LIGHTS OUT - A Lando Norris fanfic

Chapter Fourteen

The air at the Imola circuit was thick with the smell of burnt rubber and the sharp tang of engine oil, from the hours of relentless racing that had just concluded. The track itself, an iconic ribbon of asphalt, was now a jubilant scene of celebration, particularly around the McLaren paddock where Lando Norris had secured a stunning third-place finish.

The team, a colourful mosaic of engineers, strategists, and support staff, had congregated around Lando, their faces alight with smiles and their voices raised in a cheeky rendition of a modified song to the tune of "Whole again" from Atomic Kittens. "Lando, you're the one, you still turn me on, you've even got the podium!" they sang, laughter peppering the melody.

Lando, still clad in his racing suit, the black and papaya of McLaren vibrant against the Emilia Ramagna track backdrop, was in the centre of it all. His face was flushed with the thrill of a podium and the sheer joy of the moment as he laughed, his eyes crinkling at the edges. Every so often, his gaze would flit across to Florence, who stood slightly apart from the throng, a proud, beaming smile on her face.

Florence, ever the orchestrator behind the scenes, was directing Jen and David where to capture the shots, to capture spontaneous expressions of joy and camaraderie. Her heart swelled with pride—not just for the race well-run by Lando but for the team.

"Hey, Fleur, make sure you're getting my good side, yeah?" Lando called out to her, his grin widening as he struck a mock-heroic pose, prompting another wave of laughter from the team.

"Every side is your good side today, Lando," Florence called back, her voice light and teasing.

As the singing tapered off, Mateo, clapped Lando on the back. "You drove like a champion today, lad. This is just the beginning."

"Yeah, thanks to all of you," Lando responded, his tone sincere as he glanced around at his team. "Couldn't have done it without this crazy lot. And, Fleur," he added, turning his smile her way, "your motivational pep talks are getting better. Almost as good as your marketing skills."

"Oh, I do what I can," Florence replied with a mock bow, laughter dancing in her eyes. "Just wait till I start charging for those pep talks."

As the group began to disperse, heading back to prepare for the post-race debriefs and celebrations, Florence caught up with Lando, walking side by side as they left the track.

"You really were incredible out there," she said softly, her tone conveying more than just professional praise.

Lando looked down at her, a gentle seriousness replacing the playful joy of moments before. "Thanks, it means a lot, coming from you."

Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, the noise and chaos of the surrounding paddock seemed to fade into a quiet backdrop.

Then Lando's team radio crackled to life, reminding them of the world waiting beyond their shared glance. With a final smile, they parted ways, stepping back into their roles.

The streets of Imola were alight with the buzz of excitement that followed the Grand Prix. It was a night where the stars seemed to shine just for them, illuminating paths to revelry and celebration.

Florence, along with Lando, Mateo, and a gaggle of other Formula 1 drivers including Daniel, Charles, Carlos, Max, and his girlfriend Kelly, found themselves at a sleek, modern club known among the local elite for its discretion and vibrant atmosphere. Neon lights sliced through the darkness, casting a glamorous glow on the polished surfaces, while a DJ spun energetic beats that throbbed through the throng of dancing bodies.

The air inside was electric, charged with the adrenaline of the race and the euphoria of victory. Champagne flowed freely, laughter pealed over the music, and Florence found herself swept up in the exhilaration. She danced with Kelly, laughed at Charles's jokes, and listened to Carlos's stories.