one way or another - OSCAR PIASTRI

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Graduation, the end of the three final hellish years of schooling before actually being an adult. Although I was worried for my future, I was also glad that finally I could unwind at least momentarily before having to step into the real world.

Life hadn't been easy but I would say I'm very lucky that I was born into an established family and never had to worry about where my next meal came from. The only problem that came with our established family was the tradition of arranged marriage. For years the daughters of the Russell family were married off after graduation, if they chose to study of course. Aunts had been married off, great aunts had been married off, and now being the only daughter to Steve and Alison Russel, it was my turn.

The thought of being connected to someone in such a way did not sit well with me however there was always one way to let loose, London. To most, London was not a place of relaxation, tranquillity or calm however to me it was home.

As a child it was hard to call somewhere home as I didn't stay in one place for very long. For most of my academic life I studied in Switzerland. Due to my parent's busy work schedule, sending George and I to boarding school was the only solution. Summer breaks were spent with relatives all around Europe. Always staying with a different aunt on rotation. Winter break was considerably shorter and more manageable for our parents so we would always spend it together around the fire of the chalet in the French alps.

Spending my childhood in Switzerland was of course lonely, as a child you crave the approval and love of your parents, but being with George did help even just slightly. It was hard for the both of us but it meant that the bond we had formed was indestructible.

George is two years my senior and currently racing in formula 1. Racing is of course and expensive and time consuming sport to pick up which is probably where all of our parents time went when they weren't working. Of course I was some what jealous of the attention he had received but now it had finally paid off.

As George's younger sister I had the privilege of exclusive access to the paddock and of course all of the after parties. Last season I made sure to attend every single one, as well as attend classes of course.  Every week apart from off season or summer break, it was a new country, new city and new party scene. Of course I  considered myself lucky to be able to experience something like this all.

It was just after the graduation ceremony and I had returned my cap and gown. George had said once we had driven back down to London from Oxford to the apartment we had shared when he was in England, we could hit the town.

It was off season for him finally which meant I could party without having to worry about my image as "George's little sister". It was fun travelling the world with him and his racing buddies don't get me wrong but I could never catch a break.

"Lottie you're embarrassing me"

"Lottie remember where you are"

"Lottie remember who's around you"

"Damn you're George's sister, wouldn't have guessed you guys are so different"

blah blah blah. For once, I could go enjoy my time with my brother without having to worry about tarnishing the squeaky clean Russell name. I could just go out, party and go home. No fans trying to butter me up to get to my brother. Just music, drinks, and guys I'd never see again.

"By the way cha, Lando and Alex are home too so they're coming along" George says through the blasting radio as we drive down the motorway.

Well, most of the guys I wont have to see again. At least it was Lando and Alex. George had grown up racing with them so to say they were close would be pretty accurate. Off season they golf together, go out together even spend their holidays together. During season they shoot promo and other F1 content together, have lunch together and even diss each other on the post race interview.