Several F1 drivers fought back laughter during the Azerbaijani national anthem

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, George Russell, Mercedes, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingSeveral Formula 1 drivers were struggling to contain their laughter during the Azerbaijani national anthem at the Baku City Circuit.

The moment quickly gained momentum on social media with various videos of the drivers holding back laughter as the children sang their hearts out during the rendition by Alim Qasimov and Fargana Qasimova, with one child in particular putting on a very passionate performance.

The sweet moment saw Lando Norris, George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz doing everything they could to remain composed, while another video showed seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton quickly getting his phone out to film.

Fans were quick to shower the boy with praise for his passion. “Ain’t seen anyone more passionate than him fr [sic],” one fan commented, while another added, “He is taking his role seriously, good on him.”

“It is a fabulous national anthem, a real rousing song. I was even singing at the end. The best I have heard, wonderful. Well done that kid,” another wrote.

“See, that is actually very adorable,” someone else commented.

Max Verstappen went on to secure victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after starting from pole position. He was joined on the podium by Mercedes’ George Russell, who started from fifth, and Williams’s Carlos Sainz, who started from second.

This marked back-to-back wins for the Dutchman.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team, Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant, Red Bull Racing

“This weekend has been incredible for us. Monza was already great but for us to win here is fantastic,” Verstappen explained after the race. “The car was working really well on both compounds. We had clean air all the time, so you could look after your tyres, and it was pretty straightforward.

“It’s never easy around here, very windy today, so the car was moving around a lot. I’m incredibly happy with this performance.”

When asked if he is confident that Red Bull can continue this pace, he added: “It’s difficult to say at the moment but, for sure, the last two weekends have been amazing for us. Singapore is a challenge again with the high downforce.”