Rise Up

Chapter 29: Last Race

It was finally time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Everybody was looking forward to find out the 2021 world Champion and I was too, but at the same time, I felt sad at the idea of this race as my last one.

Horner and Tost didn't announce anything about next season, in other words the seat was still vacant, but nobody was in list for it, at least this is what they kept saying at the media.

This day will be one of the most important of my whole life, probably a day I will never forget. I'll do everything to end this chapter of my career in the best way possible. I want to do this for my own pride, for all the sacrifices my parents made to let me be here today, for my team that gave me this huge opportunity, for all my supporters, the old and the new ones, that sent me their love and admiration in every possible way.

I was ready for this last race, proud of everything I've done in these past months and also ready to challenge the future, whatever it will bring.

My parents flew over this morning to be here on time for the race, together with a few cousins and friends of mine, excited to cheer me on my side of the garage.

Already in my suit, I called everyone's attention in the box, jumping on an old tire, thanks to the help of a few mechanics, to be a bit taller.

"Ok guys, before the race, I'd like to say a few things to you. I'm gonna be honest, I couldn't sleep last night-"

"As always!" A mechanic screamed and everyone laughed.

"Well, yes, as always- I decided to not waste my time and write a short speech. I've never been good with words, anyway I hope you'll appreciate it." 

Even if I hadn't even started, they cheered me up, letting me continue with a little bit more of courage. 

"Ok, ehm... I wanted to thank personally each one of you, from the first to the last member of this amazing team, or better, family. Because, yes, in these past months you've been my family, my best friends, my biggest supporters, not just my colleagues, mechanics and engineers. I'd like to send a bigger thank to Franz, that personally gave me this huge chance and honor to join you on this fantastic journey. The same goes for Horner, that despite all the troubles I brought, always believed in me, even though, we could say, he showed it in discussable ways. Another big thanks goes of course to the one and only Fred, that supported me but also, maybe even mostly, stand me and my moody feelings, always ready with silly jokes and good comforting words. I'd like to thank obviously the two closer members I had on my side, Michael and Susanne, that never left me alone, neither a day, neither when I wanted it. You guys are amazing, I'm really glad and lucky to have you. One last thanks must go to the person, actually the first person that made me feel like at home here. We didn't get along the first day, as I accused him to be another fucking sexist man, but as soon as we talked properly, I understood how a good person he is. The kind of person that I wish everyone meet at least once in their life, because he's always been there to listen to me, to laugh at my worries, to pat my back, to comfort me, to beat everyone's asses for me, to share cheat food so I wouldn't feel guilty alone, to help me through all my breakdowns, to share also his memories and most private things with me. Pierre, you're absolutely one of a kind, and believe me when I say that everyday I thank God for giving me the chance to meet you. Thank you guys, all of you, for all the good things you've done for and with me. I'm not used to say this as I'm an ice-cold bitch, but I do love you. Thanks again. Now let's stop this depression, put your smiles together and let's go race hard as we always do, c'mon!"

As soon as I finished my emotional speech, everyone started clapping and screaming my name. We shared a group hug that almost killed me for how much it was tight and then we slowly went back to work.