Sunday, Race Day
"How are you feeling? Are you ready to race?" I asked Gasly, catching up before he headed to the grid. During the final preparations, we stole a few words from the last drivers, waiting for the imminent start.
After wishing the French driver good luck, I pivoted with Mara, swiftly zigzagging towards the Ferrari garage between engineers and VIPs.
The prior day had been a whirlwind of chasing the Haas team. Both their cars were set to start in the top ten—a rarity—prompting me to gather as much information as I could post-qualifying. I spoke with Gunther Steiner, chatting about the differences between the older and the new car, and then I had a quick interview with Kevin. We didn't get to finish our conversation though, since were interrupted by his lovely daughter running up to him.
As the formation lap started and we stepped into the Ferrari garage, I couldn't help but notice his presence everywhere.
His number was printed in every corner, and on every screen was shown his and Charles's car POV, urging me to focus as I approached my mentor at our workstation.
I had only caught a few distant glimpses of him, during the weekend, and I gladly found I didn't care as much as I thought I would.
I got myself together, wore a pair of headphones and, with our tablets flashing live data, we braced for the end of the formation lap.
As the last car took position, adrenaline surged through me. The red lights illuminated and the rhythmic beeping made the whole circuit silent. A few more seconds and...
"And it's lights out and away we go..." the commentary voice faded eaten up by the roaring V6 engine, the crowds of fans erupting with enthusiasm as the race started.
Focus, Lila
I coached myself, squinting my eyes to concentrate and contain my excitement. Analyzing the data, I noticed that the smooth start had helped Daniel overtake two drivers, placing him in P4. A faintest hint of a smile appeared on my lips, but I was ready to shake it off.
Focus
During the fifty-seven-lap race, Mara and I darted from one box to another, especially Ferrari and Redbull. Two of their drivers were constantly overtaking one another, shifting from first position to second and vice versa.
***
Carlos Sainz P1
Max Verstappen P2
Lewis Hamilton P3
As the first three drivers parked their cars and got ready for their post-race interview, me and Mara ducked behind a cameraman and sneaked under the podium. He had claimed the first victory.
How ironic.
Fans streamed onto the track while drivers gradually got on the podium for the ceremony. The first to enter was the British driver. I felt my heart swell and I immediately took my phone out, ready to get as many pictures as possible for my dad. The second one was Max, he waved at the fans and wore his Redbull cap on his head.
I was snapping pictures of the dutch driver when his red suit came into sight. He got on the first-place stand with his chin high and hands intertwined behind his back, while the Spanish anthem started sounding through the circuit. A little breeze ruffled his hair and he scanned the crowd below him, winking at someone.
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You Look Lonely - F1
Fanfiction"I never craved attention, until I tasted yours" *** Him, a Formula 1 driver. Her, a rookie reporter. Coincidence or fate? After a fleeting adventure, Lila Casadei and Carlos Sainz find themselves unexpectedly crossing paths again, five years later...
