Gaining Traction | Formula 1

Chapter 44

🏎 Circuit of the America's - Austin, Texas - USA🏎

Dakota's POV

"How many changes have we made on the car?"

"So we changed the front wing angle, two clips down. Then we made the rear wing a bit bigger for more downforce. Stiffer rear suspension and softer fronts."

"Right, sounds good," I nodded, following the checklist as Ivan spoke.

"Ermm, do we have a tire strategy?"

"Yes, this track is hard on the tires so we're thinking a two stop strategy. What do you think, should we start on medium tires or hard tires?"

I frowned, biting down on the end of my pen.

"Let's try and start on mediums."

"Alright, it's set then. Get going boys!" Ivan called as the mechanics dispersed.

I sighed, typing my hair up into a ponytail.

It was hot in the paddock as theTexas heat beat down on us. I felt bad for the Mercedes mechanics who were dressed in all black. At least our team had a lighter shade of orange.

Alessandro came out of his drivers room, balaclava and helmet in hand. He spotted me from the corner of the garage and gave me a grin. His dimples made a rare appearance which made me smile like a clown.

I looked away, clearing my throat and starting up the data screens.

"We're starting on mediums?" Alessandro frowned, spotting the tires on his car.

"Yeah, we decided on a two stop strategy."

"Why aren't we starting on hards?" he asked, a confused look on his face.

"Well, if we want to get ahead of the Ferrari's at the start, mediums is the best way to go."

Alessandro didn't reply, but nodded anyways and put on his helmet.

I could tell he was unsure about the strategy, but I was confident it would pay off.

"Kotaaaa!" Lando called, coming over to Alessandro's side of the garage.

"Landoooo!" I laughed, giving his helmet a tap.

"Get it, Kota because we're in COTA?" he joked, making me roll my eyes playfully.

The Austin track was named Circuit of the America's which was also known as COTA. Lando thought he was incredibly clever for noting the similarities between my nickname and the track.

A> "Wish me luck?

D> "Hm, do you really need it?"

A> "Good point. Time to burn some fuel."

D> "We're going with Plan 2."

A>"Copy."

Plan 2 meant dropping the clutch into second gear to get better traction off the start line.