McLaren Posted Batu Caves and Some Malaysians Asked If They Meant Calcutta

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McLaren Formula One posted a photograph of Batu Caves on their social media channels this week, promoting the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit.

The image was striking, but the backlash was immediate.

The reason McLaren chose Batu Caves over the Petronas Twin Towers — the landmark the critics apparently wanted — was that Petronas sponsors Mercedes-AMG, McLaren’s direct competitor on the grid.

Using the Twin Towers would have promoted a rival team’s title sponsor.