Is this a love story?

Horner

Mia
"You do realise this is the F1 paddock and not a fashion show?" I hear from behind me as I'm walking into the Silverstone paddock "I wasn't aware that there are any rules on what I'm allowed to wear" I retort back at the Red Bull team boss "well the rest of us wear team kit" he tells me with a smug expression that I just want to wipe off of his face "well then it's a good thing I'm not like the rest of you" I tell him focusing my attention on my phone to avoid more conversation "think you are better than all of us?" I laugh "of course not, I have the upmost respect for people who share that respect back, don't think I didn't see your interview Horner" I tell him sternly "I'm glad you did, stealing my driver" I scoff "he isn't anyone's property, Max is a person, free to make his own decisions. You just needed to make a better car and he would've stayed" I comment back and his smug expression drops. I scan around for anyone I could talk to to get myself out of this situation. My eyes fall on Toto and I hightail it over "Morning Toto" I say loudly to get his attention "Morning Mia! Looking lovely today" he tells me "tell that to Horner" I say with a joking tone but Toto looks concerned "what's he said now? I did see his interview" his expression softens "I can handle it, I've got thick, tanned skin" I laugh as I half quote what Daniel said the other day "that Aussie is rubbing off on you" Toto tells me with a smile "oh no! Next I will be riding a quad bike round the ranch" I grimace and Toto lets out a laugh "can I walk you to your garage?" He asks and I nod seeing Horner loitering about in the background. We wander past and photographers are quick to get a photo of us walking together "the fallout has been pretty impressive from Max signing with you" I laugh "yeah, I wasn't expecting to make such a workload for my PR team" he grins "and how's the team been, I know Ferrari have been back Leclerc for a while now" I shake my head "mixed views but it's my team." He nods "you've definitely chosen the best driver on the grid, after Lewis and George of course" he tells me and I know he means well by it.

Max

"Yeah I get it, less curbs" I say to my engineer GP over the radio. It's only FP1 and we are already having some issues with the car. Bottoming out has become a problem with the new ground effect regulations "it's an uncomfortable ride but I can cope" I say over the radio "copy Max" I get back as I come in at the end of the session. It's been an awkward week since I announced my move to Ferrari for next season, what the team don't realise is that as part of my contract GP will be coming with me. I couldn't be more relieved and it's also nice to still have him on my side in the garage. It's been hostile except with Checo who seems to be happy for me but I'm not sure if that's because he will have less inter team competition next year. I shake my head as I climb out of the car, I keep my helmet on til I'm in my drivers room to quickly get changed before debrief. Christian has been angry about my decision and I did see the interview he gave the other day slating Mia's professionalism and leadership style. Funny considering she is leading the championship. I walk back out and into the meeting room taking my seat across from Checo. Christian walks in and for the hour he doesn't let me speak or give my input for the coming weekend. This is going to get old fast, i get that he feels betrayed but I'm making the move that's best for my career.

Mia

Free practise sessions went well today and both drivers gave great feedback in debrief giving me confidence for this weekend. I have avoided Charles after my interaction with Charlotte in Monaco as I know he will have something to say about it. But sadly my avoiding is over as he make his way over "do you have a moment Mia?" He asks as everyone is leaving the meeting room. I sit slightly on the edge of the desk "how can I help you Charles?" I ask trying to get this over "Charlotte told me she saw you in Monaco" I nod "she did, she also attempted an apology, one I have absolutely no interest in" he frowns "she is trying" he tells me "well Charles she isn't trying for me, it's so she can be in the garage for you and I'm sorry if that's not something that I'm willing to entertain" he lets out a sigh "look, you've moved on why is this still an issue?" He demands "I might be happier with someone else Charles but she was still the woman who ruined my marriage by sleeping with my husband" he grimaces "it's not healthy to hold onto resentment" I shrug "I'm not but I am allowed to not like a person" he rolls his eyes "is that everything Charles?" I ask "actually I wanted to let you know I've been approached by Red Bull for a seat and I'm considering it" I nod "understandable. Let me know if there is anything you need from me, on a professional level I'm here for you" he nods before leaving the meeting room, we both know that Red Bull would be a mistake, they only want him as I took Max.

I feel myself getting restless to see Daniel. I left early this morning for a run and he was at training by the time I got back. We agreed it was good to lead out separate lives alongside our relationship, healthy and communicative. Very different to how dependent I felt with Charles. I pick my handbag up as I'm doing one last interview with sky sports before I meet Daniel and we get to leave. I see Ally in the garage waiting for me "ready?" I ask her and she nods following me out into the paddock "they are set up by the f1 hospitality" she explains as she speeds though everyone. I follow behind at a quick pace with my heels clicking on the ground. Once we reach the team I'm stood behind a microphone with Nat Pinkham ready to start "hello Mia, good weekend for your guys so far" she starts and I comment on car performance and how this track suits out philosophy. Once we get that done she ask about Horner "he had some pretty scathing words to say about you" she hints and I respond "using the words of my boyfriend, Daniel, My skin is tanned beautiful and also thick." I realise that Ive referred to him as mine which makes me realise that he is and I'm his "he can have his opinions but we are leading both championships so I must be doing something right" I say with a smile, my eyes drift and I see Daniel waiting for me with a smile, he gives me a thumbs up "thanks for talking with us" Nat tells me and I walk straight to Daniel wrapping him in my arms "better day today" I tell him as he pulls away "much, but I've been wanting to see you for all of it" and I get the infamous smile and all feels right.

Daniel

She quoted my in her interview and I can't lie I felt a sense of pride that she used my words to defend herself. She shouldn't have too but Horner is on the war path. I suddenly feel tingles on my leg which pulls me out of my thoughts. Mia is tracing lines on my thigh whist watching the British countryside flash past out of the car window. I'm driving her Ferrari she has for this weekend. It didn't take much convincing "would you say that Monday, Wednesday and Friday feel odd or even to you?" She asks me and I get thrown slightly as that wasn't what I was expecting her to ask me "odd I suppose why?" I ask her "they were discussing it the garage today, it's the new wheels or doors and I said odd but a few of them were adamant they felt even" I can't help but laugh "you've had a busy day and this is what your mind is stuck on?"
I ask her and she nods "just wanted to check that our brains work the same" she tells me and I realise that there isn't a minute where I don't want her to share what's going on in her head, no matter how random!