Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
McLaren Technology Centre, Woking GU21 4YH, UK
On the 8th of February 2023. a month preceding the commencement of the F1 season.
Ivez
Inhaling deeply, I prepared to enter the room where friendly smiles awaited, with Zak's familiar face standing out among them. Zak, once a business partner with my father before leading an F1 team, had evolved into a family friend over the years. Our connection wasn't close; rather, it mirrored those moments when Zak played the role of a distant relative. I'd be coerced by my dad to awkwardly greet him in the living room before promptly retreating to my own space. In essence, our relationship was practically nonexistent.
A considerable amount of time has elapsed since my father suggested the idea of starting a commercial internship at McLaren. Initially, I resisted the notion due to the hands-on nature of the job and the extensive travel involved. The thought of spending long hours on airplanes and other public transportation, exposing myself to potential bacteria, was quite unappealing. Despite my reluctance, my father, finding amusement in challenging my fears, insisted that I could overcome them. With his connections, he arranged for me to secure this internship, and now, here I am, approaching Zak Brown's office at the McLaren headquarters.
Uncertain about the link between motorsports and our family brand, I felt powerless in not having a say. My only solace was the hope that time would swiftly pass.
After all, it's just an internship – what could possibly go wrong?
Zak's greeting pulled me from my thoughts. "Welcome, Kinsley! It's great to see you again, this time at McLaren headquarters," he exclaimed with a smile, motioning for me to take a seat. Although their chairs appeared clean, I couldn't shake the uncertainty about who had occupied them before and what activities had taken place. "Thank you, Mr. Brown. I'm eager to start my internship here," I replied with a smile, which, for a moment, might have resembled a wince, until I remembered he couldn't see my expression.
"No need for formalities, Ivez. I've been great friends with your father for years, so just call me Zak. But, if you don't mind me asking," he cleared his throat, leaning in as if sharing something confidential. I resisted the urge to jump out of the room due to our proximity. "Covid's over, so what's with the..." He continued, making hand movements towards my mask and cap, clearly surprised.
"Oh, I, uh—it's just extra precautions. It won't hurt, right?" I inquired, silently hoping for the answer I desired. "I can ditch the cap if you prefer, but I doubt the media would be thrilled to discover that a certain girl, the daughter of a renowned brand founder, is interning here," I added with a shrug. At this point in my life, the mask and cap had become integral to my identity, and living without them seemed unfamiliar- not to mention my phobia of germs.
"Oh, sure, that'd be great! We won't mind at all. I forgot about the privacy your family values – it's more than okay. Please, do as you please..." Zak assured me.
I breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped back.
Our conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"So this is Charlotte; Charlotte, this is Ivez Kinsley..." Zak introduced us. Charlotte, the PR manager for one of their drivers, extended a friendly smile and nodded.
"I'll be in my office if you need me," Zak announced, raising his hands before departing.
"Right then, this way, darling. I'll make sure to tour you from the very beginning of our headquarters. It might get a little boring for young people like you, though, so bear with me," she chuckled as we walked.
"Oh, not at all, Charlotte. I'm quite interested. Please, bore me if you will. I'll make sure to take note of each piece of information; I don't want to mess up this internship at all," I admitted sheepishly as we walked past the historical liveries.
"No problem at all, darling. If you have any questions, ask away," she smiled, guiding me to other areas in the HQ.
Thus, our venture unfolded, each step within the establishment finding me closely following Charlotte. Little did I realize, this would unwittingly guide me toward something more extensive and unexpectedly significant than what I had initially anticipated when I embarked on this journey.
｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ endnote
Hello, dear readers! I am delighted to present the very first official chapter of this book. Though it's just a book, I can't help but feel a twinge of nerves, particularly about the feedback. This venture into writing an F1 book is a first for me, and I acknowledge there might be some gaps in my F1 knowledge. Nevertheless, I'm hopeful for improvement as we delve further.
I kindly ask for your patience, as my track record with schedules for posting chapters hasn't always been punctual. Expect irregular updates, but I'm determined to enhance this aspect. I genuinely hope you enjoy the story as much as I relish writing it alongside my friend.
Votes and comments are warmly welcomed and serve as significant sources of inspiration and motivation for me. However, please feel free to opt for whatever feels right to you; there's no obligation. Thank you, and happy reading! ( ˘ ³˘)♥︎
