A second place in the sprint and qualifying third for the race, it was a good weekend so far. Lando took Nadine and I out for dinner. Now it was race day. It was a very lively atmosphere. Nadine and I showed up at a different time than Lando. We chatted with Lily for a while and even some members within McLaren.
I received a text from Lando that he was in his room. Looking around, I dismissed myself from the conversation that Nadine was having with a crew member. The journey was short, just up the stairs. I gave two knocks before opening the door.
"Oh my." Lando says as he stops in his tracks.
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"What?" I respond narrowing my eyes at him playfully.
"You look divine." He says, eyes sparkling and he grabbed my hand to spin me around. I sent a soft smile, leaning in to peck his lips.
"Thank you." I said with a hug.
As the day went on Lando got ready for the race, I watched from afar, Nadine by my side. I was nervous but so excited. Cars were rolled to the grid, and there was a stillness to everyone's manner. I watched on as the person at the back of the grid ran across waving the flag indicating the lights were about to go out. Lando had a good start, jumping ahead of Charles to swap from third to second. Verstappen of course in first. The race seemed to go on like this. Charles and Lando swapped places a couple times but Lando undercut him on the pit stop. I watched on nervous but excited. Nadine next to me squeezing my hand. As we neared 3 laps to go, lando came on the radio says that his tires were gone. My heard sank as I looked to the leader board. Charles was only 2 seconds back. I didn't know if he'd have enough time to catch Lando but on the screen showed a graphic of the gap between the two. The Ferrari was gaining as a pace that would allow him to catch Lando by the end of the race. I closed my eyes to take a deep breath. Nothing I could do except watch on carefully. As La do crossed the start finish line to begin his last lap, Charles had his DRS open and you could see his picking up. Lando managed to stay ahead but just barely as they went to the first corner, Lando had the inside line giving him the advantage. They swept through the turns and Lando tried to put down the power but Charles inched ahead in the second DRS zone. You could see the dejection in the team. On the 16th corner, Charles locked up giving an advantage to Lando. This would be his last chance. With DRS advantage, Lando passed him on the straight with ease. It was the longest straight on the circuit. He had 3 corners left and 2nd place was his. No lockups it was smooth sailing. Charles tried his best but it was Lando's day to take the second sort on the podium.
I clapped proudly with the biggest smile on my face. Turning to my best friend, we hugged. Lando's radio came on and we were able to hear his celebration. "Hell yeah, baby! P2! Cheers lads. That was my best fight in a long time. Thanks everyone for bringing a great car this week. It was a pleasure to drive."
"Great drive, Lando. Never doubted you." Andrea said as you could see him and Zac Brown on the wall, patting each others backs. He was close to that first win, everyone knew it. It was just a matter of time
Nadine and I were escorted out to where the podium ceremony would take place. I didn't want to be up against the railing so Nadine and I stood a bit off to the side. We could still see Lando. I watch on as he took his gear off looking so good. You could tell the last few laps were exhilarating for him. Charles came up behind him to pat his back, Lando turned towards him to dap him up. They smiled and shared a short laugh as Max was being interviewed. Lando was pulled to do his interview having nothing but kind words to say. I was so happy for him. I know this season didn't start as well as last season ended. This weekend was definitely a step in the right direction for the team.
As Lando stood on the second step of the podium lifting his trophy, his eyes searched the crowd. We locked eyes, and he sent me a wink. I smiled and sent a thumbs up to which his smile grew even wider. The Dutch national anthem played once again and Lando's signature champagne pop went sky high.
After the festivities, Lando was escorted around to do some more interviews. Nadine and I spent some time in hospitality having a glass of wine. A couple people in the paddock even waved to me. No one knew my name so it was a bit awkward when they were trying to get my attention. I smiled politely to each person and waved back. Some people asked for pictures so I got up and took a couple pictures. I suppose at this point it was apart of the gig, might as well get used to it.
I had yet to see Lando post race, but I could certainly hear him coming as I heard people yelling his name. He apologized to those following him saying he wanted to change but he'd be back later. Upon seeing me, we beelined over. Both Nadine and I stood up to congratulate him. First Nadine with a short hug then me. He picked me up and spun us around. I let out a short giggle, kissing his cheek.
"Congratulations." I smiled as he met my lips with a short kiss.
"I'm glad you were here to see it." He smiled back.
"Me too. You were amazing out there. Definitely had my heart racing." I sighed as both Lando and Nadine laughed at me.
"I tend to do that, don't I?" I heard him say as I rolled my eyes. "Come with me?" He gestures to both of us. We both nod as Lando grabs my hand to interlock out lingers. I fall into step with the curly haired brunette I was falling for.
~~~
Hello all, sorry for the delay! I have found myself writing another fanfic and got very engrossed in that. I hope you enjoyed! The summer break will be good for all of us F1 fans! By the time they are back, I will be in Europe counting down the days until Monza!!! Don't worry, before I start this other book, I plan to finish this one! Any guesses on who it will be?? Until next time <3
