The Formula 1 season 2025 came to a close with McLaren celebrating not only the constructors’ title but also the way they managed the internal dispute between their drivers. During the FIA awards ceremony held in Tashkent, the team’s CEO, Zak Brown, publicly reinforced his support for the so-called “papaya rules,” a set of internal guidelines that directed the behavior of the drivers throughout the championship.
Upon receiving the constructors’ championship trophy, Brown made a point to highlight the collective work of McLaren throughout the year. According to him, the team’s performance was a direct result of the joint effort of all professionals involved, both on and off the track. “It was a fantastic season. All the men and women at McLaren did an incredible job, led by two exceptional drivers,” stated the American executive.
The central point of Brown’s speech was the defense of the philosophy adopted by the team in allowing their two drivers to compete for the world title on an equal footing. For the CEO, reaching the final stage of the championship with both drivers still in the running for the title went against external predictions and showed that the strategy worked. “Going into the last race with two drivers fighting for the World Championship, when many people said it wasn’t possible, is remarkable,” he declared.
Brown also referred to the internal leadership work, citing the fundamental role of sports management in conducting the team during a year marked by pressure and high expectations. He emphasized that McLaren intends to maintain the same competitive posture in future seasons. “I am very proud of the way McLaren ran this year, and that’s exactly how we intend to compete again,” he added.
The so-called papaya rules were a recurring theme throughout the 2025 season, generating debates among Formula 1 fans and analysts. The guidelines sought to ensure balance and fairness in the dispute between teammates, avoiding direct orders that would favor one driver over the other. At various times, the policy was questioned, especially when the title dispute intensified.
One of the protagonists of this discussion was Oscar Piastri, who also came out in defense of the model adopted by McLaren. The Australian explained that the internal rules helped maintain a fair and competitive environment, in addition to contributing to his own growth as a driver. According to him, facing Lando Norris in clear and transparent conditions elevated his driving level throughout the year.
With the constructors’ title secured and a season marked by firm strategic decisions, McLaren closes 2025 by reinforcing its sporting identity. For Zak Brown, the combination of freedom on the track and well-defined rules was essential to transforming a challenging year into one of the most successful in the team’s recent history.
