everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

eight - angeli

— angeli

THE SUN SETS ON THE HORIZON as laughter and lively chatter fill the air aboard Charles's luxurious yacht. We're gathered for a celebratory dinner, surrounded by all the friends I've made this far. Everyone except Bellie and I have to fly out tomorrow for the race, so we decided to have a celebratory dinner tonight before everyone's schedules become hectic. The yacht glides smoothly through the azure waters of the Mediterranean, creating a picturesque backdrop for our evening.

The long table is adorned with an exquisite spread of delicious food and drinks. Bellie, George, Alex, Pierre, Mick, Lando, Daniel, Carlos, Isa, Heidi, Kika, and Lily — our group of friends — are engaged in animated conversations, their voices blending into a harmonious symphony of banter and laughter.

As the night unfolds, Charles and I find ourselves seated next to each other, stealing glances and sharing knowing smiles. The joy of being surrounded by loved ones, combined with the sense of accomplishment from my progress, fills the air with an infectious energy.

Charles leans toward me, his voice low and playful. "So, Angeli, how does it feel to be the star of the show tonight?"

I chuckle, nudging him gently. "Oh, please, Charles. You know I'm only here for the company. The food is just a bonus."

He feigns offense, placing a hand over his heart. "Angeli, the food is a masterpiece prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. It deserves more appreciation!"

"If by Michelin-starred chef, you mean you, then I don't think so."

Laughter erupts from our friends around the table, each chiming in with their own witty remarks and teasing comments.

Bellie raises her glass, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "To Angeli, the walking wonder! May she never forget how to put one foot in front of the other!"

We all raise our glasses, toasting to my progress. The clinking of glass against glass echoes through the night, a symbol of friendship and celebration.

As we dig into our delicious meal, the banter continues, flowing effortlessly from one person to another. George, always the joker, directs a playful jab at Pierre's racing skills, while Alex and Lando engage in a lighthearted debate about the best racing circuits in the world.

Bellie, ever the philosopher, interjects with a thought-provoking question. "Do you guys think racing is more about skill or instinct?"

Daniel, with a mischievous grin, interjects, "It's all about who looks better in the winner's photo, isn't it?"

We erupt in laughter, the sound carrying across the deck, mingling with the gentle lapping of waves against the yacht.

Underneath the starlit sky, with the gentle sway of the yacht and the rhythmic lull of the waves, the banter among our friends escalates to new heights of hilarity.

Kika, known for her quick wit, turns to her boyfriend, Pierre, with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "Pierre, you're always bragging about your racing skills, but can you even navigate a grocery store without crashing into a display?"

The table erupts in laughter as Pierre feigns offense, shaking his head. "Kika, my love, I am a maestro on the racetrack and in the grocery aisles. I maneuver those shopping carts with the grace of a ballet dancer!"

Lily, ever the voice of reason, chimes in with a smirk. "Well, Pierre, if grocery shopping were an Olympic sport, I'm sure you'd be a gold medalist."

Laughter fills the air once again, blending with the soothing sounds of the sea. Amidst the jovial atmosphere, the bond between us grows stronger, as if each joke and playful remark acts as another thread weaving us together.