Pretending | Max Verstappen

- 30 -

Zoe

"I think this is a place where we don't need people like you." Christian said and laid his hand on my shoulder while looking at Timo, "You are fired."

Without a word the mechanic kicked some tool through the garage and disappeared around the corner. Surprised by his actions I turned towards my boss.

"Christian, you didn't have to do it, it's my last day anyway."

"That's not said yet but nevertheless I don't need people on my team that talk about others that way and Max would 100% agree with that."

My eyes widened and I glanced towards the pit lane where Max had disappeared earlier.

"Please don't tell him what he said, he will get angry and I don't want that, not on my last day." I said and got more quiet to the end.

"Sure, but now let's go, we need to win today." he said and I followed him back to the screens and our seats.

That's P1 mate, you've just won your home race, again. I heard GP's voice two hours later in my headphones and a smile appeared on my face.

Yes, simply lovely

My smile grew even bigger as I heard Max and his usual words. I just wanted to put my headphones away as he said something again.

I know that you're hearing me so that win was for you and happy birthday again.

Immediately I felt Christians look on my and my jaw dropped. Max just said that, he really said that, well aware that the whole world was listening. A sudden warmth spread in my stomach and I felt a single tear rolling down my cheek.

"Let's go to the podium." the RedBull boss said a little later and I hadn't noticed that Max had almost finished his in lap, I was just too shocked.

Still thinking about his words and the whole situation I followed Christian and some other mechanics towards the podium and when we got there, Max was already doing his interview and shortly after disappeared with Lando and Carlos int the building.

What a podium I thought as the three of them were standing were standing above looking through the crowd. Max's gave stopped as soon as he locked eyes with me and a smile appeared on his expressionless face.

Next to me was Christians wife which I had met earlier. Happily she was filming and gestured Max to wink and look into the camera, it made me laugh and I also could see a meaningful grin on Max's lips.

They were all just so proud and of course I was too but there was still this odd feeling inside me and there was also a plane waiting for me this evening. However I smiled and gave a little thumb up as Max rose his trophy.

After the podium was done I slowly went back to the garage still thinking of how I should handle these last hours. Should I just go without saying good bye, was I strong enough for that? But on the other side was I strong enough for hugging him good bye and actual going to the airport?

All these thoughts got messed up as someone called my name, and it was a voice that I hadn't heard before, only on social media or in interviews, but never in real life.

"Zoe."

I stopped and looked up at two Dutch woman that I definitely knew. I felt sorry the moment I saw them so I blurred everything out.

"I am so sorry. I never ever wanted Max to be in this situation, he didn't deserve all this press about me and therefore him and I will fly home as soon as this weekend is over so he doesn't have to bother about me any longer but please don't say anything, I know I fucked up."