Formula 1 commentators Jamie Chadwick and Ted Kravitz have suggested that McLaren should reduce its interference in the escalating championship rivalry between its teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. This call comes after a noticeable incident during the first lap of Sunday`s Singapore Grand Prix.
Championship leader Piastri reportedly expressed dissatisfaction after making contact with Norris, his closest competitor in the standings, during an early overtake. The collision between the two orange-liveried cars resulted in the points difference between them narrowing to 22, with only six remaining rounds in the season.
Having dominated much of the season, McLaren`s Team Principal Andrea Stella and Chief Executive Zak Brown introduced `Papaya Rules`. This evolving code of conduct primarily aims to prevent collisions and manage the intense competition between their drivers.
Following the lap-one incident, Piastri radioed the team, suggesting that the pit wall should instruct Norris to yield third position. Piastri argued that Norris had violated the team`s internal rules by initiating contact.
However, Stella and Brown later clarified their decision to reject Piastri`s request. They explained that Norris`s contact with Piastri was an attempt to avoid an initial collision with Max Verstappen, who was positioned ahead on the track.
