McLaren aims to simplify driver rules for 2026 season

McLaren boss Andrea Stella revealed plans to simplify the internal racing rules between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the 2026 season. While the team remains committed to fairness and integrity, they acknowledge that managing the intense rivalry between their drivers required excessive resources last year.

Why it matters:

The "papaya rules" became a major talking point in 2025, with McLaren allowing Norris and Piastri to fight freely until the final rounds. This approach nearly cost them the Drivers' Championship as Max Verstappen closed the gap, highlighting the delicate balance between team equality and strategic focus. Streamlining these protocols could help McLaren avoid similar external pressures while maintaining a healthy team dynamic.

The details:

• Operational Streamlining: Stella emphasized that while the core values of sportsmanship and equal opportunity remain non-negotiable, the volume of work required to manage the drivers needs reduction. The goal is to fine-tune operations rather than overhaul the philosophy.
• Driver Growth: Despite the 2025 title battle, Stella expects both drivers to be stronger in 2026. He noted Norris's logical growth trajectory and Piastri's continuous improvement, with both already spending significant time in the simulator preparing for the new car.
• Regulation Reset: The 2026 season brings the most significant regulation changes Stella has seen in 25 years, affecting both power units and chassis. This reset levels the playing field, potentially mixing up the competitive order.

What's next:

McLaren is currently on schedule with the development of their "ambitious" 2026 car. The team faces a rigorous testing schedule, starting with a private test in Barcelona in late January, followed by sessions in Bahrain, before the season opener in Melbourne on March 8.