Change of heart [LANDO NORRIS] - DISCONTINUED

8. Dinner

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MARIA
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Today was Thursday, media day. As the first race of the 2023 season everything was hectic and everywhere I went in the paddock was chaos. Reporters and photographers were slowly invading and I wasn't enjoying it.

I had Kai with me, he was currently calmly walking beside me unbothered by the crowds all around us.

Due to my presence being a surprise to my Uncle, which I hope to keep as a surprise till after today I was in the McLaren garage for most of the weekend. I'd finally reached said garage after pushing through however many reporters and I was ready to collapse.

Just as I was about to sit down a familiar face approached me, "Maria! It's great to see you again," Oscar said walking up to me before I gave him a quick hug.

"And you Oscar! How have you been?" The rookie looked happy, really happy.

A large smile was cast upon his face, "I'm doing great, the papaya family is even more perfect than I imagined it to be. I'm just excited for the first race on Sunday... anyways, what are you doing in the McLaren garage? And who's this little guy?" He asked as he patted the top of Kai's head.

"That's Kai and my Uncle Fernando doesn't know I'm here, I told him I was unable to make it to the first race of the season due to scheduling conflicts and I wanted to surprise him tomorrow. However, it's also media day which brings the best entertainment so I wasn't going to miss out on that and Lando got me a paddock pass," I explained, usually no one was really allowed on media day to just walk around but I guess I had special treatment.

I felt someone place a hat on my head as I looked to my side to now spot Lando smiling at me, "if you're going to be in the McLaren garage, you wear McLaren colours," I straightened the hat on my head as I returned the smile.

"I'm already repping your merch," I said as I pointed at the jumper i was wearing, also the jumper he gave me when we were in Spain.

"I think if Lando had his own way, you'd be dressed head to toe in McLaren stuff," Oscar laughed crossing his arms.

Oscar was right, Lando's tried it before where he has snook into the Alpine garage in 2021 to give me a load of McLaren merch. "Unfortunately, unless Nando and him are ever on the same team, it's never going to happen," I said patting Lando's shoulder. "Don't you two have some place to be?"

The two drivers looked at each other before nodding their heads, "yes, we do, thank you for the reminder. Do you want to join? It's just a few challenge things McLaren have got us doing," Lando offered as I thought about it.

"Yeah, why not," I was then dragged out the garage and towards a sheltered garden area which was also closed off from all the reporters trying to get even a word out of some of the drivers.

The two McLaren drivers sat down beside each other as they were handed mics with the McLaren logo on. "We are going to tell you statements and you've got to say which driver on the grid has said that," it was quickly explained to them as I made sure I was placed behind the camera along with Kai who sat himself next to my feet.

The two drivers nodded their heads in understanding before they started shooting and I admired them get almost every single one incorrect. I think I managed to guess more right than they did.