Hearts on the track

Cap. Eight

The surprise of seeing that notification made my heart race. Him following me meant that he had taken an effort to look for my profile, even though I hadn't given him any information besides my name.

I felt a mixture of surprise and joy. I opened Instagram and went to the pilot's profile. Clearly, my follow was already there. My heart raced faster as I saw the colourful and fun photos, capturing moments of his Formula 1 career and relaxed moments with friends and teammates. After today, it was easy to understand why so many people were enchanted by him.

—\—

It was now 4 p.m., and I was in Bahrain for the first Grand Prix. The previous days had been hectic to ensure everything went according to plan. Meetings after meetings, studying the circuit, analyzing simulator results, and I was also tasked with developing a new pit stop strategy for this weekend. Yesterday, I had to face Charles in the joint meeting with the whole team. After the moment I tried (with great desire but without success) to forget, I had difficulty looking directly into his eyes.

It was the most restrained three hours I had ever experienced. I decided to stay silent most of the time, choosing not to provoke him and avoid triggering an argument in front of everyone.

I only brought a medium-sized suitcase with me. I had packed the uniform that Ferrari had sent me, the same as the entire team, and a few outfits in case there was an opportunity to go out or attend another event. It was my first race weekend of the season as a Strategist and Data Analyst. I couldn't be prouder of myself and the journey I had taken to get where I was.

After slowly getting up from my hotel bed and taking too long in the shower, I dressed in light jeans and the Ferrari t-shirt. I grabbed my paddock pass and my equally red cap and headed downstairs to meet Sarah.

Today was media day, and Sarah promised to give me a guided tour of the paddock while the sun was still up, although she told me the night view was three times better. The country had a distinct heat, and I was grateful that today's work was confined to the hotel walls.

When I arrived at the circuit, the atmosphere was filled with energy and excitement, with a unique ambience created by the combination of the desert and the sea. Feeling a bit disoriented by the size of the place, I immediately messaged Sarah asking where she was. After the event of presentation of the drivers and our shopping spree, we had developed a close relationship. We kept each other updated on the latest gossip or the newest photos of Lewis Hamilton with Roscoe, or even analyzed controversial TikToks about the latest rumors on the grid.

We are both huge F1 enthusiasts, and despite working directly in the sport, our hearts belonged to the fandom.

After receiving the reply message saying she was in the pit lane, in front of our team's garages, and after 20 minutes of trying to find the place, I came face to face with my new friend.When I arrived at the location, Sarah was recording content for social media with the two drivers before tomorrow's free practice session. So as not to interrupt my friend's work, I sat on the nearest bench to avoid interrupting her. When I allowed myself to analyze the surroundings, I saw the person I least wanted to see.

Charles was dressed in team gear and looked at me attentively before returning his gaze to the camera and continuing his work. I tried not to give importance to the situation and looked away to observe the outside of the garage. The scorching sun reflected on the metallic surfaces, and there was some movement from the various teams as they prepared for tomorrow.

As the camera continued to record, Sarah directed her attention to Carlos, interviewing him about his preparation for the race and his relationship with the team. Carlos, always relaxed and charismatic, responded with enthusiasm, sharing funny stories from last year's race.

While scrolling on my phone to pass the time more quickly, the natural light that was previously shining on me was blocked by a figure. Charles, with a sarcastic tone, looked at me and said, "You always have to be around, don't you? Seems like you're trying to draw attention to yourself."

His words hit me with a tremendous shock that I couldn't even process. I knew my visit to the garages at this time of the afternoon wasn't necessary, but I was there because of Sarah. All the feelings I was trying to suppress were crushed and completely replaced with anger. I was tired of his behavior towards me.

"It's not about drawing attention to myself, Charles. I'm here for Sarah, which is none of your business, actually. Maybe you should worry more about improving your performance on the track."

There was an almost instant change in his body language. His eyes hardened, and he pressed his lips into a neutral line. His fists clenched by his side, and he spoke in a low, threatening tone. "

"Don't tell me what to do! You have no authority to speak about my performance. I am the main driver of this team, while you're nothing more than a decorative figure."

His words hit me hard. Was I really that dispensable in his team? In my head, I had hoped that his initial comments were just to intimidate me. I was tired of being his punching bag. I know my worth, and I know I can bring it back to this team. I've studied my entire life to show what I'm capable of. I won't deny that his words unlocked sadness in me, but I couldn't give him the advantage of seeing it on my face.

"You may have the title of main driver, Charles, but it takes more than that to be a decent human being. Selfish attitude won't get you anywhere."

The argument attracts the attention of others in the paddock, including members of other teams. Sarah, sensing the tense situation, quickly rushes to our side and reprimands in a low voice."Enough! This is not helping at all," Sarah exclaims firmly. "We're here to work as a team and achieve our goals. I won't allow this behavior to tarnish our image."

Taking advantage of the interrupted argument, I decided to distance myself as quickly as possible from that place. I no longer knew where I was going, with tears threatening to fall from my eyes. I had to find a place where I could sit down, calm down, and gather my thoughts. I found a small balcony where nobody was present, with a perfect view of the sea.

When I glance down, I see Lando Norris talking to his teammate, Oscar Piastri. I watched him for a few minutes until he notices my presence, squints his eyes due to the brightness, and recognizes me.

———-
How do you guys feel after this fight between them?