Liam Lawson has angrily hit out at McLaren for playing God Save The King when they win Formula One races. The VCARB star believes his rivals should play the New Zealand national anthem to honour their founder Bruce McLaren.
Lawson is a proud New Zealander and believes it is “bulls***” that McLaren play the British anthem instead. After F1 races, the national anthem of the winning driver is followed by the anthem of the winning constructor.
McLaren mark their triumphs with God Save The King because they race under a British licence. Lawson argued that Red Bull play the Austrian anthem despite being based in England – but they switched their licence to Austria in 2007.
“It makes no sense. It’s a New Zealand team, the name is still McLaren. I have no idea,” Lawson told the Red Flags podcast.
“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***, to be honest.”
The outspoken Lawson has made a thunderous start to life at Red Bull’s sister team. He is likely first in line to replace Sergio Perez if the Mexican is axed as Max Verstappen’s partner at the end of the season.
Lawson has won four points in his first four races and has not been afraid to ruffle feathers on the track. Perez and Fernando Alonso have been angered by the rookie’s antics during his first few weeks.
Christian Horner had words with Lawson after he showed his middle finger to Perez during the Mexican Grand Prix. An apology followed but Lawson has said he has not entered F1 to make friends. He says he is fighting for his future and needs to help VCARB claim sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, which is now a realistic ambition.
Lawson told Sky Sports: “Obviously, my goal is not to go out and make enemies of anybody, I’m not trying to cause any issues or anything like that.
“But at the same time, I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to win, and that’s what I’m focused on doing.
“And in this situation, we’re fighting very hard for P6 in the Constructors’, and I’m fighting obviously for my future in Formula One as well, so that’s what I’m focused on.”