False Confidence - Lando Norris

Chapter One

Turning the last two corners of the Yas Marina Circuit I knew they wouldn't have time to catch me, and I easily crossed the finish line. It was loud at the end with the clapping of the crewmembers at the side and the fans, making me smile even wider. I let the car slow down before turning into the pit lane so I can park down at the garage and turn off the car. I was ecstatic as I got out of the car, immediately taking off my helmet and landing in a hug from the boss. I saw my family right behind them with smiles so wide on their faces I have never seen before. As soon as I was free I went to them, almost jumping up and down as I couldn't mask my excitement. I quickly thanked everyone before having to leave for the podium and celebration but planned on talking to everyone one by one as I had a lot to thank them for in the last season alone.

It was strange to step onto the highest part of the podium while inside I knew I only got third in the whole championship. It didn't break down my spirit in any way, but it was still a little strange. We stood through the speech and anthems but with the start of the usual music, we took the champagne placed at our feet, popping them a second later and showering everyone in the drink. My eyes were stinging but I just wanted to see it all and braved getting even more champagne into them rather than just missing the sight of spectators, teams and families celebrating with us. We were all soaked in it, my hair sticking together even as it was in a braid, so it won't be in the way.

An hour later I was finally finished with interviews and team talks, deciding to go to the driver room to finally change out my wet clothes. The racing suit was already off my upper body, but the fireproofs were just as alcohol smelling as the upper layer. I passed some of the guys on my way back to the paddocks and even saw some F1 drivers give answers to questions about the upcoming season and team changes. Although we had many chances to meet them during races, award shows and just racing events, most of them stayed huge celebrities in our eyes, right until you got to be their teammate for a season and you got used to being on their level. I did see Daniel too, sitting down with a reporter to do his pre-race interview quickly raising my hand to greet him silently and grinned inside when he did the same. I was over the moon with how everything ended and how it all will start next year with the contract I got from Renault.

" He's inside, waiting for you. " I heard my mum as soon as I stepped inside the garage and was about to turn the corner to get to the room. " Talk to him. Give him a chance. " She added when I was about to backtrack and just leave my idea of changing behind. I would rather travel home smelling like alcohol, champagne to be exact than stand in front of him and talk about anything.

" Why? What if I don't want to? " I asked back, with my arms crossed in front of my chest. I just hoped he wasn't hearing anything of this, even though I didn't really care what he thought about me. Still, the look she gave me, made me follow my first plan of just entering the room, so I can finally put down my things.

I stopped in front of the white door for a second, taking a big breath and letting it out before I pushed down the handle and got the door open as I stepped inside. He was sitting on the couch in his orange jacket, with a cap on his head, clearly showing everyone he's part of the McLaren team. Probably his face alone would be enough for a majority of people to get that info, but if you because of some strange happening didn't know him, all the ads and texts on their clothing gave all the info you needed. He was on his phone, of course, but closed it and looked up at me after he realised I was the one stepping inside the little room. I put my watch on the shelves next to him alongside the towels and several fireproofs we had if there were any accidents and we needed more than one piece. The silence made my skin crawl as I knew he was watching my every move with eyes like a hawk but didn't say a word to me actually. Just seconds later I got fed up with the situation and broke the silence around us with a sigh.