Formula 1 | One Shots (1)

The Last Chicane Part 1 | Lando Norris

Authors Note: This storyline was requested by user: saralways55

⚠️ Trigger warning for mentions of heavy injuries.

Part 1 of 2. 
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Singapore was always a driver's favorite track on the race calendar. Street circuits, especially night ones were exciting and always brought entertainment to the fans. There was a thick anticipation in the air, who would be on the top step of the podium? The Redbulls were surely fast this season, but their cars were no match for street circuits. Would Ferrari or McLaren snatch first place, only time would tell. This one surely would be a race you didn't want to miss.

Despite an unbeatable Redbull season thus far, every team was working on strategies to come out on top. Ferrari and Mercedes both had fresh upgrades for this face and their drivers were feeling confident. Ferrari saw promising results in F1 and 2, leading the pack ahead of the other teams. Driver #55 was feeling extra good about this race, he had this feeling he couldn't describe. 

Saturday's qualifying was the first one in a while that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the entire time. Expecting the #33 Redbull to be on pole, as usual, jaws were dropped when they saw Carlos Sainz beat him by a mere few seconds. The tifosi went wild watching the Ferrari driver make pole, hoping for a miracle that someone would beat the Dutchman for the first time this season on Sundays race.

Following a nail biting qualifying, the front line for the race consisted of the best of friends. Carlos in P1, Lando in P2 and Charles in P3. Max was sitting behind the trio in P4, hoping to overtake his way to the top. The beauty of their friendship was the rivalry stayed on the track. Off the track the boys were the closest of friends.

The trio spent the previous night together, relaxing at Lando's hotel restaurant. Charles and Lando were discussing how they could best defend Carlos throughout the race. Despite wanting the win themselves, they knew they'd do anything for someone to beat Max, who had been unbeatable. Everyone was getting tired of hearing the Dutch anthem every Sunday.

Towards the end of the night Carlos proposed a Nintendo themed dive bar he had read about online to celebrate after the race on. The boys cheered in agreement, excited to unwind after the race. As they all said their goodnights, Lando took a quiet stroll outside near the hotel's pool. He needed a moment of silence under the stars. 

The pressure of winning had been immense this season, anyone and everyone clawing their way to try to make podiums. 2023 had been one hell of a ride. Lando had been so close to the top step many times this season. He was determined to give it his all tomorrow. He was torn between wanting his best friend on the grid to win from pole position and wanting the win himself. 

The sun was shining brightly Sunday morning on the Marina Bay Circuit, the heat prominent. The paddock was buzzing, every garage bustling with last minute checks, data review and preparing. 

In the Ferrari garage we saw a meeting where team principal, Fred Vasseur was giving a last minute speech of encouragement to his drivers. Like Carlos, he too had a good feeling about todays race results. The team finalized their strategy of Charles defending Carlos this race, unless the pace changed, which both drivers agreed to. Charles was happy to support his friend and teammate this race, knowing he had the advantage from P1. 

Over in the McLaren garage, the team meeting was a different story. Lando starting from P2 and Oscar from P6, their team principal was telling them to maintain their positions best they could, not pushing, in order to secure needed points towards the Constructors title. Lando was frustrated by what he though was a lack of faith from his team to possibly secure P1. Why were they so comfortable with a P2 finish? Lando slightly understood since the season was coming to an end and the teams focus was on the Constructors battle with Aston Martin, but he was worried about his own standings in the WDC. He and Oscar agreed to the strategy presented to them, despite Lando's inner turmoils. He walked off and began his pre-race ritual before needing to get in the car.