Here and Beyond

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix '24

CHAPTER 20
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix '24

Nervous is an understatement the moment I stepped foot into the Paddock. Several personalities were around, celebrities, people who happen to be fans of Formula One, and even the royalties in Saudi. I was formally introduced to the night after Qualifying by George, despite my newly acquired status of being a rookie, to the Prince of Saudi. 

After last night, I went home and debriefed on things I should expect for the race day. And it is happening right now. The Formula One drivers, as usual, were introduced as we were meant to step into a big platform that goes around the circuit, for the drivers' parade. Last time, in Bahrain, I purposely left this one on my schedule and rejected the invitation to come, with the reason of calming my nerves before the very first race of my life in this field. At this moment, I feel like in a good place to interact with others and be interviewed despite the loud beating of my heart echoing in my ears. 

Beside George, we walked in the middle of reporters and media who wanted a scoop on us. I, in my usual attire of team tee-shirt, sported a skirt with tennis shoes on my feet. My neck was decorated with a small necklace that says my name in my mother's penmanship, and my right middle finger was stacked with rings that I had refused to remove four years ago. 

"Feeling good?" My teammate's voice brought me back to reality. I snapped my head in his direction, slightly tilting my head up since he's quite taller than the usual height of other drivers, "Could be better." 

George laughed at my statement, "You should've attended last week, it was pretty hectic," I nodded. I didn't know how to tell him that it was the same reason I avoided coming, I hated how the loud could affect me so badly, regardless of my frequent interactions with Maxies and Formula One supporters. At least, on social media, I just read and type... I didn't have to hear their voice. 

"Well," I just said. 

"It'll be better," George replied when he realized I wouldn't be adding much to my words, "You wouldn't even notice, but you'll love it, don't worry. It's the rookie nerves," he even added. 

I sighed, "I hope you're right." 

My teammate, who drives car number sixty-three, smiled down at me, "It will. Been there, it will get better." 

Ahead of us was Max talking to Daniel, Carlos, and him, with Oscar and Logan. I looked around and found one of Mercedes' photographers with their camera lens directed at George and me. I smiled at it and then proceeded to walk down the path led by the staff and Max. Once the guys reached the end and were standing I realized they were waiting for me. 

"Hmm?" I hummed when I walked near them. Max gave me a small smile while Daniel was beaming while gesturing the steps, "Ladies first." 

I sarcastically chuckled, although my eyes reflected appreciation, "And they said chivalry is dead," before stepping on the makeshift stairs of the platform. My move was followed by Max, Daniel, and then the rest of the grid. I stood near my teammate while he talked with the other drivers I'm familiar with. I'm quite thankful I spent most of my teenage years on the track and it was never hard for me to talk to these experienced drivers. However, the crippling feeling was creeping in, caressing the already calmed nerves of mine, making it a little bit harder for me to handle once I'm in a conversation. 

A cold hand touched my arms, "You good?" 

Lewis Hamilton's face welcomed my view with a small smile. I nodded with gratitude, "Yeah, thanks for checking up on me."