Invisible string - lestappen

Chapter 14 : Max

I'm officially a three-time world champion.

I can't believe it. This feels like a dream. Yet it couldn't be more real than it is right now, as I'm jumping out of the car. The cheers of the fans and the team echoing through the evening.

I take the time to congratulate Lando and Oscar for their podium result. They both do the same which I appreciate a lot.

Without wasting another second, I run to the redbull crew waiting for me behind the barricades. Big smiles on their faces. They hug me, tap me on the back and carry me in celebration. It's what you could describe as a mess. But a good one.

Christian who's first on the line looks at me proudly. Hugging me again. Longer this time.

'Well done son, I'm proud of you'

I know he is. Just one look at his watery eyes confirms it. I couldn't be more grateful for all the things he's done for me. Through every ups and downs, he's always been there. Supporting me but most importantly believing in me when I didn't even believe in myself.

'Thank you, Christian. For everything'

I then go to Kelly, who's a little bit further from them. She smiles at me.

'Congrats, you deserve it'

I hug her.

I know we haven't been in the best place these days. And I have no idea what's going to happen to us but she's been there for me through this whole journey. She's helped me deal with so much that I want to enjoy her presence while it's still there.

Something telling me it might be one of the last times she'll come to support me.

I stay a bit longer with the team, talking, and laughing. The joy palpable in the air.

I couldn't be prouder of what we achieved. We all worked so hard for it and here we are.
Still undefeated.

•••

As I'm waiting for the post-race interview to start, a few drivers take the opportunity to congratulate me.

Charles is the first one to arrive, which doesn't fail to put a warm feeling in my heart. He removes his helmet while taking confident steps in my direction. A genuine smile covers his face when he finally reaches me.

'Congrats Max, you deserve it'

I shake the hand he offers me. And I smile. Like I always do when he's near, it seems.

'Thank you, Charles. Congrats for your p5. You did well'

He nods as an answer before leaving for what his schedule has in store for him.

Soon after, Daniel, Carlos and Alex, among others, congratulate me too. It fulfills my heart to know that despite our rivalry, they're still happy to see me succeed.

I wrap the interview not without detailing how my race went, how stressed I was, how I feel about the two McLaren finishes and how thankful I am for all the support I received.

Then, with the world championship trophy in hand and my heart full, I leave the track with Kelly. The memories of this moment, this evening, forever printed in my mind.

•••

'We need to talk Max'

I put my hand through my hair.

This is it.

The moment I've been avoiding for the past few days. Or weeks, let's be real.