Turbulence [𝗠.𝗩.]

Japan, Pre-Race

SPOTTED: Jessica Bond and Max Verstappen arrive in Japan together. STILL no word from either team or the pair about their relationship. - @F1Gossip_Guru

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JAPAN
16TH RACE WEEKEND OF THE SEASON TOMORROW
SEPTEMBER

I want to swear so badly at these questions. The media room is abuzz with plenty of valid topics to choose from, but they're focusing on the photo snapped of Max and me, hand-in-hand, as we made our way through the airport. It's so stupid.

Why not focus on the fact we're going to be racing at Suzuka, one of the handful of tracks - like Silverstone - that is an absolute blast to go around? Why not ask about last week's race and the handful of DNFs Daniel caused? Hell, why not talk about the fact that at least half the team CEOs are making backhanded remarks about the FIA's current bullshit? Or what about Sebastian's bee stuff he spent all year working on and managed to get done here?

Nope. Gotta focus on the relationship. Because god forbid a woman can have a healthy relationship with someone else in the same sport as her. Good grief, let's focus all on how she's come in, and by the end of the year, she's already sleeping around with other drivers! How scandalous!

A microphone is placed in front of me as someone else tries to ask a question. I have to pretend I need them to repeat it because I misheard, rather than admit it's because I wasn't paying attention and wanted to leave.

"Can you tell us anything about how you and Max are able to keep your relationship stable when you're both competing for the same title?"

Don't roll your eyes, Jess, I have to tell myself, heaving out a very slow, prolonged sigh.

"I'm here to race. So is Max. That's it. You guys keep fishing for more and more and you're not gonna get it." Despite my best effort, I've rolled my eyes and I'm shrugging dismissively. My tone is sharp, filled with annoyance at the repetitive questions I have to keep fielding. "What I do off track is my business. And it stays off the track."

Someone else pipes up, a man. "Do you think that your current attitude towards separation of on and off track is why you've been able to be friends with so many drivers?"

Finally, a good fucking question

"Yes and no. I have the social skills of a flea-ridden cat that wants a hug, so most of it is that the guys are respectful of the fight it takes to get here in the first place. They give everyone a chance, and I think George and Liam don't get enough credit for organising any private social stuff we do. Most of the time you see us out in a group, you'll have George and Liam at the front, because they've planned it."

I take my chance to dive out as Lewis enters the media pen, garnering attention with his mere presence. I want to get back to my hotel room so I can get some rest. I've had no time to myself in the past week or so. This time last year, I would've been resting up, or just hitting some sims here and there in the long wait for the last race.

I almost miss the more relaxed state that I'd be in if I hadn't made it this far. But then again... the thrill of these races has been something else entirely. Something I can't even find words for. It has no equal.

And the fans are something else too. I thought Silverstone was a pinnacle of love for the sport. I was so wrong. The fans here adore Formula 1. I've not signed so many shirts and caps in one day as I have at other circuits. My wrist aches mildly from all the times I've had to do it. Even some of the volunteer staff are asking us to sign little blank notebooks they've bought just for this weekend.

It's wild. I love it. It makes the brutality of this season a little more bearable.

As I'm heading out of the paddock for the day, I spot Logan and Alex talking to a group of fans. I give them a quick wave, heading for the gate, where Liam and Yuki are waiting for me. I've never been to Japan before, and Yuki wants to share everything about his home country with us.

Is it wrong of me to say I think these are the best fans yet?" I ask as I reach the two.

Yuki laughs at me. "You're meeting the ones that like you."

"Point, but like... I know it's a stereotype and all, but Japanese people really are just aware of basic manners. It's wild and kinda nice. Shit, if you walked down a street in England, and you were polite, people would look at you like you were a basket case." Another thought hits me, I turn, still walking with them, pointing at Liam, who gives me a raised brow in return. "Oh! And I love the little hats with the rear wings, they're so creative—"

Liam throws his head back in laughter as we walk. "That shit is the best! Have you seen them make the flap open? They actually have little DRS hats!"

"What?" I'm looking at him with my mouth agape; Yuki's chuckling at my shock.

"Okay, that's the coolest shit I've ever heard. I want one now. Just because. It sounds fucking cool. Is there like some Etsy seller around here that makes them?" I'm already fishing my phone out of my jacket, opening up the app to see.

"You actually want one?" Liam's still laughing at me as we get through the gate. "Jess, you're fuckin' weird."

"Seconded." Yuki grins as Liam gives him a fist bump. I don't have it in me to be offended by it. I am weird. I don't care.

"Are you saying you wouldn't want the coolest hat in your house? Half the trophies are ugly compared to the hats."

As we follow Yuki through the bustling streets of Japan, he leads us to a charming little sushi restaurant tucked away between traditional storefronts. The front looks warm and inviting, with lovely wooden panelling visible through the large windows.

When we step inside, the scent of the various meals being freshly prepared hits with force. I've never had Sushi before, but I'm down to try this. I'm mostly here to spend time with the AlphaTauri boys anyway, because whilst I've made an effort to speak more to Logan, I did let my budding friendship with Yuki slide a bit.

And what better way to work on a friendship than to bond over food?

The walls are adorned with framed photographs of the chef's culinary journey, as if to soothe you in the knowledge that you're in the finest place around. Yuki leads us to the main bar, where the chef is dicing away with knives. I've no clue what is said between them; Liam looks as baffled as me.

"Uh, Yuki?" I prompt, and he smiles abashedly.

"We are going to do omakase."

"Wut." Liam sounds nervous.

"It is uh—... Up to you." Yuki dives into a brief explanation: he's told the chef that for me, this is my first time ever trying sushi, and that for Liam, it's his first time having authentic sushi. So we will be trusting the chef to make something that would be just right for us.

"Alright. F—" I bite back the swear word. My foul mouth might not be appreciated here. "Let's go for it then."

It doesn't take long for the first dish to be placed in front of us. It's almost like a miniature piece of art. Yuki tells me it's technically not sushi, it's sashimi. I find it surprisingly enjoyable, even if the texture of raw fish is something very odd to me.

But it is nice.

"Oh, did you see this?" Liam shows me his phone: a photo of the bee hotel he and Yuki had painted. It's so bad, that I can't help but laugh.

"That's terrible. I love it. Mine was worse. I tried to paint a German flag on it, but then Mick knocked my arm so it's just a big black splodge now."

Yuki looks over Liam at me, seemingly wanting my opinion of the dish in front of us.

"It's pretty good." I tell him with a genuine smile. Because it is. I was expecting to have to grimace my way through it all, but I'm not.

Yuki nods, a proud smile on his face. "Traditional Japanese cuisine is all about balance. You will see."

I have no doubt about that.