FAST AND FUTURE - George Russell

13

Toto took off his headset and angrily tossed it away as once again George failed to qualify in the top five and struggled with the car and with both Red Bulls and Ferrari ahead of him it will be difficult for him to score a podium.

When Daniella came back after the interviews her eyes fell on her teammate who was standing at the far away corner of the garage, looking disappointed as Toto was explaining to him how important it is for them to get some good points.

“Hey,” she interrupted them.

“Daniella, good job today,” Toto smiled for a split second before moving his attention back to George who didn’t even look at his teammate once.

“We not only have one but two competitions against us this year,” Toto said to George. “Two very competitive cars and their drivers know how to push the car to it’s limit. If you don’t manage…”

“Toto,” once again Daniella interrupted. “I guarantee you that George will be on the podium tomorrow,” she tried to assure him, earning a confused look from both the man. “If he doesn’t encounter any mechanical failure or obstacles outside his control.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You asked me to help…so I am going to help.”

Toto was happy to hear those words, while George was still confused and didn’t know what to say.

“Okay,” Toto smiled as he patted both the drivers' back before wishing them luck and walking away.

“Get changed, get your engineer and meet me here in an hour,” Daniella instructed George. “We need to come up with a good strategy for tomorrow so Toto doesn’t break another table.”

“You really want to help me?” George looked at her with a slight frown on his face.

“Yes George, now don’t waste time,” she replied. “Besides Charles made a bet with me that he and Carlos can finish higher than you and score more points for the constructors and I really don’t want to loose to him.”

***

Flashback

“You crashed into me,” eleven year old Daniella got out of the kart as her best friend once again crashed into her. “This is the third time Lando.”

 

“You were blocking my way,” Lando argued. “What was I suppose to do? Try not to overtake and be happy driving behind you?”

 

“No, but you didn’t had to crash into me,” Daniella looked angry. “Now you have cost me my win.”

 

“Good,” Lando replied. “You have won too many races already so it’s only fair.”

 

The race winner came running to them with the trophy to check up on his friends.

 

“Congratulations George,” Daniella tried to look happy for her friend.

 

“Are you two okay?” he asked looking concerned.

 

“No.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“I think I hurt my knee a little bit,” Daniella complained. “And dad is not here yet to check up on me.”

 

“Ughh you are such a baby,” Lando groaned. “I am going home.”

 

“Wait…you are going to leave me here like this?” Daniella looked hurt.

 

“There are plenty of people here and you look fine,” Lando shrugged before running to his family.

 

“Its okay Dani,” George put his hand on her shoulder. “I will stay here with you till your dad arrives.”

 

Daniella smiled at the taller boy and nodded, grateful that she won’t have to wait alone.

***

Both Daniella and George looked tired. They have spent hours discussing the car, the track and strategies for the race. Only half an hour ago their engineers left, leaving the drivers in the hospitality.

“Okay, I think that’s enough coffee for you,” George snatched the cup from Daniella’s hands.

“Hey!” she tried to get the cup back. “I am here sacrificing my sleep to help you and you are taking away my coffee.”

“This is your sixth cup Dani,” he pointed out. “It’s not healthy.”

“You sound like Lewis.”

George chuckled as he watch Daniella pout and crossed her arms.

“Come on,” he stood up. “I think its time to head back to the hotel. We both need a good rest before the race tomorrow.”

Daniella looked at her watch and agreed.

When they left the Mercedes hospitality the paddock was almost empty, only a few workers there moving some boxes.

Myra took Daniella’s car earlier so George offered to drive her without a second thought. As they both walked towards his car an awkward silence started to envelope them.

“George, listen..”

“Dani, I am..”

Both said at the same time and stopped, making the situation even more awkward.

George decided to wait and let his teammate speak.

“George…I want you to know that…that I forgive you,” Daniella said as she tried to not look at him.

“Really?”

Daniella gave a small smile and nodded. “But only if you forgive me…I know I caused you a lot of pain when I took the seat away from you…I tried to make it up to you so many times but…”

“But I never gave you the chance,” George let out a dry laugh.

Daniella nodded. Both realizing their mistakes.

“Let’s start fresh Dani…” George suggested. “No more fights from now on.”

“I would like that,” Daniella smiled.

George smiled back, happy to have a clean slate in their friendship.

“Come on, lets go, its getting late.”

***********

A/N: So Dani helped... Do you think George will manage to get a podium?

What about the bet that Dani and Charles made?

And they are friends again...sort of. Hopefully nothing bad happens and ruins the progress

Thoughts on the flashback?