Tearing up The Track // Lando x Max

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A Very Long Day

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June 15th, 2023 

My breath hitched as the frigid water rolled down my neck, I looked at myself briefly watching as my brows furrowed as I noticed the visible exhaustion on my face. The mandatory Thursday media before a race always took the most out of me and honestly it was more tiring than most qualifying days. The facade and persona needed to survive repetitive questions weekly sucked the soul right out of me. I was so tired of being asked who I had spent the previous night with or if the way I looked at some random girl 2 months ago meant anything. I mean for Christ's sake are we here for racing or for reality TV? Moving cautiously though a dimly lit hotel room I knocked my knee on the bed's sharp corner as I checked the alarm clock. It was currently 1:27 am, I needed to be up early tomorrow, or I guess today for FP1 so, I quickly set my alarm for 6:00 am. Leaving ample time to eat an energizing meal and drive though Montreal to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. We were just under halfway through the 2023 season and Max Verstappen was already leading the drivers' championship by a landslide. No one could doubt his skills as he pushed the RB19 to its threshold, matched perfectly with articulate execution and composure. As I laid in silence on the king size bed alone, I thought about Max's calloused and strong hands delicately gripping the steering wheel drifting perfectly though the Monaco hairpin. My imagination settled as I eventually scum to the pulls of sleep.

I awoke to the aggressive sounds of my alarm clock reminding me that I had work to do today. I rolled out of bed with a scrunched-up face and threw on some McLaren shirt I had littered on the floor and plain black trousers. Moving swiftly to the mini-fridge I pulled out my pre-packed meal and stared glumly at the soggy overnight oats with fruits that had been prepared for me. I ate it all swiftly but begrudgingly. No matter how many years I've been racing I'll never enjoy the dietary restrictions. I will forever be a fruit hater. Glancing downwards at the time on my phone I was reminded that I'm on a tight schedule and can't dilly dadle. I swung my racing bag over my shoulder as I exited my hotel room making my way to the lobby to be picked up. The drive to the track was brief, a mere 15 minutes I spent listening to calming music preparing myself for the stressful day ahead. Once I arrived, I thanked my driver pleasantly and hopped out of the car. Making my way towards the paddocks I was greeted by fans chanting upon my arrival. Their chorus of support was littered with I love you's and screams an instant boost to my mood.

"Good morning." Will my race engineer greeted me with.

"Slept alright?" He continued.

I nodded unconvincingly and walked into my driver's room, changing into my fireproof and race suit. McLaren Staff ushered me into another room going over new strategies and goals for upcoming practices and races. I listened lightly, my focus darting around the room as they rambled. Once the strategies had been discussed I was given 15 minutes to work alongside my trainer Jon to warm up for FP1. On the edge of the paddock, I twisted my back side to side, catching a glimpse of Max skipping intensely the rhythm of his feet shuffling alongside the fans clap mesmerizing

"Time to get in!" Jon exclaimed cheerfully

"Goodluck Lando." Oscar added beside me.

I nodded, now properly warmed up, I hoisted myself above the halo and slipped gently into my car. Driving slowly out of the pit lane I steadily increased speed in an attempt to make the rubber come alive under my car. After a few laps familiarizing myself with the turns withing the track I returned to the pit lane and was immediately surrounded by a dozen mechanics and engineers tweaking settings slightly. After finishing free practice 1 I had a quick lunch surrounded by the rest of the team as well as my teammate Oscar. He was a promising new driver and considering it was now only his 10th race weekend I had to give credit to the man he showed extreme talent and skill so early on in his Formula 1 rookie season. Over the past 3 months I had gotten to know the young Aussie driver well and we were both accustomed to each other's company often making witty remarks and good banter together. After exchanging pleasantries, I wandered the backrooms of the paddocks aimlessly letting my imagination once again take over. I pictured Max standing on the top step of the podium for the 1st time, the 2nd time and just recently for the 40th time I had the inclination that later this weekend he would make Red Bull receive their 100th victory as a team. The thought tasted bitter and swept away in all my daydreaming I was brough back instantly as I tripped and stumbled to the floor.

"You should watch where you're going." A voice chuckled from above.

Looking up I noticed the Red Bull driver staring down at me gleefully.

"Daydreaming are we Norris?" he chirped

"Better not be about me"

I got up off the floor sweeping the dust off my race suit with my hands frustratedly.

"Only In your dreams would you ever be in my dream." I replied with a cunning grin.

"If you say so"

I ignored his attempts at getting under my skin and briskly turning around with a huff leaving Max's sly face alone in the hallway.

The rest of the day went by rapidly, having a smooth FP2 and some quick interviews to end the day. I walked alongside Oscar towards the parking lot, and we spoke about our day.

"The drink button on my steering wheel was faulty today." He mentioned.\

"Kept dribbling the whole day."

"So did you just keep having to swallow periodically?" I replied with a giggle.

"Yes, and it was soooo annoying!" He spoke in a voice laced full of hyperbole.

"Well at least your though couldn't get dry." I insisted helpfully.

Looking at me with an unimpressed face, we eventually reached the parking lot where a driver was ready to drive us back to the hotel together. Making my way to my room I said a quick good-bye to Piastri as I unlocked my door with the plastic keycard. I released a deep sigh as the door closed behind me, welcoming me back to my not-so-welcoming hotel room. Happy to be done for the day I flopped onto my bed and immediately fell asleep, not even taking off my shoes.