F1 One Shots

#26 Checo - Baku win

MARISOL POV.: It's Sunday during race weekend. This time, we're visiting Baku in Azerbaijan. It's exciting, because it's second street circuit in this year's calendar... Whole weekend the pace of the car looked good, so the team is happy. And team being happy, means that Checo is relaxed, so it's another plus for me. Definitely I prefer working and spending time in general with happy and relaxed Sergio, than nervous and moody one...
Yesterday was qualifying, and boys landed 3rd and 7th position, higher of course being Max. But nobody complains as Checo is known for marvellous tire managment and quick overtakeing, so he should be nearer Max in no time, during the race. He has Lando, Carlos and Pierre in front of him, so it should be interesting to watch, as Norris is flying this season, and Sainz is doing particularly good job in his Ferrari....
-What do you think about?- more than familiar voice asked me, as I felt a pair of strong arms sneaking around my waist from behind.
-About your possibilities to catch up to Max- I replied, and pointed at the screen with data in front of us.
-We'll see- Checo hummed in response and laid his head on my right shoulder.
-How do you feel? Relaxed enough?
-I think so..- he agreed quietly and tightened the hug around me. With a smile I placed my hands over his on my waist and we looked at the data on the screen in silence.
-Sergio! Marisol?- Christian brought us back to reality, as he came to us -How do you feel?
-We're fine, thanks- Checo said for us both with a smile. I didn't need to see him to know that.
-That's good- Horner said with light smile -I need to steal him from you for some minutes...- he looked straight at me.
-Your driver, do what you need- I joked and we all laughed at that. Then, Sergio kissed my temple, let go of me and went away with Christian, and I went to the back of the garage to talk to Mackenzie. She acompanied Max again this week, so I had a nice person to talk to, beside Xavi and all the team members.
-Hey Kenz! How are you?
-Hey Sol. I'm good, and you?
-I'm fine. A little nervous for Checo, but fine overall- I flashed her gentle smile and sat down beside her.
-Right, how is he?
-Says that everything is fine, but I'm not sure...
-It'll be fine, you will see- she assured me.
-Thanks. How is Max?
-Determined to win, especially the fight with Lewis...
-So nervous as hell?
-We can say that!- she agreed with me, and we chuckled.
-Say what?- asked Max, as he and Checo came to us, already dressed in their suits, with helmets in hands.
-Say that you are ready to fight with Mercedes- I answered him, as Sergio kissed my head.
-As hell we are!- Verstappen agreed with me.
-How much time left?- Kenzie asked her boyfriend with small smile.
-5 minutes- Sergio was quicker to reply.
-Are you ready? Well streached with Xav?- I asked him with concern, as I stood up.
-Yeah. Don't worry- he asurred me with light smile.
-OK- I agreed and flashed him a smile.
-Good luck- Kenzie said to Checo.
-Thank you- he replied and gave her brief hug.
-Good luck out there- I told Max, and also gave him a hug.
-Thanks Sol- he replied with a smile himself. People can talk bad about him, but none of it is true when you meet Max in private. He's very funny, honest and friendly guy. We get along pretty well, just like Sergio and Mackenzie.
After that we seperated to boys seperate garages and went nearer the car.
-Stay focused, relax, drive your heart out there and have fun. Everything will play out just fine!- I assured him, as I looked him deeply in the eye.
-Gracias Sol- he smiled and gave me tight, but short hug. Then I let go of him and helped him with balaclava and helmet.
-Good luck- I said and followed with our small "ritual" as he bowed his head a little, that I could pat his helmet and then gave it a short kiss. It's something like a "good luck charm"...
Then, before we knew it, both Max and Sergio drove away to the grid for a formation lap. Nerves striked up high, but I held fingers crossed for both of them. All the team hoped for a good result...

.....
Everything was going fine, but then, before we knew it, it was 2 laps to go. Max in front with Lewis behind and Sergio on third. Everything could happen, and I prayed for the best. But suddenly... All garage yelled in frustration, when Max entered the long starting straight and his tire blew up. Me included, as we hoped for first double podium for the team this season.
-Red flag...- I looked at Xavi and Kenzie with worry and sad smile.
-For sure- he agreed with me, and Mackenzie noded, their gazes still fixed on the screens in front of us.
We were right, of course, as all the boys came back to the pits for red flag, until the track won't be clean again. Wave of relief washed over us, as we saw Max getting out of his car safely, on his own. Via camera he looked fine, but marshalls took him to medical centre anyway, for a check up.
-How is he?- Checo asked, as he came back and gave me a bref hug and kiss on the temple, out of habit.
-We don't know yet, but it looked more scary than it actually was- Xavi told him, and Sergio noded.
-It's good....
-Yeah- we agreed with him with small smiles.
Then everything went fast, all the preparations for the last 2 laps. Unfortunately Max was unable to finish that race, so we called a DNF. Now, all pressure was on Checo to deliver the result the team wished for... Bottas might be just out of the points, but Hamilton is still in front, so the game is still on...
But just as the restart happened, they all went for turn one, and unbelieveble thing happened! Lewis instead of turning, went all straight, out of the track! And passed the lead to next person, meaning that Sergio might actually win that race!
-Vamos baby! Let's do it!- I whispered, gaze fixated on the screen, even though I know he can't hear me. Checo managed to drive off rather quickly, while just behind his back other drivers fought for positions on podium. Two of which being Alpha Tauri of Gasly, and Leclerc's Ferrari. It was actually interesting to watch, as Vettels' Aston Martin got into the mix as well. But we're almost calm about that top step of the podium...
And our wishes came true, as Checo got the checked flag, with Sebastian and Pierre right behind him.
-He won!- all the team yelled happily, estatic for the result. I got bear hug from Xavi, which made me giggle. We both knew what Checo is capable of...
Before we knew it, everyone run to the parc feme, to greet our winner. I was very happy for him... Firstly he hugged the team and guys patted his helmet, yelling in celebration, and I just stood there, beside them, clapping my hands with huge smile on my face and gaze fixated on him. Max stood close to us, also very happy, with Kenzie by his side. Everyone from Red Bull crew was very happy, and nobody blamed us.
Finally they let go of him, and Checo came to me with shining eyes.
-You won!- I laughed and flung my arms around his neck.
-Yeah, I did!- he laughed with me and held my waist tightly in strong hug. Then we pulled away a little and I took his head in my hands, still with his helmet on, and placed a kiss on top of it. It wasn't unusuall for us, so it didn't look suspicious for other people than the team.
-I'm hella proud, you know?! Just around half a year after the first one, you're doing it again!
-Gracias Amore- he repiled, we hugged again, and then it was time for the podium celebrations, so he went away. While Checo went to cool down room before the podium, we gathered under it, to see the celebrations.
-What a win!- I heard Christian beside me. He sounded very happy.
-I knew he can do it!- I agreed with boss and we smiled happily.
-Let's hope for many results like that...!
-If the time and track will be right, I'm sure of it!- I replied to Christian and sent Kenzie a wink. We're really close friends...
Checo looked very happy, spraying chmapaine with Sebastian and Pierre. Even some of it hitted us, so we all laughed. It was well deserved podium, and nobody doubt it...

...
After the podium we got to work again, and attended many interviews together. I, as his PR, was by his side all the time, recording everything. Even while working, we still managed to "sent" ourselves meaningful gazes and small smiles.
The time was dragging like ages, but finally we left the circuit with the team and got back to the hotel. Everyone were hungry and wanted to eat proper diner. We talked with Christian and Max after it, and then went back to our shared room. Everyone were very ecstatic and cheerful, but we have too much of work the next morning to properly celebrate.
We locked the door behind us and Checo placed the shiny trophy on the table.
-Checo...?!
-Que Amore?- he replied with a question, as he wrapped his arms around my waist.
-I'm hella proud of you! Amazing job today! Just like I told you, relax, be careful and have fun, and everything will be just fine!- I looked at his shiny eyes with a smile.
-Yeah, you were right- he chuckled and added -Te quiero....
-Yo tambien te quiero!- I said affectionately and leaned in for a kiss, which Sergio automatically deepened. It was very passionate and full of love and affection.
-Let me show you how much I'm proud of you...- I mumbled aluringly into his ear when we parted to catch our breath with smug smile. Sergio just gave me that true and special smile I see only in private and let me pull him to bed. Then, a very eventfull and long night awaited us both... A night worth a celebration...
THE END

2nd win for Sergio! I'm really happy for him... Even though it was unfortunate for Max, it's nice that he won... Now people can really see what he's capable of...
It's how I think they'd celebrate this special day.
Have a nice day! / Goodnight!
F.