dear hazel, | lewis hamilton

7

11th of April, 2022

Dear Hazel,

From the moment I met you, I knew I'd be putting a ring on your finger, sooner than later.

I always bit my tongue from proposing to you with every 'I love you' we uttered to each other.

I knew I needed to wait for the right moment, considering your graduation from Stanford and my ongoing fight for the championship.

I wanted to make sure that when I proposed, it would be a grand gesture worthy of someone like you.

And I made sure not to disappoint.

lewis carried his girlfriend out of her graduation ceremony, bridal style.

adorned in a black gown with a red ribbon, she was thrown into the passenger seat of his mclaren convertible, as he drove them to the airport. their bags were already packed and stuffed in the trunk of the car.

everything was timed so perfectly, her graduation was one day before lewis had to fly out to brazil for the final race of the season. which would also be determining who would win the championship.

he was able to attend her graduation while she was able to attend what possibly could be his first world championship, demonstrating their unwavering support for each other.

lewis had a lot planned, having huge faith he'd be able to clinch the win and make that weekend memorable. for both him and her.

he didn't let his spirits down when he qualified fifth, which hazel found odd since he'd usually be sulking about it.

she didn't ask any questions, savoring his unusually good mood.

she often found him and nico discussing something in hushed whispers, falling silent whenever she entered the room.

to add, he usually never went out during a race weekend. especially during one as important as this one was.

but for some unknown reason, he took her out to a restaurant they had a date at last time they were there. he was spoiling her more than usual, adding to the mystery of the evening.

even though it was gnawing it her, she concealed her curiosity, knowing the truth always comes out eventually.

then came race day. the beginning of the race wasn't as thrilling and nerve wracking as the end was.

tension hung in the air, heavy like a thick fog. as the race reached it's climax, rain began to fall, adding an extra layer of drama to the already intense competition.

at the front of the pack, the home favorite; felipe massa, led the race with fierce dominance. meanwhile lewis fought for dear life to cling onto his chances at the title as he was busy battling in the midfield, the rainy conditions not making it any easier.

as the laps ticked down, the rain intensified making the track a mere iceskating rink, with cars slipping and sliding left and right.

in the midst of all the mayhem, lewis prevailed against all odds and made it through the various crashes, navigating through the expensive wrecks.

if he had any hopes of beating felipe massa, who was comfortably leading, he had to finish fifth or above.

with the checkered flag waving in the horizon, felipe pased the line in first and lewis' chances of winning were slowly getting slimmer and slimmer.

suddenly, timo glock started slowing down, his car appearing to have a problem helping lewis move up one place.

the entire mclaren garage screamed and cheered in approval as lewis zoomed past it in fifth place, securing him as world champion.

hazel jumped out of her seat, being enveloped in hugs with other mclaren team members.

they all waited for him to pull up in the parc ferme, despite not finishing in the top 3, with hazel in front of the whole pack.

lewis wasted no time in exiting his car. he could've flown with joy. he leaped into his team's arms, receiving multiple congratulatory pats on his helmet.

he stopped in front of his girlfriend, embracing her tightly as she planted a passionate kiss beneath his helmet's visor.

without hesitation, he lifted her over the barriers, bringing her with him into the parc fermé area.

removing his helmet to get a better view of her, he passed it to one of the mechanics, who discreetly slipped a small box into his hand.

hazel laughed as he took her hand, igniting a fiery feeling within him that no victory lap could replicate, "what are you doing?"

slowly, he started kneeling down with one knee on the ground, gazing at her with an intensity that only love can bring.

"hazel..." he begins, "from the moment you walked into my life, everything changed. you've been my rock, my muse, my reason to strive for greatness. and today as i stand here, basking the glory of victory, i realize that none of it would've been possible without you by my side."

with trembling hands, he revealed the box, opening it to reveal the thing that symbolized their journey together- a journey filled with love, laughter snd unwavering support.

"will you continue this journey with me? not just as my partner, but as my soulmate? will you marry me?"

the world around them faded into a blur as hazel's breath caught in her throat, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. in that moment, time seemed to have stopped for the two as she nodded profusely, not needing to rethink her already made decision.

"yes, lewis! yes!" she sobbed, covering her mouth with her hand in bewilderment.

cheers erupted in the background, but in that moment, there was only the two of them. bound together by a love that goes beyond championships and podiums.

with the ring slipped onto her finger, they embraced, twirling her around like the princess and prince they were.

even during the podium celebrations, despite it not being allowed, he managed to drag her up there and shower her in champagne, as if she was the winner of it all. which in many ways, she was.

it was safe to say they threw the most extravagant party, inviting everyone and their mothers to celebrate lewis' record-breaking championship, hazel's graduation, and their recent engagement.

while everyone else indulged and got carried away, the couple barely touched their drinks- wanting to relish and treasure this unforgettable night for the rest of their lives.

that day marked the end of a decade and the beginning of a new age for them.

God, I still have the picture of your smile engraved in my brain.

Whenever I feel like I miss you, I often found myself rewatching the video on Youtube. It has around 6.7 million views, and I guarantee you I'm probably a million of them.

You used to tell me about how cruel nostalgia was, but I never understood.

Sure, I would sometimes reminisce about old days although it never made me sad.

Now, when I look back at our memories I finally understand what you meant. And you were so right.

This is cruel.

Until we meet again,

Love,
Lewis