Jacques Villeneuve Slams McLaren’s ‘Pathetic’ Team Orders: ‘Papaya Rules’ Under Fire Ahead of Azerbaijan GP

Jacques Villeneuve harshly criticizes McLaren, labeling the team as "pathetic and weird" due to a controversy over team orders. He remarked, "I suppose it begins with 'papaya' – that doesn't exactly convey strength, does it?"

Jacques Villeneuve has strongly criticized McLaren's approach to team orders, arguing that "it seems like they don't have a strong desire to win."

During the upcoming Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, McLaren will implement a new strategy focused on bolstering Lando Norris' championship efforts by giving him precedence over Oscar Piastri.

Earlier, they had confidently declared that according to the 'papaya rules,' they must treat both drivers equally.

Andrea Stella, the team principal, clarified in Baku that their commitment to victory is unwavering, but they aim to achieve it through proper means.

"We intend to favor Lando, but we aim to do so without significantly compromising our core values."

Villeneuve, who won the F1 championship in 1997, commented to Sky Sports, saying, “I suppose it begins with ‘papaya’ – that doesn’t seem very strong, does it?”

"I’m not trying to be condescending. I’m searching for the appropriate words. However, I think it’s somewhat sad…"

"This is Formula 1, it's the highest level of racing!"

"If I were a supporter of McLaren, I'd be frustrated. Are they truly interested in winning? Do they even care? It doesn't seem like winning is their priority."

"It's impressive, but that's not what Formula 1 is about. The only thing that counts here is winning."

“During the first half of the season, Lando outperformed Piastri, making him the contender with a shot at victory. You follow that principle.”

"I find it difficult to grasp the idea that 'we operate this way because we prefer coming in second over winning…'"

"That's strange."

'Lando's psychological momentum has waned'

Norris trails Verstappen by 62 points in the drivers' championship.

The gap could have been smaller if Piastri hadn't passed Norris at Monza during the last race when 'papaya rules' were in effect.

Karun Chandhok commented on the recent team directives, noting that Lando had a strong start to the season and secured points right from the beginning.

“I’m a big supporter of Oscar; he’s incredibly skilled. He could be the one to lead them to a championship next year.”

“At this moment, they have an opportunity to secure both titles, but they must support Lando.”

"I believe it arrived too late."

When questioned about the point at which McLaren ought to have begun focusing on Norris, Villeneuve responded, “Hungary!”

Chandhok stated: "At the halfway point of the season, he trailed Max by 84 points, but it was evident that the momentum was starting to change."

"After twelve races, we've reached the halfway mark. Apologies, Oscar, but you will now be accumulating points to assist Lando."

"There are numerous potential scenarios that might have increased Lando's points tally."

Villeneuve was questioned about whether Norris remains a strong competitor for the championship.

"Lando has mentally lost his drive," he responded.

"He is aware that he will not receive the assistance he deserves."

"Even if he's faster, there could be a situation, like what happened in Monza, where he chooses not to over-defend and instead tries to steer clear. If it had been another driver instead of his teammate beside him in that chicane, he wouldn't have lost his composure. They might have had a minor collision, but nothing more. Because it was his teammate, he held back, and that cost them the 1-2 finish."

Villeneuve has expressed disapproval regarding the way Norris and Piastri have openly talked about the team's new regulations.

He argues that the appropriate response ought to have been: "They should just state, 'it's stipulated in the contract, our hands are tied.'"

"That would be more effective than a half-hour lecture on principles! No, in Formula 1, your goal is to triumph."

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