Turbulence [𝗠.𝗩.]

Canada, Pre-Race

"It's very frustrating for everyone here."

⸻

CANADA
8TH RACE WEEKEND OF THE SEASON
JUNE

Fucking Alpine.

We're barely a few minutes into the first free practice session in Canada, and the session has been halted. Mick and I were right behind the Red Bulls, ready to go, we got in some nice flying laps, and halfway through my second decent lap, the flags came out for a stricken Pierre Gasly.

I've no clue what's up with his car, but as I pass by it at what feels like a crawl compared to the usual speed of my Jaguar, it's clear he's not moving anytime soon. When I'm back in the pits, my car being wheeled into the garage, I look up at the mechanics for any indication as to whether or not I should get out of the car. I get no clear response.

"Have they cleared the track?"

"Yep, no idea why the session is still halted. Waiting on FIA to explain."

"Tell them to hurry up."

"Will do."

I flick down the visor of my helmet and lean back, letting go of the steering wheel. If we're going to be here a while, then I better get comfortable. With my arms crossed and my head as far back as I can get it - which is practically not at all - I shut my eyes and wait.

"Track cameras aren't working. Red Flag to stay up for safety and security while they fix it."

Instantly I unfold my arms to press the TALK button. "Is it related to the power troubles earlier today?"

There had been minor power issues, messing with the generators all over the paddock and in the garages. I hadn't thought much of it beyond it making the preparation of our cars take a little longer. If it's messed with the cameras, and they don't get them working soon, we might as well go talk to the press about this wasted session, because the clock is still ticking. They don't pause it for anything during the practice sessions.

"Update - and yes - it's the local CCTV. So we're gonna be here a while."

I let my hand drop from the wheel, sighing. If it's the CCTV rather than the actual cameras the media use... we'll be here until they're running again. They can't put the security of the track at risk. God forbid someone runs into track and we don't know until we're about to hit them. Or worse: someone has an awful crash and it's not noticed instantly. But at the same time... some circuits don't have CCTV, if my memory isn't wrong.

I don't know much time passes while I keep my eyes closed, all I know is the gentle hum of machinery is interrupted at some point by Mateo again.

"Full FIA statement: The session restart has been delayed due to issues with the local CCTV. The local organisers are working to resolve the issues and until that time we can't restart for safety reasons."

My hand automatically finds the TALK button. I don't even need to open my eyes; we drivers know our steering wheels as well as we know the tracks we race on.

"Sooo... that's the session fucked."

"Can't say for sure."

"It's been how long now?"

"Twenty-one minutes."

"So the session is fucked." I leave it at that, dropping my hand into my lap again. I only bring it back up to drop a cheeky comment. "Do you think I have enough time for a nap?"