F1 NEW’S, qMcLaren Faces Criticism Over National nthem Choice Amid Saudi GP Controversy… Read more
B News – April 22, 2025
McLaren Racing has come under heavy criticism after playing the United Kingdom’
McLaren Faces Criticism Over National Anthem Choice Amid Saudi GP Controversy
B
s national anthem during a recent Formula 1 event in Saudi Arabia, prompting backlash over perceived insensitivity and political undertones. The decision, made during the podium celebrations following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, sparked debate among fans, commentators, and human rights advocates.
A Divisive Moment on the Podium
During the post-race celebrations in Jeddah, the British anthem, “God Save the King,” was played in honor of McLaren’s strong performance, with Lando Norris securing a podium finish. However, what would usually be a routine ceremonial act drew scrutiny due to the geopolitical context and Saudi Arabia’s controversial human rights record.
Critics argue that the choice of anthem, in this setting, inadvertently spotlighted tensions between Western nations and the Gulf kingdom, especially in light of ongoing global conversations about sportswashing — the use of high-profile events to distract from political or human rights issues.
Social Media Backlash and Fan Reactions
The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans divided over the incident. While many defended McLaren’s move as standard F1 protocol — playing the national anthem of the winning constructor or driver — others saw it as tone-deaf given the location and growing global scrutiny of events held in Saudi Arabia.
“McLaren should’ve considered the optics,” one user wrote on X (for
merly Twitter).
