One champion One Runner-Up

Sewis 1. The Runner-Up

I lost. I lost. Those are the only thought going through Lewis' mind. This was my chance to win my 8th championship. Will I ever be better than Michael? Will people ever acknowledge me as a great driver?Lewis's thoughts are clouded with negatively. What else is expected from a man losing the world championship. Even if he already won seven of them.

There are some things said over the team radio, but Lewis doesn't process it. He is too deep in his own thoughts.

Could I have won if I did more sim work or if I focused more on the data sheets? The race in Monaco was probably a big influence in not winning today. Is this the end of my racing career? Maybe don't think about that now. Okay Lewis, we are going to congratulate Max and you are going to keep strong. Tonight we can think about the future.

Lewis drives the cooling down lap real slow. The longer it takes, the longer he doesn't have to face other people. He sees the pit lane entry and knows he can't ride past it. With dread in his stomach he parks the car after the number 2 sign.

Lewis gets out of the car and walks over to Max. He looks so happy. "Congratulation's mate. Enjoy it." Lewis tries to smile, but it comes out a little broken. Max gives him a hug and says "Thank you and let's make next year's battle just as sensational." Lewis gives him one last smile before walking off.

Lewis walks to the microphone. He doesn't really listen to the question; they are always the same. He just answers with; "Firstly, a big congratulation to Max and his team. I think we did an amazing job this year, we worked so hard. We gave it everything, we never gave up and that's the most important thing"

Those words were said to him this morning during a debrief. The pr team was prepared for all different scenarios. So also for the possibility that he lost. The speeches were a lot alike. Both ended with; we never gave up. Saying it out loud feels strange. Maybe if Lewis keep repeating it, he himself will believe it too.

"Okay that is checker flag, p11. Good last lap." " Yeahhh... Thank you." Sebastian answers his engineer Tim not really interested in his own resulted. After he was allowed to unlap himself he wants to know if Lewis held Max behind him. "So after the restart and you unlapped.." "Can you tell me who won?" Sebastian interrupt Tim. "Ehmm..." Tim starts a little taken back why Sebastian doesn't what to know more about the lap. "Anyway Max won."

Sebastian is happy for Max. He still remembers the first time winning with Red Bull. But the thought of a sad Lewis, hurts him. Lewis really deserved to win his 8th championship. He wants to go to Lewis, but he can't see him anywhere. He does see max though. Congratulating him won't hurt, right?

"You probably heard this a couple of times already, but good job this season." Sebastian says to Max "You are actually the only one to phrase it like that." Max answers, which makes Seb chuckle. "Maybe a little weird to ask you but have you seen Lewis?" "Ehm. Not really. Are you going to check up on him? I think he needs you."

Seb didn't expect that answer. "Yeah, I wanted to talk with him. You think he needs me? Why would you say that?" "He just lost the championship. He needs someone he loves right now." Max thinks Lewis loves me?

"Winning made you sound like an old man." Max lets out a loud laugh. "Look out with what you say, otherwise people won't come to you for advice anymore." "When that happen, it will snow in August." Both laughing about this unaspexted conversation. "Max, please enjoy this feeling and don't worry about Lewis. I will look after him."

Sebastian can't find Lewis, since he is already waiting close to the podium. Thankfully he isn't alone, his father is with him. "Son, I am so proud of you." However sweet his words were meant, it made Lewis only sadder.