the F1 journey begins | Part 1

Chapter 7 : Saturday Afternoon (Q1)

(Charles' POV because of Q1 ✌🏻)

As everyone got near the pit lane , adrenaline was running through my body. Basically, let me explain qualifying. There are three sessions. First session of 18 minutes and then eliminates the 20-15 drivers, with a 7 minute break. The second session of 15 minutes eliminates another 5, 8 minute break. The last session is of 10 drivers competing for P1 in around 12 minutes. I had to win. I really have a great car this year, I want to be a world champion. Dedicate it to my dad. To Jules. To all my family and friends for helping me.

I saw the green light. It was time. (Reminder that the bold will now be the presenter). I started the engine. And now they start their timings after one round around the track. I pressed on the gas paddle and drove.

(Presenter saying what's happening)
Lando still in first and Charles speeding to get P1. Reminder that charles has never won in his home town. AND CHARLES IS FASTER THAN LANDO. LANDO IS TRYING TO KEEP HIS POSITION BY DRIVING FASTER! CHARLES FASTES LAP. RIGHT NOW. RADIO CHECK WITH FERRARI, CHARLES LECLERC..

"YES YES! FINALLY." "WELL DONE CHARLES!" My engineer says happily. Finally I can get a chance.

       Carlos Sainz with DRS going near Verstappen AND ACTUALLY GOING ROUND HIM AND BECOMING P3. This quali is astonishing! Gasly surpassed Riccardio and now is P6. Charles has never been a world champion and from the looks of it, this year might be Ferrari's year! There has already been some changes in placement. Max trying to overtake but Carlos blocks Max and is currently working on strategy with DRS. WOAH, ALL OF A SUDDEN BOTTAS HAS HIT A WALL. HE IS APPARENTLY OKAY. HE LOST HYRDOLICS..... WE MIGHT HAVE A SAFETY CAR AND WILL STOP THE QUALI FOR NOW.

     "Perceval be careful of the turns!" Monique told me laughing with the Engineers. "Yes I will, shorty. Now let me drive!" I said laughing. It's okay to tell the world with who I am. "Monique, don't stop talking, im nervous." "Don't worry im still here."Not yet but still! I'm really far away from Lando but I'm still going to go fast. This is the smallest track out of all of them after all. They can catch up in one second! I have to do a lot of laps in the first one. The last one would be easy.

  BOTTAS IS OFFICIALLY DISQUALIFIED FROM THE MONACO QUALIFYING OF 2024. How sad. Charles still is in the lead and has been leader with the fastest time. Wonderful day today out too. Carlos still trying to take over Lando's P2 and the papaya man keeps aggressively blocking him to ruin his time! This so far has been a good quali! Last qualifying was chaotic. Lando +0.002 seconds away from Charles' time. Carlos is now 1 second away. It seems like the trio will be on the front row and second row this night all together celebrating!...

8 minutes later....

4 minutes left until break! This has been an amazing quali for Charles! Qual in home town for him! Will be an awesome start to this year's season for Charles Leclerc. And Max lets Checo surpass him for better time and now is P4. Charles is now in the DRS Zone and Lando isn't improving. This is outstanding! Daniel behind Gasly by half a second.

"Charles stay out, break will be soon." "Copy that." I said as it went through a turn. I had to keep my grip. The turns were very small and I didn't want to end up like last year's Baku...

And it is now break, no surpassing and everyone leaves the care in the position they are right now. Charles already in the pitlane line. He is currently getting off and going for break, let's give the man a bit of rest while checking up on the others...

As I walked into my cabin, Monique gave me a towel and a water bottle. I instantly smiled and thanked her. I went in the cooling room and sat down with the wind fans all directing to me. It was so good to be relaxed for a bit. I told Monique my last strategies for the last two qualifying and Carlos came in with Leah. Carlos told me that Lando is trying to help me win by staying behind and so is he. I loved these two friends. I took some time to relax...