Gaining Traction | Formula 1

Chapter 15

Dakota's POV

"Welcome to Austria for the Styrian Grand Prix of 2021! We start off this double header at the RedBull Ring with a great qualifying session. The RedBulls have been incredibly strong all weekend with Max Verstappen on Pole followed by the two Mercedes. The biggest surprise of the session is Lando Norris starting P4, but his teammate Alessandro Moreno failing to get into Q3."

"That's a shame," Mark remarked as we walked through the paddock, listening to the announcers on the loudspeakers. 

I hummed in agreement as we neared the stewards room for our pre-race briefing. 

Alessandro and I hadn't spoken since that evening in Baku. His hotel room had been across from mine the entire weekend, yet I had only seen him come out of it the evening of his flight. 

"Hey, your room is right across from Alessandro's," Lando pointed out. 

My eyes flew over to the door across the hall. I was thankful it was our last day in the country before we flew off for a two week break. 

I waved goodbye to Lando, trying to find my keycard in the many pockets of my jacket. 

A click sounded behind me, making me turn around quickly. 

Alessandro stepped out of his room, dragging a black suitcase out behind him. He was dressed in a black and orange team hoodie and black sweats, the hood covering his face. He looked up and we made eye contact for a split second. My heart skipped a beat at the defeated look in his eyes. 

Placing his sunglasses on his face, he walked past me without saying a word. 

It was weird. We didn't speak often, heck we didn't even have each others numbers. But a part of me was itching for some interaction. 

I had only seen a few glimpses of him this weekend. I knew he landed in France on Thursday and now it was Saturday evening. Lando on the other hand, I had seen him constantly throughout the past few days. 

I was trying so hard to convince myself that I didn't like him, but it was so goddamn hard when he was on my mind 24/7. 

I couldn't help but feel for him when I saw him get out of his car after failing to qualify in the top 10. His shoulders dropped, his stance was tense. He seemed dejected and frustrated. 

What's going on with him?

"Dakota what are you doing?" Mark asked as I scanned the room. 

The stewards room was empty, a rare occurrence. I was looking for something and this was my chance. 

"Dakota, stop. You're going to get us in trouble," Mark panicked as tried to open the drawers. 

They were locked. Fuck. 

"Shut up, I know what I'm doing."

"Oh my God, I'm leaving," he threatened. 

"Sure, close the door on your way out," I muttered, rushing to skim over the files. 

I knew he wouldn't leave me alone in here. 

"Where the fuck is the key?" I huffed, lifting several papers. 

"Here," Mark handed me a silver key from the cup of pens on the desk. 

I held my breath, hoping it would fit the key slot.

Sure enough, the lock clicked open and the drawer opened with ease. 

A- Alfa Romeo - Bahrain Report 28/03