Oscar Piastri reignites the debate around the so-called ‘papaya rules’ one more time. McLaren attempted to aid Lando Norris in his 2024 battle for the world title against Max Verstappen using these rules. According to Piastri, the whole fuss about team orders made the story bigger than it actually was.
Oscar Piastri had a successful season in the MCL38, claiming his first two victories. Teammate Lando Norris even managed to give world champion Max Verstappen a run for his money in the powerful McLaren car. McLaren decided on several occasions to give team orders to their two drivers, in order to increase Norris’s chances of winning the world title. These so-called ‘papaya rules’ caused quite a stir. However, Piastri downplays the importance of the team orders.
When asked whether he found it positive that basic rules were established this season, Piastri told Motorsport.com: “I mean, it’s a bit of a catch-22. I think if I were in a better position, there would be no team orders. I think it’s been made much bigger than it was. So far, there hasn’t been a single situation where we really needed them, so to speak.”
Ideal Scenario
The Australian further explains that the rules only apply to ‘very specific’ scenarios. “We know we have to do the right thing when necessary,” says the Melbourne driver. “I think next year I naturally want to be in a position where I can fight and hopefully only Lando and I can compete for the championship. That’s our ideal scenario.
