The encounter of a lifetime - Charles Lerclerc

Chapter 53

Today is Saturday and it's qualifying day. Testing yesterday went pretty well. Charles came in 4th position and Carlos in 6th. But it's today that everything will be decided. We will have to qualify well for the race tomorrow.

This morning I woke up really quietly. I grab my phone and go for a spin on instagram. I see that fan accounts have started posting 150 posts a day again.

Liked by @charleslove16 and 28,986 others
@gossip_f1 alert! a new wag has just taken its first steps in the paddocks. it's about heidi berger the girlfriend of daniel ricciardo
See the 1'435 comments.
@lovehoneybag3 she looks so hot 🍯

I also notice a post about Luisa and me.

Liked by @landoluisinha4 and 35,892 others.
@gossip_f1 it looks like luisa (lando's girlfriend) and emma (charles' girlfriend) spend a lot of time together. so in your opinion it is a friendship goal?
See all 2,146 comments.
@charlescarlosferrari yes! WE love!!
@f1_fanpage wags that are besties that's all we want

After seeing these "news" on formula one I get up from my bed and go get ready.

I opt for a simple but classy outfit. It is
the way most girls dress in the paddocks.

***

We are in Q3. Charles and Sainz remain as well as the two McLarens, Pierre, the two Mercedes, the two Redbulls and Mick in his Haas.

The tension is at its peak. All the pilots are doing very similar times and no one can determine who will take the pole. There are only 40 seconds left. The drivers finish their last lap on the track. Unfortunately, Charles does not manage to put himself in first position but he is second which is already very good. In front of him is none other than Max Verstappen.

When we return to the hotel Charles is obviously disappointed.

Charles: I made a pilot error in the second sector and if I hadn't done that I would have had the pole.
Emma: Yes but it's already the second place my heart. In the winter tests your cars weren't going at all, so consider yourself happy.
Charles: Yeah I know but it's really frustrating.
Emma: I know.

So that he changes his mind a bit, we decide to eat at the restaurant of the hotel as a couple. So we get ready quietly and we start our romantic evening.

During our meal Charles starts asking me a lot of questions about my feelings about the grand prix etc. Without my really understanding why he suddenly thinks about it.

Charles: Do you get bored when you come with me on race weekends?
Emma: Honestly it depends on the times and times. I love coming with you and I love
this atmosphere, but it's true that you're very busy all weekend and it's complicated sometimes because I'm all alone.
Charles: Yeah I understand. In any case, thank you for coming with me often. I like having you by my side. Your presence soothes me.

I smile and drink from my glass, looking embarrassed. We finish our meal and go up to our room.

***

Today we went to the paddocks rather early. Charles had a lot of conferences and meetings before the race and I wanted to come with him. I decide to walk around a bit. I meet all my friends, and so I talk a little with them to find out how they feel about the race and also wish them good luck. Even if they are Charles' competitors, they are also my friends. And I know even Charles would be happy for them if they were to win. Although he would still be disappointed.

I then join Luisa for a coffee in the cafeteria. It's around 11:20 a.m. and we're going to eat with the guys in an hour, so we're already waiting for them there. I like when Luisa is at the grand prix because we spend a lot of time together. We get along really well.

The boys finally arrive. George, Lando, Charles, Carlos, Alex, Pierre and also Daniel who arrives with Heidi. We all sit down and eat. These moments all together are really cool. It looks like a large group of friends in summer camp. Unfortunately the boys can't stay long because they have a big schedule.

Emma: Heidi if you want with Luisa we'll stay there a while longer you can stay with us.
Heidi: Oh yes thank you that's nice.

She shifts towards us, since she was sitting next to Daniel.

Luisa: So you're an actress right?
Heidi: Yes in Germany.
Emma: That's super stylish. You two have very cool jobs between modeling and acting.
Heidi: Haha that's nice. And you what are you doing?
Emma: I am studying marketing. I will soon finish my bachelor's degree.
Heidi: Ah, but you're very young then?!
Emma: Yes, I say laughing.

We continue to chat for an hour before leaving to join the paddocks of our respective boyfriends. I go to Charles' garage as the race is about to begin.

The start is hot. Max manages to keep his first place and Charles the second but the fight is on. There is a lot of overtaking and unfortunately when Pierre got hit and went off the track. He had to abandon the race.

It's time to change the tires. Charles arrives in front of the garage and the tire gets stuck. He loses time, but he manages to start again except that he finds himself in the middle of the other pilots. He must therefore give his all to recover and push the car to its limits. He quickly manages to regain two places. He is preparing to pass a third car when he is hit from behind by another car. His car rolls over and crashes into the wall.

My breath catches and my heart stops.

*****