speed / max verstappen

twenty-six

"Zarah, I'm so glad you're here. Truly. You've been through quite a lot these past few months." Sitting across from me, microphone partially obscuring her face, Alessia Georgiou takes a delicate sip of her iced coffee.

This is complete and utter bullshit. 'Don't thank me yet.' Fuck you, Mo. And fuck this podcast. "Yeah," I sigh, raking a hand through my hair. "You could say that."

"For those listening that aren't familiar with who you are, could you give them a quick run down?" You mean for every single person that listens to this shit? Sure.

Apparently, the damage control you do when your tits go viral on the internet is going on a podcast. Grammy award winner turned part-time podcaster Alessia Georgiou's 'Unfiltered', to be exact. Once more, fuck you, Mo.

And, again, fuck podcasts.

"Well, my name is Zarah Isidoro and I am a professional race car driver in Formula One for a team called Mercedes-AMG Petronas."

Alessia gestures for me to continue.

"But, I guess most people know me from the leaked photos that went viral a few weeks ago." I probably should've phrased that differently. You know, the photos of my tits that Daily Mail posted? The photos that nearly cost me my job? Those photos? Yeah, that's why more everyone knows who I am now! Formula One's been a hit all across the internet lately, it's been a real smart marketing move for the sport!

"Fuck the guys that took those, by the way. Total violation of your privacy," Alessia says with a fire in her eyes.

I blink, shocked to hear those words come from someone that isn't me...or Max. I've heard some toned down variety of it from Mo and Toto and every other person close to me...but to hear it from a stranger? It feels a lot more genuine.

"The way I see it, it was bound to happen eventually." I respond, hesitantly reaching for the coffee that's been waiting for me since I took a seat. "With the ever-rising popularity of F1 and the social power it's developed, there's always someone out there looking to stir the pot. But, I'm trying to move past it and focus on my career. On my recovery."

"That's a great attitude to have," Alessia nods. "And speaking of your career, you're quite the history book in the making. First woman to win a race in Formula One, first woman to score a hat trick of race wins as well, first woman to place second in the Driver's Championship. How does that feel?"

Well done doing your homework. A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. "To be competing and winning at this level is," I shrug, "a dream come true."

Alessia nods, not needing to look down at her notebook before she continues with her next question. "It wasn't all roses, though, was it?"

I shake my head, adjusting the way I sit in the massive love seat I've been placed in. "God, no. It was...getting to Formula One is like trying to climb Everest. But being a woman in this sport? It's like trying to climb Everest without any oxygen."

She leans forward, "What do you mean by that?"

"The sport is...demanding. The level of fitness F1 drivers need to have, it's insanely difficult to manage. Add in the fact that I have to work around my cycle, account for a more stubborn water weight and hormonal gains, both being things that the other drivers don't need to worry about, and it can be a lot."

"What's really tough, though, is the mental aspect of it. The pressure to perform is unlike anything else. Every time we get in the car, we have to expect the worst while pushing for the best. Add in the scrutiny, the opinions of fans...and it can get to be very overwhelming."