Formula 1 has always been a fiercely competitive sport where rivalries often dominate the headlines. From title fights that divided teams to teammates battling for supremacy, friendships have traditionally taken a back seat to competition.
But the modern era has changed the dynamic. Today’s drivers have grown up racing each other through karting and the junior categories, creating genuine friendships that continue into Formula 1. While there are plenty of close relationships across the paddock, one pairing continues to stand above the rest.
According to the drivers themselves, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris – affectionately known by fans as Carlando – remain Formula 1’s ultimate bromance.
The Drivers Have Spoken
In a light-hearted Formula 1 feature, drivers were asked a simple question: who has the best bromance on the current grid?
As expected, there were plenty of humorous answers.
Pierre Gasly backed himself alongside Yuki Tsunoda, while Lando Norris suggested George Russell and Alex Albon. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t Max Verstappen. Oliver Bearman nominated himself and Esteban Ocon, and Albon returned the favour by pairing himself with Russell.
However, as more answers came in, one name kept reappearing.
Oscar Piastri, George Russell and Esteban Ocon all independently chose Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, supporting what many fans have believed for years: no friendship in modern Formula 1 is as iconic as Carlando.
More Than Just a Fan Nickname
One of the most memorable moments from the video came when Sainz himself embraced the nickname that supporters created years ago.
Asked about the sport’s biggest bromance, the Spaniard simply smiled and replied: “Carlando.”
It was a small moment, but one that perfectly summed up how the nickname has evolved. What began as a playful label from fans has become part of Formula 1 culture, recognised not only by supporters but also by the drivers themselves.
Where Carlando Began
The friendship first captured the imagination of Formula 1 fans during Sainz and Norris’ time together at McLaren.
Despite the pressure of competing for results, the pair developed an easy chemistry that regularly stole the spotlight away from the racing. Whether they were joking during media sessions, teasing one another on social media or celebrating strong performances together, their personalities complemented each other perfectly.
Unlike many teammate relationships that cool once drivers move to different teams, Carlando has endured.
Even after Sainz left McLaren and continued his career elsewhere on the grid, their friendship remained one of Formula 1’s most recognisable off-track stories.
A Different Era of Formula 1
Friendships between drivers are hardly new, but the way fans experience them certainly is.
Previous generations often kept their relationships private, with only occasional glimpses behind the scenes. Today’s paddock is far more visible through Formula 1’s digital channels, team content and social media, allowing supporters to follow the personalities behind the helmets.
That openness has helped friendships become part of the sport’s appeal.
Modern fans enjoy seeing drivers compete wheel-to-wheel on Sunday before laughing together in interviews or during the drivers’ parade. It adds another dimension to Formula 1, showing that fierce competitors can also share genuine respect and friendship away from the circuit.
Other Popular Friendships on the Grid
While Carlando received the strongest backing, the latest driver poll highlighted several other well-known pairings across Formula 1.
George Russell and Alex Albon have long been close friends after progressing through the junior categories together. Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda were known to entertain fans with their playful interactions, while newer drivers such as Oliver Bearman have already begun forming friendships with established names on the grid.
These relationships reflect how interconnected the current generation has become after years of racing one another before reaching Formula 1.
Why Carlando Still Stands Out
What makes Carlando different is its longevity.
The friendship has survived team changes, career highs and lows, and the natural competitive pressures that come with Formula 1. It has never felt manufactured for the cameras; instead, it has developed organically over several seasons, making it one of the sport’s most enduring modern storylines.
The latest driver responses simply confirmed what many supporters have thought for years.
Among all the friendships in today’s Formula 1 paddock, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris continue to set the benchmark. The drivers have voted, the fans have embraced the nickname, and Carlando remains the bromance that defines the modern era of Formula 1.
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