Invisible string (lestappen)

Chapter 8 : Max

Only five laps to go. I'm fourth at the moment but Leclerc is close behind. He won't let me get away with this position easily. The opposite coming from him would've been more of a surprise to me.

He gets closer and closer to a point where his car ends up beside mine, on the outside. I know exactly what he's up to. So predictable. I've been racing this guy for ten years, does he really think I'm going to be fooled by such basic moves ?

I block him by putting myself in a strategic position during the braking while still focusing on taking the corner perfectly. It works and I manage to come out ahead, creating more space between our cars.

Our positions don't move for the next few laps. I take every turn defensively making sure I don't leave room for him to pass me.

Despite his many attempts to overtake me, I cross the line in front of him again to start my last lap. But it's far from over.

My tires are suffering more and more as time goes by. I'm holding on for as long as I can, but I don't know if it's going to be enough. Charles' tires are fresher so I have a clear disadvantage. It's totally on us though. We decided on a two-stops strategy. Ferrari, on the other hand, went for three stops.

The more laps went down, the more I realised it might not have been our best idea. I can't push as hard as I'd like to. Charles, however, has never been faster. Closing the gap to me again.

Damn it.

Can't he just give up for once in his goddamn life?

The corner that comes at me at full speed is a particularly difficult one to negotiate. As I'm trying my best not to lose the grip, Leclerc takes the opportunity to pass me. On the fucking outside.

'Fuck !', I yell in my helmet.

I push again, but it's too late. He's already ahead. With only one sector left to go. The frustration only growing more and more inside of me. I can't believe I let someone pass me on the last fucking lap.

It's official now.

This weekend sucks.

I finally see the end of this nightmare when I cross the line fifth. Carlos ended up winning the race.

It could've been worse, but it also could've been better. Whatever. I can't always be first. I have to work for it. Carlos did a really good job today. He deserved this win. And to be fair, apart from my position, it was probably the most exciting race I've had in a long time.

I kind of missed it. Battling on track, overtaking, pushing to the limit. Taking risks to pass your rival. And who better than Charles to do all that with ? He's always been good. In my opinion, he's one of the best on the grid. Fighting against him is always bound to be exciting. Today just confirmed that.

I hop out of the car. Drops of sweat trickle down my skin. I take off my helmet and hood before running a hand through my hair. Charles, who stopped his car right in front of mine, starts doing the exact same. F1 driver's routine, apparently.

I glance at him discreetly, hoping he doesn't notice. Luckily, his back is facing me so he's oblivious to my staring. I seize the opportunity to fully watch him as he wipes his forehead with a small towel before taking a gulp from his water bottle. His jaw clenching as he swallows the liquid.

Why is such a boring action so fascinating all of a sudden?

As soon as he's finished, he turns his body towards me and I quickly look away. Please. Tell me he didn't see me staring at him like a freak.