Under the Microscope (Book One of Three)

Chapter 31

All the nice comments, votes and adding to reading lists is feeding my ego big time, so here's another update! 

All the support over the last couple of days has been insane, and yeah I just hope you enjoy!

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A podium in F1. I did it. It's not even about being a female racer, just the brutality of racing in general. Everything I had sacrificed, everything my family had sacrificed, anyone who believed in me got a tiny glimpse of what I could do, and I was overcome with the feeling of it filling my chest as I slowed right down enjoying the cool-down lap and trying desperately to pull myself together. But as I pull myself up behind that famous 3rd place sign, I can't help but fall into a small puddle of tears. Putting my head in my hands I sit in the cockpit, unmoving. I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I look over, it's Lewis without his helmet on. I snap the visor open, revealing my tear-stained eyes to him. He grins widely at me and motions for me to get out of the car. I undo the wheel, stepping out over the halo before redoing it.

Raising my fist briefly to the crowd that was cheering before Lewis swept me up in a bear hug. Repeatedly slapping the top of my helmet in excitement and pulling me towards the Mercedes team that had gathered nearby. I jump into the arms of JC who doesn't let go of me for a good few seconds and I realise that she is also crying. Eventually, I pull away before I start high-fiving all the Mercedes people that were there. JC taps my helmet repeatedly, telling me to take it off and I shake my head as I head over to the small weigh station that is set up outside for the podium winners first. Trying to take a couple of extra seconds to gather myself, the weight person hands JC the ticket and she walks with me over to the mini podium stands where I finally take my helmet and balaclava off, picking up my 3rd place hat instead. Quickly putting it on as I pull my hair out of its ponytail and letting it sit loose, I wipe my eyes before turning around and spectating the sight of all the fans. I see Max is already in his post-race interview as I look around at the crowd, waving as I try and suppress my emotions slightly. However, when I turn back to the Mercedes group, I see a few extra people standing with JC and go over to hug them. One by one Toto, Olivia, Rachel, Bono and Suzie Wolff wrap me in a hug, all as emotional as I am at the huge achievements of the day.

Not just my podium, but Mercedes's first double podium of the season and Lewis' 300th race. Lewis comes over and pulls my arm to the post-race interview and there is suddenly a microphone put in my hand as I look all around myself.

"Now, Elodie, there's a lot to unpack here." I nod, that's an understatement, "but let's start with; your first podium in F1, how does it feel?"

I immediately get choked up, tears welling in my eyes as I try and gather myself. I quickly cover my mouth trying to stifle the sob that is threatening to escape. Eventually, I manage to get through the emotion; "it means everything. Not just from the perspective of a woman in racing and what that means. But also, just from the perspective of a racer, you know, we train and give up so much of our lives to try and live this dream of F1, and then you get here, and you give up even more and it's wonderful but it's difficult. Difficult for you, your family and everyone that cares about you." I take a pause as I think about my family, blinking back the tears once again. "So yeah, this, it means everything because it's part of me on my way to making it all worthwhile for everyone who has given up parts of their lives for me."

I look around and see Lewis behind me, smiling with proud tears in his eyes. I turn back around a wide grin covering my face as it all washes over me again. "It means the world to have done it with Mercedes as well. They ignored everyone who said it wasn't worth getting a girl in their driver academy and so heavily investing in her through the lower ranks. But they didn't care, they didn't see my gender, they just saw my abilities and that was what they cared about. So, I'm beyond grateful and happy that I got to hit this milestone with the team that got me here today and, in some way, repay them for that belief."