We're just friends...or are we.? |[ carlando]|

" just the two of them... " - 45

~ lost Internet for a couple days. Had to watch practice and qualifying on my phone 😭

----

Thursday and Friday's events at the Las Vegas Grand Prix unfolded quickly, creating an electric atmosphere in the paddock. After Thursday's practice sessions, Mercedes appeared dominant, locking the front row, with Ferrari and McLaren closely trailing.

Red Bull seemed uncharacteristically slower, while the rest of the teams struggled to keep pace. Carlos and Lando were seen chatting post-session, their laughter and camaraderie captured by nearby cameras.

The candid photos showed Lando blushing while Carlos chuckled and winked at him-a lighthearted moment that fueled whispers among fans and media alike.

Later that evening, after their team debriefs, Carlos and Lando left the paddock together, their shoulders brushing as they walked and laughed. They eventually split to head to their respective cars, leaving an undeniable buzz behind them.

Friday, the day began with Practice 3 and qualifying preparation. Lando and Carlos arrived early, taking some time to be alone in Carlos's driver room. Their laughter echoed through the small space until a knock on the door reminded them to keep it down.

Lando leaned against the sofa, teasing Carlos.

- "You're ridiculously clingy, you know? I mean, your love language is basically just... touchy,"

he joked, nudging Carlos playfully.

Carlos rolled his eyes, unable to argue. He was, in fact, hugging Lando at that very moment.

- "Maybe it's because I like having you close,"

Carlos replied, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.

Lando's phone buzzed with a message from Zak Brown, reminding him that practice was about to begin. Glancing at the time-5:09 PM-Lando sighed, pulling away from Carlos's embrace. Carlos frowned dramatically, huffing like a child.

- "You're impossible,"

Lando said with a laugh, leaning down to kiss Carlos before stepping away.

- "I've got to go."

Carlos grinned mischievously.

- "Are you sure you don't want to stay here instead?"

he teased, his eyebrow raised suggestively.

Lando shook his head, chuckling.

- "Not happening. I'll see you out there."

Before Lando could leave, Carlos stood and grabbed him by the waist, pulling him close. He looked into Lando's eyes, his voice soft as he whispered,

- "Be careful out there, okay?"

Lando smiled, placing his hands on Carlos's chest.

- "I always am. You be careful too."

He ruffled Carlos's hair before finally stepping out, leaving Carlos watching after him with a smile.

Practice 3 went smoothly for most teams, with Mercedes once again setting the pace. The session ended without major issues, and drivers began preparing for the high-stakes qualifying session later that night.

The Las Vegas air grew colder as qualifying kicked off at 10 PM. Q1 saw Lance, Bottas, Alex, Fernando, and Checo eliminated.

The temperature dropped further in Q2, causing some drivers to struggle with cold tires, and Franco found the wall, triggering a red flag. When the session resumed, Zhou, Liam, Kevin, Franco, and Ocon were eliminated, leaving the top 10 to battle for pole position in Q3.