AND IT CONTINUES - Max Verstappen

19

Daniella woke up with an arm wrapped around her waist. She stayed like that for a few minutes before looking at Max who was already wide awake.

"Hi.." Max mumbled before placing a kiss on her shoulder and pulling her closer. Both for a moment forgot that it was race day.

"I don't want to get up," Daniella held Max's hand, her back pressed against his chest.

"Neither do I," Max replied. "But we have to be at the paddock in a few hours."

Daniella didn't say anything as she just relaxed in his arms, pushing aside all her worry for the day for a few moments.

***

Daniella gave the McLaren driver an annoyed look. Lando recently picked up an interest in photography and now has been taking pictures everywhere and of everyone and posting them online. As soon as he spotted Daniella in the paddock he ran and placed the camera in front of her, taking photos.

"First those annoying media people and now you?" Daniella glared at her friends.

"Yes...glare a little bit more, please," Lando ignored what Daniella said and continued taking photos of her. "It really shows that real Dani.."

"Get that camera out of my face or else I will throw it away," Daniella threatened him.

"I will just buy a new one," Lando shrugged and gave her a mischievous grin.

Max approached them, already laughing at what was going on.

Daniella thought he was going to save her from Lando but the McLaren driver didn't give the chance.

"You are here...perfect," Lando got her camera ready again. "Stand next to her.." he instructed Max.

'No. We are.." Daniella was about to protest but Max put his arm around her shoulder, complying with Lando.

Daniella glared at Max but he just kissed her cheek, giving Lando to take the photo.

"So cute," Lando gleefully smiled as he looked at the photo of the couple.

"Send it to me," Max said to his friend.

"I hate you," Daniella looked at her boyfriend.

"No you don't," Max smiled and kissed her cheek again. "I love you," he whispered into her eyes before going back to his team.

Lando was too busy admiring his armature photography skills to notice that Daniella escaped from his range of sight so that he won't be able to annoy her with his camera.

***

Daniella didn't have a good start at the beginning of the race. She dropped down a place and then got a tyre puncture. The early pitstop caused her to drop down to P13 but she still had hope to finish in a much higher position since it's only been a couple of laps.

The car and the tyres felt good as she made her way out of the pitlane but came out right behind the Williams of George Russell. She mentally cursed as she knew George is not going to make it easy for her to overtake him.

She got closer to George as her new tyres picked up the pace. Obviously, George tried his best to not let her overtake him but after a lap, she managed to do so fairly.

Daniella was sure she will be able to climb up the grid again and score the required points to continue her championship fight but it all came to an end when her car was knocked out and was against the wall in a matter of seconds.

It took her a few moments to realize what happened and it all became clear when she saw the Williams next to her, causing a dent in her car.

"Are you okay, Dani?" Nate, her race engineer asked, concern and shock laced in his voice.