The Long Lost Sister (F1 x Eurovision)

Chapter 14

Two Weeks Later...

Max's POV

I had arrived in Singapore for the Grand Prix, after winning back in Monza I hadn't seen Stefania as she went with Lando to the UK for a while. During these weeks I found out some terrible news. I hadn't been feeling well recently and Christian had suggested that I go and see the doctor. After numerous tests and checks on me they concluded that I had a heart issue due to severe stress. I thought back to all the paperwork and sleepless nights I went through during my father's case. In the end my career was in jeopardy because of it. I didn't know what to feel, somehow he was always getting the better of me and I hated it. Luckily I was still be able to race till the end of the season but, I would have to be careful at all points of time. It was still early days and the doctor said that I could make a complete recovery but I would probably have to sit out a few years from Formula 1. As I discussed the issue with Christian he was shocked by the news and was completely speechless.

"Oh my god this is serious Max, what are you going to do?"He inquired.

"I'm going to be following the doctor's advice, I will finish the season and then retire as I focus on my recovery."I replied back sadly.

"H-how are you going to break the news to the others?"He asked.

"I'm not going to, this stays between us. I don't want to tell anyone especially Stefania. She just got us back and is really happy with Lando I don't want to give her any reason to be concerned about."I replied back.

"Oh come on Max surely you have to tell someone."He replied trying to convince me.

"I'm telling you Christian and keep this a secret unless you really need to say it. I've had a lot to think about in these past 2 weeks and I feel like this is the best decision. I'm planning to go away for awhile to just to recover on my own."I replied.

"Is there anything that I can say that will change your mind to stay here at least within the team?"He asked.

"No Christian nothing is going to change my mind, I'll be back though I promise."I replied back as he nodded.

"Right that leaves me to search up a driver to pair up with Checo for next year."He replied.

"Christian get Lando, both Checo and him would do very well in the team."I replied back surprising him.

"He's still a part of McLaren till 2025 at least he will have a buyout though and McLaren will be keen on keeping him."He replied back.

"Trust me on this you won't regret it."I replied.

"Alright I'll think about it Max, as for now you're still a part of our team and family let's end it on a high."He replied sadly.

"You know we will Christian, I've given my everything for this team and I love everyone here I'm not backing down now."I replied as he hugged me.

"We'll miss you Max, promise me again that you'll be back soon, even if it isn't for us promise me you'll be back."He replied.

"Don't worry Christian I'll be back and I'll definitely return to the bulls if a spot is open that is."I replied.

The weekend in Singapore was a struggle for us, we couldn't seem to find the right balance and setup for the car and I was struggling a lot with the car's up shifts. The Ferrari's and McLaren's were also showing good pace and looked like the teams to take the podium along with Mercedes. We knew deep inside that our winning streak was coming to an end but we all vowed to keep pushing till the end. Checo and I qualified down in 13th and 11th which confirmed our suspicions as we became the talk of the paddock at our sudden pace disappearance. Almost everyone thought it had to do with the new technical directive that was introduced but after several interviews of us denying it did they finally believe us. We finished 5th and 8th after a tough race with an unlucky safety car. This whole weekend had become an emotional roller coaster for me from my big decision to having a hard time on track.

I knew I had to break the news to everyone soon before we had an official announcement. I had decided that I would tell my family and friends after the race in Japan and we would announce it officially during that weekend itself. The week following the race, Christian and Helmut our team advisor, got into talks with Lando and while it was supposed to remain confidential they decided to give me small updates in between. On my request, they didn't tell him whose seat he was going to replace if the deal was done but I knew he thought he was going to replace Checo. I even had a chat with Checo about it revealing everything to him especially after everything he has done for me as a teammate from helping me in championships to just daily advice on the smallest of things. He was shocked to say the least but happy to know that his seat was secure. I thanked him for the three years together and told him to keep it a secret as well. Soon enough, the deal was confirmed and Lando was super happy, RedBull managed to buy him out from McLaren and he still thought he was going to be partnering me. Nia was also super happy for him and we all held a celebration dinner the night we landed in Japan.

I knew I was keeping a big secret from everyone but I felt this was for the best. As I reflected on all the problems I went through up until now in this year I kinda figured it out why I was stressing out so much. It all ranged from the hectic schedule of formula 1 to my father's arrest and court work to my gradual decline in my relationship with Kelly, everything was taking a toll on me. Yes, from the outside it seemed like everything was fine but I could feel the love fading between us gradually and I couldn't blame her for it. From what I saw it seemed to happen to the both of us. I had a talk with Kelly after SIngapore and we decided to break up mutually but still remain good friends especially since P wouldn't want me to leave. Kelly still wanted me to be around knowing the impact I had on P's life. I told her that I would be around but far away from everyone else as I explained my situation for her. As expected she was shocked at hearing my dilemma but agreed to support me in any decision I would take.

I just knew that I needed some time to myself for now to heal, recover and get my life back on track. One of the many things that I learnt from my father over the years was definitely masking my feelings. I looked normal as if I was leading the perfect life to the public, deep down I was always struggling I consider myself lucky to have had such a supportive team and family always backing me which got me to where I am today. I knew this wouldn't be the end for me not until I know it's really my time. I vowed that I would be back with a vengeance.

🇸🇬|Singapore Grand Prix Top 10-
1.Carlos Sainz 🇪🇸-25 points
2.Lando Norris 🇬🇧-18 points
3.Lewis Hamilton 🇬🇧-16 points/1 for fastest lap
4.Charles Leclerc 🇲🇨-12 points
5.Max Verstappen 🇳🇱-10 points
6.Pierre Gasly 🇫🇷-8 points
7.Oscar Piastri 🇦🇺-6 points
8.Sergio Perez 🇲🇽-4 points
9.Liam Lawson 🇳🇿-2 points
10.Kevin Magnussen 🇩🇰-1 point