Something Gained

Chapter One Hundred & Three

"And that's Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton that come together at turn 3! That's a big one, and that's a safety car out, Norris manages to avoid all the drama, as does Ricciardo and Leclerc. All drivers reduce their speed"

My head slipped into my hands in fear something would happen to Dan and Lando, the crash happening right in front of them. Lando was now leading, Daniel falling behind due to a bad pit stop. They brought all drivers in on a red flag and they would start from the pit lane.

"Lando we need you to pull away as much as you can, Daniel is going to follow and then we're going to swap you over when we can"
"Why are we swapping?!"
"Tactics Lando, it's for the team"
"This is ridiculous!"
"We'll talk after the race Lando, when we give you the go ahead, please let Daniel through"

I glanced at Sophie, Michael and Jon, this wasn't ideal and Lando was not happy. Daniel would get a great points advantage for the team and for himself if he won, so we all understood. But of course I was now in a predicament with it all. I was Lando's acting press officer this week, but I was Daniels girlfriend. I had to remain unbiased. Jon had no problem moaning, his loyalties ran with Lando, and he could be hot headed when the situation forced his hand.

"Daniel we need a gap to Leclerc, Lando will let you through when we see an opportunity. 10 laps to go"
"Why are we letting me through?"
"Points Dan. We'll discuss after the race"

Daniel was fair when it come to the team and would maximise opportunities. But he also had to be selfish. Both the guys pulled away from Leclerc and managed to do the swap, Daniel flew off ahead of Lando and got a big gap, his car was faster, but it enabled him to tow Lando through where he could, meaning that if anything were to happen, they would have a gap to Charles to cover it.

"Daniel Ricciardo takes the chequered flag in Monaco, his second win here. Lando Norris comes home second for a big points finish for the McLarens"

We all cheered and smiled at the big gain from this race. Putting Daniel and Lando first and second in the drivers championship and shooting McLaren to first in constructors. It was a big win. Lando handled the situation with as much grace as he could muster, of course he was happy with the points, but he would of had another win to add to his tally, I was glad I didn't have to be in that meeting later. We all celebrated as team for the podium, Daniel was very very happy man that was for certain. Michael and I stood together watching the celebrations unfold.

"Lando that was a good race from McLaren perspective but what was the reasoning for the swap?" I sighed quietly to myself as I stood with Lando in the media pen
"It benefitted the lead for Daniel apparently, and it was best for the team. Not happy but we'll discuss it later with the team" Lando spoke, he was very subdued about it
"The car this year is doing really well, you must be happy"
"I would of been happy with a win but that wasn't to be with the team decision today" Lando glanced at me and I sighed again, a mess I would no doubt be cleaning up now when that was spun. When he was finished his round of media, each one making it more and more difficult, we walked back to the trailer.

"We need to have a discussion about that, because even if it's not me that is next to you and it's Ben, I still have to clean up the mess you leave behind" I said to him
"I'm pissed off Alex, and I'm allowed to be" Lando snapped. He had never snapped at me before, I sighed
"You're entitled to be pissed of Lando, I'm just saying it how it is from the team side of it. We didn't make those decisions, understandably you're annoyed, I get it. But there's some things we don't need to say. And you know it's my job to have this discussion with you" we had made our way to the trailer and we're now in a heated discussion which wasn't looking good to outsiders. Lando opened the door and let it close behind him, letting me nearly walk into it.
"My office. Now" I said to him. He glared at me and huffed before walking behind me up the stairs. This stares from the team around us were wide eyed and confused. No one in this team argued or had an issue, especially not me with one of the drivers.