Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri spills on McLaren’s ‘papaya rules’ after Norris' title win

19:39, 07 Dec

Updated: 21:07, 07 Dec

5 Comments

bySamson Ero

Oscar Piastri has stated McLaren’s “papaya rules” has helped himself and Lando Norris become better drivers.

“Sometimes that's been uncomfortable for everyone, but ultimately, it's been a good thing.”

- Oscar Piastri

Speaking after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Australian described the rules as a reflection of McLaren’s approach to racing. Piastri also acknowledged that the team was aware these regulations could occasionally create challenges.

“It is a testament to the way we go racing. Obviously, it's not easy fighting for the Constructors' Championship and the Drivers' Championship with two very evenly matched drivers. Ultimately, that's a problem we knew we were going to have,” Piastri began.

The 24-year-old continued by stating the papaya rules have made both himself and teammate Norris better drivers.

“At the end of the day, there are a lot of good things that come from that. There are difficult moments and tension at times, but I think both Lando and I have become better drivers from pushing each other to the limit,” he added.

Oscar Piastri on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix podium - Photo: Race Pictures

Piastri also noted that the team would likely review the rules during the off-season to see if any adjustments are needed for the future.

“Sometimes that's been uncomfortable for everyone, but ultimately, it's been a good thing. We've obviously had a lot of discussions throughout the year, and I'm sure we'll have discussions in the off-season about anything we want to do slightly differently for next year.

“At the end of the day, they gave us both as good a chance as the team could have to fairly fight for a world championship, and that's all you can ask for,” he concluded.

Piastri admits mixed feelings after missing out on title

Earlier, Piastri admitted to having bittersweet feelings after missing out on the drivers’ championship to Norris.

The Australian highlighted his team’s strategic gamble before admitting the title triumph was well-deserved for Norris.

Follow GPblog’s paddock update from Abu Dhabi

With the Formula 1 season concluded, GPblog’s paddock update is the best place to be. Catch up with all the action in the aftermath of the drivers’ championship decider in Abu Dhabi.

Follow and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Spotify to never miss a moment of the post-championship reaction.

Check out the latest episode of our paddock update here 👇