Turbulence [𝗠.𝗩.]

Bahrain, Pre-Race

"All eyes are on the new constructors, Jaguar. Their car turned heads at pre-season testing, but will that translate into success?"

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BAHRAIN
1ST RACE WEEKEND OF THE SEASON
MARCH

Could I get away with it?

I reckon I could. Just a whoops, I tripped, sorry about my tea spilling on your shirt, Gunther. I know it's petty of me, but then that's been the story of my racing career so far. Mick's had to hear me chew his ear off about how much I hate Haas purely because I can't see why they didn't think about the fact they were taking on a rookie with the surname Schumacher. I mean, come on, what did they expect from him? His dad had some spectacular crashes.

"There's cameras on you, Jessica." Mick mutters from the corner of his mouth as we walk through the paddock. The sun bears down on both of us, offset only by the small but persistent breeze that danced through the area. You can practically smell the tarmac already, and it's still early in the morning.

As I look away from Gunther for a split second, I can see them. The usual Sky Sports crew are solidly focused on us, the new team - or old, really. Jaguar gave up on F1 a while ago, but now they're back, and all eyes are on their risky signings: Mick Schumacher and a female rookie. Two, in fact. Our reserve is a one-time F2 champion, Cassandra King. Those in charge made themselves clear when they signed the two of us: if I can't get a good first season in, I'll become the reserve, and Cassandra will get the seat.

I try to remove the scowl from my face that's been solidly aimed at the back of Gunther's head, nudging Mick gently with my elbow. If there's one thing I can count on, despite our shared dislike of the insane amount of press we have to deal with, it's him helping me out by spotting them when they're focused on us.

"I heard the mechanics have a betting pool going on which of us crashes first." The breeze whips some of my black hair into my face, preventing me from telling him which of the mechanics I think are behind it. I grab the loose strands and throw them back over my shoulder, adjusting my Jaguar-emblazoned cap as well.

That gets a small chuckle from him. I can't help but smile in return. I'd overheard the betting going on during the pre-season testing. They even have a one on who will destroy their car first. I'll admit now: it's likely to be me. I'm not one to crash often, but when I do, I seem to have the worst luck ever.

"Crap, they're going to try and talk to us." I start walking faster, and Mick has no problem keeping up with me. In fact, he's walking a little faster than me. I can hear a voice - I think it's Brundle - trying to get my attention. I can't ignore him now. We have to slow down, and we do, without a word shared between us. We have to behave. Put on a smile. Act like we aren't just here to race and really do love talking to the various TV crews.

"Jessica, Mick! The team for returning constructor Jaguar, how are you two doing today? Feeling confident about this weekend?"

I'll say something. I should, that way Mick doesn't have to feel so on the spot with the microphone in front of him. I hope he sees it that way. I'm not after the limelight. I just want to help him, like he's been helping me since I was signed.

"Well, I don't know about Mick, but I think we've got a good chance. So far testing has been pretty decent, and we're already getting on well as a team."

"Yeah," Mick's found his voice, thankfully. "I think we will, uh, we will do well in the cars. We have a good team that wants to win and everything is looking good!"