Mi campeón - Carlos Sainz (EN)

Chapter 3: August 18, 2023

The day of reunion was fast approaching, and Lando had arranged Talia's trip a week before the race in the Netherlands. Despite the option of taking a plane, since the Netherlands were neighboring Belgium, Talia decided to opt for the train for her journey. And so she found herself at the train station, suitcase in hand, looking for the contact person who was supposed to pick her up. The mission proved not to be a difficult quest, as a man of about fifty was holding a sign with her name on it.

This driver, wearing a genuine smile, introduced himself as being from McLaren's team and responsible for escorting her to the main hotel. Talia warmly thanked him and insisted on carrying her suitcase, politely refusing his help.

Outside, the driver led her to an imposing black car with tinted windows. After carefully placing her suitcase in the trunk, Talia moved towards the back of the vehicle. Her surprise was complete when the door opened to reveal a smiling Lando, who was eagerly waiting for her inside. Without wasting any time, she jumped into the car exclaiming, "Lando!" Their faces lit up with a complicit smile, and they warmly embraced.

Lando: (enthusiastic) I couldn't wait any longer to see you in person and show you around myself.

Talia: (laughing) That doesn't surprise me coming from you. But shouldn't you be in training or something?

Lando: (explaining) Not today. It's Oscar, my teammate, who's undergoing comeback tests this afternoon. I'm free until tomorrow.

During the journey, the two friends discussed the days to come. Lando informed Talia that a reunion party among the drivers was planned for that evening, an opportunity for her to delve into the relationships forged outside the circuits. The idea of ​​discovering this unfamiliar world, with all its wealth and notoriety, intrigued her, but she also felt some pressure. It was a new world for her, but Lando reassured her by promising to accompany her most of the time and ensure that she was not exposed to paparazzi.

Lando: (curious) I never asked you which driver you support, after all. I wouldn't be offended if it's not me, of course.

Talia: (pretending to think, although she already had her answer) Well... Even though you might think I'm trying to flatter you, I'm for the former Carlando team.

Lando burst out laughing, genuinely amused by the name fans had given to his duo with Carlos Sainz.

Lando: So, why this choice?

Talia: (explaining enthusiastically) McLaren is booming in terms of development. And I believe you are already an exceptional driver, despite your youth. Your career can only improve.

Lando nodded silently, touched by Talia's honesty and sincerity. He continued by asking her why Sainz also had her favor.

A brief silence ensued, and Lando couldn't help but notice a slight blush on the young woman's cheeks. After a short moment, Talia explained, her voice tinged with admiration: "I find Sainz to be a fighter. Unfortunately, in his current team, he seems to be in Charles' shadow. But I am convinced that if he had the opportunity to drive with a Red Bull car, he would rise among the best."

Lando nodded convincingly, knowing perfectly well the skills of his former teammate. He felt a warm feeling at the thought that Talia and Carlos might get along well, or even more. He thought he could play a role in bringing them closer together in the future, if fate allowed it.

Quick explanation upon arrival at the hotel, very luxurious, dropped bag. No time for a hotel tour as Lando wants to show her the location of the circuit, taking advantage of the fact that there aren't many people there yet.

The two friends continued to chat throughout the journey until they arrived at the hotel. Lando escorted Talia through the hotel corridors, jokingly commenting on her admiring gaze. It was evident that Talia was impressed by the place, with its luxurious rooms, sparkling chandeliers, and elegant atmosphere. It was a true representation of the opulence that reigned in the world of Formula 1.