Photo: Race Pictures

Norris rejects papaya rules criticism: Briton backs the McLaren way

08:23, 04 Dec

byKada Sarkozi

Lando Norris has reflected on the criticism of the papaya rules, explaining McLaren’s ambition to find the best path.

"That’s not what people want, people want chaos! They're like, 'Oh that’s not racing.' Well, there’s no prescription of what is."

- Lando Norris

The papaya rules have caused quite a stir in the 2025 season.

Pundits and fans alike questioned the decisions of the Woking-based team throughout the season. Moreover, after Grands Prix in Mexico City and Brazil, Norris was booed by the crowd as well.

Talking to The Athletic, the British driver addressed these so-called papaya rules.

He said: "The team has certainly displeased a lot of people, because they've kept things very controlled and in a very good manner. That’s not what people want, people want chaos! They're like, 'Oh that’s not racing.'

"Well, there’s no prescription of what is. They let us race, we work together — it’s how we run as a team."

Therefore, he explained: "There’s no 'we have to do this or that.' We’re finding our own way to what we think will make us the best team ever in F1. And we’re confident in that, which makes it even better.”

Norris and Piastri shaking hands in Qatar - Photo: Race Pictures

The championship battle heads to Abu Dhabi

The 2025 drivers' title will be decided at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix once again.

Entering the final round, Norris leads the championship by 12 points ahead of Max Verstappen and 16 points ahead of Oscar Piastri.

Norris needs to finish in third place to secure the title, no matter the results of his rivals.

Standings	Drivers	Points
P1	Lando Norris	408
P2	Max Verstappen	396
P3	Oscar Piastri	392

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