The calm before the storm - Max Verstappen x Charles Leclerc

8

It was finally time for the f1 season to start. First race was Bahran. At first I wasn't going to go along because I had gotten tired of flying, but after my brother wanted to come with me as support, I chose to go along anyway.

The first few days we had landed, Simon was busy with the media and interviews. My father and I sat at home during the first few days so as not to be in the way. Then came Friday. I noticed Simon was nervous so I tried to talk to him so he could calm down. Dad had been very careful that I wouldn't forget my passport, but thanks to all the stress, I had managed to forget it anyway.

Dad tried to talk to the guards for 15 minutes before we got in, it was thanks to my brother and Bruno. We passed both the Red Bull and Ferrari stables to get to Simon. I felt eyes in the back of my neck so I decided to turn around. Charles and Max were there, looking at me. So Charles hadn't lied about them being drivers. It was free practice but my brother wanted to get used to the track and the car to feel at ease. While he was riding, dad and I went for a little tour around the stables.

When we got back Simon was already back and I saw the biggest grin I've ever seen on him. "I love this" he said, stretching out his arms to show that he loved the sport and everything to do with f1. "you'll check tomorrow when it's qualification, right" I saw how his facial expression changed and I noticed how he got worried. "of course we'll check, it's your first weekend" I said and gave him a hug. I felt him stop tensing up. When we were on our way to the car home, I heard someone call my name, when I turned around I saw that it was Max.

He signaled that I should go to him so I was about to say goodbye before dad opened his mouth "are you friends with Max? Max Verstappen?" I saw that he had a hundred thoughts in his head "yes I met him and Charles Leclerc in Monaco when we were there" I could see how my brother and father looked at each other. before my father or Simon could say anything, I said goodbye to them and walked towards Max.

"Hi Russo" he said and gave me a hug. "Hello Verstappen" I said and gave him a grin. Once again his blue eyes sparkle. "when were you going to tell me you were a driver for red bull" I said and gave him a light push. "how can you know so little about f1 when your brother drives here now" I chose not to answer that but just laugh. "Do you like it then" he asked, pushing me back. "as long as my brother is happy, I will be happy too".

Max and I stood talking for several minutes before Max realized that he had forgotten to shower. "I have to go take a shower" I looked around to see if dad was still there but quickly realized that they had left. "I can drive you home after I shower" Max said when he saw that I was looking for my ride. I smiled and followed him to his room. I sat down on a sofa while he jumped into the shower.

I'm scrolling through my social media when suddenly someone knocks. I didn't know whether to answer or not. "Max, I'm coming in now, I hope you're wearing a towel," says Christian Horner through the door. We look at each other confused for more than 10 seconds.

"hello I'm Francesca Russo" I say and hold out my hand to avoid an even longer silence. "Christian Horner, team principal" he says as he shakes my hand. "Russo? I recognize that name," he says, scratching the back of his neck. "My brother Simon Russo is making his debut this weekend" I say nervously and I realize that my face is getting redder and redder. "how nice, but what are you doing in max room" I notice how he becomes more and more patient. "Max takes a shower and he will drive me home after that"

I couldn't make out his facial expressions but didn't have to think anything more about them when Max entered. "ah, max I'm talking to your friend here" said Christian and winked at him. "going to change now and leave later, was it something important" Max said uncomfortably. Christian said nothing more but smiled and walked away again. "I'll change and then I'll drive you home," he said and left again. After 10 minutes, we sat in his car on the way home.