The Team Principal

One

Early December 2018

It was a crisp Tuesday winters morning in Grove, mum had already left to go to the Williams factory, but I didn't have to there for another hour or so, but I heard that the team was signing a new driver for next season. Mum couldn't tell me who it was until the contract had been signed. I couldn't wait to meet the new driver, because they are going to see a lot of me, due to me travelling with mum to all of the races throughout the season. 

Now it was 8:45am, so I grabbed my car keys and headed to my BMW 1 series and headed off to the factory. At the moment I'm the head of Media, so I have to plan lots of things for the drivers, such as interviews, videos for the drivers to make for the social media and so much other stuff. It can be a nightmare but I really enjoy my job because I get to travel with it. The reason I travel to all the races is that I go in case there are any media hiccups on a race weekend and if I'm there I can sort it.

After the short 20 minute drive, I part my car, next to mums, get out and head inside the factory. Upon arrival at the factory, I'm greeted by our receptionist Jessica, who handed me any post that had arrived that morning and handed my plan for the day and I saw that I had a meeting with the new driver. I also had a half-hour slot, where I can call my Grandad. 

When I got to my office, I checked my emails, seeing which ones I had to reply to immediately and the ones that I could reply to throughout the day. Just as I finished typing an email, there was a knock at my door. "Come in," I said and as the door opened it was my mum. "Hiya sweetheart, I have someone I would like you to meet... Frankie, this is George Russell our new driver for next season" Mum said in a professional tone. "Hello George, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Francesca but you can call me Frankie and I'm head of media. You've already met my mum Claire but one day you'll meet my Grandad, Sir Frank Williams. I have a meeting with you later today, but we can have that meeting now, as you are here?" I said. "It's lovely to meet you, Frankie. Yeah of course we can have that meeting now, it would definitely save time later" was George's response. 

During that meeting, me and George discussed the media in general within Formula One and did a couple of mock interviews to try and get him use to the type of questions that could be asked. I also did a mock interview with him, asking him difficult questions to see whether he faulters under the pressure but he didn't because he a natural. I got George to meet his PR and media rep and that if he has any questions about interviews or about the possible questions that could be asked, to speak to his PR and they will forward any difficult queries onto me. 

After all my meetings and answering all my emails that need to be answered, I signed out of my computer, grabbed my coat and left my officer for the day and headed to my car, to go an see my grandad for a cuppa tea, like I do every other day. 

The drive to my Grandad's house was too long. When I go to my Grandad, he is always interested in what I've done at work that day or what I've done during the day. I pull up outside my Grandad's house, get out of the car and walk up to the front door and put the key in the lock and open the front door. Yes, I have a key to my Grandad's house. 

"Hiya Grandad, it's only me" I said as I was closing the front door of his house. "Hello Fran, you alright pet?" my grandad said. "Yeah I'm good, today was interesting at work, we've got a new driver and I was explaining what his media duties are most likely to entail during his time with the team. His name is George Russell and he's very friendly and easy to get along with" I told my Grandad, as I was bringing two cups of tea. "Sounds like you've had a good day love. I'm just glad the team has someone like you working for them. You'll make a good team principal one day, because from a young age I've taught you everything" Sir Frank said to his granddaughter, whilst patting her leg.

These two spent a few hours chatting about all sorts of things from Formula One, old family memories, to what they are doing tonight and even the weather. Frankie, took the mugs into the kitchen, washed them up, put them back on the mug rack and wiped down the kitchen surfaces before heading back into the living room. "Alright Grandad, I'm off home now, if you need me you can call me at any time of the day and I'll be around in a flash and I'll call you tomorrow and I'll see you Friday" I said to my grandfather. "Alright pet, have a safe drive home and tell you mother I said hello" was my grandads reply. "Will do, see you later" was my reply before I closed the front door and made my way to my car to head home for the evening.