F1 News
Dutch analysts knock McLaren's papaya rules: 'It's about the championship!'
- Savannah Lenz
During the 2024 season review on Viaplay, some strong words were shared. Analysts Christijan Albers, Tom Coronel and Giedo van der Garde all felt the same way about the controversial "papaya rules".
2024's tipping point
The Miami Grand Prix wasn't only where Lando Norris won his first race and where the season tipped in McLaren's favour. At least, according to Albers, that is where it happened. Albers claims, "Yes, from Miami, you really see that tipping point. McLaren had found it then. From that moment, it was clear to me that McLaren had made that step and had the best car."
Another race that McLaren had the best car at was Zandvoort, Max Verstappen's home race. Norris won the Dutch Grand Prix with a 22-second gap to Verstappen. Alberts noted that "The home race for Verstappen, where Max can always give that little bit extra thanks to his own fans, you actually see that Norris just wins easily".
McLaren's tactics
Van der Garde also had something to say about McLaren's bid for the championship. "When you are so close to a drivers' championship, something you haven't had for years, just make a decision. Say who is number one because you are closest to Verstappen. They have missed out on so many points this year. That just doesn't make sense."
Prior to that Van der Garde had mentioned how there was one thing he just couldn't understand: the 'papaya rules'. The other analysts agreed with him. Coronel said "Papaya rules, fu** off, man,". Albers added, "Well, if anything irritated me, it was those papaya rules. Then when you come up with a marketing quote like that... get your sh** together. Then get your sh** together!"
Van der Garde then concluded with "Papaya rules? Fu** those rules, man. It's about the championship".
This article was written in collaboration with Esteban den Toom. Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!