𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈 | 𝐂𝐋𝟏𝟔

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Present Day - April 16th 2047

INTERVIEWER: Zahra, let's talk about your first year as an F1 reporter. Can you give us a recap of what that was like for you?

ZAHRA: Not to brag, but I think I did pretty well. It was a good way to start, and I had some great opportunities handed to me. I got to cover some major races and even had the chance to interview some of the top drivers. It was intense and overwhelming at times, but I loved every second of it.

INTERVIEWER: That sounds incredible. What would you say were some of the biggest challenges you faced during that first year?

ZAHRA: One of the biggest challenges was definitely dealing with my supervisor. I hated him at the time, but looking back, I have to thank him. He was tough on me, on all of us, the reporters only no supervisor group chat name was "Anderson Hateclub". But as I got older, I realized he was just doing his job. He saw potential in me and gave me assignments that really pushed my limits. Those experiences helped shape me into someone skilled, and gave me the opportunities I have today.

INTERVIEWER: Can you share any specific moments or assignments that stood out to you from that year?

ZAHRA: There were quite a few, but one that stands out was covering my first Grand Prix. It was a crazy experience, I was new, it was fun. I've always imagined covering a Grand Prix and to finally be able to do that was just, thrilling. I also got to interview some of the top drivers right after the race, which was both nerve-wracking but I felt complete. 

INTERVIEWER: And what about the drivers? Any memorable interactions during that first year?

ZAHRA: Oh, definitely. Chuckles I remember my first interview with Charles. He was so focused and driven, it was inspiring. There were also some lighthearted moments with drivers like Ricciardo, who always managed to bring a smile to everyone's face. Each interaction and interview taught me something new.

INTERVIEWER: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

ZAHRA: Honestly, I don't think so. Every challenge and every mistake taught me something valuable. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. That first year laid the foundation for everything that came after, and I wouldn't change a thing.

INTERVIEWER: Charles, let's talk about your 2023 season. Can you give us a recap of what that was like for you?

CHARLES: Absolutely. 2023 feels like a lifetime ago, I can't believe I still remember some of these things. There were some good things, like podium finishes and hard-fought battles on the track. But there were also some tough moments, both on and off the track, that tested my patience or focus.

INTERVIEWER: What would you say were some of the biggest challenges you faced that season?

CHARLES: One of the biggest challenges was dealing with the race-fixing thing. It was a stressful time, and it put a lot of pressure on me and the team. It was difficult to stay focused and perform at my best when I could only think about that for weeks. But we managed to push through, and in the end, I was cleared of the serious allegations, which was a huge relief. 

INTERVIEWER: Does this headline bring back any memories to you? "Leclerc's F1 Career in Jeopardy: Allegations of Race-Fixing and Rule Violations Emerge"

ZAHRA: Oh god, of course I do. Actually I think that was the exact article I first read about the situation. 

INTERVIEWER: How was it like? Dealing with the situation right in front of you, from a media perspective. 

ZAHRA: Firstly, I wouldn't say I was directly dealing with it. I wasn't allowed to, not because there was anything wrong, but my supervisor, being more skilled, and had prior experience handling allegations that serious, he decided that it would be better if he did direct interviews.

But I'm not gonna act like I did nothing, I was worried of course. So was pretty much everyone. I think my task was to find any evidence that either backs the claim up or goes against it and help resurface it to the spotlight. It felt heavy, when I found a clip or a document that supports it. I mean I didn't want him to face anything severe, and what was on the line were penalties, suspension, or even a lifetime ban. It felt weird and icky knowing that the worse might happen because I helped reveal information.

INTERVIEWER: Did you ever keep anything hidden just because you didn't want him to suffer the consequences?

ZAHRA: No. At the time I was constantly reminded to ignore the personal relationship I had with him, so I sort of became neutral. A good reporter would be honest, and that was what I was trying to be.

INTERVIEWER: I understand you feel this way due to keeping things professional, but professionalism aside, did you feel any remorse for him? 

ZAHRA: Yeah, yes. I did. But I guess I was focused on another allegation. It was so long ago though, no one would care for it now.

INTERVIEWER: I think I may know what it is.

ZAHRA: I'm not proud of it. Not proud that I felt so strongly of it. I- we, don't talk about it anymore. 

INTERVIEWER: Overall, Charles, looking back, was it a good season for you?

CHARLES: It was a mixed season, to be honest. We didn't secure any wins, but we did manage to get on the podium a few times. It was a tough year with its highs and lows, but each race helped us improve. Even years later, I'm still grateful for the opportunities and the support I had from my team. It was memorable, for sure.

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𝐀𝐔𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐘'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒
❀ I love writing in interview format.
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