𝙾𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚢┃ Charles Leclerc┃

Chapter Twenty Three - The Uncertainty

The hotel restaurant provided a more relaxed setting than the bustling paddock. Soft lighting and the gentle hum of conversations created an ambiance that contrasted sharply with the complexities swirling in my mind.

Seated at a corner table, I joined Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda. The clinking of cutlery and the muted chatter of fellow diners provided a comforting backdrop to our conversation. As I took a sip of my coffee, I glanced between Alex and Yuki, both friends I trusted with the internal conflict I grappled with.

"So, Ana, what's been on your mind?" Alex inquired, his friendly demeanor a balm to the unease that lingered within me. "We've noticed you've been a bit down recently."

I took a moment, swirling the coffee in my cup. "It's Zak. He gave me an ultimatum – continue with Charles and risk my seat. It's messing with my head, guys. I don't want to jeopardise my career, but I care about Charles, and it feels like I'm being forced to make an impossible choice."

Yuki leaned forward, his expression empathetic. "That's a tough spot, Ana. But remember, you're not alone. We're here for you." He then turned to Alex. "Also, you owe me £20. I told you they had a thing going on!"

"For God's sake!" Alex sighed, fishing a hand into his pocket, before nodding in agreement. "It's a harsh reality we face in this sport, but you don't have to face it alone. What does your gut tell you?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of the dilemma. "My gut says to fight for both – my career and my personal life. But Zak's warning is like a looming storm cloud, casting doubt on everything."

Alex, always the optimist, offered a small smile. "Sometimes storms pass. Maybe this one will too."

As we continued our conversation, discussing the intricacies of Formula 1 life and the delicate balance between professional and personal pursuits, the restaurant buzzed with the clinking of dishes and the laughter of other patrons. Yet, my internal struggle remained, an ongoing narrative within the larger tale of my racing career. In that moment, surrounded by the camaraderie of friends, I found solace amidst the uncertainties that loomed on the horizon.

"I hope so." I offered a small, and rather feeble smile. "Anyway, let's please talk about something else. Anything. At all. Yuki, any good recipes these days? Favourite food from home that you recommend?"

My attempt at changing the topic of conversation was close to pathetic, but I desperately wanted to talk about anything but my personal life, and Yuki could talk about food until he was blue in the face. Win, win? I think so.

Alex groaned. "Oh, you're going to get him started."

"Ah, my lovely Japan. This is where it gets difficult. I'll start by saying I love Sukiyaki, which is like meat which you cook at the table in hot soy sauce and water. Does that make sense? It's like shabu-shabu but with soy sauce. And also motsunabe, which again, is a similar kind of soup, but with a lot of vegetables and also beef fat in it." Yuki started with a large breath.

Alex shot me a look of "what in God's name have a done to deserve this?", to which I simply grinned at.

"Do proceed, Yuki." I smiled.

Yuki didn't even have to accept my instruction; he was proceeding whether we liked it or not. "I do like ramen as well. There's seafood ramen... well, the dashi (the stock) is made from seafood and it's delicious. I'm getting excited about it now! So I like that one and, of course, also Tonkotsu, which is made from pork bones. Ramen is something you can eat everywhere. A lot of those are places you go after a party, you know, you want something to eat after all the alcohol and that's when you eat ramen! If money is no object then I'd urge anyone going to Tokyo to seek out a really good sushi place. Not a casual sushi bar, but a proper specialist restaurant that only has six or eight seats and is nice and private. That would be best."