McLaren has announced plans to simplify its internal rules governing driver engagement ahead of the 2026 Formula One season. This decision follows criticism from the previous year, where the team faced scrutiny for its management of the championship battle between drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. While McLaren secured its second consecutive constructors’ championship with six races remaining in the 2025 season, the drivers’ title remained fiercely contested until the final race, with Norris narrowly defeating Red Bull’s challenger.
In 2025, McLaren’s efforts to provide equal opportunities to both drivers were marred by controversial incidents. One notable moment occurred during the Italian Grand Prix, when a slow pit stop led to Norris losing a position to Piastri. The team subsequently instructed Piastri to relinquish the position, resulting in accusations of interference. Team principal Andrea Stella addressed these issues during the winter, emphasizing the importance of clear racing principles, often referred to in the media as the “Papaya Rules.”
Stella stated, “I can certainly say that like anything that we approach at McLaren, we go through a thorough process of review such that we can see where are the opportunities to improve.” He highlighted that both drivers have been involved in discussions to reaffirm the team’s commitment to fairness, integrity, and sportsmanship. “We are having conversations pretty much as we speak now,” he noted, indicating ongoing dialogue to enhance operational efficiency.
As the team prepares for 2026, Stella acknowledged the need to reduce the complexities involved in internal competition. “Any attempt we can make to make going racing together just simpler to some extent will be welcome,” he said. The team is keen to streamline operations while maintaining the core principles that have guided McLaren’s racing philosophy.
McLaren achieved remarkable success in 2025, winning 14 out of 24 races and finishing with a staggering 364 points ahead of second-place Mercedes. Looking forward, the 2026 season will introduce new chassis and engine regulations, prompting a significant shift in the design and performance of the cars. Rob Marshall, McLaren’s chief designer, noted that the advantages from the previous year’s car may not carry over due to the regulatory reset.
“There’s a reset in the regulations. The cars are all new and any built-in advantages have gone, but we’ve still got the same people and tools doing it,” Marshall explained. He emphasized that while the regulations remain consistent, the design and engineering efforts will take a new direction. “The whole floor operation is completely different. The whole front of the car is completely different. The wings are completely different,” he added.
Fans can expect to see McLaren’s 2026 car in a testing livery on January 26, ahead of its track debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on either January 27 or 28. After three days of testing in Spain, the team will unveil its official race livery on February 9 in Bahrain, prior to the second preseason test.
As McLaren gears up for the new season, the team’s focus on refining its internal engagement rules reflects a commitment to fostering a competitive yet fair environment for its drivers. This is essential as the team looks to build upon its recent successes while navigating the challenges of a new regulatory landscape.
