Turbulence [𝗠.𝗩.]

Miami, Race Day

P8 and P12 for our dynamic duo! Bring on tomorrow! - @JaguarF1

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MIAMI
5TH RACE OF THE SEASON
MAY

The grid is alive with interest. After another good qualifying session, I'm in a great position to fight the top six drivers.

The cars rumble as we await the signal to begin the formation lap. The tyre blankets leave my car, along with the crews, and a few seconds later, we're on the move. I'm cautious not to heat up my mediums too much. We - as always - want a one-stop race. It's the ideal goal, whenever we're able to do it. Mediums, followed by hards, is the strategy set down by Mateo for today.

Behind me, Ocon weaves to generate warmth in his tyres. I do a similar move, but not as sharply. I want to go as long as possible on these mediums, but no further than lap 20. I don't know what strategy Mick is on, but I'm guessing it's different to mine.

We line back up, and I am grateful that the engines drown out everything else. I want to be nowhere but here, one with the car, my head not wandering about my position or how my teammate is doing. I can't help him unless we have another lucky safety car moment. I won't help him, much as I know only months ago I likely would choose the opposite. I have to gain points for me now.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The lights go out, and I let the car lunge forward with all its might. We spread out as we approach the first turn and I slip through the inside of the corner, forcing Charles Leclerc to back away. I'm nowhere near in the clear, this track has been tight on times as well as the racing lines.

The long turns 6 through 8 almost see me lose my position, but I won't let Leclerc past. No way in hell. Ahead of me is Russell. I could start pushing more, gaining positions, but that would be reckless. I'm setting my pace for now. I'll take the chances if they come, but I will not force the gaps to appear.

As we keep throwing our cars around the track, I notice behind me that Leclerc is unable to fight off Vettel. A few turns later, and the two have switched again. Another turn goes, and now it's Max Verstappen behind me. I'm not fighting him. I want him to fight Russell. I let a gap open up, and Verstappen takes it without hesitation.

Good. Fight Russell. Make him wear his tyres down early. Make him screw up so I can hop over as well.

Any mistake by Russell will benefit me, even if I can't take advantage of it immediately.

"Come on, Verstappen." I grumble to myself as we slowly gain on Russell. We hit the DRS zone, but I can't follow him past Russell... however, I do notice the Mercedes having trouble with braking.

I won't fight Russell yet. I'll let Verstappen fight his way up the rest of the grid - it's inevitable that he's going to win in that damn car - and I'll take my shot when it's right.

"We still on board for Plan A?"

"Confirm. We will..." Mateo stops as Russell slips past Pierre Gasly.

Well, I guess I'll be dealing with the Alpine first.

"Plan A still a go."

A few more laps fly by; I spot Vettel behind me still fighting Leclerc. Perfect. I'll be able to hold off either of them for now, but we're almost at the pit window... which is called all too early.