Starting from the Pit lane - Lewis Hamilton

Quali

Melissa hadn't worked much in those days, the drivers were the interesting ones and what was done behind the stables could be read in books. Not to mention the fact that the strategies were off-limits. No one could even come close to the meeting rooms while strategies were being discussed. Besides her there were other girls interested in the experience but also many boys who had done everything to become motorsport journalists. And they certainly wouldn't have missed the opportunity to benefit their team either from the internship. So during the morning the various apprentices met at the bar and between breakfast and a snack they got to know each other and exchanged tips. Melissa thought she had seen two loves born but she wasn't sure about one yet.

In the afternoon they found themselves at the same round table to study.
The pilots arrived followed by the paparazzi and some European television.
Melissa was "playing at home" in Italy and before qualifying she went around the stables to talk to as many drivers as possible but also with the engineers.
When she saw the Mercedes office she was tempted to not even look at it but she hadn't yet had the chance to talk to Russell and so she braced herself. He seemed nice and kind to her, even though he was very focused. She had caught it at a bad moment, he was about to start the warm-up, but nevertheless he had dedicated five quality minutes to her-
-And with your colleague? What are the relationships like? Since you belong to the same team, is it more the rivalry or the desire for Mercedes to win? -
-Please don't write what I'm about to tell you. Hamilton is... a huge asshole. Stubborn. I can not stand it. But I respect it. He is the second oldest and is talented. Maybe if we all drove a Red Bull, he would be a major rival for Verstappen. The fact is, however, that I can't stand it. It's more important to let the car win but then the driver wins the championship title, do you understand what I'm getting at?- he smiled at her –but what I just said really can't be published anywhere-
-Don't worry, I'm just an intern. I mainly take care of reviewing the articles, I would like my notes to be taken into consideration but I am more than satisfied like this - she smiled in turn.

-Hey G- a shadow passed behind her. She didn't have time to turn around when she heard -You again, piece of pizza!-
- Sir. Lewis Hamilton – she teased him, failing.
-Thanks for Sir. Those who respect me call me that - he showed off a beautiful satisfied smile - what were you doing? - he turned towards Russell.
-Do you know each other?- the younger British man asked.
-I asked you a question, don't answer with another question- but George was too busy figuring out how they knew each other –Yes, she'll be buzzing like a blood sucking vampire around the paddock for the next few months, I've already known her a week ago-
George turned towards Melissa - how nice, why didn't you tell me? - and then looked back at his friend.
Hamilton snorted and went to change in the dressing room nearby - I think he likes you -
Melissa blushed -I beg your finest pardon?-
-Yes, you stand up to him in a certain way and I have rarely seen him respond like that to the mere presence of a person. He likes you-
Melissa had red cheeks.
-No, no no no no- George chuckled –Not necessarily, just, in that sense. Objectively you are a beautiful woman, I wouldn't be surprised if he also liked you aesthetically but what I wanted to say- he took a breath quickly -it's... you challenge him. You make his day interesting- he winked -I know that now you will insult each other until the end of your internship but I can guarantee you that the hatred won't be real. He will treat you badly, very badly but you can count on him if you seriously need him-
Melissa was struck by those words and blamed it on her not being a native English speaker and not accepting what she had just told him.
Shortly afterwards, Lewis re-emerged in a loose-fitting jumpsuit tied at the waist and his life-saving vest tight. He wasn't particularly muscular, he had a lean but still athletic physique. Melissa hadn't realized she was staring at him.

-Mafioso - he said with a strong English accent -can you leave now or do you want to count the hairs on my beard and write it down in your shitty notebook?-
-You have just 4 hairs on your face, I don't need to note down how many there are since the fingers of one hand are enough for me-
Russell choked out a laugh, he liked the girl.
Melissa stood up from her stool and looked him in the eyes with a mocking tone and noticed that Lewis clenched his jaw. Melissa wet her lips and smiled.

Not having had to wake up at dawn, his face was fresher and more rested unlike hers.
Lewis bit his lip –don't play with me, little girl. You still need to send your friends with the ID to the bar to buy you drinks. You sit here in the heat writing bullshit on a piece of paper, I want to see you bust your ass on the field. There's a reason why there are no women in Formula One and there's also a reason why women in Formula 3 aren't little girls like you- he stepped over her and went to warm up.
He qualified in P2, Verstappen first and Leclerc third. He had been good.

Before returning to the hotel Lewis looked for her. On purpose. He walked around in the paddock just to find her.
-I was looking for you!-
Melissa was pleasantly surprised by that sentence, she didn't really hate him. She just couldn't stand his jokes and his attitude. -Yes? Tell me- she said in a neutral but curious tone.
-You saw that P2, little doll- he smiled mockingly -tomorrow I'll warm up the wheels just to get first. Interview me tomorrow after I win!- he provoked her. At first she didn't get the joke and he was visibly upset.
She remained silent and he left without saying goodbye.