𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈 | 𝐂𝐋𝟏𝟔

𝐗𝐗𝐗𝐈

·˚ ༘

────────────────────────────────────────

Present Day - April 16th 2047

INTERVIEWER: So, Imola 2023, the interview. 

ZAHRA: Sighs and chuckles What about it?

INTERVIEWER: How did it come to be? Was it pre-planned? Did you know what he was about to say?

ZAHRA: It was definitely a shock to me, but not at first. As a reporter, you never really know what you're gonna get—you could end up with a scandal, or you could end up with a good response. When Charles was talking, I was just focused on my job. But after the interview, my co-worker asked, "Are you and Leclerc friends?" I said, "What makes you think that?" That's when she repeated a sentence he said, and I realized it could imply we knew each other personally. I even looked over the footage, and it was true.

INTERVIEWER: What did you think of it?

ZAHRA: My exact thoughts were, "Shit, is this about to ruin my career?"

INTERVIEWER: That interview from Imola 23, what made you say that?

CHARLES: Chuckles I guess I was just a little stupid, you know. Look, we'd been talking a bit beforehand, and it had been a while since we saw each other and talked for real. That was on my mind, and it slipped out. I was trying to reach a sense of relatability to her, but forgot it was an interview. Silly mistake.

May 18th 2023

ZAHRA NICHOLS

Microphones dangled from poles, and cameras hovered on tripods, while reporters walked through the paddock, each eager on getting their own slice of the action. Assigned to interview Charles, I braced myself for what I hoped would be a straightforward task—though experience had taught me that nothing involving Charles Leclerc was ever that simple.

Approaching the Ferrari garage, I found Charles talking with his team. His gaze flickered up as I walked closer, our eyes meeting for a quick second before he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Charles, do you have a moment for an interview?" I asked.

"Of course, Zahra," he replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Settling into our interview space, the cameras whirred to life around us. I started with customary questions about his race preparation and expectations. Charles responded with ease, seemingly confident.

"And how do you feel about the car's performance this season, especially after six races?" I asked.

"We've made significant improvements," Charles said. "It's been challenging, but I believe we're on the right track. You know, it's like those nights we spent in California, right? Driving offroad, taking risks and hoping they pay off."

I focused on the next question. "What are your thoughts on the upcoming race strategies?"

"We've planned very carefully and put all our effort to it. But honestly, it's those unexpected moments that make the difference. Like that trip to Brazil—sometimes you just have to go with the flow and trust it'll work out." 

I moved on to the next question. After a few more questions, I wrapped up the interview and thanked him.

As I walked away, my co-worker Nguyen caught up with me. "Hey, Zahra, did you hear what he said?"