RED LIGHTS | LANDO NORRIS

Breaking News and Hearts

"Rough qualifying today Aurelia."

Lia adjusted her cap and bitterly scoffed at the reporter's blunt statement.

"I actually thought it was pretty good."

"A P10?"

"I was being sarcastic."

It was an attempt to be light hearted but it came out more aggressive. The man in front of her slightly recoiled his mic at her perceived attitude.

Lia glanced up and saw Graham giving her a warning look. She reluctantly blew out a breath and tried to be polite.

"It's disappointing to be out so soon in qualifying," she admitted, "But I think that I ran a pretty good lap before the car was retired so we'll just have to see what the others bring and work from there."

Another reporter shoved another mic in her face for an answer.

"Do you still hope to gain a podium since this weekend's race in Portugal holds some roots for you?" they asked.

She nodded, "I always hope to gain a podium but yeah this place is extra special to me. It's sort of like a home race I guess because of how long I lived here. I'd like to score a few points for everyone who helped me get to formula one today...and what better place to do it than here?"

Lia briefly thought of her parents and their effort here. The country held so many memories that it overwhelmed her-that and the fact that Brax had not responded to her since that night on the boat.

Charlotte came up to Graham and whispered something to him. She flashed her phone screen to him long enough for him to read something before his eyes widened. He quickly stepped forward to thank the press before unexpectedly pulling Lia back towards McLaren's area.

"Is something wrong?"

She glanced between Charlotte and Graham who surrounded her on both sides. The woman briefly explained that they were headed somewhere private before speaking. Everyone they passed noticed that there was an aura of worry around her and watched cautiously as they sped through.

Graham led her to her driver's room and shut the door, leaving Charlotte outside to do damage control. She crossed the pit area as she made her way over to Zak and the engineers.

"What's up?" he greeted.

"Nothing fun."

She showed him the same screen that she'd shown Graham. Zak briefly read it over before muttering a curse.

"First the non-engagement and now this?" Zak grumbled. He chose a few swears to mutter before Charlotte assured him they would handle it. He nodded and motioned to his left.

"Warn Lando would you?"

The engineer nodded and pressed the radio button. The other McLaren driver was still on the track attempting to get the best time possible.

"Good lap mate. We can try for one more."

Lando struggled to catch his breath from the force on his chest as the message came in.