RACE - Lando Norris

66

The news spread like wildfire when the media got a hint that Daniella's lawyer and Toto Wolff had a meeting with Christian Horner after the race. Of course, the result of the meeting is still a secret, but judging by the expressions of both the team principals people can make a good guess about what went down.

Mercedes successfully helped Daniella buy herself out of the Red Bull contract.

"You made an impulsive decision Daniella," Christian said, sounding very defeated. "We could have achieved so much more with you as our driver."

"It wasn't an impulsive decision," Daniella shook her head. "I started questioning my place in this team when I came to know what kind of plans you had for me and Pierre."

His face went pale.

"So you have known for a while," he stuttered. "Why didn't you say anything? If you were not comfortable with the plan I would have made it stop."

Daniella chuckled as she stood up. "Trying to put the blame on me now, Christian?"

"No no," he shook his head. "I just wanted the best for you and the team. But I guess it's too late now, Toto has manipulated you..."

"Just to make things clear...I was the one who reached out to him. And after how you threatened me yesterday I am glad I made that choice."

***

"Why don't you go back to the hotel?" Daniella asked Lando as she sat in his driver's room while he collected his things. "I still have some things to sort out with Toto."

Lando nodded as he packed his backpack. "So when is it going to be official?"

"Don't know," Daniella shrugged. "Maybe after the triple header. But I think everyone already has a pretty good idea what is going on...so I don't think the news will shock anyone."

"Christian is already going on about how Mercedes manipulated you," Lando chuckled as he sat beside Daniella. "You should see his interviews after the meeting, they are quite entertaining."

"He is the drama queen of Red Bull..."

"yeah..since the actual drama queen is moving to Mercedes now," Lando joked.

Daniella pretended to be offended as she pushed him away, but ended up laughing.

Lando pulled her closer as placed a kiss on her lips, but before they could get more intimate his performance coach knocked at the door, letting him know that they are ready to leave.

"I will see you at the hotel," she kissed him one more time as the couple walked out and went in the opposite direction.

***

"How pissed was Christian?" Toto asked as Daniella entered his office.

"Very, and I believe at one point steam started coming out of his ears," Daniella explained, earning a laugh from Toto.

Both took their seats at the opposite sides of the table.

"You know the rest of the weeks are going to be tough for you in Red Bull, right? They are going to deliberately leave you out of meetings and important strategies," Toto explained, as he very well knows the drill.

"I know," Daniella nodded her head. "Daniel explained to me everything." She reached out to Daniel Ricciardo to get an idea of how things might go from now on.

"Good..good," Toto smiled. "And our team talked to you PR manager and they all agreed it will be in your best interest if we break the news to the public in the next couple of weeks."

"I am happy with what Myra decides," Daniella agreed. "She has my best interest."

Both talked and discussed for another hour or so. Daniella was happy to know that both Myra and Nate will follow her to Mercedes, which is another loss for Red Bull.

***

Pierre who had a late briefing didn't expect Daniella to leave the paddock so late. With barely any people around he thought it will be a good time to approach her and tell her the truth to take the burden off his chest.

Daniella smiled at the Alpha Tauri driver when she saw him walking towards her.

"What are you doing here so late?" he asked Daniella as he came to a halt in form of her.

"I umm..I had some things to take care of," she replied. They haven't had a decent chat since Lando hit him, right now both can feel the awkward atmosphere around them.

Pierre nodded, his heart beating really fast as he tried to muster up the courage. "Can..can we talk?"

"Pierre not that again..."

"No no.. it's not about me loving you or anything..." he replied awkwardly. "There is something else you should know.."

Daniella raised her eyebrows as she waited for Pierre to continue.

"Well umm.." he took a deep breath. "A few weeks ago Christian called me for a meeting...you know when there were rumors going around about us dating..."

He nervously looked at Daniella who was waiting for him to continue.

"He asked me to...how should I put this?...he asked me to turn those rumors to reality," he added, his heart almost beating out of his chest, and eyes barely able to look at Daniella who had a stoic expression.

"And you agreed," she calmly said, but feeling anger rising inside her.

"I didn't want to," he softly replied, guilt was evident on his face. "But he said it will help bring in a lot of sponsors which will help in building a much better car and...and that I will get the Red Bull seat once Max leaves the team."

Daniella, even though feeling angry let out a laugh. She knew what was Christian planning but never thought Pierre was involved in that.

"You believed him?" she scoffed.

Pierre remained silent, not able to say anything.

"Red Bull is never going to let Max go," she explained. "But the second seat is open for next year so I am sure you will get it, because there is no way Christian was giving you false hope right?

"What..what do you mean?" he asked, feeling confused. "You have a contract with..."

"I will see you at the next race," Daniella cut him off as she unlocked her car. "Oh! and Pierre, nothing is ever going to happen between us."

Daniella drove off, leaving Pierre feeling guilty and confused.

**********

A/N: So Daniella won't drive for Red Bull the next year. Do you think Pierre will get her seat?

Do you think Dani should forgive Pierre?

Thoughts on this chapter?