RED LIGHTS | LANDO NORRIS

Austria

McLaren's Rookie Set to Start P6 in the Austrian Grand Prix
Formula One's female rookie starting off the season strong with a P6 in qualifying. Aurelia Wren states "it's unbelievable...I'll do everything to score points tomorrow." Will she be able to keep her promise today during the first race of the season?

"Lando, how do you feel about your teammate out qualifying you this weekend?"

Lando scratched his chin, thinking carefully of his next words.

"I mean, I'm very proud of her and what she's done obviously. She works hard and she deserves the position. She had some serious pace...so yeah."

"Anything to comment about your own race? Seems like you had some problems with the car."

"Yeah there was a little problem with the brakes," he adjusted his cap, "But hopefully it's all fixed now and I can gain some positions from P10."

The interviewer thanked him and Charlotte gestured for Lando to keep walking.

"She's quite good for a rookie," he mumbled.

"So were you," Charlotte reassured.

He shrugged and continued to the garage. Lia was talking with her engineer with her headphones partially on. Her race suit was tied around her waist and her arms crossed. She was totally locked in on the race before them.

Lando came up behind and patted her back. She spun and flashed a smile.

"Good luck Lia."

She thanked him and repeated it back to him. The two took a couple minutes more to prepare themselves before suiting up and getting into the car.

Strangely she didn't really feel nerves. She felt adrenaline and electricity in her veins. The feeling of the wheel energized her.

She slid her helmet on and shut the visor. She was directed out of the garage first and Lando trailed after her. They followed the line of cars out onto the grid.

"Radio check, radio check."

"All clear."

"Alright let's show them what you've got."

The radio went silent and the track was clear. She saw the five cars in front of her and knew her target. She thought back to everything it took to get to where she was and to the people supporting her.

The lights turned on one by one. She slowed her breath and focused in on the track.

"It's lights out and away we go!"

Every engine around her revved and dove for the inside line, including herself. They approached the first corner where she managed to slide in front of Carlos.

"Good job, P5."

She blew out a breath at escaping the first lap chaos. She continued in P5 for the next ten laps, defending Carlos off from behind.

"Who's in front?"

She couldn't tell if it was Charles or Sebastian in the Ferrari. But whoever it was, there was smoke come out from behind.