RED LIGHTS | LANDO NORRIS

Championship

"Final race of the season! How are you feeling going into the race today?"

Lia tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear before leaning closer to the mic in front of her.

"I'm feeling great honestly. Going in at P6 so not bad. I think McLaren's got a good chance of staying fourth in the championship."

She fiddled with the water bottle in her hand before taking a quick sip between questions. The reporter glanced at their notes before continuing.

"You've had quite a rookie season with two race wins under your belt. Can you tell us what we should be expecting going into the 2021 season after such an amazing debut?"

"Probably much more aggressive driving," she laughed, "Now that I'm comfortable on the track and know my way around the other drivers better I think I can push for more points next season."

Graham tapped her on the shoulder to signal her leave. Lia thanked the reporter and smiled at the cameras before leaving them to head to the garage.

Her trainer ran her through a few reflex drills and stretches before Zak came and pulled her away. He brought both of the drivers together in the center to speak.

"Whatever happens out there today, I just want you guys to know that I'm very proud of what you've both done this season. You go out there and show them what McLaren's all about okay?"

They both smiled and nodded as he patted their backs. He wished them luck before heading over to their engineers across the pit lane.

"Final one?" Lando asked rhetorically, holding up his fist towards her.

Her smile grew and she bumped her own against his, "Good luck Norris."

"Good luck Wren."

He winked at her before the two split to go to their cars. The crew handed them their helmets and gloves before they both hopped in. Lando went out first for the formation lap.

Lia waited patiently for her turn to exit. As she did, her eyes caught a camera pointed directly at her. Her eyes pierced through the lenses with an intensity like none other. The cameraman had mere seconds to capture the shot before her tires squealed and she was off to the track.

"Radio check."

"Copy. Let's make it count guys."

It was the final race and she wanted to make sure her reputation was secured. She felt the energy fueling her as the cars revved.

Lights on.

She shut her visor and set her sights on the track.

Lights off.

The cars were quick and battling hard. Charles was on her left and took the inside line. She was forced wide on turn one, unable to slip past him. She almost caught him on the straights but miscalculated the timing to break into turn six and lost her advantage.

Daniel was pushing behind her for the next ten laps. But not one of the three had enough pace to overtake each other.

"Box, box. Confirm."

"Copy."

Lia came into the pit lane a bit later. When she came out, Daniel was right beside her. They went wheel to wheel in the next turn. Neither one of them allowed the other to pass that easily. Thankfully for her, Charles seemed to lose pace in front of Danny, which slowed him enough to allow her to get past both cars.

Another ten laps passed while she was in P5. She spent the whole time trying to close the gap between herself and Bottas. Charles and Daniel were still battling behind her but she was slowly putting distance between them.