Turbulence [𝗠.𝗩.]

Hungary, Pre-Race

PADDOCK RUMOUR: Sackings pending at one of the poorer-performing teams - @F1RumourMill

⸻

HUNGARY
11TH RACE WEEKEND OF THE SEASON
JULY

This weekend is going to be a challenge for different reasons. The tyre allocation has been reduced by two sets. That doesn't sound like much, but when you factor in the trial - that couldn't happen in Imola because of the floods - where we'll be forced to use only one type of tyre per qualifying round... it's gonna be a fucking pain in the arse.

At least we only have this, and the race I'm dreading, before we go on the summer break. Liam wants to go skiing with as many of us as possible. I'm able to do it. My contract dictates what slopes I can go on, but that's a given these days. We're not allowed to skydive or partake in other high-risk activities during the active season without permission.

As I get into the car, we have two minutes to go before the first free practice session begins. We have no new equipment to test and no upgrades ready for this weekend. This is just a configuration session. I'm using one of the more downforce-heavy front wings, with a slightly wider rear wing.

I get a few laps in and ahead of me I can see the disaster about to happen. Ricciardo goes hurtling into the barriers at turn 5. Poor guy, they'd just brought in some upgrades. I make my way to this becoming an in lap because I know red flags are coming. In fact, I'm confident enough about it that I'm on the radio already.

"Calling it: red flag."

Less than three seconds later, up they go.

"That was guaranteed. They'll need a crane."

Everyone piles back into their garages. The weather isn't about to do a funny turn, so I'm fairly sure we'll be back out in a few minutes. I hope we are. I watch on the screen to my left as the main feed shows one of the marshalls just casually holding the entire front wing in their hands. Boy, that's going to be a costly repair. Ricciardo's lucky he's currently second, even if the gap is around a hundred or so points—

I see spots of rain fall outside. Fuck.

"It's light for now. Get out there." Mateo says as I peel out of the garage to queue up for the resuming of the session. "Might get worse, but don't worry about that right now."

The rain persists, despite Mateo saying it'll be light. The sky above us darkens, and my tyres are not holding onto their temperature as time goes on. I get a call to box, and I don't ignore it. We need to switch to inters. Or wait it out. I'd rather go for inters and not lose the limited time we get before qualifying.

"We're going to wait and see if it stops. Give it two minutes."

"Oooor... Put me on inters and let me go out."

"Negative."

I go to argue back, but the rain looks to be falling harder than it was minutes ago. We might well have to wait and see if it passes, because we don't have as many tyres this weekend... but I want out. I want to hit the track.

"Fuck it." I say after five minutes. "Let's go for inters."

"Confirm."

The tyres are changed and I go out to what I think is an empty track, until I see a blue flag meant for me. Hamilton flies past as I move aside. The track is definitely wet, but not enough for the full wet tyres. Some parts aren't wet enough for inters, though.

"Mixed bag here, guys. I'm not sure what's best. These dry parts are going to kill the inters."

"Come back in nice and slow. Let's save them for now." I head into the pits as an Alpine goes out, likely to do the same test I've just done. The rain lightens for a few moments, but that doesn't last long. It starts to chuck it down as I'm wheeled into the garage.

"Any updates on expected weather?"

"Variable. We might lose this session."

Fuck's sake.

I yank my helmet off and gesture for Claire; she comes over with a snack bar and a sports drink.

"This is so dumb." I tell her as I take the bar.

"You did say you thought you'd lose at least one session here." She crouches down next to the car, trying to get close enough to be heard over all the heavy machinery that's blowing into the ventilation ports on the car. "But I get it: you're losing time. Were you planning on a certain setup, or is it just the loss of time that's annoying you?"

"Both." I take a huge gulp of the drink, smacking my lips together a few times as I try to figure out the flavour of it. I think it's blueberry. It's pretty nice. "I'm not happy with the strat and—"

My eyes are drawn up to the downpour outside the garage.

"I hope nobody's out right now. That's full wets or stay the fuck inside."

"Oh gosh!" Claire exclaims as she twists her body to get a look at the way the heavens have opened. "Could this be it for your session?"

"Could be. Definitely a full wets only if you go out... I might just get out and talk with you over there." I jab my thumb in the direction of my headrest, behind me. "No point sitting here and waiting. Can you find out if we're gonna keep sitting this out?"

Claire nods, standing up and braving the rain for go to a mechanic who is stood just outside the garage. They exchange words, and she runs back over, her hand gesturing at her neck. I put the drink and half-eaten bar aside, hauling myself out of the car.

"Knew it. What a waste." I sigh, jumping off the side, looking out at the rain as it doesn't seem to show any signs of abating. I move forward, peeking my head out of the garage; nobody seems to be going out. I stretch my arms gently, going back to Claire to keep chatting with her about why these conditions suck. It's a conversation we've had before, but each time, she asks more detailed questions.

Five minutes later, Carlos comes up to us, telling me the plan is to go out now that the rain is lighter.

I try not to laugh at him. "They're joking, right? Just 'cause it's eased up, doesn't mean we should go out while the track is sopping wet... Alright. Fine."

My helmet covers my head again, I get back in the car. And god, is the track soaked.

But I'm not going out. Red flags are up again. I smack my wheel, not pleased with this.

"Sainz beached the car."

"We should scrub this session. It's not worth it."