It was obvious that Daniel was having a hard time accepting that Max was going to be Redbulls number one priority, the team always ensures him that there was no 'number 1' and 'number 2' driver. But Daniel couldn't help but feel like he was racing in Max's shadow, Max was always allowed to over take, Daniel wasn't, Max always got the newer car parts, Daniel didn't, Max always got praise from Christian, Daniel didn't. He was feeling very under appreciated and all around worthless. Of course he was happy that Max was developing as a young driver and Daniel still had plenty of opportunities to take home a race win, but he definitely knew he was the number 2.
Every weekend, every race, he could feel himself getting more desperate, more greedy, for any kind of positive or validation or praise. It came to a point where, even if it put Max down, he would still take the chance. But, somehow, even when Daniel tried his absolute hardest, Max still stood above him on the podium. He never hated Max, but he was jealous and he knew, he accepted, he was jealous, because Max was younger and less experienced.
His car was inching closer and closer to Max's, ready to overtake, ready to grab Max's points, but it happened, he crashed directly into the back of Max, he had no clue what happened, was it his fault? Was it Max's fault? Who knew, but now both Redbull cars were retired from the race.
Daniel had a walk of shame back to the garage, he didn't want to see Max but he knew it would eventually happen. He stood still in the garage, looking down, he hadn't taken his helmet off yet, all he could do was stand there in disbelief and wait for Max to return from the track, and see what kind of reaction Daniel would have to suffer. Max was unpredictable and sometimes unprofessional when it came to incidences such as these. With the finery passion Max had for the sport, mixed with the anger issues developed from his father, Daniel had no clue what Max would say to him. Maybe Max would be super understanding and kind for once, and take pity on Daniel, Daniel really doubted that though. He heard footsteps coming his way and the intense feeling of stress pooled in the pits of his stomach.
Daniel looked up, it was Max walking in his direction, Max hadn't taken his helmet off either, so Dan couldn't see his expression, he just had to guess until Max took it off. As he got closer, he pulled the helmet off, his face was sweaty and his cheeks were a deep red, short hair sticking to his forehead, plump lips swollen and glossy. 'fuck' Daniel thought, beautiful
"Daniel, you fucking idiot" Max said in a loud whisper "what the fuck is up with you!? you fucking retire us from the race?" his lisp was strong when he was angry "I really don't know what else to say to you, but you fucked up" before Daniel could say anything back (which he wouldn't because it would've made max angrier) Max was already gone.
The garage was quiet afterwards, no one really wanted to speak, both pilots had gotten separate lectures from Christian, and they had been very distant for the rest of the day. Max left early to go to his hotel, Daniel stayed a bit later with the mechanics to try and make it up to them. He looked down at his phone after a couple hours
Max: come to my hotel room, once you are done in the garage. you know which number.
Daniel didn't know what reaction to have to his message, he was either going to be shouted at again by Max, or maybe they would have a hate-fuck and make up afterwords. Maybe he should've stayed an extra hour with the mechanics but he was already in a taxi on the way to Max's hotel. He already knew which room, he stood in front of the door for a minute or two, trying to figure out if he should actually see Max or not. Finally he lifted his hand up, hesitated, then firmly knocked.
He heard footsteps, then the sound of the door unlocking, and slowly opening to reveal Max in just a pair or sweatpants. Max didn't say a word to him, he showed Daniel inside and to the couch "sit down" Max ordered "and actually do as you are told"
