REMEMBER THE NAME

2019:11

Sophie sat in the corner of the Williams garage with her earphones in as she looked over her notebook with the lists of strategies. The pre race jitters had definitely settled in, so she was hiding until the very last minute so she wouldn't get harassed by any reporters or have the chaotic environment affect her mindset.

Sophie had two playlists for a pre race: a calming one filled with slow and sad songs which she would play when she was anxious, and an upbeat happy one that she would play when she needed to get hyped. At the moment she was listening to the first of the two with O Children by Nick Cave playing. Harry Potter was one of her favourite films, so the song played a massive part in helping her calm down as she regulated her breathing to it.

She wasn't always so anxious before a race, but this one provided a heavy weight on her shoulders. Not only had her dads side of the family came all the way to see her, but her grandparents had made a surprise visit alongside her mum - all of her family who she barely got to see were all together in one place to watch her do well. Now she just had to deliver a good result.

A tap on her shoulder caused her to turn over her notebook and bring out her earphones.

"They're about to sing the anthem, you better go." Cameron, her trainer stood above her with his arms crossed and a small smile on his face.

She silently nodded her head, passing him her phone, earphones and notebook before pulling on her race suit and zipping it up before making her way in to the hectic track.

The home crowd was buzzing, flags were flown, chants were being shouted, and the energy was definitely next level. Sophie plastered a smile on her face and lightly jogged over towards the rest of the drivers, dodging reporters at every angle.

She makes her way on to the stand, taking the last empty space next to George who tries not laugh at the girls lack of breath.

The national anthem plays and Sophie stands respectfully while she listened. Once it stopped she took a minute to give a brief clap before standing down.

"Cutting it a bit close." George nudges her.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, I was here perfectly on time." She smirks as they walk towards their cars near the back of the grid.

"How are you feeling?" He tries to make small talk.

"Nervous." She smiles up. "What about you?"

"I feel quite hyped but I'm also shitting myself."

Sophie can't help but laugh. "We'll at least we're in it together." She pats his back and sends him a smile. "Good luck." She turns and walks towards her car which was the one behind his.

Let's get the show on the road.

—

"We'll done honey!" Sophie's gran wraps her arms around the slightly sweaty driver.

"Thank you granny." Sophie wraps her arms around her back, making the most of the embrace since she doesn't get to experience them as often now.

"P15 was great." Her papa claps her over the shoulder.

"Is it bad that I still feel a bit disappointed?" She whispers to him, carefully aware of who could be around her.

"That's your competitiveness." He sadly smiles. "You just need to understand your situation."

She can only nod her head, knowing that he's right but it still doesn't improve her feelings. Since it was her first home Grand Prix she just wanted to do well and make everyone who had travelled for her proud. Sure it was better than P17, but she wasn't anywhere close to being competitive.