BITTERSWEET (M.V x C.L)

Abu Dhabi - Max

I had achieved pole position yesterday. I was over the moon. Lewis and I were equal in the Drivers' Standings, so this pole was invaluable. Although Lewis started on the front row alongside me, I knew I was the better race starter. 

The lights went out and away we went. Lewis had immediately got ahead, but I didn't care much, I was still 100% focused on winning the race. Checo, the legend that he was, had held Lewis up after one of the SC's, and I was know only a couple of seconds behind Lewis. On one of the final laps Latifi crashed and sent out another SC. My team quickly pitted me for some new softs. I retained my second place but with 5 unlapped cars in front of me. On the final lap the SC went in to the pit lane, and I immediately overtook Lewis, who opted not to pit during the SC. It was the most intense moment, I had ever experienced. The sweat now made it hotter inside my helmet than I had ever experienced. I went around the last corner and saw the finish line. All I remember is that I crossed it, and I went completely ecstatic. The roars from the crowds were amazing. It was as if the whole ground had been hit by an earthquake. I couldn't contain my emotions on the cool down lap. Tears formed in my eyes and started to roll down my cheeks.

"Max, you are the world champion! The world champion!" I could hear Christian scream. The realisation had not come to me yet, I didn't know what was happening. Somehow, I managed to finish the cool down lap and drive my car perfectly up to the podium. As I got out of my car I sat down on my knee leaning towards the rear tyre to pay respect to the car. Hell, what was I even doing? I didn't know what to do, I guess.

As I stood on the podium, one of my engineers handed me the Dutch flag. I wrapped myself in it, instantly feeling more relaxed, but also proud. Proud as I stood there, the crowd cheering me on. Proud, because I knew what I had now done for my country. I smiled down to the crowd. I spotted Hanna, our principal strategy engineer, and happily waved to her as she celebrated with the rest of our crew.
The champagne covered and soaked us completely getting stuck in our eyes as usual. But this time it felt different. For once, I had nothing against champagne being sprayed all over me. I wanted to enjoy and savour the moment.

When we were done with the champagne, I turned to Lewis, who stood next to me. I hit my champagne bottle with his, and we drank a large mouthful. He then approached me and shook my hand as a way of congratulating me with the win. I knew it was all just a play for the gallery, but nevertheless I went along for the sake of our fans and the crowd down below us. Carlos, who finished third, joined in as well, signalling that it was time to take photos. I put my arms around Lewis and Carlos and their arms around me. 

As the photographers finished up their task, I stepped down from the podium and went away back into the paddock. Many of the drivers had lined up to greet me, as I made my way through the mass of people. Daniel was the first to congratulate me. He quite forcefully ruffled my hair and gave me a massive hug, which I happily returned. "Fuck that was awesome mate! Huge congrats!" He said. "Thanks a lot Daniel," I replied not really being able to speak properly. A huge lump had formed in my throat in appreciation of the other drivers' respect for me. I continued down the line, they had now almost made, thanking each and every one of them. Once I got to Checo, he lifted me up and everyone started to clap and cheer.
"Hahaha, thank you Checo, gracias," I laughed.
"You really outdid yourself today Max, congrats!" He replied with a big smile on his face. "I couldn't have done this without, you know that. I owe you mate," I said to him now in a more serious tone.
"You need not to mate, I'm truly happy for you," Checo said. I just smiled at him as my huge thanks were implicit. I moved on in the line and got down to Carlos, who joyfully praised my championship, and I kindly thanked him. The last in the line was non other than Charles. He stood with his hands behind his back and lightly tripped his feet to the ground. His head was tilted forwards, so that the shade from his cap was all you could see. I now stood in front of him, and he looked up. His face gave a cold vibe. "Many congratulations," he said in the most monotone voice. "Thanks," was all I could say. I reached out my hand, motioned for a handshake, and as Charles reached out his hand, he looked straight in to my eyes. I suddenly felt warm, and my heart started to pound faster.

I must be stressed with all these people around, was all I could think.

I quickly shook his hand and went out of the paddock with my PR-manager and a few security guards. When we went out into the open, I straight away welcomed the blow of fresh air. The press was pressed together like sardines, but regardless the flashes form the cameras were insane. I could barely stand to look at them. We went on towards the car. I had massive plans for an extreme after party, so I had to go to the hotel to change my clothes. Once we reached the car and got in, my mind unanticipatedly recalled the moment with Charles. Why was I so stressed, when I made eye contact with Charles? It wasn't like he was a complete stranger to say the least. I gave it no further thought, redirecting my mind towards the after party.