Anti-hero ~ Max Verstappen

2

I was not unknown in the paddock or in the world of motorsports. I had been in a kart since I was five, I went through all the lower categories, climbing year after year until I reached F2. After winning my championship there and not being able to get my seat I went to the Indycars for a couple of years, it wasn't bad but it wasn't what I was looking for.

I have been teammate with practically all the younger drivers from the current grid at some point or another, but they ended up moving faster than me, even if I got better results than them.

I had to train twice as much as them, do more hours on the simulator, follow stricter diets, smile more because of course, nobody likes a bitter girl, and if they don't like you they won't sponsor you.

If I was ahead of them it was beginner's luck and when the result was repeated over and over again it was all thanks to my father's money. 'Cause apparently money makes you race faster.

But hey, their faces when they are one step below me on the podium was always so much more satisfying that way.

-And where is your cap?- Marie asked when she entered my hotel room.

-Come on Marie, don't make me put the cap on.- I only liked to wear the caps of the podiums call me fussy.

-You know what the rules are, either you wear the cap or you can't leave the hotel, you have to sell caps and you will only sell them if they see you with them.

I put on the cap backward and close my backpack to put it on my shoulder. Seeing me, Marie rolls her eyes and turns my cap back around.

-It's not a good day for tantrums. I want you with the best poker face you have in your glove when you step on that paddock.

-Marie, since when do I not listen to what you tell me?- she raises one of her eyebrows- Okay, straight face and shark look, got it.

-Don't talk to the boys today, you can only talk to the team and Fernando. Let the rest feel intimidated. That head of yours is your strongest point, don't let them in it.

The tests had gone well, midfield good for the public, extremely good for us who knew that the car was not showing even half of its potential. Yesterday the car started to run faster in free practice but the media kept saying that it was because the rest of the teams were reserving for today's qualifying.

Everything was going according to plan. I wish I could see the look on their faces when the car starts running today.

I finish signing a couple of stuff for the fans who were walking around the paddock before going back to the garage.

-Stroll!- I sigh and turn around. I've been managing to avoid him these past few weeks but it seems my luck has run out.

-Not interested Verstappen.- I was about to turn around and go when I heard his laugh.

-Wow, looks like we woke up with an attitude today. Didn't your dad buy you the bag you wanted?- the teasing in his voice was the drop that filled the glass.

-At least my father cares about me, or do I have to remind you who picked you up from that gas station?- He was surprised by the aggressiveness of my response. What did he think, that I was going to forget everything and behave like a good girl for him?

-I came to wish you luck but you can stick it up your ass. Still bitter after 2014 I see.

-The things you were saying weren't pretty and you know it. But well I don't blame you, losing to a girl had to hurt your ego.

The smug smile on his face disappeared and he looked around us to see if anyone was listening.

-It was rigged, I should have won. Everyone knows it.