First off congrats to BMW for winning their first race. I am Swiss and very proud that BMW has its base in Hinwil. I know that the first hymn played is the one of the Driver. Naturally they played Kubica Polish hymn. Now here is my question why did they play the German hymn instead of the Swiss one? If some of you say because BMW is based in Germany [the company] I do believe it is wrong because when McLaren wins they do not play the German but the play the English one. Am I making a mistake or something? Cheers
Mercedes Headquarters is in Stuttgart, and when McLaren wins as I said they play the English hymn. Sorry to be a stickler but I just want to know which one they play. I know where everyone is based but do you play the one where you actually have base aka BMW Sauber is based in Hinwil so they should have played the Swiss hymn or the one of the engine then everytime McLaren wins they have been wrong. Cheers ilo
The team is BMW, not Sauber. BMW bought Sauber completely and relocated the headquarters to Munich, there's only technical departmens left in Hinwil.
I believe it's where the main constructor is based. BMW the main company behind BMW Sauber is based in Germany, McLaren the main company behind McLaren Mercedes is based in England, Ferrari in Italy and so on. I'm assuming if Toyota or Honda won we'd be hearing the Japanese anthem even though they aren't based in Japan.
Thanks Far Out for the explanation. I thought that the deal was that BMW could not relocate. Then I can calm down now
You also see this with Renault who plays the French anthem even though they are based primarily in England. You would also hear the Japanese anthem if Toyota won even though they are based in Cologne Germany.
That is because it is team Maclaren, primarily. Mercedes acts as the engine supplier and financial backing, but the team is still team Maclaren, until Mercedes buys them out. Sort of like when BMW was with Williams. It was team Williams, and they would play the British anthem if they won.