The bet | Charles Leclerc

• Seven •

Sunday

Richard is stood behind me, observing as Sainz stands in front of me, ready to be interviewed. It's absolutely nerve racking to have your boss observe you, but as Richard said, "you'll be the best if I can give you both critic and praise."

So now I just gotta embrace it, and chase that praise.

"So Sainz, a podium in the first race of the season, it's obviously been a great weekend for both you and the whole team. How did the car feel today?" I ask into my microphone, smiling gently.

Sainz grins, as I pass the microphone over to him. He clearly recognizes me. Not as Max's sister, but Leclerc's betting opponent. Great.

"It felt really good. I'm satisfied with the result today, and of course very happy for Charles" He starts.

"Despite my departure with the team next year, I'm still going to give every bit of myself to Ferrari, and this season already looks promising" He answers, softly smiling.

"You brought it up yourself, you're leaving the team next year.. Are you already searching for a new seat, or are you just letting time tell?" I ask, touching the clearly tough topic for him.

Sainz hesitates for a moment, before he answers. "There's obviously talks, but for the first couple of races I'm just here to prove my worth" He pauses.

"But you know, we'll see where the wind takes me by the end of the year" He finishes, a glint in his eyes, as he lowers his microphone.

"Thank you Sainz." I say, ending the interview with a smile. That went well.

"My pleasure Isa" Sainz responds, moving away before I even get to process his words. Isa..?! How does everyone know my name..?!

As I watch Sainz approach a new journalist, Richard leans closer to me, his grin visible from the corner of my eye. "You gotta be careful Isa, you're making every driver fall in love with you.."

My cheeks immediately flush.

I turn my head, staring blankly at the grey haired man, who's very clearly loving this. Slowly, I raise my middle finger at Richard, unable to fight back my smile.

"Oh honey, you are such a Verstappen."

Before I get to respond to that violation of a comment, I catch someone from the corner of my eye.

Red race suit. Sweaty hair. Those fucking dimples.

"Isa!" He calls before I get to. With quick steps, he approaches me, the usual wide grin literally glued to his lips.

"Leclerc!" I reply, as he comes to a halt in front of my microphone. Behind me, Richard immediately tells the crew to start filming.

I pass him a microphone, unable to stop a soft smile from creeping up my lip. It's those dimples I swear.. I can't withstand them.

"First of all, big congratulations! You looked absolutely flying on track, so how are you feeling?" I excitingly ask into my microphone.

Leclerc raises his microphone, and opens his mouth. But then he closes it once again..? He hesitates for a moment, before a grin escapes on his face.

"Wait, join me in front of the camera!" He suddenly suggests, his eyes wide with excitement and joy.
Has the adrenaline gotten to his head?!

I immediately shake my head no, my cheeks burning in mere seconds. I can't do that. I'm supposed to be behind the camera, not in front of it.