CRASH | Lando Norris

01

Wow! I can't believe it. My dream has come true. I'm in the pit lane watching the F1 race, jumping up and down with excitement. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, just asked me if I want to be their new driver for next season. Of course I said yes. I am their reserve driver this season but with Oscar moving to Aston Martin, I'm going ro be the first female driver on the grid. And maybe it will inspire everyone else to follow there dreams. Because look where it got me.

"Valerie. Come over here. You'll miss him cross the finish line."
Ahh yes, him. The nicest boy I've ever met. We're at Silverstone right now. It's his home race. Before lights out, I wished for him to have a good result. He's P2 and infront of Lewis Hamilton. 7 time world champion Lewis Hamilton! He's about to cross the finish line. I can't look. Then I heard the team radio.
"Yes Lando, Haha!" I heard someone laugh.
I felt a smile form across my face. He'd done it. This is the best day ever.
"Well done Lando," I congratulate him, "That was an amazing race."
"Thanks Val," Lando said, although it was a little muffled through the radio.

***

He's just jumped out of his car. He's going over to congratulate Max and Lewis. He's a true sportsman. Oh my gosh. He's coming over. I'm freaking out. Yet again, that happens every time he comes to me after a race. I try to think of what to say, but its too late.
"So Val, how did I do?" Lando asked me.
"That was your worst race ever," I replied sarcastically.
He laughed and gave me a hug. I patted his helmet and he ruffled my short, fluffy, brown hair.
"Now, go do that interview and enjoy that podium," I instructed him.
He nods and I can almost feel his smile through his helmet. Its like a ray of sunshine on a cold winter's day.

***

I'm sitting outside the paddock. The fresh air was nice. I reached into my bag and grabbed my sketch pad and stationary. I started to draw a car when someone with a red racing suit sat next to me.
"So, what you drawing Val?" he questioned.
It was Charles. He's like my best friend on the grid. And he's the only one that knows about my crush on Lando outside of my family.
"None of your business," I told him trying to keep a straight face but failing.
"Aww! Come on Val, what is it?" he asked again, and snatched my pad out of my hands.
I try to get it back with no success
"Oi!" I laughed. "Give that back!"
He looks at the paper and speaks, "This is good. A McLaren car with the number 19 on it. 19 is your number. Are you drawing your dream just cus or has it actually come true?"
"It's come true," I respond, feeling extatic once again.
"That's great, Val. Well done!"
He got me in a head lock and ruffled my hair. It felt great, but not as good as when Lando did it.
"When are you signing the contract?"
"Tonight," I answer.
"Well afterwards, you can come to the party at the Lion's Head if you want."
"That'll be lovely, thanks Charlie."
"No problem. See you later then."
"Bye."