So here I was.
My first race weekend at Albert Park as a full time f1 driver. After clearing the air with George I felt hopeful about this weekend.
Nearly all my trouble just went away.FP1 and 2 were pretty basic. Our car felt not as good as I hoped but it wasn't as bad as some others. Others meaning the Williams. It hurt me that George's fears became reality. The car was absolute garbage and lost around 3.5 seconds per lap. Someone had to take responsibility for this but I think the one responsible will not.
"Caro the pace looked solid. We have to improve in the slow speed corners but the high speed parts are great. The balance improved according to our data. What's your take on it?", Luca my race engineer asked when our team sat down for a debriefing after FP2. "The balance certainly improved but whenever I go through slow speed corners I get a great amount of understeer. I might get a better time if we can fix this.", I told them. "Also we got a warning from the FIA. You moved under braking. There was no one there so they will not penalise you but if you do it again the consequences will be hefty. So, don't do it.", Markus told me. I somehow got the impression he was not happy to be part of my team. Ever since I got announced as a driver he has been off. I mean he was Pierre's head mechanic and maybe he hoped Pierre would take him with him but it's not my fault. "I am happy with your performance the car is not as good as hoped but I am sure you will give it your all.", Franz Tost said which increased my mood. As long as the big boss is happy I can relax just a little bit. "If you don't have any further things you wanna discuss?", Luca started. "Actually there are some things. Firstly I though about maybe having less front wing? I know with Alex' driving style we would need that much but I feel like I could manage with less which would increase our straight line speed. But on the other hand I had problems in the low speed parts of the course so maybe we can change the differential? Maybe Markus had some ideas on how we can do this?", I didn't wann come across as complicated but I need the car to work for me so I can prove to them that signing me was a great idea. "Sure let me work it out and we'll try it in FP3 and hopefully it'll translate into a great Qualifying.", Markus answered and seemed alright with me for the first time in months.
I bid my goodbyes to the team and went back to the hotel as I didn't wanna stay in my motorhome.
I took a shower and got ready for our team dinner. Max, Pierre, Alex and I never had a dinner together yet. Christian, Dr. Marko and Franz are gonna join too. Sounds like a great night...
Ugh I really don't wanna go to this dinner!~ Lin
Well that what you get for signing with Red Bull ~ George 🤍
Remind me again why I did that? ~ Lin
It's gonna be fine. Just joke around with Alex and try to not say something wrong in front of Helmut and you're Good to go ❤️~George
Alright I gotta get ready because I look like a stray animal right now. Love you ❣️~ Lin
Love you too. And you look beautiful don't lie🤍~ GeorgeI hate you for leaving the team. The dinner is gonna be horrendous🤐 ~ Lin
Hahaha sucks to be you. Just fake a headache when Helmut gets too much. ~ Disco Dan
F U ~ LinThis dinner was not gonna be enjoyable and I already knew it. But I had to go and be on my best behaviour nevertheless. You don't wanna get on the bad side of Helmut Marko - he will end your career.
So I went to my closet and got my nice pants and blazer out, put on a soft glam makeup and did my hair. I knew Alex was nervous too so I went to get him from his room so we could go together. "Hey you look great.", he said when he opened his door. "Thank you. I can only return the compliment.", I smiled and we walked to the elevator. "So how do these dinners work?", Alex asked as we travelled down. "Uhm actually Dan was the sole source of entertainment and made everyone feel chill. I guess Franz and Christian are chill too. It's just Helmut you gotta be vary of. Just don't say something weird and we should be good. I'm counting on Pierre to provide the entertainment.", I admitted and felt my nerves grow. "Also don't talk to Helmut the way Max talks to him. Max is his golden boy. We can not act like him at any point of our career probably.", I told him as we stepped into the dining hall. The table was immediately recognisable with Helmut Marko's presence ever so dominant around it. Pierre was already there and looked a bit stressed as well as Christian, Franz and Helmut.
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away we go • formula 1
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