Point of view | Lando Norris

9 | Grandparents

"You can be anything you want to be;

just turn yourself into anything you think that you could ever be"

Queen - Innuendo

Bristol, 14 Luglio 2019

After we got prepared, I went with Lando to my grandparents'.

A light rain beats on the glass of Lando's car and I fall asleep, cradled by the raindrops' sound. We arrived at our destination, Nana Linda and Grandpa Richard's home, I took Lando by the hand and I rang the bell. I have to admit that I am a bit anxious just by thinking that I'm going to see my grandparents again - it has been a while since I saw them last time. We just wrote a lot to each other, and that's not even comparable to meeting them. As I got more confident, Nana Linda opens the door.

"Hi Viola! Welcome back! And... who's this?" my granny greets me, hugging me and introducing herself to Lando, who does the same, as I see my grandpa approaching Nana from behind.

"Viola! How much you've grown! You have become a woman... Did you bring Lando because you know how much I support him?"

"It's a pleasure!" Lando shakes hands with grandpa introducing himself.

"As you could imagine, Lando, dear, I know you so well..." says grandpa Richard as we follow him to the living room, looking literally the same as when I went to my grandparents' last time.

Lando looks at me with a surprised and amused face.

"I got an idea of ​​who you are by watching you on TV, but you were called by McLaren also thanks to me, you know, we've never spoken before but I've been following you for a long time in the minor categories, from when I stopped working as a track engineer, I decided to follow the young champions and then suggest some names to McLaren. A sometimes complicated job, but supported by the right people we hired you, and I must say I'm really proud to have bet on you."

"Grandpa, are you still working for McLaren?" I ask.

"Actually, yes, but my work is marginal and I'm never in the paddock. Being a former track engineer I help a person to find new talents in the racing world and they trust me a lot as I was lucky enough to know Niki Lauda very well... our friendship played an important role in my career because he managed to insert me in this world, making me an increasingly respected person, he was an amazing person and I can really say I owe him everything..."

I am so confused. Why did he never tell me?

"Wow Sir, thank you very much for choosing me. You don't even imagine how much I am proud of myself for being chosen right by McLaren. My dream has become true thanks to you." Lando thanks my grandpa.

"Not only thanks to me, but you really deserve it."

Nana Linda serves us some tea and biscuits. After we thanked her, we started eating some, they're perfect. 

"But grandpa, why didn't you tell me anything?" I ask.

"Your parents didn't want me to tell you, but luckily now you're here and you know. I couldn't have lied to you again."

"I know, I just knew it was their fault..." 

"If you want your own personal revenge, introduce them to Lando!" Grandma Linda says laughing.

We all burst into a big laugh.

"So how did you two meet each other?" asks granny, romantic as usual.

"By chance, let's say, at the airport as soon as I landed... so a few days ago... but there's such a good chemistry between us that it seems like I've known Lan for a lifetime... our meeting made me change my mind again about love and I know everything happened really fast but I feel so comfortable here that I don't know if I'll go back to Italy..."

"Are you joking?" Lando looks at me seriously "They'll be very angry... I don't want to be the reason of a fight... they're still your parents."

"I will do my best."

"They'll be very angry Viola, but if you can't stand it anymore, do what you feel like doing. You're in time for the enrollment at many of the universities near London..." my grandmother reminds me.

"I'll have to think about it, of course, but I'm 21 and I can't stand them when they control me. Mom still does it during the lessons in Venice. I'm done, I'm no longer a little girl."

"I have an idea," Lando suggests, cuddling me to him, "you could follow me for this season. My aunt teaches at the Royal Academy and most likely there have already been the auditions for this year... you could keep in touch with her, who teaches singing, so you don't miss lessons, you get the program and so you study it well with her before the third year of auditions and the supplementary exam..."

"Lando... it's a great idea, but I don't know if I will be enough..."

"You are, darling" my grandma reassures me.

"Yes Vivi... nana's right" my grandpa adds "...let Lando help you, it's a great idea because your parents could be even fine with that. Venice's conservatory is great but there you will have more opportunities."

"You're right. In a few days I'll call mom to tell her."

"Wonderful idea, love." Lando says.

Lando and Grandpa speak to each other about cars, Formula 1 champions, today's race and more, so my Grandma decides to speak with me. 

"You're doing a great thing by moving there, if you don't react, your parents will make you become what you don't want to be... but are you sure you want to continue to study singing?"

"It's actually part of me now... and knowing I can stay here makes me happier than ever... do you think I should care about Lando's tip?"

"Are you serious?! You have to! That boy loves you and you have my blessing because you're simply made for each other."

She smiles and I realize that we have to go back to the hotel because it's late. 

My grandparents happily greet us as we got on the McLaren.

"They're the cutest... and your grandpa is a legend! I'm happy about your choice, by the way..." he smiles.

"Thanks for everything, Lando."

"I love you, Viola."