Paper Rings: O.Bearman

𝕮𝒉𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 58

Months pass and Silverstone was quickly rolling around. There was a current rumour running around the F2 paddock during the weekend of the Austrian Grand Prix that Prema were dropping Kimi Antonelli and looking for a more experienced driver to replace him that weekend. Though she didn't want to see a driver dropped mid-season, it was Hannah's dream to return at her home grand prix. But in the present, the Austrian Grand Prix had just finished.

The now 20-year-old Kings Lynn girl was sat in Ollie's drivers room when Kimi walked past. "Kimi!" she calls to the young driver. The Italian stops in his tracks and turns to her. "Are you okay?" she asks, noticing the sad look on his face. "Can we maybe talk in my room? I don't want anyone over hearing." the 17-year-old asks. "Of course. Ollie, I'll be back in a minute!" she calls to her boyfriend before following Kimi. She enters the youngsters drivers room and shuts the door.

"What's wrong?" she asks, sitting beside him. "First, promise you won't tell Ollie?" Kimi asks her. "Of course. Anything you tell me will primarily be confidential between us both." she sincerely smiles. "Okay. Well, I've been dropped. I've lost my drive in F2." Kimi sadly announces. "Oh, Kimi. I have experience in being dropped by a team anyway." Hannah tries to lighten the mood. "You do?" Kimi turns to her. "Yeah. Why do you think I haven't been racing this year?" Hannah asks with a soft smile. "Who dropped you at the end of last season?" the italian driver asks. "DAMS. But, it's there loss anyway because if we face it, they're only still performing great because of Arthur. His teammate isn't exactly pulling his weight." Hannah jokes causing Kimi to laugh.

"But seriously, I know it hurts losing your seat. And if Prema are considering me for you now open seat, I'll do everything to pick up results in your honour and for the team." Hannah smiles. "You'd try and do that?" Kimi asks. "Of course. And if you some advice, don't take a seat at a team that doesn't have faith in you. I learnt that the hard way." Hannah laughs as does Kimi. "Thanks Hannah. I needed this talk I think." the brunette italian smiles. "Of course. You know i'm not far if you need to talk." Hannah places her hand on his shoulder and gently squeezes it before walking out.

"Hannah! Can i talk to you?" René calls to her. She turns to look at him and with a smile and nod, Hannah follows the team principal to his office. "So, I take it you heard the news from Kimi himself?" René asks as the girl sits on the sofa in his office while he closes the door. "Yes, I have." Hannah nods, sad the 17-year-old has lost his seat.

"Well, obviously it is a disappointment to drop one of our drivers midseason. But, we have been weighing up our options of replacing Kimi. Now, we saw last season that you had the skill but you didn't have the backing from your team. We know you Hannah. We know what your capable of, your driving skills, the style you drive, how you manage the car and tyres. You know that you have our backing in what you want to achieve in F2. That's why we want you to rejoin us and be Ollie's teammate. We want you back here at Prema." René explains and the girl is taken back by the offer. "Are you serious?" she asks, making sure she heard him correctly.

"I am. Now, I know you and Ollie are dating which might influence your decision. But, we respect that you two are together and us as well as you both know that you will also do anything to help the team and maximise every possible opportunity. So what do you say? Do you want to race for ha again and be back in F2?" René asks while the girl takes some time to think about her decision. "As much as it hurts to see Kimi without a seat, I'd love to be back." Hannah smiles slightly. "Fantastic. We'll sort all the details out and we'll need you at the factory for your seat and overall fitting." René smiles as does Hannah, the pair standing up and shaking hands. "

"One thing before you leave, you cannot tell anyone until the contract is signed." René speaks. "Of course. I don't tell me brother anything because he's a blabber mouth." Hannah chuckles as does the team principal. "Alright. I'll let you head back to Ollie. I'll phone you Tuesday so we can finalize everything and get you down to race at Silverstone." René smiles as he opens the door for Hannah. "Perfect! I'll see you then." the 20-year-old smiles as she walks out.

After meeting back up with Ollie, the blonde girl gathered her belongings and both of them heading back to their hotel for a peaceful night.