Herbert: McLaren conspiracy theories are stupid rumours

Former Formula 1 driver turned pundit, Herbert, weighed in on Papaya rules, as McLaren has two drivers in the fight to be World Champion, after the shift in momentum between their drivers across recent races, a theme that has dominated reports on the team’s internal dynamic.

Speaking ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, Herbert said: “There are all these stupid rumours that they are favouring Lando. But McLaren really do not work like that. They have been very good in recent times at being very loyal to both drivers and giving both drivers the same opportunities.”

"I do not agree with the Papaya rules. It is something they should not get involved with because racing is not always fair. It is not always fair for a team, it is not always fair for drivers.”

Herbert argued that attempts to enforce equality are counterproductive, explaining: “When you try and make it fair, force it fair, I never think that is a good thing. Let it naturally unfold and the driver who can dig deep and prove he is better than anybody else on the grid will win. That only makes them better themselves down the line.

"You have got to let a driver control his own destiny.” Herbert believes Norris’ current form is set to continue, saying: “Lando is on a roll, is only going to continue and he is perfectly capable of another race win.”

Herbert also suggested that Piastri should remain alert to the wider driver market despite McLaren’s recent dominance: “Why would Oscar want to leave a team that is so dominant. That said, you would be silly not to look elsewhere. You have always got to be aware of what is going on and what opportunity could potentially open up.”

He noted rumours that Mercedes could emerge as a major threat next year and said Piastri should position himself if that scenario unfolds. Herbert explained: “At the present time, I think you should be aware of what is going to go on next year and potentially the rumours of Mercedes being the dominant car.

"Maybe get yourself in a position where you can possibly get yourself in consideration for a drive if there is a fallout there. You want to be that driver who is saying, I am ready. I am here. Come and get me.”

Herbert made clear that the only way Piastri can put himself into that conversation is by outperforming Norris: “To do that, you have got to beat Lando. You still have to prove a point that you are not the second-best. You have got to be the best.”

He added that Norris currently holds the upper hand, saying: “The guy who is putting himself in the right position for that possible scenario to somewhere like Mercedes is Lando. He is the man of the moment.”

With the McLaren rivalry shaping the closing phase of the season, Herbert believes the next step for Piastri is to reclaim the form he showed earlier in the campaign: “Lando is in control. Oscar has somehow got to wrestle back the initiative and return to that dominant time he was having earlier in the season.”

Johnny Herbert was speaking to Prime Casino, who offer online casino game 24 Hour Grand Prix Jackpot.