In a recent interview, Liam Lawson. ha criticized the use of theEnglish anthem by McLaren to celebrate victories. The RB driver said that the team, founded by his compatriot Bruce McLaren, should use the anthem new Zealander.
Lawson criticises McLaren for using English anthem
The RB pilot – recently got back in Formula 1 – was a guest on an episode of the Red Flags podcast. During the interview, Lawson expressed his disappointment regarding McLaren's use of the English anthem to celebrate victories. The team, currently leading the constructors' championship, was founded in the 1963 from New Zealand Bruce mclaren, compatriot of the young pilot. “It makes no sense. The team is New Zealand, the name is still McLaren”, said Liam.

Lawson claimed McLaren's origins, whose headquarters it is though located in the UK. He continued by giving an example: that of Red Bull. “When he wins Red Bull Austrian anthem is played, even though the team is based in the UK. McLaren is based in the UK but is a New Zealand team. It's a b***h honestly, especially if you're a New Zealander because Bruce McLaren is a legend".
A choice at the discretion of the teams
The 'Kiwi' driver is right that Milton Keynes-based Red Bull was founded and financed by an Austrian and that the team's victories have almost always been celebrate to the tune of “Land der Berge, Land am Strome”The British anthem also resonated with Red Bull when – mistakenly – it was sung during the team's victory in Shanghai in 2009.
Some teams, such as McLaren, however, continue to prioritize location rather than membership. Liam Lawson's team is proof of this. RB is owned by Red Bull, but is based in Italy, more precisely in Faenza. The last victory of the Faenza team dates back to the 2020 Monza GP and, on that occasion, the air was filled with theanthem written by Mameli.

A look at the past highlights how there have never been any rules relating to which anthem is “most correct” to use. In 1986, the British stable toleman it was surrendered, thus passing into the hands of Benetton. The melody that resounded at the team's first victory was that of the British anthem, played on the instructions of Luciano Benetton. Subsequently it was abandoned “God Save the Queen” to be able to switch to the Italian anthem. It is therefore not a novelty that the teams can choose their favorite anthem.
The ownership issue is complex
"The Austrian anthem plays for Red Bull” Liam was keen to point out. The question property at McLaren's house, however, it is more complex of the Milton Keynes team. 75% of the McLaren group's ownership belongs to the investment company Mumtalakat Holding Company, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund. The anthem should therefore be a mash-up of two-thirds of the Bahraini anthem and one-third of the American anthem – out of respect for MSP Sport Capital.
Although the idea of using the property's anthem is impractical, Lawson is not entirely wrong in saying that McLaren should not use the British anthem – or even the New Zealand one. The team is based in the UK, but is funded by money from Bahrain, is run by an Italian and an American, is powered by German engines and is staffed by employees from various nations. Theanthem should represent all those who worked and contributed to the team's results, celebrating their efforts regardless of nationality.
SOURCE: racefans.net