"I don't mind when you play with my head
I flip around, play with yours instead."
⁂
The lights blazed as hands shot into the air. The reporters had been devouring the sight of both Red Bull drivers on stage together. They'd yet to throw any questions my way, which was probably for the best. With every compliment or word of praise thrown my teammate's way her smile just grew.
"I genuinely love getting to be with my best friends on track. Obviously, Mat is way in the front but pretty soon Logan and I will be racing her too. That's when friendships will truly be tested." Oscar Piastri smiled as the crowd laughed with him. My teammate rolled her eyes as redness creeped into her face. A dull anger throbbed through me as I watched her pretend to be embarrassed by her friend's comments.
The microphone in my hand was growing warmer as Piastri kept talking about the rookie trio's chaotic yet somehow completely hilarious drive to the circuit. With each joke by my teammate or Piastri the laughing grew louder and with each new wave of laughter the anger in my gut sharpened.
"Miss Schumacher, how is it you've gotten so close to your teammate in such a short time...in pace?"
"Mati! You, Logan and Oscar have been friends for a long time. What are some of your fondest memories off track?"
"Matilde! In your time with Red Bull, you've done a lot of the adrenaline stunts with other Red Bull athletes. What has been your favorite so far?"
Stupid people, asking stupid questions about stupid stuff. Why are we not talking about racing?
"Max Verstappen..." the sound of my name snaps me from the thoughts as all eyes turn to me.
"I–I'm sorry, can you please repeat the question?" I recognize the reporter immediately. He is notorious for trying to start drama on stage.
"Of course," his voice full of fake cheer. "Are you concerned at all about the upcoming sprint race? Especially with your teammate's growing confidence in the car?" The room goes abnormally still. I turn my gaze to Allie who opted to wait on the side of the stage as a reminder how serious Christian is about these appearances.
"No, I'm not concerned. The sprints are always a good time. We get good information going into Sunday's race." Short and sweet, everyone should be satisfied.
"Sorry Max, follow up, it seems like the margin of time between first and second position when finishing has decreased significantly since the first race. Do you have any idea why that is?"
Everyone except that reporter I guess.
"No, I don't have an idea as to why that is. I guess subconsciously I am just letting them catch up." I smile at him, the room chuckles and the man just nods. Then he's speaking again,
"So do you feel confident that you'll be winning the majority of races this season?"
"It's too early to say yes or no to that question." My grip tightens around the microphone.
"When do you plan on bringing upgrades to the car?"
"Well, I think you've said it yourself, our car is very fast. We will bring upgrades when they are necessary." The barrage of questions continues and soon I'm gritting my teeth with annoyance.
"Going back to your teammate–"
"I'm going to stop you there." Allie is suddenly speaking from the crowd. "I apologize but looking at the schedule we are over time. So I need to get my drivers back to the garage or I am going to be facing a very unhappy team principal." The FIA press coordinator just nods as all five of us drivers wave to the crowd. My teammate and Oscar Piastri are a few paces behind as we head towards Allie.
"Well I owe Daniel ten dollars." Piastri comments.
"Why is that?" She asks.
"I bet that we wouldn't make it through without Verstappen insulting you." Two of the three rookies laugh for a moment and my teammate adds,
"For once."
Allie is waiting for us as Oscar veers away after a short hug with his friend.
"You know, I can be professional." My teammate's head turns toward me at the words.
"I hadn't seen that side of you yet...so how was I to know?" She fires back and just as I'm about to respond, Allie stands between us,
"Mati, there's someone waiting outside for you." As we exit I'm expecting to see Daniel and Sebastian Vettel and there they are. However, I am not expecting the third man,
"Leo!" My teammate squeals as she hustles towards the Italian. I follow behind stopping next to Daniel and Riva lifts her into the air. It doesn't take long for me to spot the cameras. Leonardo Riva just orchestrated this moment of romance for them to catch on film.
"I don't know why he had to wait out here for her and not back in the garage like a normal person." Sebastian's hushed words catch me off guard.
"Nice to have you back Leo!" Daniel smiles at the Italian and I can't stop the eye roll. The six of us walk back through the paddock as cameras snap photos of the resident happy couple. Her eyes are glued to Riva as they smile and laugh the whole way to the garage.
"We're back!" Allie shouted and Christian emerged.
"Well hello you two! Mati, lovely work today during the press briefing. They said you were very charismatic, warm and exciting. Max..." Christian just nodded then motioned for us to follow.
"Alright schatzi, let's go talk strategy." Heat burns through my gut as Riva stands to follow his girlfriend. Sebastian shoots a look at him, "Sorry Leo, this is a confidential meeting. You can wait out here." I have to cover the grin that begins to form on my face.
"Go get some fresh air! It'll be quick." Then she kisses him.
The hot blaze of joy sears my gut as I see in real time that Leonardo Riva is a distraction. His stupid face, smile, and comments are distracting my teammate. As Sebastian, Daniel, her, and I walk to the briefing room a smirk begins to take shape. Although I still hate Riva for the disrespect he showed me at out last meeting, I can't help but smile at the downward spiral he might just start.
⁂
"Max, this is your fourth pole position in four races, how does that feel?"
"Yeah it feels good, but it won't mean anything if we don't finish in the sprint. Hopefully it will be five for five by the time this weekend is over." I smile as the reporter grins eagerly.
"Speaking of the sprint, do you feel a bit of relief knowing that your teammate is starting down in 8th?
"I don't think relief is the right word... but seventeen laps is a very short distance, so I am not expecting any trouble from her. Thank you." I nod as the familiar heat stings my skin. She's standing with Sebastian and he's saying something before she steps in front of a camera.
Why does she need someone with her before these interviews? If she can't control her feelings that isn't his problem.
But Sebastian places both hands on my teammate's shoulders and smiles...really smiles at her. I watch as her fists clench and unclench almost rhythmically. She nods and he pulls her in for a quick embrace and I'm shocked by the sudden affection.
She's starting in eighth position...EIGHTH! On top of that, she's throwing a fit like a small child...but he's hugging her? How pathetic.
Suddenly, the cheesy camera smile is in place as she greets the reporter. It's a bit more strained and I relish in the brief break of her happy go lucky attitude.
For the first time in three races, I breath easily and enjoy the entire walk back to the garage.
***
Hello Hello! I hope you all had a great week!
Max...your jealousy is showing (but he doesn't even realize its jealousy 🤭)
I am wanting to include some more racing bits in the chapters, so be on the look out for that!
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Raging Bulls || Max Verstappen MV
FanfictionWhen Matilde Schumacher joined the Red Bull team as a reserve driver in 2022, the racing world was shocked. Mick had only ever expressed interest in Ferrari or Mercedes...to follow in their Father's footsteps. But, there was one thing that led Mati...