Liam Lawson has sparked a debate by criticizing McLaren’s choice to play the British national anthem during their Formula 1 victory ceremonies.

The RB driver, a New Zealander and one of only 10 F1 drivers from his country, argues that the New Zealand anthem should play instead, in honor of McLaren’s founder, Bruce McLaren, who was from the island.

The motorsport legend started the team in 1963, and Lawson believes, this connection to New Zealand deserves recognition and that New Zealand’s anthem should be played instead to honor McLaren’s roots.

McLaren currently uses the British anthem, “God Save the King,” because the team operates under a British license from the FIA and has always been based in the UK.

Lawson, however, feels this ignores the team’s true heritage. Calling the situation “bullsh*t,” he expressed disappointment that Bruce McLaren’s legacy isn’t properly celebrated.

He also pointed out that other teams have changed their national licenses in the past, like Red Bull switching from a British to an Austrian license in 2007. For Lawson, if McLaren did the same, it would be a fitting way to honor Bruce McLaren’s New Zealand roots on the global stage.

“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 bullsh*t, to be honest. It makes no sense,” he said on the Red Flags podcast.

“It’s a New Zealand team, the name is still McLaren. I have no idea.

“Honestly, especially if you’re from New Zealand – because Bruce McLaren is an absolute legend.”

In the end, even though McLaren’s founder was from New Zealand, the team has always been based in the UK and has raced under a British license since 1963, as granted by the FIA for its entire tenure of the sport.