McLaren has officially announced that it will be backing Lando Norris in his pursuit of the Formula 1 world championship.
While the team has previously maintained a neutral stance between Norris and his teammate, Oscar Piastri, the decision to prioritize Norris comes as he finds himself in a strong position to challenge Max Verstappen for the title.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed the team’s commitment to winning in a “right way,” emphasizing that while they will support Norris, they will still adhere to their established rules of engagement for both drivers.
These rules, known as the “Papaya Rules,” prioritize team interests and sportsmanship.
Despite facing a setback at the Italian Grand Prix, where he was overtaken by both Piastri and Charles Leclerc on the first lap, Norris remains determined and focused on closing the gap to Verstappen.
Stella acknowledged the need to avoid similar mistakes in future races and emphasized the importance of teamwork and avoiding situations that could harm the team’s chances.
Piastri, while disappointed, has expressed his understanding of the team’s decision and his willingness to support Norris in his title bid.
