Bonne Nuit// Charles Leclerc

Ch. 7

"And with that Q2 is over and 10 cars progress through to Q3" David Crofts (Crofty's) voice booms over the megaphone. "The grid currently sees Max Verstappen leading the pack with a fastest time of 1:12.909, followed by Lewis Hamilton in p2 and Charles Leclerc in P3..." The commentator continues before being interrupted by Martin Brundle, who reaffirms that all is yet to play for and that the grid may see a complete shift in Q3. 

"I can't believe Mick Schumacher is through to Q3! This is unheard of." Sebastian beams, Lydia and I smiling in response as we fail to understand what is so significant about this information. 

Qualifying so far had been surprisingly interesting for both Lydia and I. Whilst neither of us had any particular idea how Formula 1 worked, Andrea and Seb had been extremely accommodating with regards to explaining the particulars and providing us with some general knowledge. As a result, I found myself getting drawn into the sport more and more with each lap, and by the end of the last session I had caught myself gripping the balcony barrier which separated us from falling onto the pit lane in anticipation. 

The whole sport really was enthralling. Whilst the cars did, admittedly, go in endless circles, flying by in the process, I discovered that there was so much more to it. The thirst the drivers felt with regards to being the fastest during each lap, the dynamic between team mates, the pressure on executing each move perfectly, the importance of each second... it was all becoming rather captivating. 

"Seb, how much time do I have until Q3?" I turn in his direction, my ears ringing and my head hurting from the sound of the roaring car engines which we had endured for the past thirty three minutes. "8 minutes" He replies curtly, his eyes staying fixed on the tight street circuit in front of us. 

"I'm gonna go grab some water from the café in the Ferrari paddock downstairs, would either of you like anything?". They both shake their heads, prompting me to begin my descent down the stairs and back into the bright red building. 

"Lila!" A Spanish accent shouts from behind me. I turn to see Carlos beaming in my direction, and so I approach him. "It is good, no?" He smiles, placing a welcoming hand on my shoulder. "Yeah, I'm actually really enjoying it. You're doing great out there" I reply with a smile, though I see Carlos' smile somewhat falter during my response. "I am trying my best, but I must try harder." He continues to smile. 

I like Carlos. There's a warm earnesty behind his smile, and I could see myself being great friends with him given the opportunity. Even from brief conversation, you could see the man held no malintent, his golden aura shining through even when he was not in the best of moods. 

I wish Carlos luck as he explains that he must return to quickly speak to his engineer ahead of Q3, whilst also assuring me that he will have a proper conversation with myself and my friends after qualifying. 

I continue through what feels like a red maze, weaving through various rooms full of machinery and computers and headphones before I finally reach a small coffee shop. 

I pay for some water and a slice of banana bread, checking the time on my phone as I do so and realising that there is a minute left until the next qualifying session, which I definitely don't want to miss. 

As I navigate my way back to Seb and Lydia, I ponder on how difficult it really must be to be a Formula 1 driver. The pressure is immense, every time you leave the garage you are never quite sure if you will return, and you're up against 19 of the best drivers in the world, all vying for the same trophy. 

12 minutes later... 

"CHARLES IS ON POLE!" Seb shouts in glee, as the crowd around the circuit boom with adoration for the Monegasque driver who has just set the fastest lap in the last few seconds of the race. I roll my eyes, sighing as a result of my distaste towards the pole sitter.