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.

It is a decision that team principal Andrea Stella says is rooted in fairness and team harmony, 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 naïve.

“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.

The team boss made it clear that both Piastri and Norris will continue to receive equal treatment until one is mathematically ruled out of the title fight. Only then will McLaren throw their full weight behind a single contender.

On paper, this sounds fair — a reflection of McLaren’s commitment to equality and team unity. But in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where every race weekend can swing the championship pendulum dramatically, that approach could leave the door open for rivals to pounce.

Verstappen is hunting relentlessly for a fifth consecutive title so he can equal Michael Schumacher’s record at Ferrari. The Red Bull star sits just 40 points adrift of Piastri — a margin he has overcome before with ruthless efficiency.

Should McLaren hesitate in prioritising their title front-runner, they risk losing valuable points in tactical decisions — from pit-stop timing to race-day strategy calls — that could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

The concern is not just theoretical. History has shown that clear team orders can be decisive. Ferrari famously used them to secure titles in the Schumacher era, and Mercedes were unapologetic about prioritising Hamilton when it mattered most. By contrast, McLaren’s “fair play” ethos could split strategic focus at the exact moment unity is needed.

Still, Stella’s measured approach is not without merit. The Italian believes maintaining internal peace is key as the team continues its evolution towards consistent championship contention.

“Both drivers are performing at a very high level, and both deserve the opportunity to fight,” he explained. “It’s only right to let the racing and the mathematics decide.”

For now, that balance appears to be working. Piastri has remained composed — most of the time — under pressure, while Norris’s recent form suggests he is still capable of mounting a late charge.

Yet, as Verstappen looms larger in their mirrors, McLaren’s refusal to pick a side could soon be tested. If the numbers start to turn against one of their drivers, Stella and his engineers may have no choice but to shift from fairness to focus.

Otherwise, in the name of equality, McLaren might just hand the championship to Verstappen.