The Race F1 Podcast Re-writing papaya rules: We fix McLaren's rules of engagement
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Oct 13, 2025 Ben Anderson, a motorsport journalist and F1 analyst, joins Scott Mitchell-Malm, a senior F1 writer, to tackle McLaren's controversial 'papaya rules.' They explore how these rules, intended to ensure fairness, have led to confusion and resentment among drivers, especially after recent races. The duo debates whether these rules should be scrapped or refined, and they propose practical alternatives. They also assess the implications for the upcoming races, highlighting the potential for thrilling moments and increased intra-team racing tension.
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Perception Undermines Intent
- McLaren's 'papaya rules' aim to equalise chances but create perceived interference in driver rivalry.
- That perceived manipulation undermines natural racing fairness and fuels controversy.
Simplicity Versus Over-Engineering
- The core rule is simple: don't collide with your teammate, yet McLaren layers complex corrective measures on top.
- Those extra layers create murkiness and make fair, consistent enforcement impossible.
Corrective Manipulation Backfires
- McLaren's corrective interventions can be reactive manipulation rather than neutral fairness.
- Over-intervention (e.g., redressing pit-order consequences) crosses a line and sows discord.