Russell's Cousin- Lando Norris story

No place like home

It was Silverstone race weekend, you had received an all clear from the medics and you were back in work the following race. Toto was still cautious over you so Angela was doing a lot of run around work while you did more admin.

It was ten minutes till lights out and you were on the grid next to George and his car, keeping him hydrated and cool before it was go time. A few of the grandstand fans shouted for you and you have a small wave.

"It's go time Georgie" you said as you high fives him before handing him his helmet and gloves.
"Let's go kick some ass" he joked as you always called him for being so posh about things as you were more up to date rather than stuck in the 1800s

As they cars went off for the formation lap you headed back to the garage with Angela ready for the race start. It was a long track at Silverstone and you were back at the garage tv to watch for the start of the race. As the final few pulled into the back of the grid for lights out and engines revved you could help but watch for number 4 to get a good strong start and be safe. It was strange these feelings slowly coming back but by bit. Traditions.

"It's lights out and away we go!"

Lewis got a brilliant start, shooting down the middle but all you saw as they came to turn one is a massive smoke cloud from a lock up/crash and then a car upside down sliding at least 150 meters into the barrier before the cameras quickly cut.
"Whoa!" The garage shouted as you hands came to your mouth
"Who is it?" One shouted

"George Russell is out of the race!" You heard over the radio

Everyone presumed George was the one who crashed until the next thing you saw was his lanky self running towards the crash site instead of away.. what is making him run over so suddenly?

You peeped your head down the pit lane and saw the Alfa Romeo crew at the fence shouting for medics to get down. It was either Valteri or Zhou.

The safety cars and ambulances came shooting down the straight to the site and that's when George's radio came through
"Don't turn the car off, don't let anyone touch it, don't move it! I'm telling you! I have no damage! He's sandwiched" is all he said
"Sandwiched?" Angela exclaimed
"He must be between the barrier and fence at turn one" Bono said
"Jesus Christ. He better not be running over there! Someone stop him!" Toto called out "he gets out that car and runs on track he's off the Christmas card list" he muttered

The team ran outside to look down the pit lane as you already saw a low loader over at George's car while he had his back towards them as he was helping Zhou.

Ten minutes had passed in which Zhou was on his way to the medical centre as he was carried off in a stretcher and George was now arguing with marshals who he told not to touch his car. It was too late, George could no longer race as they had touched his car. It was over for you guys. All you had was now Lewis.

He came back into the garage and everyone was gutted for him, it was no one's fault and no one could of stopped what was about to happen but everyone was just glad Zhou was safe and being looked after by the medical team.

Of course the red flag came out so it was a race restart for those still in.

—
"What a race! Come on!" You shouted as Lewis was up there fighting for podiums. This could be a race win if the leaders make the smallest mistake. The part everyone was getting pissed off about was max battling mick and even making contact with him on a few occasions. Everyone saw him as such an Angel in the paddock and the sweetest person to grace the earth but you knew a side of him that wasn't very nice and was quite scary. You nodded to comment made that mick was too nice for the whole world of f1 but you couldn't comment your opinions, this was a professional role your in.

—

You really couldn't help yourself after the race but you had to go down to the podium not just to congratulate Lewis on p3 but also for one of your closest friends first ever win. Carlos won the British Grand Prix and to hear the Spanish national anthem for him was so lovely.

"Vamos!!!" You all shouted from below as he held up the trophy.

It wasn't long till everyone was back in their motorhomes and you had a text from Isa, Carlos' girlfriend inviting you to drink tonight after the race for his celebratory win.

Hi Anna, just wondering if you would like to join us tonight for celebratory drinks? George is also more than welcome as we only want a small group of close friends for some snacks and wine. Hopefully see you later" - Isa x

It was so lovely to still be thought of even with your love to mercades and his to Ferrari but you had to say, Carlos always had your back. He was always there for you especially when things got really shitty. Speaking of shitty, things with you and lando significantly improved over the weeks and by the British GP while you still hadn't stayed with him at all yet again you shared special moments with him and his family at the weekend before and it was nice to feel accepted again even after the past 8 months of drama.

—
As you met with Carlos and Ida that evening at the bar they got hold of for the night, the rooftop garden on a summers night was the perfect place for drinks and friends. You wore a navy blue jumpsuit with your white trainers and just a white blazer over your shoulders for it it got cooler. However, it was never the blazer that ended up on you but rather a cream mclaren hoodie with LN04 on the back...

You couldn't help it.

And the group you were with all knew things had been resolved and you two were back to your usual selves causing chaos and laughter in the paddock. You sat slumped in his arms as George and Carmen sat opposite looking at you both like "how on earth did you both mange to pull it off getting back together without a murder happening?" While Carlos and Charles sat with their other half's sipping on wine from the Ferrari hospitality they brought.

Everyone sat for a while reflecting on todays events as Zhou was announced to be well and ready to be back racing soon. How did this happen to such a modern car? It shouldn't of flipped like that? Obviously George was still shaken as he was at the scene and ran over before medics were even there.
"All I can say mate is when I shouted are you ok, I got a thumbs up and I've never been more relieved to see a thumbs up" George said
"It must be so scary handing upside down like that not knowing what really happened at least he's alive" Charlotte said
"Charlotte, it's been bad enough in the past and freak accidents like this are never good to hear. So many have died from what we do" Charles said making his point stern
"I know that Char, it's so dangerous but at least it's death money you guys get" she joked. Yet she joked by herself. No one else found it funny.

You saw Carlos awkwardly shuffle in his seat as Charles rubbed his eyes in frustration at the naivety of her. "I think what you meant to say is you deserve the pay because of how dangerous the sport is and the skills to be able to drive like you do aren't common" Carmen added trying to simmer a now boiling Charles
"Your so fucking stupid at times, all you think about is the pricing on things! How many times have we spoke over this" He said
"Ok we don't need domestics, tonight is for the success of us. Of us all" Carlos said and you could see how he hated to see others fighting 
"Carlos is right, come on, there's a place and time. And that's for both of your comments" Lando said which was a very mature approach for him to be honest.

No one managed to bring up the topic of racing again for the night which was a relief as you were on pins with what was going to happen next.

—

As you settled down for the night in the shared cottage you were staying in at Silverstone with George and Carmen, lando slid in next to you as you were still wrapped in his hoodie.
"I hate seeing Charles speak to Charlotte like that. I think she just forgets at times. She sun her own world" you say
"Maybe, I think she is a bit stupid on how she sees things. For someone so clever she can be thick" Lando added as he flicked through Instagram
"But recently when I've seen them walking around the paddock or when they have been out and I've been there the way they speak to each other is changing. It always seems harsh." You added
"Maybe but that's not for us to worry about, come on you need to get some rest after today. Well done at Mercedes, I'm really proud of you"
"Really?"
"Really."

Thank you all for sticking with me the past few months, it's been so crazy but I'm half to say I'm back writing and have found my bug again for it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please don't forget to like, vote, comment and share this story.