matilda | MV01

07 | racing

++++ lights are on

but nobodys home ++++

LIGHTS ARE ON tom rosenthal

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"It's lights out and away we go at the Miami Grand Prix!" Crofty shouted his classic line to the world as all twenty engines took off.

Senna was already in the zone, and she found herself flying past Max on the outside immediately.

"Woah, Senna. I might've said good luck, but wow." Winston chuckled and Senna laughed even louder.

"Just keep me updated on the business behind me." Senna told him and he easily agreed. The race continued on quietly for a while until she noticed yellow flags being waved.

"Who is it?" Senna asked curiously. Her face still hurt around the helmet. 

Liam was more than concerned for her, and he forced her to admit the truth. It was something that she just knew she wouldn't be able to hide from him, if he didn't already have a guess.

"Magnussen and Sargeant. Looks like Sargeant is out, Magnussen is under investigation." Winston said and Senna cursed under her breath. She felt bad for her friend having to retire in his home race. He was even doing so well all weekend, and he would not be too happy.

"They both okay?" She asked, wondering about her friend.

"Yep. You're gonna pit now. Keep your lead from Norris, Verstappen's down to third." Winston informed her and Senna was pleasantly surprised. She never expected to be racing against one of her friends and former competitors.

"Check." Senna said and dove straight into pit row. She came out, maintaining her lead over Lando and the safety car went away after a few laps.

"Verstappen overtook Norris, watch out. I don't think he's gonna stop for you." Winston warned and Senna looked to check her mirrors.

It was a shit mistake though, as it was too late, and Max found his front wing lodged into her rear. They both spun out and Senna cursed. Pain coursed through her face as her car spun and she quickly recovered it. She didn't notice any damage to the car yet though.

"Fuck! How's the car?" She asked in full on panic mode.

"The hell was he thinking?" She muttered, suddenly aware that the world could hear her.

"No damage. Keep going once space clears." Winston instructed and Senna nodded. She quickly found a gap at ninth position. Max clearly was informed the same, and so he came out just a place behind her.

"Look, I know Christian isn't happy and neither am I. But I'm not ruining your chances for the team. I'm going back up front. How many laps left?" Senna asked and Winston checked his monitors.

"Eight." He said calmly, in order not to infuriate the raging Dutch girl.

"Well shit. Fine; that's Alonso, yeah?" Senna asked as she gestured towards the Aston Martin in front of her. Winston confirmed her theories, and Senna smiled. She remembered his driving style from the sprint, and so she easily completed a double overtake on both him and Russell.

She soon spotted Tsunoda just ahead, his car unable to even compete with her. So she drifted by simply. But now was the hard part. Hamilton was next, holding a strong fourth, and Max was right behind her. She wasn't going to let him fuck up her race again, so she sent the seven time world champion behind her to become his problem.

"Watch the tyres, we're noticing some ware." Winston warned her but Senna didn't give a flying fuck anymore. She wasn't going to listen to Winston now, and let Max pass her. She knew that was going to be the next thing out of his mouth.