F1 fans now think Toto Wolff is using his own ‘papaya rules’ with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

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Toto Wolff’s latest comments about Mercedes’ 2026 title fight have left Formula 1 fans thinking that he is deploying his own version of ‘papaya rules’ with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

The Silver Arrows have been utterly dominant in 2026 thus far, winning every race. Mercedes lead the constructors’ championship by 45 points over Ferrari, and it is Antonelli who leads the drivers’ standings over Russell by nine points.

How can Toto Wolff avoid a Hamilton-Rosberg situation with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell this season?

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Even with the changes to the regulations for the Miami GP, the team are still expected to be out in front, which leaves Wolff in a difficult situation. He will have to manage his drivers as they fight for the title, and fans think team orders are at play.

Mercedes see Antonelli as a serious title contender after winning in Shanghai and Suzuka, and he and Russell will be desperate to grab their first championship in 2026. But Wolff has warned that they cannot put themselves before Mercedes.

F1 fans think Toto Wolff is using ‘Silver Arrow rules’ with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

He recently said, via Sky Sports: “It is Mercedes, so one of the most formidable brands in the world, the best car brand in the world. We race for 150,000 people that work for us, a company that exists for more than 120 years.

“And having the opportunity to race, to be one of the few selected racers for Mercedes, also comes with a responsibility for racing for Mercedes.

“And the moment a driver feels like this is all about him, that’s not the mindset that we would ever allow or accept in the team. And we’ve done that in the past. I would rather have only one car driving if that wasn’t clear, that wasn’t happening.”

How many races will Mercedes win this year?

Can they go 22/22?

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Fans on Reddit reacted to Wolff’s statements, with many believing that he has taken Zak Brown’s approach at McLaren. One said: “Papaya Rules but in Silver?”, while another echoed: “Did Toto basically say ‘Papaya Rules’ or would it be ‘Wolff Commands?”

Many coined several names for Mercedes’ ‘papaya rules, with one user saying: “Silver Arrow Rules”, and another commented: “Silver Linings.”

“Toto’s version of papaya rules,” said another fan, and another replied: “Now we got silver rules.”

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

Will Mercedes have to prioritise one driver in 2026?

McLaren caused major controversy in 2025 with ‘papaya rules’. They tried to keep things fair between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, but many believed that the former was being favoured with strategy and decisions from the pit wall.

Mario Andretti says Mercedes must not follow McLaren and must prioritise one driver for the 2026 title. The Woking outfit did win both championships in 2025, but Max Verstappen came within two points of Norris by the end of the year.

Looking at the Mercedes duo, it would be natural to assume that Russell would be favoured as the lead driver. He has much more experience than Antonelli and has been a key member of the team since 2022.

But with the Italian’s form, the Silver Arrows cannot underestimate him. They will likely let them fight, but when it comes down to it, they may have to step in if things get too heated.