Nov.18 (GMM) With the Las Vegas weekend carrying the real possibility of Max Verstappen falling mathematically out of the world championship race, scrutiny is intensifying on the three-way title fight – and on McLaren’s handling of its drivers.
If Verstappen drops 9 more points to Lando Norris, the Dutchman’s title defence is over. Norris and Oscar Piastri’s intra-team battle, however, would continue.
Against that backdrop, McLaren boss Zak Brown has spoken openly about growing pressure inside the papaya team. But in conversation with The Telegraph, he also raised the temperature on the topic of Red Bull’s Verstappen.
“I don’t want to disparage Max . He’s a four-time world champion,” Brown said. “He can be a bruiser, too aggressive on track. His arrogance comes out.”
Verstappen, meanwhile, had just days ago suggested McLaren’s insistence on maintaining two number 1 drivers is a structural error he would never allow.
“When a Formula 1 team has two top drivers, they’re bound to get in each other’s way. And if that team dominates the championship, it’s bound to split and cause problems,” he told Pelas Pistas.
“If I were the team principal, I’d never take that risk. Also, when both are fighting for the title, the atmosphere in such a team will become increasingly tense – I think we will soon see this in Formula 1, given the current situation.”
McLaren’s internal ‘papaya rules’ have already produced friction this season – a dynamic Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur cheekily mocked.
“I prefer mango for breakfast,” he laughed to Blick newspaper. “So we have the Mango Rules here!”
But 1980 world champion Alan Jones has rubbished suggestions fellow Australian Piastri – currently in a performance slump – is being disadvantaged.
“I think it’s the greatest load of nonsense of all time,” he told ABC’s Summer Grandstand podcast. “Every single season we come across this bulls**t. Every time.
“These teams don’t spend absolute fortunes travelling halfway around the world to stymie one car or give preference to the other. I know Zak Brown very well, he’s a good racer, and he’d be giving both these blokes equal chances.”
Ralf Schumacher shares that view, telling Sky Deutschland that Norris is simply operating at a higher level right now.
“Norris gets in the car and everything just works. The car is on rails, he can brake, steer, accelerate… it’s pure joy.”
Not everyone is convinced. Russian commentator Alexey Popov believes subtle patterns are visible.
“Look, Oscar – zero retirements, zero from Mexico City 2023 to Monza 2025. Two years! Since then, just a few races, from Baku to Brazil – three retirements,” he noted, showing a graphic on his program charting the sudden swing in form.
“There’s no need to comment directly. You can immediately see where the suspension was customised for Lando, you can see where they broke Oscar’s morale with these ‘papaya rules’.”
Brown insists such interpretations are misplaced – acknowledging that some optics have looked bad, but denying any intent.
He admitted the post-constructors’ championship celebration in Singapore, where only Norris made it to the team podium moment, fuelled suspicion.
Piastri was delayed with media duties.
“The first thing Lando and I said when we got there was, ‘Damn, Oscar isn’t here. This is going to look terrible.'”
Another moment circulated when Piastri appeared to ignore Brown’s congratulations over team radio, ‘hanging up’ before responding. Brown says that perception is wrong.
“It looked like he hung up, but he didn’t. I didn’t even notice, but Oscar did and immediately said, ‘Make sure Zak knows I didn’t hear him.'”
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES