Max Verstappen has expressed frustration over the strict livery rules surrounding McLaren’s iconic papaya orange color, referring to the restrictions as “nonsense.” McLaren’s papaya livery has become synonymous with the team, but the regulations limiting its use by other teams or in non-racing contexts have drawn criticism for being overly rigid.
While specifics of Verstappen’s comments are yet to be fully detailed, his remarks likely stem from broader discussions in Formula 1 about intellectual property, branding, and the balance between honoring iconic designs and allowing creative freedom. McLaren has historically protected the papaya shade, originally introduced by team founder Bruce McLaren in the 1960s and revived in recent years as a nod to its heritage.
Verstappen’s candid opinion could reignite debates about how much control teams should have over colors or designs that are seen as emblematic of their brand. The conversation also touches on the broader commercialization of Formula 1, where branding and identity are increasingly vital to a team’s global presence.
The comments could signal growing frustration among drivers and teams over what some perceive as overly bureaucratic restrictions in a sport that thrives on innovation and individuality. Whether McLaren or the FIA will respond to Verstappen’s critique remains to be seen.
