REMEMBER THE NAME

2019:14

Arriving at the track for a media day wasn't exactly how Sophie wanted to spend her 20th birthday. She'd have much rather preferred being on a beach with a nice frozen cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other. But instead she was in Germany and about to be hounded with questions.

Making her way through the paddock she signs some autographs and interacts with fans but heads as quickly as possibly to Williams to get the run down for the day. Walking in to the media room there is Debbie, Alexander and Claire waiting for her.

"Hi, sorry if I'm a bit later but there was just some fans wanting to speak with me." She awkwardly smiles at the three, not failing to notice the pained smile that Debbie gives her.

"Don't worry you're actually early." Claire crosses her arms and leans back as Sophie takes the seat opposite her. "I was just running some ideas by Debbie and Alex here." Sophie just smiles before looking at the other two.

"If it's alright I would like to run through the arrangements for the weekend." Debbie unlocks her IPad. "For today starting at 11 we have you and George in for filming some YouTube content. After that you have an interview with F1 TV. George is dealing with the majority of press to give you a more chilled day." Debbie smiles across and Sophie feels herself relax slightly, noting to thank both Debbie and George for what she believes to be the best birthday gift ever.

"Tomorrow is free practice where we'll get you to run through a few different strategies to best prepared for qualifying and race day but we will discuss that with both you and George." Claire begins. "But I would just like to remind you to mind what you say over the radio as not only can the other teams hear this, but so can the media and it's stirred up quite a bad image." Claire looks at her pointedly.

But it's not that what she wants? Sophie thought, but instead she placed a fake smile on her face. "Got it boss."

Claire bids them goodbye before standing up and walking out the room.

"Is that all for now?" Sophie asks.

Debbie double checks the iPad whilst Alexander stays stoically still. "I think so, we just need you back here for about 10:45."

"Okay thanks." Sophie smiles. "I'm just going to nip and see my mum but I'll be back by then." She waves goodbye to the two before exiting the Williams home and making her way to the top of the paddock to enter Mercedes.

As soon as she walks in a few of the team pat her in the back and wish her a happy birthday, which makes her heart swell a bit at them not only knowing but making an effort.

"Happy birthday!" Her mum comes running up to her in her Mercedes' uniform, engulfing her in a big hug.

Sophie wraps her arms around her and hugs back tightly. "Thank you mum." They unwrap from each other and Susie holds her daughter at arms length. "God you are getting so grown up."

"That's the unfortunate thing about birthdays." Sophie jests making her laugh a bit.

"Happy birthday." Toto comes up to her, wrapping her in a singular arm hug as he holds Jack in the other, who had become rather bouncy when seeing his sister.

"Thank you Toto"

As she loosens herself from Toto she tickles Jacks belly making him giggle out the sweetest sound.

"Have you got much media today?" Toto inquires looking between his son and stepdaughter with a smile on his face.

"Thankfully not, I've got some filming and an interview but George has been a legend and took the brunt of it, which I'll need to thank him for when I next see him." She explains.