Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has downplayed McLaren’s intra-team tension in Formula 1‘s Singapore Grand Prix, describing the situation as “a problem for rich people”.
His remarks came after McLaren team-mates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris touched on the opening lap, reigniting a debate over the team’s internal ‘Papaya Rules’.
“Yeah, yeah, those are issues and rules or whatever,” Vasseur told media including Motorsport Week when asked about the controversy.
His response suggested that, while the situation may appear problematic, it is ultimately a sign of McLaren’s strong competitive position.
The incident between Norris and Piastri in Marina Bay marked the first visible strain on McLaren’s driver relationship this season.
For much of the year, the team’s ‘Papaya Rules’ – a simple code urging both drivers to avoid collisions – had maintained the peace.
But in Singapore, Norris’s move broke that balance. Piastri was pushed wide and voiced frustration over team radio, probing whether the rules still applied equally.
McLaren chose not to impose team orders, allowing both drivers to continue racing freely, with Norris taking the third-place finish that secured the Constructors’ title.
Ferrari implies McLaren clash not a big ordeal
Vasseur was asked if he would have handled the situation differently after the Singapore GP. His response reflected a pragmatic view of such conflicts within dominant teams.
“We all have to deal with our own issues and I think it’s also a problem for rich people when you are 1-2 in the championship,” he commented.
“It’s not a drama, but what can you expect? They are 1-2 in the championship, they are doing their job and it’s not up to the team to decide every single weekend.”
Vasseur’s comments align with his reputation for a straightforward, results-driven approach.
Rather than criticising McLaren, he pointed out that internal competition is a natural by-product of success.
Teams leading both championships often face similar challenges when balancing fairness and performance between two top-level drivers.
Regardless, the clash has reignited discussion about how teams should manage title-contending pairings.
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