Lando Norris and Max Verstappen - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen hits out at McLaren’s papaya rules in ‘sell your soul’ remark

17:01, 14 Jan

byTobia Elia

Max Verstappen has reiterated his stance on McLaren’s papaya rules, explaining what he would have done in the place of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

“If you do this once without a clear reason, you sell your soul”

- Max Verstappen

The four-time world champion narrowly missed out on a remarkable late-season title comeback that began after Zandvoort, falling short by just two points as Norris sealed the world championship in Abu Dhabi.

Throughout the season, McLaren’s so-called “papaya rules” were a constant talking point, with Norris ultimately benefiting from team orders — most notably the position swap enforced at Monza, an instruction that his team-mate promptly followed.

When asked whether he would have lifted off had he been the one told to back off, the Dutchman replied bluntly: “Certainly not. If you do this once without a clear reason, you sell your soul. The team can then do what they want with you. And let’s not forget: Piastri was in the middle of the title fight.”

Photo: RacePictures

Verstappen rules out Red Bull exit amid clear F1 retirement timeline

Verstappen has reiterated his long-term commitment to Red Bull, while also making it clear that he has no plans to remain on the Formula 1 grid into his 40s.

The reigning world champion was heavily linked with a move away from the Milton Keynes outfit over the summer, as speculation connecting him to Mercedes gathered momentum. Verstappen ultimately shut down the rumours himself, confirming he would continue with Red Bull for the forthcoming season.

He also addressed the departure of Helmut Marko in the same interview, admitting it was difficult to imagine the team without the Austrian, who stepped away shortly after the conclusion of last season. Nevertheless, Verstappen reaffirmed his intention to see out his current contract in full.

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