Home/F1

via Imago

via Imago

The exhilarating climax of the Singapore Grand Prix saw McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari‘s Carlos Sainz, affectionately known as ‘Carlando’, bagging the top two podium spots, but not without a friendly grumble from Norris. Gloriously christening their first one-two finish, the pair exhibited commendable sportsmanship and synergy, a testament to their warm friendship nurtured since their time as teammates at McLaren in 2019 and 2020. Their palpable friendship fostered through golf and padel sessions during their time off, played out significantly as Sainz intentionally decelerated in the race’s final moments, a move designed to equip Norris with a DRS to fend off the Mercedes contenders, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Though the Marina Bay circuit echoed with cheers celebrating the duo’s victory, Norris playfully noted that they finished “in the wrong order.” This jest harbored a nugget of truth as it reflected Norris’ inherent competitive spirit, hungering for that P1 position.

via Imago

Norris candidly shared his mixed feelings with the press, expressing,

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“It’s always nice to be on the podium with whoever that you respect and get along with so the first time we’ve been able to be P1 and P2 it’s in the wrong order! We had our first podium in Monaco, we were both there. For Carlos to be on the top step is obviously great and he deserves it. It is always a pleasure and I’m sure and I hope there’ll be more moments like it.”

Sainz reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the mutual respect and connection they share as individuals and as athletes. He acknowledged the unstated yet understood agreement between them that allowed for smart play, keeping a strategic gap to avoid any pass attempts yet ensuring a victory for the team.

Read More: Shutting Down Sainz’s Generosity, Norris Reveals Momentary Genius That Helped Beat Hamilton & Co.

In the wake of the ecstatic clamor and amidst the reverberations of a remarkable Singapore Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz Sr took a moment with Sky Sports to echo the sentiment of a future graced with Norris atop the podium.

Carlos Sainz Sr foresees a Lando Norris victory

With the settling of the chaos following a heart-stopping race on the illustrious streets of Singapore, the ‘Carlando’ phenomenon reignites, underscoring the close bond and spirited rivalry between dynamic duo Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr. Meanwhile, in a candid chat with Sky Sports, Sainz Sr showered Norris with praises, delving into the wonderful ‘Carlando bromance’. Bringing to light Norris’s commendable personality both on and off the tracks, Sainz Sr foresaw a victorious future for the young McLaren stalwart.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Imago

“He’s, for sure, one of the best drivers out there, and it is just a matter of time [before he takes victory], and I’m sure when it comes [the opportunity], he will grab it, and it will be great for him and all the fans,” Sainz Sr told Sky Sports with a smile, predicting a top podium finish isn’t far on the horizon for Norris.

Acknowledging the tight competition in the ‘best of the rest’ pack, Norris expressed admiration for teams like Aston Martin and hoped for a season with “many different winners every single race.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story | Daniel Ricciardo faces Red Bull prodigy threat in F1 return

With the Carlando bromance warming hearts and painting a picture of respect, friendship, and competition, fans around the world are tuning in, ready to witness the day Lando Norris ascends to the top step, bringing to fruition the affirmations of the senior Sainz.