A controversy in Germany is brewing over the anthem played on the podium following Fernando Alonso’s victory for McLaren-Mercedes in Malaysia.
After German commentators hailed the win as a triumph for the three-pointed star, some viewers were surprised to hear Britain’s ‘God Save The Queen’ mark the occasion for the winning constructor.
McLaren is based in England, but Mercedes-Benz – with a 40 per cent stake in the silver-clad team – is the largest shareholder.
The major German newspaper Bild-Zeitung argues that the national anthem ‘Das Lied der Deutschen’ – made so famous on the F1 podium by the 91 victories of Michael Schumacher – should be played whenever a McLaren greets the chequered flag first.
On behalf of Germany, Bild said the McLaren MP4-22 is “OUR car!”
“It is difficult to understand,” said former German formula one driver Hans-Joachim Stuck.
“The heart of the silver arrows is in Germany,” he added, referring to Mercedes motor sport’s Stuttgart HQ.
Mercedes’ Norbert Haug reacted: “I can understand the feeling of the German fans. But we are an international team and the really important thing is that we win, not what is heard on the podium.”
