Is this a love story?

The fallout

Charles

I've lost my seat? I sit in the office with some of Ferrari's higher ups as Mia is currently announcing my axing from the team in the press conference "it's what is best for the future of this team, you will of course be offered a seat at Alfa but we understand that you will get other offers" I shake my head, I can't believe this, my career over due to a mistake I made in my personal life. "Who is my replacement?" I ask through gritted teeth, surely there isn't any other driver available up to the standards of this team "Verstappen" I feel my mouth drop is shock "oh" I mutter, she managed to get Max away from Red Bull. I suppose I see why they didn't offer my contract extension.

Mia

I brace myself for the onslaught of questions once I step into the paddock but Toto is quick to walk beside me, shielding me from the reporters "thank you" I mutter and he grins "you pretty much just kicked Horner in the balls, you are my new inspiration" he jokes and I let out a laugh "I suppose I did" he grins at me "he's never taken you seriously, this is what he deserves for that" he tells me sincerely and I know I have his respect. Once we arrive at the back of the Ferrari garage he gives me a small hug "have a good weekend" he tells me cheerily as he walks towards Mercedes. I take a deep breath before entering that garage, I know that a certain Monegasque won't have taken the news well. I see the eyes of my team on me as I walk through to see how Carlos' car is getting on. I speak to one of the engineers "we are really getting Verstappen next year?" I nod my head "it was an unmissable opportunity to keep pushing this team forwards" he nods and I know this garage has a lot of love for Charles, he has been the poster boy of this team for years. I walk back into my office and spot Charles sat waiting "why me?" He asks without turning around "because Carlos has so much potential and I couldn't miss the opportunity to sign Max" I tell him honestly "because I ruined our relationship you are now tanking my career?" He asks as I sit in my chair "you will have other opportunities at other teams, I know you will" he frowns "it's always been Ferrari"

*2 years ago*

"So why Ferrari?" I ask him and a sad smile crosses his features "well it's always been the aim, my family have always been supportive of my dreams but I wanted to reach the best team in the history of the sport. Not only for me but for my father and for Jules" I nod my head understanding that he doesn't just race for himself "I get it, I'm always in awe of how you keep pushing yourself forwards" he gives my hand a squeeze "now we get to do that together!" He tells me happily and I know that this man is my whole future. I couldn't imagine being happy without him

*present*

How everything has changed since that day. "Charles I'm sorry, but this is the best choice for the team, you know that this wasn't purely my decision" he nods sadly "I've let them down" I know exactly who he is referring too "you haven't, you just made some bad choices that sadly have led you here, you are still going to race" he nods "they said I have the seat at Alfa" I nod "I wouldn't ever leave you without a seat but understand that this doesn't mean you can let your performance slip, your on track to become world champion, top teams will want you" he nods "but I'm not sure I want to race for them" I know he doesn't like the way Christian runs his team but I'm sure he could be happy in a Mercedes, if the opportunity came up. I load up my laptop seeing hundreds of emails in my inbox "I have to get on with work, you are free of any other media duties, head out, get some dinner with Charlotte" I tell him my throat closing up slightly "Okay Mia, I will see you tomorrow"

Charles

Once I step out of the garage I see Daniel leaving the Red Bull building, is he going back there? Is he replacing Max? Perhaps I could try for the McLaren seat! I walk towards him "Daniel!" I shout and he looks over his expression hardening "hey mate!" He tells me casually "going back to Red Bull?" I question and he shrugs "I'm not too sure mate, but I've got my seat at McLaren" he tells me trying to look neutral "oh, well that seat is going to be highly sort after, especially as I now don't have one" Daniel frowns "you can understand why she did what she did right?" He asks and I realise he already knew "she told you?" He nods slightly "she was torn about it, but Max is incredible and she doesn't have to work with the man who shattered her heart" I look at my feet "I know, we just spoke" I pulls his phone out "I had better get going, good luck" he tells me patting my shoulder as he walks towards the exit. Part of me is surprised that he isn't going to Mia, but she has made herself very busy today.

Mia

"Welcome to the Red Bull ring for the Austrian GP!" I hear Crofty announce through the speakers in the garage. We always have the sessions up on the screens. "What a weekend it's been, Carlos qualifying P1 with Charles joining him on the front row" Martin Brundle makes sounds of agreement "Ferrari have come and spoiled Red Bulls home race in more ways than one! What a weekend to announce that you are taking the teams star driver" Crofty chuckles and I walk out of the garage towards the pit wall. I pull my headphones on and greet the guys before focusing on the grid. I don't tend to go down to the grid as it's a lot of people and I don't achieve anything so I stay here, focused on the race ahead.

It was a clean start for Carlos but Charles managed to get ahead. Max who started P3 was chasing down my cars and I couldn't help but want him to fail. He will be part of the team soon! I kept watching on as everyone settled into the race. We hit lap 49, max had managed to get ahead of Carlos and the team were considering the pit strategy but Two laps later, Pierre Gasly brought out the Safety Car when his AlphaTauri stopped in flames, and Leclerc took the opportunity to pit too. The Lap 51 restart saw Leclerc scamper off into the distance while Verstappen – nursing a steering issue and upset by what he suspected was a power unit glitch – just couldn't keep up. Carlos capitalised on Max's woes and took P2 on Lap 54, Perez and Hamilton following suit. Having challenged for the lead earlier on, it ended up being a terrible day for Max, who ended up retiring at the end of that lap. Hamilton was right on Perez's tail – and then the Mexican began to complain of a power unit issue, and it turned from bad to worse for the reigning drivers' championship-winning team when Perez spun at Turn 1 when his engine gave way on the final lap, giving Hamilton the final podium place. Russell, who started ninth, enjoyed superior race pace to the midfielders and took P4 after the Red Bulls retired.

The garage erupted once we saw that we got a 1-2 finish, sharing the podium with Lewis! I head out to watch the podium and find myself stood with Toto "well what a race" he tells me and I grin at him "looks like max made the right decision" I joke and Toto grins. Mercedes have been having some issues with the regulation changes but they seems to be getting on top of them. I watch as Charles gets on the podium. It's a great day for the team and I know Daniel had a decent race finishing p6! I haven't managed to see him much! But tonight we get to go for dinner and stay together!