Papaya rules: no second-guessing

At McLaren, team orders are no longer a taboo. Ironically renamed by fans and journalists as Papaya Rules — in reference to the papaya orange color of the cars — they are increasingly fueling discussions, especially since the duo Lando Norris / Oscar Piastri has been consistently performing well. After the collision between the two drivers in Canada, the microphones once again turned towards Oscar Piastri, present at the press conference in Austria.

What happened in Canada was not ideal, but we are still free to race and fight for a championship. So, no, we continue to race and make sure we avoid making contact again, he responds to those who thought McLaren would end up favoring one of its drivers. Elements of language or true sincerity – we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt – Oscar Piastri emphasized the team’s interest and the equal treatment of drivers.

« I think the most important thing is for things to remain fair in all possible aspects. Obviously, some situations are not always very fair, whether it’s about strategy because there’s only one pit stop, or other things. But I think that is the most important thing for both of us. »

« Obviously, the first rule, whether written or not, is that the two cars from the same team do not collide. I think that is the most important thing. I believe we handled the situation very well in Canada and since Canada. What we are doing and the way we are proceeding is the right approach. It is clear that it is difficult to find one’s way, but in some ways, it’s a good problem. What we have done is good, and what we are both asking for is a fair opportunity. »

From an outsider’s perspective, it may be difficult to understand that no rule is in place to favor one or the other depending on the race context. And many will say that what happened in Canada was inevitable and that it’s probably not the last time it will occur. Since Oscar Piastri is currently leading the driver’s championship and McLaren is soaring in the constructor’s championship, he was asked if he ever intended to request preferential treatment from Andrea Stella and Zak Brown. With Olympic calm, as usual, the Australian driver seemed surprised to even consider this discussion, continuing to emphasize fairness.

I simply want – and we all want – a fair chance to try to win both championships. Especially in the drivers’ championship, because ultimately, it can only be one of us. I think the situation must change drastically for us to start having these conversations, and we are very far from that at the moment. For now, all I can ask for is a fair chance to try to win the championship, and that’s what I want too. No, I am not at all willing to enter into these discussions [about preferential treatment].