The bet | Charles Leclerc

• Two •

Friday

Sainz and Leclerc sit down on a pair of stools, all of us journalists surrounding them. They both look the exact opposite of how I feel; calm and relaxed.

"Everyone gets a question each and Charles & Carlos will answer to the best of their efforts! Sky news you're up first!" A man announces loudly to us all. He points at a well known journalist in the front row, letting her get the first word.

"So we're heading into the first real session of the season, how do you boys feel?" She asks, speaking into her large microphone.

Sainz clears his throat, raising his microphone first. "I feel good. As everyone knows my time at Ferrari is coming to an end, so I'm dead focused on making this a good last year" The Spaniard answers, speaking of the topic that fills the entire paddock.

Leclerc smiles lightly, taking up his microphone. "I'm definitely heading into this weekend with a positive mindset. We did good in pre-season testing, and I'm hoping for the same result here in FP1" He responds.

Various journalists take turns in asking alike questions, Leclerc and Carlos getting creative to switch up their answers.

I can't help but feel bad for them, spending hours on answering the same questions every single day.

I sit impatiently on the sofa. I'm one of the last journalist to get their turn, and I'm sizzling with nerves.

But I've got my question ready. Simple and easy, nothing special. I've been instructed to save the juicy questions for later..

A female journalist next to me nods thank you to the drivers for their answers. That means it's my turn. I turn my head, finding Richard at the back of the room.

He smiles gently. Then he gives me an encouraging nod. I can do this.

I clear my throat, then raise my microphone to my mouth. Immediately, the drivers' gaze turn to me. Not intimidating at all...

"You two clearly have a great friendship in and out of the paddock, your pairing long being a fan favorite, but with your departure Sainz, do you guys think your friendship will remain? Is this a farewell or simply a goodbye for now?" I ask calmly, a kind smile on my lips.

The second the last words leave my mouth, I release a deep exhale of relief. That felt good. Amazing even. This is what I've been waiting for, what I've been dreaming of.

Sainz and Leclerc both turn their heads to look at each other, witty smiles wiped over their lips. "Fan favorite huh?" Sainz says in his classic Spanish accent.

Leclerc gently laughs, those dimples appearing, raising his microphone. "Well, only time can tell obviously. But I of course hope our friendship will stay just as strong" He begins.

His gaze finds mine in the small crowd, a gentle smile on his lips. I can't help but fear he recognizes me.

My brother is his biggest rival.
They're practically enemies.

"Me and Carlos have had a great partnership over the years so it'll definitely be bittersweet when we get to the end of the season.. I wish him all the best, and even though we won't see each other as often, we'll definitely make sure to stay in touch."

The room falls silent as Leclerc finishes. There's a new tension in the room, one between Sainz and Leclerc.

Beside him, Sainz gently smiles. I can't even imagine how he feels. "As Charles said it'll definitely be bittersweet to say goodbye. I'll miss the red and Charles of course, but it is what it is." Sainz states.