Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the Spanish Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

F1 LIVE: McLaren gets papaya rule warning as Russell, Antonelli’s contract length revealed

07:01, 16 Oct

Updated: 08:01, 16 Oct

bySamson Ero

Welcome to our live blog today. Be sure to check back at intervals for the latest happenings within F1 as the United States Grand Prix nears.

LiveBlog

McLaren gets papaya rule warning

Juan Pablo Montoya has urged McLaren to loosen its hold on its drivers – Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris – and allow them to race without restraint as the championship fight heats up. The Colombian, who praised the team’s approach to managing both drivers, explained that it could soon prove counterproductive.

He stressed that no driver would want to end the season with the feeling of “being too nice” after losing the championship, while also arguing that the team harmony against the competition balance is currently lopsided within the papaya outfit.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri - Photo: Race Pictures

Russell, Antonelli contract length revealed

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have put pen to paper on contract extensions with the Mercedes team. However, the exact length of the respective contracts has not been confirmed by GPblog.

The pair, who have been the subject of intense speculation regarding their futures, brought an end to the rumours with the announcement of their extensions.

While Mercedes did not disclose the full details of the deals, GPblog can confirm that Russell has signed a multi-year contract, while Antonelli’s deal runs until the conclusion of the 2026 campaign.

The announcement comes on the back of Russell’s victory at the Singapore Grand Prix – a race in which Antonelli delivered an impressive drive to finish fourth at the Marina Bay Circuit.

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