Zak Brown Drops Biggest Hint Yet: McLaren To Keep ‘Papaya Rules’ For 2026

Last Updated:December 15, 2025, 08:01 IST

Zak Brown confirms McLaren will keep treating Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri equally after their 2026 F1 title double, despite criticism, cementing the 'papaya rules' philosophy.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Zak Brown and Lando Norris (X)

Zak Brown has dropped the clearest hint yet that McLaren’s much-debated ‘papaya rules’ are here to stay beyond their historic title-winning season.

Fresh off securing their first drivers’ and constructors’ championship double since 1998, the McLaren CEO indicated the team will continue treating Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri equally heading into the 2026 Formula 1 season.

McLaren wrapped up the constructors’ crown with six races to spare, but the drivers’ title went down to the wire. Norris edged out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by just two points in Abu Dhabi, becoming the 11th British world champion and the first McLaren driver to lift the trophy since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

Despite Norris and Piastri trading momentum throughout the campaign, McLaren resisted calls to back one driver over the other.

The team’s commitment to fairness drew criticism — most notably after the Qatar Grand Prix, where both drivers missed a crucial safety car pit stop, allowing Verstappen to steal the win.

Still, Brown remains unapologetic.

Speaking at the FIA prize-giving gala, the American praised McLaren’s philosophy and confirmed it wasn’t a one-off.

“Fantastic season," Brown said, before adding that keeping things fair between Norris and Piastri is “exactly what we plan to do" going forward.

With two elite drivers, renewed dominance, and a title-winning blueprint, McLaren appear ready to double down on equality –whether critics like it or not.

News sports formula-one Zak Brown Drops Biggest Hint Yet: McLaren To Keep ‘Papaya Rules’ For 2026

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