Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 30

Good morning (at least from where I am)! Here's another update because we're at 12k and close to reaching 13k omggg

Enjoy!

*****

The race was a disappointment for Ferrari.

Carlos had a DNF due to an accident with Esteban Ocon on the fortieth lap while Charles only finished in fifth, making it the first podium of the season without a Ferrari driver. Ace won the grand prix with Daniel placing second and George in third. Despite only getting second place, you couldn't wipe the smile off of Daniel's face especially when he managed to force the two Mercedes drivers for a shoey. Lando placed fourth which was also a good result for McLaren.

We were on our way to the podium when we passed by Charles and Max who were talking to one another. When Charles saw me, he said goodbye to Max before walking over with a frown on his face.

"I'm sorry about the race." I said, keeping a reasonable amount of distance between us but I doubt anyone would see since people were busy documenting the celebrations by the podium.

Charles shrugged his shoulders and ran a hand through his hair. "It happens."

An awkward silence wrapped around us as I shifted from one foot to the other. I heard someone speak through the microphone by the podium which meant they were about to announce the winners. "I better go." I said, giving him one last smile before I turned around. I looked back and saw that Charles was still standing there until Chiara walked out of the garage with an irritated look on her face. They talked for a few minutes before Charles grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the garage, his face similar to hers.

It was amusing to see the look of disgust on Ace and George's face as they drank from the shoe. I managed to avoid being sprayed by champagne as the two Mercedes drivers pointed the bottles at the crowd. I smiled when I saw the pure happiness on their faces, especially Daniel. Elliana told me the last time he got a podium finish was in 2021 and he needed this to prove that he was still in the game.

I found Heidi in the crowd and gave her a hug before saying, "Congratulations!"

She smiled brightly and looked up at Daniel who met her eyes, giving her a wink. "I have a good feeling he's going to have a party later so don't even think of saying no." Heidi smirked and I nodded my head, making sure to tell the others.

The podium ceremony ended but some of the fans stayed. I stood on the side with Navi, taking pictures with some fans from time to time. Off to the side, I saw Chiara standing in front of the cameras and posing as if the grid was a red carpet.

Beside me, Navi scoffed before rolling her eyes at the model. "That girl's head is so inflated." She said and I covered her mouth before looking around, afraid that someone might hear us. "You know it's true." She said and tapped a guy's shoulder. He turned around along with the girl he was with, curiosity in his eyes. "Excuse me, do you know who that girl is?" Navi pointed to where Chiara was and the guy shook his head while the girl nodded.

"She's one of the F1 WAGS."

"What's that?"I asked, not knowing what that word meant."

The girl looked at us oddly before answering, "Wives and girlfriends."

Before we could ask more questions, Milo called our attention and said we were heading back to the hotel. "Ace is throwing an after party." He said, wrapping his arm around our shoulders.

"Daniel's having one, too." Elliana said enthusiastically and Milo nodded his head.

"It's the same one. They're having it at this club that some of the drivers have booked beforehand." Milo explained as we passed by the garage to get our things and headed for the parking lot. He began walking backwards to face us and pointed a finger at me. "All of the drivers are coming by the way so you have to be hot."