Dopamine | Adrenaline Book Two

12.2 - A Casa Tua

Monaco Grand Prix
Sunday, Race Day

The big race day of the Monaco Grand Prix began with all the drivers gathering in the briefing room. Each one, hungry for the day's trophy, took their seats around the room, facing the FIA Race Director. He went through a few sets of documents as the last few drivers arrived.

"Good morning, gentlemen," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "Welcome to the drivers' briefing for the Monaco Grand Prix. As always, let's skip pleasantries and go through the key points for this weekend."

After the points were listed Lewis Hamilton, sitting towards the front, was the first to raise his hand. "There was a notable bump on turn five, my car almost went off on lap 15."

"It's a street circuit, what do you expect?" Max whispered, rather loudly, to the drivers sitting beside him, making a mockery of Lewis's question.

"Lewis, the new asphalt is smoother, but we did notice a slight bump at the entry there. It's nothing too serious, but it's something that cannot be fixed as of now." The FIA director replied, shutting down the discussion.

"As always, be mindful of your racing lines and respect your fellow drivers, if there's a faster driver let him pass. Any incidents will be reviewed thoroughly, so keep it clean."

Once again, Lewis raised his hand but Max Verstappen, leaning back in his chair, spoke up before the older driver was given the chance to. "What if there's no space to let them pass? The streets are really tight, accidents are bound to happen."

The FIA director sighed. "Indeed, Max. The streets are narrow but as you know, there are a few straits where overtaking is possible. Adhere strictly to the speed limits and follow the signals. The smallest mistake can lead to disaster, so once again, keep it clean."

Once all other questions were covered, the FIA director got up from his chair and excused the drivers from the meeting. "Remember, gentlemen," he concluded, "Stay focused, follow the rules, and above all, race safely. Good luck."

With all the drivers standing up and immediately making their way out like children on their lunch break, Max initially followed behind them. Yet, suddenly, he was pulled back by Lewis's voice reaching out to him. "If you keep acting like this, I'll have to report you, Max."

"What?" Max chuckled, turning around, the commotion immediately taking the attention of the drivers who hadn't left the room yet.

"You have a problem with me? Say it to my face. Don't act like a twelve year old boy playing games. I thought you were over that phase," Lewis frowned, seemingly annoyed at the blond.

Max frowned in return, "I've said it to your face, did you forget? If so I can remind you in other ways."

Carlos Sainz, who had not yet left the room, was quick to step in between the two. "Woah, guys..." He laughed nervously, trying to diffuse the tension. "Hey, Max, relax!" he said, tapping his shoulder, "you're gonna get an even bigger penalty if you keep this up," he whispered to him.

Charles, upon noticing the commotion, walked towards the group of drivers, his hand briefly resting on Max's back, not wanting him to get into any more trouble than he was already in.

"Fred is calling for us," Charles lied to Lewis, snapping him back to a professional demeanor and prompting him to retreat to the Ferrari garage. However, Lewis couldn't resist shooting Max a dirty look—a look that made Charles' blood boil.

Lewis was angrier than Charles had ever seen him, his usually unwavering kindness slipping as he whispered harshly towards his mechanics. Lewis could have an unpredictable personality; one moment he seemed kind and relaxed, and the next, it felt like he was villainizing everyone around him.