behind cameras- c.l

ten

I don't hear too much from Charles for the rest of the week. We're in Saudi Arabia now, and I can only guess he's with his team, working hard to beat Max for the next race, which is only a few days away now.

I had flown in with the Netflix crew on Monday. I sat next to Valerie on the journey, and got to know her a bit better. She was the only woman on the team around my age, and so I think she appreciated my company as well.

We talked about work for a bit, and then the drivers, and I eventually filled her in on what was going on with Charles. She was the only person I felt I could tell, considering Alex and George would both be angry, if not disappointed, in me.

Valerie was shocked at first, and then started laughing as I explained more and more.

"Fucking hell." She had said. "That's quite a story."

I nodded. "Tell me about it. It's like a bad fanfiction. But what do I do, Val?"

She rested her head on her hand. "Well, do you want to sleep with him?"

"I don't know!" I had said, frustrated. "I mean, he's an attractive guy. I don't not  to, I guess. Most girls would give their left tit to be in this dilemma. But it's tricky."

"Why?" She sounded amused.

"It's risky." I relied. "George and Alex wouldn't like it, if the media found out that would be terrible, not to mention Martin...I have a feeling he wouldn't be too happy if he knew."

Valerie nodded. "I suppose so. Do you think it's worth it?"

I shrugged. "It's an infatuation." I said. "He'll get over it, and so there's no point doing something I'll regret. But, you know, he's Charles Leclerc."

Valerie smiled. "I know what you mean. But I think whatever you do, you'll be able to handle the consequences well. You're a strong person, Ally."

And now here I was, sat on the floor on my hotel room, drinking a mojito at 3 in the afternoon and watching the F1 drivers press conference.

On the sofa, from left to right, it was Lance, Alex, Valterri, George and Charles. I don't know if I was the only one to feel the tension, but woah. Alex and George still weren't talking to Charles after the incident at the beach.

"So, Charles, let's start with you." The interviewer says. "It's been a great start to the season for you, how are you feeling after a great P6 to P2 performance last weekend?"

Charles smiles and raises his mic. "Well, there's definitely a good feeling in the garage. The team's brought out a great car, and both me and Carlos are feeling in great shape for what should be a great season for us."

The interviewer nods. "That's good to hear. So what kind of things have you been up to to keep fit over winter break? You were one of the drivers who shared less of your vacation."

Charles' face tightens ever so slightly. I take a sip of my drink. "I always appreciate my privacy. But, to answer your question, I did a lot of upper body training, as well as endurance building out in the Dolomites. A winter sport training program."

I shake my head. What a rich person thing to do.

The questions continue, and by the time the interviewer is done with Charles, my glass is empty, and I call down to reception for another. It's George's turn now.

The guy asks him questions about his last race as well, and then about how it was like to work with Lewis, etc. George answers politely and with moments of humour, making the whole thing slightly less boring for everyone.

He's like a ray of sunshine, George Russell. Ever since we had first met, we had become very close, and I consider him one of my best friends on the grid, if not just in general. We had been hanging out a lot, especially with Alex and Lily, and it was nice to not have to third wheel the whole time, to have a friend I didn't have to share.