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Part 35 - Birthday

Rushing around to pack a bag, things feel quite surreal this evening. I'm expected in Surrey tomorrow morning sim testing for the Carlin team. My flight leaves in 3 hours time and I really should have left already considering I still need to get from here to Nice.

Charles' and I spent the last day we had together lounging around in bed just enjoying each others company before he left a couple of hours ago for Austria. The GP is in 5 days and I think it's the first time I've ever seen him nervous in the build up to a race, he genuinely looked like he'd lost some confidence which isn't like him at all. He's always known how good he is, and he's always been the most aggressive confident driver in any race.

I suppose it is the longest he's ever been out of the car and it's going to be quite daunting to start the season off again after such a huge gap.

*Phone call incoming
That will be my taxi calling from outside. I'm all packed and ready to go now - I just hope I haven't left anything, probably have. Atleast I have my passport that's the most important thing.

With minimal time to spare I make it to the airport and rush through security, it's still strange seeing how much things have changed when it comes to airports and just any location that's a busy public space really, it's so regimented and there's just this sea of masks moving in different directions.

I board the plane, and within minutes we're off.

I've never traveled on a plane alone and I really feel like for the first time in my life, that I don't need anyone with me. I've always relied so heavily on my Dad or on Charles and always hated the idea of ever being alone in any situation, but right now I just feel like I've got this. I feel free and like in this moment I'm finally an adult in a weird way.

Maybe it's just because It's my birthday tomorrow that I feel like this, the next milestone - I always get so weirdly emotional around my birthday.

As the lights below eventually come into view, we begin our decent into London Heathrow airport.

I was feeling like I was officially an independent adult half an hour ago but now I'm questioning that thought entirely, this airport is hell. Complete chaos. I have no idea how I even get out of here, it's a maze of just nonsensical signage.

Finally making my way out of arrivals I jump straight into a taxi, the Carlin team have booked me a hotel around the corner from the main factory / training base and I just cant wait to get checked in and get some sleep - my day starts at 9am tomorrow and right now it's almost midnight.

It's 12:35 by the time I arrive at the hotel and check in, I thought Charles might have been in contact to let me know he got to Austria ok but I've heard nothing. Im not going to message now either as it's an hour or two ahead of London and he'll definitely be asleep.

*Alarm ringing

Shit.
Awoken by the loud horror of the standard iPhone alarm I jump out of bed thinking I'm late, but thank god it's only 07:30. I'm still fully clothed and aching like hell, I must have fallen straight to sleep as soon as I entered the room.

Shower, coffee, food, taxi. That's the plan.

Im ready.

I don't feel any nerves at all. Usually i'd be a ball of anxiety in any situation that requires me not to be, but this morning as I stand and wait for this taxi, I feel nothing but excitement and determination to show what I'm capable of. I know I can do this.

Instagram message - Lando Norris

Lan: Hope you have a mint day. I know you're testing today so just know you've got this, and happy birthday Lilly.