The Long Lost Sister (F1 x Eurovision)

Chapter 16

Time skip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix...

Stefania's POV

The Japanese Grand Prix weekend was a roller coaster full of emotions. The RedBull garage were super happy as they managed to clinch the constructor's title here however, there was still a gloomy atmosphere from Max's shocking announcement. It was clear that they were all going to miss him a lot, especially considering the fact that this team has been through so much with Max in the past 8 years. As much as I knew I was going to support Max in whatever his decision was, I was still finding it hard to accept that he was leaving and I wouldn't see him again for god knows how long. I was very thankful that Lando was there to help me through all of this. I couldn't have found a better person to be with and I was incredibly happy that I met him.

We were now in Abu Dhabi, the final race of the season, Max won his third and last drivers world championship as RedBull clinched their constructors title. Max had already told the world that he was retiring due to heart issues which saddened all of his fans a lot and the entire community.RedBull announced Lando joining the team shortly after Japan after he had come to an agreement to leave McLaren. The team prepared a special livery for Max's last race, the car was full of photos and key moments from Max's entire career which brought tears to his eyes.

"Thank you so much everyone, this has been a dream come true for me. Thank you for all the memories, all the hard work over the years its paid off. I couldn't have asked for a better team for this journey and I wish you all the best for your future ahead."Max replied as the whole team clapped and whistled out loud.

The weekend went by much quicker than I anticipated, both Max and Checo locked out the front row for RedBull while Lando started P3 with his teammate Oscar right behind him in fourth. The race was drama free and Max ended the race in first with Checo and Lando completing the podium. Both of the bulls celebrated with donuts as Lando joined along. When it was time for the podium ceremony, the Dutch national anthem played as we all stood looking up at Max. I never followed the sport much before I met Max but I knew this wouldn't be heard for quite a long time now. After the trophies were giving out and the podium celebrations were over, Max was called to be interviewed on the stage itself by Jenson Button.

"Max last race of the season, last race for you in a RedBull, last race in Formula 1 how do you feel?"Jenson asked.

"I feel happy and sad at the same time, I feel like I've achieved everything I possibly could in Formula 1. I've achieved my dream of being a world champion however, I still know there was so much more left for me in the sport and I wouldn't have liked to retire this early. Unfortunate things do happen and that's just life."He replied.

"Well we all hope you make a full recovery from your heart condition, do you want to say anything to your fans out there?"Jenson replied.

"I would like to thank everyone for the support through the hard and good times, I love each and every one of you for it."He replied as the crowd cheered.

"What are you going to miss the most about Formula 1?"Jenson asked.

"Everything, this sport is just incredible and I'm happy to have reached the top and mark my name as one of the best. Racing has been a big part of my entire life and I wouldn't trade any of it, no regrets at all."He replied back.

"One last questioned before I let you go, do you think you'll come back to the sport Max?"Jenson inquired.

"Well I know the history that drivers have come out of retirement but I think its different in my case with my condition but lets see what the future holds."He replied as Jenson nodded.

"Alright thank you so much Max for all the memories and great moments, everyone give it up for Max Verstappen, three time world champion, 54 time Grand Prix winner, 35 pole positions, 98 podiums and countless laps led."Jenson shouted as the crowd clapped while Max left the podium coming up to us.

"I'm going to miss you mate."Lando replied as they hugged each other.

"I'll miss you both too, but you guys have a bright future ahead of you and I don't want you wasting it on thinking about me alright. Lando I just want to say you've been the bestest friend and colleague I could've asked for now its time for you to win some championships of your own I'll be rooting fo you. Nia, you have had an amazing career already and I know you will go even further. We've known each other for less than a year as siblings but it feels like I've known you my entire life. You keep making me more proud every single day."He replied as both of us almost cried there and then.

"Maxie you're going to make me cry, promise me you'll be back."I replied emotionally drained and sad.

"I'll be back Nia don't worry, I just need some time to myself and I'm happy that you understand that."He replied back as I nodded hugging him as the tears fell.

That night we made the best of our time together and celebrated like there was no tomorrow. The next day we went to the airport to head back home. We painfully said our goodbyes to each other as we headed our separate ways.

"Max I won't try and stop you even if I want too but, can you please tell us where you plan on going."I replied slowly.

"I'm not going to tell you that Nia, I know we've only just been reunited a few months ago but I promised you I'll be back and I don't back down on my promises. Please trust me, I don't want to leave knowing you possibly hate me."He replied back.

"Oh Maxie I could never."I replied as he nodded and we hugged each other.

"Goodbye Nia, bye Lando I'll see you guys soon."He replied before walking off into the crowd completely disappearing.

Lando held me tight in comfort placing a kiss on my forehead.

"He'll be fine Nia don't worry he'll be back now come on we have to go."Lando replied.

I went back to the UK with Lando both of our families met up to celebrate Christmas together. Lando's parents were very happy to meet me and I had both my real and adopted parents with us as we celebrated. The only person missing was Max and that made me feel empty for a few months. I soon got used to it and life resumed as normal, I didn't know when I would see Max again. I could only hope he was always going to be alright and that one day we would be reunited.

🇦🇪|Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Top 10-
1.Max Verstappen 🇳🇱-26 points/1 for fastest lap
2.Sergio Perez 🇲🇽-18 points
3.Lando Norris 🇬🇧-15 points
4.Oscar Piastri 🇦🇺-12 points
5.Charles Leclerc 🇲🇨-10 points
6.Lewis Hamilton 🇬🇧-8 points
7.Carlos Sainz 🇪🇸-6 points
8.George Russell 🇬🇧-4 points
9.Alex Albon 🇹🇭-2 points
10.Fernando Alonso 🇪🇸-1 point