As if | Max Verstappen

59

it had been a few weeks since I had called Christian and this weekend it was Abu-Dhabi, the contract was done and I had made everyone think I hadn't signed a contract. after a whole season of work from me, Max and the team, we only needed to take two points to win the constructors' championship, he would also win his fourth championship as long as he won, and won he did all the time.

Max had been an emotional roller coaster all this week. one second he was sad that I was leaving the sport, the next he was happy to win his fourth championship and the second after that he was trying to convince me to stay and got angry if I said no.

I didn't know how I had been able to keep my secret to myself. every time Max was sad that I was leaving, I just wanted to scream that I signed the new contract. George had checked in several times and questioned me, I didn't answer very often because I was still mad at him but I'm not going to be rude.

Max had decided to give me a farewell dinner after the race. I had explained that it wasn't necessary but he didn't take my no for an answer. after much thought, it was perhaps a good opportunity to tell those who came that I would continue.

Christian and I had agreed that they would release the news a few hours after the race was over so I could tell those closest to me before they read it on the internet.

me and max were in our hotel room where i was trying to do a puzzle but was being interrupted every minute because max was planning my farewell dinner.

"Do you think that sounds good?" Max asked.

"To be honest, I'm not listening, I'm doing puzzles, which was your idea to do"

"I'll help you with that when I've finished planning"

"okay what were they you said?"

"i asked if you thought it sounded good that Charles, Alex, Albon, Lily, Lewis, George and Carmen, Lando and Oscar, Fernando, Gasly and Esteban, Carlos, Danny and Yuki and Mick are coming.. I have asked all the other drivers but I don't think they will come"

"you don't have to ask with whole grid Max"

"okay, but now I do"

I sighed and continued with my puzzle while he was busy planning. tomorrow was qualifying and everyone was talking about me leaving, all the reporters, all the fans, all the media and all the drivers. it was hard that I had all the media on me when I thought the focus should be on Max and that he would win his fourth championship this weekend. after two hours i finally finished my puzzle and i went into the bathroom to brush my teeth so i could sleep.

it was morning and I was not at all in the mood to drive today. I had barely gotten any sleep after Max took up the whole bed. I walked around the hotel room like a zombie while Max was in a happy mood. when I had put on my clothes and brushed my hair, we went downstairs to have breakfast. I had always had a hard time eating in the morning right after waking up.