Liam Lawson hits out at ‘bulls**t’ McLaren UK anthem over New Zealand roots

Liam Lawson criticized McLaren’s anthem choice, stating it was wrong, and highlighted Bruce McLaren’s importance as a New Zealand legend.

Liam Lawson hits out at ‘bulls**t’ McLaren UK anthem over New Zealand roots

Liam Lawson and McLaren logo (images via IMAGO/Pinterest)

Liam Lawson entered F1 unexpectedly after Daniel Ricciardo was sacked by VCARB mid-season. His short time in the sport has already had some controversy. The first was with Sergio Perez in Mexico where he showed him a middle finger after overtaking the Mexican.

Recently, Lawson has also raised questions over McLaren playing the British anthem after their wins. He believes that it is a total disrespect to Bruce McLaren, a New Zealander who founded the team.

YouTube video

After each race, the winning driver’s anthem is played, followed by the team’s anthem, during the podium ceremony. McLaren, one of the oldest teams in F1, celebrates wins with the British anthem because they race under a British license and have always been based in the UK.

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However, some teams have changed their nationality, like Red Bull, which switched to an Austrian license in 2007. Liam Lawson argued that McLaren should honor their founder rather than their location. He believes this would better reflect the team’s heritage and values.

It makes no sense. It’s a New Zealand team, the name is still McLaren. I have no idea. Red Bull play the Austrian national anthem and the team’s based in the UK. McLaren’s based in the UK, but it’s a New Zealand team. It’s complete bulls**t, to be honest. Honestly, especially if you’re from New Zealand – because Bruce McLaren is an absolute legend.

Liam Lawson said (via PlanetF1.com)
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Alex Albon shares his thoughts on Liam Lawson’s potential move to Red Bull

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said that Liam Lawson’s promotion to the main team will depend on a competition with Yuki Tsunoda over the next six races. Despite Sergio Perez’s existing contract, it remains unclear who will race alongside Max Verstappen next season.

Alex Albon
Alex Albon(via IMAGO)

Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon believes it’s a win-win for Lawson, regardless of the outcome. He stated Lawson should continue in VCARB to learn more, even as a rookie. However, if the opportunity to move up to Red Bull arises, Lawson should seize it.

I think Liam’s in a win-win! I feel like worst-case scenario he’s in an RB, so in my head do you need to jump into the main team that quickly against Max? From my experience, it’s not a bad thing to spend a couple of years learning your craft a bit more. But of course, if there’s an opportunity and you’re going to have the opportunity, you have to take it.

Alex Albon told Motorsportsweek.com
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Lawson has raced thrice since he joined the F1 grid this season. He secured a P9 finish in his first race in Austin while teammate Tsunoda ended up in P14. The next three races will be crucial in deciding if the New Zealander gets promoted to a Red Bull seat.