Christian Horner asserts it’s ‘impossible’ for McLaren to win the title with Papaya rules

Christian Horner made it clear that McLaren must decide to back one driver for the title fight against Max Verstappen.

Christian Horner asserts it’s ‘impossible’ for McLaren to win the title with Papaya rules

Christian Horner, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (images via IMAGO)

McLaren failed to convert their front-row start into a victory. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri raced wheel-to-wheel at the end of the first lap, with Piastri overtaking Norris. Despite their strong start, neither McLaren driver finished in first place, as Charles Leclerc won the race, and McLaren ended up 2-3. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that with the current McLaren rules, they cannot win the title.

Christian Horner mentioned that from the perspective of the drivers’ championship, McLaren’s situation actually helped Max Verstappen during the race. McLaren has suggested that it could prioritize Lando Norris in their strategy as they focus on the drivers’ title. Horner also commented on the challenge of making decisions about team orders, explaining that it is a tough situation for any team.

From a drivers’ championship point of view, it helped us out today. It’s always a difficult position as a team.
Christian Horner said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

Christian Horner stated that eventually, a team has to focus on their best driver or the one most likely to win. However, this becomes very difficult when there are complicated situations, like having two strong drivers on the same team. McLaren is currently facing that challenge of prioritizing one driver over another, which they’ve already decided.

But it's inevitable at some point that you’ve got to put your best foot forward. And it's impossible to do that when you've got a situation like that.
Christian Horner added.

Christian Horner emphasized he is oblivious of the Papaya rules at McLaren

McLaren implemented the ‘Papaya rules‘ for its drivers during the race to be cautious when racing against each other. However, Horner was unaware of this rule, but he pointed out that McLaren almost caused an accident at the second chicane. He also stated, when Charles Leclerc passed both of the McLaren, it actually helped Red Bull chances in the championship.

Christian Horner and Andrea Stella
Christian Horner and Andrea Stella (Via: Imago)
I don't know what the papaya rules are, but they nearly took themselves out of the race at the second chicane.
Christian Horner stated.

Certainly, Horner emphasized that McLaren’s strategy nearly caused their own drivers to crash. This could have severely impacted their race, potentially leading to a much worse result than the one they actually achieved.

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