Turbulence [𝗠.𝗩.]

Texas, Pre-Race

@danielricciardo won't stop speaking like a cowboy. Send help. - @JessicaBond57

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TEXAS
18TH RACE WEEKEND OF THE SEASON - 5TH SPRINT WEEKEND
OCTOBER

Oh god, I think, as I'm made to sit between Charles and Daniel, this is going to be fun.

I've been pulled into this press conference against my will, because they need an extra driver to be present. Sat on the white chair, I glance at Max, who is on the other side of Charles, and he just grins at me. He knows I hate these things. On the other side of Daniel is Lewis. It's the most explosive lineup for a press conference they could pick. Lewis doesn't want to be here. He's still in a foul mood after Qatar, where he and George collided on the first turn.

As he's answering a question about it, I try not to show too much interest, instead trying to listen in as Charles and Max talk... in bloody Dutch. Rude.

I give Max a pointed look, he gives me another grin.

Not fair, I mouth, to his amusement.

Daniel nudges me while Lewis answers another question. "Have you had your secret Santa yet?"

"Nope." I whisper back. "I have a feeling it might be Mick—"

I hear my name. I need to pay attention.

"—So let's quickly touch on that. After the race, it was clear a lot of drivers were struggling, including yourself. How are you doing after that?"

Fuck. Okay. I hold up the microphone, sighing dramatically. "It wasn't fun. Like I've said before, I don't remember much because of how bad it was. But I'm better now. The team really rallied around not just me, but Mick too. It's a very supportive atmosphere, and we've had a lot of help in getting back into form for this weekend."

Thankfully, that's enough to get me a different question. "That's good. Looking ahead: your team have made a very competitive car for the first year, and it's clear it's not just thanks to the engine deal with Honda and Red Bull. Do you think that competitiveness will continue to show through this weekend and the rest of the races for this season?"

It's a softball. Easy to answer. I knew it was coming: gotta love Henrik and the rest of the PR team.

"I think all the earlier cries of us breaking regulations were a clear sign that people were, you know, worried about our deal." I scratch the back of my neck as I continue speaking. "And we did respond perhaps a bit too harshly, but as drivers, we know that our car is only one slice of the equation when it comes to winning races or scoring points. You have to be able to control the car, navigate the tracks and handle so many other tasks all at once. The guys back at the factory have been churning out upgrades as we grow and learn, so I think we could end the season trying to get back at Aston Martin for jumping us so early on... But that does depend on Lance and Fernando slowing down enough for us to catch them."

It's a waffling answer, but if I say yeah we're gonna get all the points and a podium then we don't get that, it'll be a minor PR issue. It's better to be mildly optimistic.

As the focus shifts to Charles, I thankfully get to zone out once more.

It's hot again, but the wind is actually cooling. God, it's nice. I don't feel like I'm burning up in my clothes. Daniel has entered the paddock wearing... a stetson? Is that the right word? He jogs over to me and tips the hat, giving me his best howdy ma'am.

I reward him with a slap to his arm, and he laughs at me. He knows he's winding me up. He's spent the past few days sending voice notes in a cowboy voice that sounds awful because his American accent is terrible. But he's been doing it because he finds it fun to wind people up sometimes.

"I'm gonna set fire to that hat of yours." I threaten, even though he's still laughing as he walks off.

"I'll put catnip in your suitcase!" He shouts over his shoulder.

I flip him the bird - super quickly because I don't want to get into trouble - and head off down the hot, breezy paddock, past the brilliant white and light grey buildings. There are some potted trees, but all in all, my focus stays ahead. The worst race of the year has happened, it's in the past now. Time to focus on ending the season with a high note of five damn good race results.

As I enter the hospitality unit, I'm met by Olivia, who is brimming with excitement. She grabs my hand and drags me over to where Mick is sitting with a Guess Who game in front of him. All the people have been replaced with past and current drivers.

I sigh at what I know is coming: time to do a little video of us playing this.

"Alright." I say, before she talks, dropping into the seat opposite Mick. Olivia grabs a tripod and ring light, getting it plugged in and telling us to wait whilst she sets up.

"This wasn't my idea." Mick says as we wait for her to finish sorting this all out.

"Oh, I know it wasn't. You prefer when we get to drive Jaguars round on hot laps."

"Right! All set..." Olivia's back at her phone, firmly held by the tripod. "Aaannnnd.. Go!"

I make sure all the faces on my piece are up, and I grab one of the face-down mini-cards after he does. I've got Lewis Hamilton for him. I place the card in the little slot in front of me and give Mick my best thinking stare.

"Have they ever won the championship title?" I ask.

"Yes."

Looking over all the ones I have, I start flicking a few down. Webber. Villeneuve. Coulthard. Barichello. Valtteri. Daniel. Lando.

Mick taps a finger to his chin as he thinks. "Have they won more than one title?"

Well, I think to myself, this just got a lot easier for you. "Yep."