Overview
- Team principals’ confidential ranking named Max Verstappen the top driver of 2025, with Lando Norris second and Oscar Piastri third; Red Bull and Ferrari did not participate in the vote.
- F1 drivers also placed Verstappen first, ahead of George Russell, citing a closing stretch of 10 straight podiums and six wins that left him two points behind champion Norris.
- McLaren CEO Zak Brown said the team will keep its 'papaya rules' in 2026, stressing equal opportunity for Norris and Piastri and clean, predictable intra-team battles.
- Examples of the policy’s application included position swaps and caution directives in 2024–2025, such as Hungary 2024, Brazil 2024, Australia 2025 and calls during Austria, Hungary, Italy and Singapore.
- Charles Leclerc acknowledged Ferrari recognized McLaren’s strength from the first race and voiced disappointment after the team slipped to fourth, while Mercedes linked Antonelli’s midseason dip to a rear-suspension change later reversed as his form rebounded.