The Long Lost Sister (F1 x Eurovision)

Chapter 15

Time skip to media day for the Japanese Grand Prix...

Max's POV

Christian and I were in his office, we were about to release the news worldwide that I was going to be retiring at the end of the year. We decided the best way to tell the fans would be through a livestream that would be broadcasted to all our socials.

"Max there is going to be a lot of coverage from the media this week are you sure about this?"He asked clearly still concerned.

"Christian trust me I'm ready to do this, I know you guys here at RedBull care about me a lot and I couldn't thank you enough for all these years. I'm promising you when you need me I'll be back, please lets be strong about this and end this season on a high."I replied back.

"Alright Max whatever you say, we're going live now."He replied as I simply nodded.

Stefania's POV

Lando and I were just entering the paddock for the Grand Prix in Japan when Charles came running up to us clearly surprised and out of breath.

"Charles mate are you ok?"Lando asked concerned.

"Guys have you seen the news RedBull released just now live?"He questioned as we looked at him confused.

"What do you mean Charles?"I questioned.

"Max is retiring he's leaving formula 1."He replied as Lando and I looked at each other shocked as Charles showed us the live video where all the media were standing outside of the RedBull garage with the other teams and driver's present.

"I'm hereby announcing my retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the 2023 season, to say it has been short lived is an understatement however due to some personal issues I won't be able to compete any longer. I will miss the sport that's for sure and I would like to thank everyone from the RedBull family for giving me the chance to flourish and learn throughout the past 9 years. Thank you to Christian, Helmut, everyone back at the factory, my friends and family. I've truly loved my time here winning two world championships and fighting with the best on the grid. Now I would like to end this season on a high note with the team and all my focus will be going into that."He announced sending everyone into a frenzy.

"Max what are these personal issues that you're talking about?"A journalist asked.

"I will reveal that in due course of time, for now I would like my privacy please and I hope everyone enjoys the weekend."He replied before walking back into the garage as it was blocked off from the press.

I didn't know what to think, he never told any of this to me. I couldn't imagine what Lando would've been feeling too considering he wouldn't be able to race one of his best friends on the grid for a long time. The both of us immediately made our way to the RedBull garage and on seeing us Christian let us in.

"Christian what's going on why has Max suddenly announced this?"I asked confused as Lando held my hand calming me down.

"I know I heard rumours that you guys were looking to replace someone in the team but I thought that would be Checo."Lando replied sadly.

"I know this seems a lot for you guys to take in trust me it was for me as well, Max is in his driver's room you guys can go and talk to him."Christian replied as we nodded heading to confront Max.

We knocked on his driver room before we heard the shuffling of feet from inside. Max opened the door seeing us and let us in.

"Max what is this why didn't you tell us anything?"I questioned clearly hurt.