Formula 1 News: What National Anthem should be played now that McLaren is 100% Arab owned?

Despite McLaren Racing’s majority ownership by Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company since 2007 (increased to full control in 2024), the team’s official nationality for Formula 1 purposes remains British.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

This is determined by its FIA-issued racing license, based on its headquarters in Woking, England, where the team was founded in 1963 and has always operated.

FIA regulations require the podium ceremony to play the national anthem of the winning constructor’s registered nationality (per Article 9.5.2 of the International Sporting Code, referenced in podium guidelines). McLaren competes under the British flag, so “God Save the King” is played for team wins, as seen in their 2024 and 2025 victories.

The team’s New Zealand roots (founder Bruce McLaren) are honored historically but do not affect its FIA status—similar to how Red Bull (Austrian-licensed) plays its anthem despite UK operations.

Ownership changes do not alter the license unless the team reapplies under a new ASN (e.g., Red Bull’s 2007 switch from British to Austrian). No such change has occurred for McLaren.