McLaren’s Team Orders Criticized by Dutch F1 Experts amid Championship Battle

McLaren’s controversial team orders policy may have cost them their best shot at a Formula 1 title in years, according to several racing experts.

The team’s "papaya rules" – their policy of letting drivers race each other freely – came under heavy fire during Viaplay’s 2024 season review.

"When you’re that close to a drivers’ championship, something you haven’t had for years, just make a decision," said former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde. "Pick your number one because you’re closest to Verstappen."

The criticism comes after McLaren’s remarkable mid-season surge that saw them emerge as Red Bull’s strongest challengers.

It all changed at the Miami Grand Prix, where Lando Norris claimed his first F1 victory. That race marked a turning point, according to analyst Christijan Albers.

"From Miami onwards, McLaren clearly had the best car," Albers said. "They’d found something special."

The team’s performance peak came at Zandvoort, where Norris dominated Max Verstappen on the Dutchman’s home turf – winning by a massive 22 seconds.

But it’s what McLaren didn’t do that has experts frustrated.

"They’ve missed out on so many points this year," van der Garde said. "It just doesn’t make sense."

Tom Coronel was even more direct: "Papaya rules? Come on, man. When you’re fighting for a championship, you can’t play nice."

The "papaya rules" – named after McLaren’s distinctive orange color – became a marketing slogan for the team’s equal treatment policy. But analysts believe this approach ultimately hurt their championship chances.

McLaren hasn’t won a drivers’ championship since 2008. Based on this season’s heated debate, their team philosophy might need a rethink if they want to end that drought.