Missing You // Lando Norris

Ch.1

LANDO NORRIS: McLaren's Golden Boy turned Bad
By Jeff Marchel

When he burst upon the Formula 1 scene a mere two years ago, it was clear that Lando Norris was 'one to watch'. Having followed his rapid rise from Formula 3, many fans around the world had speculated that McLaren's golden boy would soon lead them to a World Championship, and his first two seasons lived up to expectations. Norris finished fifth in his rookie season, topping experienced drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso, and threw the season into a frenzy as fans and teams alike marvelled at his abilities on track. In his second season, Norris further exceeded expectations; finishing third in a season which saw some of the most riveting battles of any thus far, though was unable to beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc due to a lack of pace.

As a result, many assume that Norris will shortly be in true contention for the World Championship, and they are likely right. He has demonstrated his ability on track, with several podium finishes last season and many admirable drives, and so it would appear that McLaren's Zak Brown was right when he chose Norris to be their Golden Child. The 22 year old has little in his way: the McLaren has shown considerable pace throughout testing in Bahrain, and many commentators have suggested that it has the potential to be the fastest car on track, albeit with some minor upgrades, though this should be no issue for McLaren.

McLaren's biggest issue, however, is Norris off-track. Whilst he may be the golden child on track, and has the results to prove so, he has proven himself to be nothing shorter than reckless off track. Like many Formula 1 drivers, Norris enjoys an eccentric lifestyle, partying in Monaco and spending thousands on alcohol and company every night. However, recent images and sources suggest that McLaren may have taken on more than they can chew with regards to Norris and Public relations. The young driver is often photographed drunk or brawling in the street outside of prominent clubs, and is beginning to establish a reckless name for himself which threatens to supersede his accolades on track.

When asked to comment on his 'bad behaviour', Norris often responds with a shrug or an eye-roll, sometimes throwing in a defensive "Whilst Formula 1 is my life, I have one outside of it too. I enjoy a party". Ultimately, it is a wonder that McLaren's PR team have not had enough of him yet. Whilst his managers attempt desperately to cover up his irresponsibility through 'funny' YouTube videos with his team mate, Carlos Sainz, it appears that these attempts are slowly beginning to fall short, as Norris enflames media speculation ritually. Many fans, particularly on twitter, are beginning to speculate how long it will take for Norris' antics to have an impact on his performance on track, which would prove the ultimate blow for McLaren who have invested so much into their golden boy and car alike.

Thus, it would seem that it is high time for Norris to get his act together, particularly if he wants to be World Champion.

Lando's POV:

"Fucking bullshit" I scathe, throwing the paper onto the small glass table in front of me. It lands on a table with a crash, the article still open and taunting me.

"You know they're right." My Public Relations manager, Charlotte, responds quietly. Charlotte had become somewhat of a second mother to me throughout my time at McLaren, handling PR storms and mishaps alike. Whilst I'd had countless articles written about me in the past, and not all of them had been positive, this one in particular had stuck.

McLaren may have taken on more than they can chew with regards to Norris

"The season hasn't even properly started yet." I close my eyes, wishing to avoid Charlotte's disappointed gaze. Whilst I know that she sees me as more than what the article made me out to be, I can't help but burn at the thought of how disappointed she must be. Week in, week out Charlotte had spent the winter season battling to clear my name, and week in, week out, I had disproven anything good that she had managed to convince the world to think about me.

"It's alright. I'll minimise the article's damage, let's just try not to fuel the fire over the next few days, alright?" Charlotte sighs, and the pain in my chest grows. I'm behaving like a child, refusing to look her in the eyes as though she is my mother scolding me for misbehaviour. I guess she is, though that misbehaviour involves multiple pregnancy scares, drunken arguments and club fights.

he has proven himself to be nothing shorter than reckless off track

"Who is Jeff Marchel anyway?" I open my eyes, my anger resurfacing.

"A prominent F1 commentator, and you know that. He's exactly the type of person you want to keep on your good side." Charlotte half whispers, her eyes glued to the article on the table.

"Fuck him" I seethe, taking my lighter out of my pocket and moving it towards the paper. Before Charlotte can react, the article goes up in flames, and I watch it burn, blocking out the noise of Charlotte's panic and anger.

Once the fire dies down, I decide that I've had more than enough of this conversation. I swiftly get up from my dark leather arm chair, ignoring Charlotte, her exasperated expression following me out of the room.

As I slam the door behind me, I take my phone out of my pocket, dialling a number.

"You alright Mate?" William Villeroy's voice rings into my ear.

"We're getting fucked tonight. I'll see you in Mayfair around midnight." I finish the call before Will can respond, confident that my best friend would not turn down a final night out before the season began.

And so, as I stride down the corridors of McLaren's shiny new office, I determine that I may as well live up to expectation, and provide Jeff Marchel with more newspaper content, for he seemed rather obsessed with me.

A/N

Welcome welcome! I really hope you've enjoyed chapter 1. This book is a slow burn, so I'll be laying foundations for a little while, but it should all prove to be more than worth it in the long run. Please do comment and vote if u enjoyed :)

Love, M Xx