“It’s complete bullsh*t": Red Bull driver calls out McLaren for being branded as a British team

Red Bull Junior driver Liam Lawson called out McLaren for being branded as a British team despite its founder Bruce McLaren hailing from New Zealand. McLaren raced from 1958 to 1970 until his untimely death, and he finished runner-up in the Formula 1 championship in 1960.

The Kiwi founded the McLaren team in 1963, and it went on to become the only team to win the Triple Crown of Motorsport. McLaren is currently set up in Woking, UK, and races under a British license. The 'God Save the King' plays on the podium whenever the team wins a race.

Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, the VCARB F1 driver took issue with the UK's national anthem being played for McLaren given the origins of the team being from New Zealand. He said (via PlanetF1):

“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 is based in the UK. McLaren’s based in the UK, but it’s a New Zealand team. It’s complete bullsh*t, to be honest. Honestly, especially if you’re from New Zealand – because Bruce McLaren is an absolute legend.”

Red Bull, which is also based in the UK in the Milton-Keynes, does not play the British National Anthem given that they switched to an Austrian license in 2007.

Former Red Bull driver gives his take on Liam Lawson's potential move to the senior team

Williams F1 driver Alex Albon stated that it was a win-win situation for Liam Lawson if he gets promoted to Red Bull next season as he will be racing in the VCARB at worst.

Speaking with Motorsportsweek, the former Red Bull driver said:

“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.”

Albon also spoke about the pressure between Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson in the races given they could both be up for the promotion next year, adding:

“There’s clearly a bit of pressure between the RB drivers to get that seat, I think you feel that a little bit. I see it in the races, I see in the moves.”

Liam Lawson has raced thrice so far in the 2024 F1 World Championship, most recently finishing ninth at the Brazilian GP. He is currently 20th in the driver's standings with four points to his name.