The bet | Charles Leclerc

• One •

Friday

My heels clanking against the hard floor, and my chin raised high, I walk calmly through the hallway.
Internally, I'm freaking out.

It's my first day. My first day as an F1 journalist.

I come to a halt in front of an office door.

Richard Jones, the nameplate reads before my eyes. My new boss, more commonly known as the best journalist in the industry.

On my chest a name tag sits as well. Isa, it simply says in my sloppy handwriting. Even though I was instructed to write my last name as well,
I purposefully left out Verstappen.

I've always been known as, Max's sister, Jos' daughter, the world champions low profile sister..
But here, finally, I'm just Isa.

And I'm determined to stay that way. I'm my own person, with my own career. Not just the little sister that stays in the shadows.

I grab the door handle abruptly, swinging the office door open. A surprised Richard sitting by his desk, appears on the other side.

"Oh hello darling!" He says, a wide smile curling up his lip in mere seconds. Richard quickly stands up from his chair, hurrying over to me.

I stand in the doorway, almost frozen. I've met Richard a couple of times previously, and he seems like the sweetest man imaginable..

And yet, I grow unbelievably nervous around him.

"Hello Richard" I say with a smile, trying to match his cheerfulness. But I quickly give up; he's already grinning widely, flashing his pearly white teeth.

He takes my hand in a swift motion, giving me a firm, warm handshake as he smiles like the happiest man on earth.

"Are you excited?" He asks brightly, dropping my hand, instead resting his hands inside his jeans pockets.

Can't stand still for the life of him, I add to my mental notes.

"Very." I reply, using my best efforts to give him my brightest smile. In reality, I'm much more nervous rather than excited.

But I'm ready. It feels like I've been waiting my whole life for this.

"Well let's get to work then!"

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

Me and Richard stroll down the paddock, as he explains all the essential things I need to know: work hours & breaks, our plans this weekend, basic knowledge..

We speed through the crowded paddock in Bahrain, everyone excited for the first weekend of the 2024 season.

Before I know it, Richard comes to a stop in front of the Ferrari building, the destination of my first ever press conference.

"Do you know the basics?" Richard asks me, a surprisingly serious expression coated over his face. He looks me straight in the eyes, daring me on.

The corner of my mouth lift into a smile. "Of course." I respond confidently. "Redbull look the quickest after the pre-season tests, but Ferrari are right behind them, both Sainz and Leclerc setting good times" I recite, questions for the drivers already bubbling in my head.

Richards smile returns, wide and proud. "You got it girl" He says, giving me a gentle pat on the back. "Now go show them who's boss, I'll be at the back"

I take Richards instructions to heart, as I walk inside with my chin raised high and a gentle smile on my lips.

I quickly find a handful of journalists already sat down in the red couches. The drivers haven't shown up yet, everyone looking down at their notebook, probably preparing questions.

I take a deep breath.

Everyone here knows my last name. My features are undeniably recognizable to the man of the moment..

But that won't stop me.

I step into the quiet corner, my heels clinking. People stare. I gently sit down, desperately trying to not gain any attention.

It's feels like I can feel their stares in the back of my head, sense their eyes gazing intriguingly at my nose that's identical to my brother's.

But once I look up, everyone else is busy with their own thoughts and their own notebook.

Not a single person is looking in my direction.

I exhale deeply with relief. I can be a normal person. I can simply be Isa, equal to all the other journalists.

Cameras sound and flashes shine, as the door suddenly clicks open. My gaze immediately snaps forward.

Out steps Leclerc, with Sainz trailing after behind him.

My breath gets caught in my throat.

I stare. I can't help myself.

I catch glimpse of his messy brown hair first, then his dimples appear.

God.

Charles Leclerc looks so much better than the last time I saw him in person.

Back then he was rivaling with Max in karting, walking around with a dopey Bieber bowl haircut.
I was just a little girl back then, watching along from the sidelines.

But now.. Now he's a... A man.