Oscar Piastri reveals McLaren’s ‘Papaya Rules’ change over Lando Norris’ worsening title campaign

Oscar Piastri revealed that the 'Papaya rules' were now relaxed amidst Lando Norris' declining chances of championship contention.

Oscar Piastri reveals McLaren’s ‘Papaya Rules’ change over Lando Norris’ worsening title campaign

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

McLaren showcased a meteoric rise in performance in the 2024 season by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Both drivers came extremely close to one another on track and put forth similar results. However, amidst Norris’s championship ambitions, Piastri had to help the former on multiple occasions, effectively sabotaging his own race. With the championship battle seemingly over, the Aussie revealed the new racing conditions.

Lando Norris is currently trailing the championship leader Max Verstappen by over 62 points. Moreover, the chances of Norris continuing the championship contention through the Las Vegas GP are slim to none. As a result, Oscar Piastri can now successfully fight his teammate under the previously asserted ‘Papaya Rules’. The Aussie revealed that the rules were now relaxed but for some specific scenarios, Piastri might have to play the team game once again.

Pretty much, yes. There’s still some, let’s say, very specific scenarios where I might be needed to help out. But for the very large majority of situations, it’s back to how it was.

Oscar Piastri told motorsport.com
YouTube video

McLaren’s rise in performance has enabled them to achieve a 36-point lead to Ferrari and a 49-point lead to Red Bull. Although the Constructors Championship looks hugely favored for the Papaya team, Maranello can still showcase a last-race battle. Piastri reckoned that Norris winning the drivers’ championship was ‘very slim’. Moreover, the Australian didn’t rule out losing the constructors’ cup amidst the runner-up’s upturning performance.

FS Video

The drivers’ championship picture is very slim, and the constructors’ championship is certainly not over for us.

Oscar Piastria added
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Oscar Piastri going into the Las Vegas weekend ‘trying to win’

Oscar Piastri gave up the Brazilian GP sprint win just so Lando Norris could close up in the championship. However, after Max Verstappen’s stellar drive and ultimately the win in Brazil, the championship winner seems decided. Piastri reiterated that he was ready to help his teammate under a few specific scenarios. Regardless, the 24-year-old headed into the weekend aiming for winning the final American race of the 2024 season.

It’s certainly not a done deal, so that’s definitely the biggest thing. So it’s a very specific few scenarios that maybe I’ll still help out if that’s what I’m asked to do, but I’m going into the weekend trying to win.

Oscar Piastri noted
Oscar Piastri [L], Lando Norris [R] (image via IMAGO)
Oscar Piastri [L], Lando Norris [R] (image via IMAGO)

Only three races remain in the 2024 calendar as the excitement and uncertainty for the championship lifters increase. Both the championships are still up for grabs for the teams and drivers. The ground-effect era has never witnessed such peak competition for the championship due to Red Bull’s domination. However, this season has put forth some highly interesting situations on the grid.

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