Wolff in the lions den | Max Verstappen #1

Awkward encounter

I spent the next couple of days curled up on the sofa with Emilia. She always knew how to make me feel better when I felt like my world was falling apart. We didn't talk about Max and I was happy about that, I thought If I didn't talk about him eventually I wouldn't think about him either. But I was foolish it wasn't going to be that easy at all.

My dad and Susie were planning on flying to the UK early so dad could spend time at the factory with Lewis before the big race at Silverstone. He'd offered for me to miss the race and stay in Austria with Emilia which was so surprising to me but I wanted to get myself back to normal.

I couldn't spend all my time moping around I needed to get myself back and work was how I felt I was going to do it. I had some great ideas for the social media pages and I felt that if I could keep myself busy I'd get over everything a little better. I had a bit of time before the race itself so I had time to prepare myself to see Max again.

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When we arrived in the UK me and my dad went straight to the factory. I had a whole day of filming and photo shoots planned for Lewis. Silverstone was Lewis' home race so I knew the more material we had the better. As I got to the factory I went straight into the media room and Lewis was already there waiting for me.

"Hey trouble, what have you got in store for me today then" he said as he greeted me. I laughed for what felt like the first time in days. It felt nice to be around someone that had no idea about me and Max. Someone that didn't ask me if I was okay every 5 minutes.

We spent the whole day with the crew filming different pieces and taking numerous photos. The best part about it was that me and Lewis got on great, he was probably the only person at Mercedes that I'd truly liked before this season started. He had a great bond with my dad so he'd been around for family events and gathering for years. Lewis was like another brother to me, one that didn't lecture and judge every little thing that I did.

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I decided to stay in a hotel instead of with my dad and Susie I really just needed a break and to have some time to myself. As the lift doors opened I looked up and my heart sank. Max was standing there in front of me. I wanted turn and run in the other direction but I knew that this was bound to happen eventually. I'd be around him at some point so It was better to just rip the band aid off now and get it over and done with.

"Hey" I said as I stepped into the lift.

"Hey how are you doing" he asked not looking at me. It was so awkward between us, the air felt thick from the tension building. I decided to not show too much emotion, it wasn't healthy. I had to just be strong and get on with it.

"Yeah I'm good, just here early to get some filming done. How are you?" I said and smiled up at him. He was finally looking at me but as our eyes met we both looked away.

"That's great, yeah just preparing for the race, you know how it is" he replied shrugging. To my relief the doors opened and It was my stop.

"Good to see you Max" I said stepping out of the lift and quickly walking off. As I got to my room I let out a sigh of relief. At least the first encounter was done. Surely it would only get easier from here on.