets Norris and Piastri race freely in 2025, but will team orders emerge if one driver becomes a true title contender?
McLaren is sticking to its philosophy in 2025: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are free to race without team orders or a designated number one driver.
Last season, the team struggled at times to prioritize Norris, despite him being their only real contender against Max Verstappen for the title. The Hungarian Grand Prix became the defining moment of these so-called “Papaya Rules” when a strategic misstep saw McLaren instruct Norris to let Piastri through after an undercut disadvantage.
Should McLaren Change Its Approach?
With the 2025 season kicking off, some might argue that McLaren should back Norris from the start if they want a real shot at the championship. But team boss Andrea Stella remains committed to their open competition approach.
“In Formula 1, you always have to seize opportunities to build an even stronger foundation,” Stella said in Australia. “That applies to the technical, operational, and sporting sides of the team, including internal competition.”
So, has McLaren reconsidered its strategy?
“We’ve analyzed what we did well last year and what we could have done better,” he explained. “Overall, we’re proud of what we achieved, especially in terms of internal competition—the respect, the relationship on and off the track.”
“The battles between Lando and Oscar provided situations we reviewed together, but they largely reflected how we want our drivers to race. That’s the benchmark for this season.”
No Early Team Orders, Says Norris
For now, nothing changes. Lando Norris is clear on that—though he rejects the idea of “Papaya Rules.”
“There are no Papaya Rules. There’s nothing. We’re free to race, and we’re happy to compete against each other,” Norris stated.
But isn’t he worried Piastri could cost him crucial points?
“Of course, we’ll be racing each other a lot this season. But our strength last year was helping each other while leaving enough space on track and racing fairly,” he explained.
“That’s a core value of our team. It won’t be easy, because naturally, we both want to win. That’s inevitable.”
“There are limits, of course,” he admitted. “We need to keep both cars on track and avoid unnecessary risks, but beyond that, we’re free to fight.”
What Happens If One Driver Pulls Ahead?
If one driver clearly emerges as McLaren’s best shot at the title, will the team shift its strategy earlier this time?
Norris isn’t ready to answer that.
“We’re not there yet, so I have no idea. Right now, we’re focused on this weekend,” he said.
“I’m not thinking about the future. If we find ourselves in the same situation as last year, I’m sure we’ll handle it the same way. If one of us has a stronger shot at the Drivers’ title while keeping the team’s Constructors’ goals in mind, we’ll adapt.”
“We did a great job managing it last year. Ask me again in six or seven months!”
Piastri Avoids the Team Orders Debate
Oscar Piastri, racing on home soil in Australia, isn’t interested in discussing team orders either.
“We’re starting with a blank slate. In the end, the fastest driver on track will finish ahead,” he said.
“Our approach is crystal clear: we’ll be racing each other, and hopefully, fighting for wins. That’s the goal.”
“We talked a lot about how we handled the end of last season. Now, we’re starting fresh, and we’ll both give everything to win.”
But how long can McLaren stick to this idealistic strategy? Time will tell.
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No Team Orders: McLaren’s Risky Bet on Norris & Piastri No Team Orders: McLaren’s Risky Bet on Norris & Piastri.
