feels like | lando norris

1.

*** italics mean its a phone call, also keep in mind, i will try and follow the season as closely as possible I will probably change how the interviews and the shows go to fit the story better. The race results will most likely stay the same of course (for example, I might add jack doohan into a post race show he wasn't there for, or the content of the interview will be different for a driver, things like that) 

this chapter is kinda a prologue of sorts, just kinda shows what her job is. there will be less of this and more of amelia and lando when they meet. 

November 2023

My phone rang on my table as I submitted portfolio. This is the last thing standing in between me and graduating from USC. Now, I just had to wait for my internship at F1TV to become a real full-time job and my dreams would be fulfilled. That way I wouldn't have to be stuck at home doing work. Full time workers get to go from grand prix to grand prix. 

"Lia. Hey! I told you I would call with good news, did I not? This is that phone call." Okay, I did not expect this call to come that fast. But here I was, submitting my portfolio and getting to speak to Kira, my manager, about my promotion.

"Hi! That's great news!" I stand up and pace from my desk to my bed. 

"Yea! So, I shared your resume and the work you've done for us over the year to the higher ups and everyone on the team. They agree with me that you should be at the grands prix with Laura, Will, Lawrence,  Ruth, and them ." Holy shit. "So, on behalf of F1TV, I am offering you a job commentating and interviewing for us this next season. A real full time job, Lia. What you really deserve." 

I don't know how long it takes for me to respond, because Kira says my name again. "Oh my god. Kira, this is all i've wanted for my whole life. Excuse my language, but holy shit! I can't even believe this." 

She laughs before replying teasingly. "So you'll take it?" 

"Of course, I would be a fool to not." I smile wider. 

"Good. You're a talent, Lia. A real talent. Listen, I have to go, but Jamie will call to negotiate salaries. And I will send an email with all of the details later this week. Enjoy the rest of your college life, you're going to start the craziest part of your life in March."

When Kira hangs up, I still cannot believe it. 

March 2024

My first ever media day was here and I could not be more excited. I've been training for the past couple weeks and getting to know everyone back at the office. So, I haven't been to a grand prix yet. But here I am, after the longest flight ever, in Australia. 

Making sure I had my paddock pass, I grab my purse and notepad. I was staying at a hotel with the rest of the team and we would be taking a van to the paddock. 

I've gotten closer to Laura, Ruth and Alex over the past couple weeks as they've welcomed me so well. I only met with Will and Lawrence for a tiny bit but they've been nice as well. However, it's still a little awkward from my side, especially because they're a bit older and they've known each other for a long time. But I am sure it'll get better over the season. 

Being at the paddock is such a cool experience. I couldn't afford to go to a grand prix before but now, I am here working. This is going to be a good weekend. I can feel it. 

~~~

 "Okay, here's everyone's rolls this weekend. Laura, Will, and Ruth are hosting the weekend preview. Amelia and Lawrence will conduct the media day interviews. Amelia, you will do the interviews for Red Bull, Alpine, Ferrari, Williams, and VCARB. Laurence, you get the others. Amelia, since you're new, I will also give you the Ferrari media offer. They've agreed to have Charles and Carlos walk around the track and play a game for us to show on the pre-race show. That's at 4 o'clock today just go to the track and Jim will be there to tall you what you need to do with the film crew. For quali day, we have Jack joining Laura, Will, and Ruth for the pre-quali and post-quali shows. Post-quali interviews are with Amelia and Lawrence with the same teams. Then finally, race day. Laura and Will with host the pre-race show with Amelia and Laurence joining at the end. Post-race interviews with Amelia and Lawrence. Amelia, you get the top 10 finishers and Lawrence will get bottom 10 finishers. Post-race show will be hosted by Will, Laura, Jack, and Ruth. Sounds good?" Kira looks up from her notes and raises her eyebrow. She normally does these debriefs over zoom, but since it's my first race, she decided to join us in the paddock. We nod and all go to our own desks to come up with talking points and questions. After a couple hours, it's time to go do interviews. I walk with Lawrence to the media pen.