Formula 1: Bruce McLaren Trust settles debate over whether Speedmark is a kiwi

It also explained the British national anthem is played when McLaren wins because the Bruce McLaren Motor Racing company was registered in England.

The Bruce McLaren Trust has answered fans’ burning questions about the company after the release of its new logo. Photo / McLaren, Photosport

It addressed speculation about the Speedmark, which will be retained by the motor company, and put to rest suggestions it represents a kiwi.

“The Speedmark is not a kiwi.

“After Marlboro withdrew their sponsorship of the team, the then Chevron logo needed to change and in 1997, the new Speedmark appeared.

“Conceived by an in-house design team, it echoed the distinctive vortices created by the rear wing of the F1 race car.”

The Bruce McLaren Trust confirmed the McLaren Speedmark (left) is not a kiwi. Photo / Photosport

However, the “Speedy Kiwi”, which was introduced in 1971, has been retained to honour Bruce McLaren’s New Zealand roots and the country’s long-standing place in the company’s history.

The “Speedy Kiwi” design will be retained by McLaren. Photo / McLaren

The trust is a New Zealand-registered charity whose trustees include the racing driver’s daughter, Amanda McLaren. McLaren Racing is a subsidiary of the McLaren Group, which is owned by Mumtalakat and CYVN Holdings.

Mumtalakat is Bahrain’s sovereign investment fund, while CYVN is an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm.

Although the McLaren Group endorses the trust, the two are separate entities.

Amanda McLaren still attends company events and has taken on an ambassadorial role for McLaren Automotive and McLaren Racing.