McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reaffirmed that the team will not be altering its stance on team orders following a heated on-track battle between drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris during the Austrian Grand Prix. Despite their close and risky racing, especially after a previous incident in Canada where Norris crashed out and Piastri finished fourth, McLaren remains committed to allowing its drivers to race freely — as long as they avoid contact. Brown emphasized that the team’s so-called “Papaya Rules” prioritize clean racing over strict team instructions.
During the Austria race, the tension between the McLaren drivers was palpable. Piastri, eager to overtake Norris, locked up at Turn 4 and nearly collided with his teammate. Fortunately, both avoided disaster, and Norris eventually claimed a commanding victory — his way of bouncing back from the disappointing DNF in Montreal. The incident renewed scrutiny of whether team orders might be needed, especially since both drivers are now leading the title race.
At the mid-point of the 2025 F1 season, the championship is being fought exclusively between Norris and Piastri. With only eight points separating them, comparisons are being drawn to the fierce Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry during Mercedes’ dominant years. However, Brown clarified that McLaren’s philosophy remains rooted in fairness and mutual respect. He stated that while hard racing is permitted, it must remain clean, and ultimately, the outcome should reflect the drivers’ skill on track.
In addition to addressing team dynamics, Brown also discussed McLaren’s development plans. A new floor was tested at Silverstone, and team principal Andrea Stella has confirmed that it will be introduced at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. Although much of the focus is now shifting toward the significant rule changes expected in 2026, Brown said that McLaren still has a few performance upgrades for the 2025 car that are yet to be installed.
As the season progresses, McLaren appears to be balancing internal competition with technical evolution. With both drivers in championship contention and new parts being integrated into the car, the team is walking a tightrope between allowing freedom and maintaining harmony. Meanwhile, the broader F1 community is turning its attention to the 2026 season, where sweeping regulation changes could once again reshape the competitive order.
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