You Look Lonely - F1

VI

People chanted "Dudududu Max Verstappen" as we exited the garages, running under the podium. As you've probably guessed by now, Max stood highest on the podium, with Sainz and Alonso by his side. We got to work quickly right after, conducting the regular post-race interviews which, this time, had been particularly exhausting.

"Thank you for taking the time with us, see you in Australia!" said Mara as George gave her a thumbs up and a wave goodbye before entering a sleek grey car. The entire Sky Sports crew sighed in unison; he was the last one. We had darted between the Ferrari and Red Bull boxes countless times during the race, with both cars engaged in an incredible and relentless battle, swapping positions every few laps and narrowly avoiding collisions.

It was late evening, and I hadn't had a good rest all day. As soon as I arrived at the circuit with Daniel, we both downed double espressos, but they didn't seemed to work. I was supposed to attend the after-party, but I didn't feel up to it. The cosy linens on my bed had been calling me all day long.

Back at the hotel, I took my second shower of the day and slipped into some comfy clothes, ready to head down to the hotel restaurant for a quick dinner with Jane. I hadn't seen her since Friday, and despite my tiredness, I was eager to hear about her encounter with Will Smith.

As soon as we were seated and had ordered a simple meal, she began to recount her excitement.

"He was there! Mr. Smith in the flesh, and I swear I couldn't breathe!" Her hands gestured wildly, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"And then he smiled and waved at the camera, and I was right there, behind it. I smiled at him, and he smiled back. Can you believe it?!" Her face was flushed with excitement, giggling like a little kid.

"We had to clear out because the formation lap was starting, but he stayed a few meters from us. I could see him smiling at the cars and..." She continued enthusiastically, and I couldn't help but feel happy for her. These little moments made all the fatigue from constantly travelling and being away from home worthwhile.

After her story, she squinted at me.

"You look exhausted. What did you do last night?"

"Slept, why?" I asked, puzzled.

"Oh, nothing. I just happened to see a certain picture and—" "Jane, really?" I cut her off, stifling a smile.

"You seem rather suspicious. Do you have a confession to make?" "No, I..." someone interrupted our conversation.

"Lila, Jane!" We both turned simultaneously to see the cheerful face of a blond guy. "Mind if I join?" he asked. He was wearing a Haas hoodie, and his hair was still damp from a shower.

Jane mouthed "Later" "Aren't you going to the after-party?" I asked Mick, trying to change the subject quickly.

Jane planned to go right after I went to bed. The German shook his head. "There's not much for me to celebrate. I prefer to go to bed early and get back to training tomorrow morning," he said with a bitter grin. It must be not easy being in his position. Jeddah was his second race of the season, and he was out before the qualifier finished.

"Come on, you should relax and have some fun. You'll do better next time," Jane said, patting his shoulder. He forced a tight-lipped smile and ruffled his hair. "You still have to get used to the car; it's not easy," I added, trying to comfort him. He didn't seem receptive to any words at that moment.

Jane passed her glass of wine to him, which he silently accepted and took a sip. The two seemed to have known each other for a long time.

"Well, at least your birthday is coming up. You should be excited—first birthday as an official F1 driver!" Jane said, giving him a little nudge. He smiled and shook his head. "It's going to be a quiet one. I don't want to do anything fancy," he said, then turned to me with raised eyebrows. "Oh, perhaps you should come too. We're having a dinner, and it's Albon's birthday too." I happily accepted without hesitation. "Count me in! When is it?"