LIGHTS OUT - A Lando Norris fanfic

Chapter Thirteen

Authors Note: For anyone who hasn't seen the video above , it's actually quite funny so maybe give it a watch before reading the chapter!

Before she knew it the travel with her work friends, meeting the drivers, spending more time with Lando than the butterflies in her belly could handle had become a usual thing.

The Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne buzzed with energy, the air infused with the tangy scent of eucalyptus and the roar of Formula 1 engines reverberating through the paddock. The Australian Grand Prix, only the third race of the season, already promised an exhilarating weekend. Florence, with her a clipboard in hand, navigated through the lively crowd, already becoming accustomed to the buzz of the race weekends.

As she rounded a corner near the Ferrari hospitality, she almost bumped into Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who were deep in conversation. The two drivers, clad in their racing suits, paused and turned towards her, their expressions lighting up with recognition.

"Ah, Flo! Just the person I wanted to see," Charles exclaimed, his eyes crinkling in amusement. He spoke to her in Italian as he'd discovered while messaging her that she spoke multiple languages as well. "We were just talking about that hilarious video you made with Daniel and Lando. How did you manage to convince them to wear those ridiculous hats?"

Florence laughed, the memory of the video shoot bringing a sparkle to her eyes. "You'd be surprised what Lando and Daniel are willing to do for the promise of extra dessert at the team dinner," she joked. "But really, they're good sports. Anything for the fans, they said. I'm actually on my way to make another ridiculous video of them in about an hour or so."

Carlos shook his head in mock disbelief, his Spanish accent colouring his words with a melodic lilt. "I need to step up my social media game then. Perhaps you can be persuaded to come up with some ideas for me? As long as it doesn't involve silly hats, though."

"I'll see what I can do," Florence replied, her tone playful. "Maybe we can start a trend—'Carlos's Culinary Corner' where you show off your cooking skills?"

"Ah, let's not scare our fans away just yet," Carlos laughed, his good humour infectious. The trio chatted amiably for a few more minutes, discussing the upcoming race and the performance of their respective teams. It was during a lull in the conversation that Charles, with a casual nonchalance, shifted the topic.

"By the way, Carlos, Flo is planning to come to Monaco in May, before the Spanish GP, you should come too."

"Oh, that sounds like a plan, mate. Give me a shout when you're setting off, and if I've got a gap in the diary, I'll tag along," Carlos quipped with a grin. "But speaking of busy schedules, I've got an interview lined up. Catch you later!" And with a nod, he made his way towards the Ferrari hospitality area.

As Carlos sprinted off to his interview, Florence and Charles found themselves alone amidst the hum of the bustling paddock. The two wandered away from the main thoroughfare, finding a quieter spot near the edge of the hospitality area. The warm Melbourne sun bathed them in a golden glow, and the noise of the crowd faded to a distant murmur.

"So, you really convinced Lando and Daniel to wear those hats just for dessert?" Charles asked, his smile broadening.

Florence laughed again, nodding. "It didn't take much, honestly. They're always up for a bit of fun, plus, I think they secretly enjoy the silliness."

Charles chuckled, shaking his head. "I can believe that. It's good to have a bit of fun amidst all the seriousness of racing."

"Oh for sure," Florence agreed. "It's quite stressful what you guys do."