The Formula 1 grid didn't want another team but one appeared anyway. With a reputation to rival Ferrari, Lamborghini was ready to take their place on the grid. Wanting to showcase a level of stability, even if the first year didn't bring results, th...
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As the Formula One season drifted from race to race, Lucia Romono found herself feeling a lot more pride for her team. It was always difficult to come into a new sport but they'd kept up with the way of workings well, through staff being experienced or a lot of guidance. She was proud to be the team's first Principal, especially for once originating from her home country.
When the Italian Grand Prix rolled around, Lucia was feeling more determined than ever. She was putting her blood, sweat and teams into the team and she'd be damned if something didn't come out from that.
They were sitting in sixth place behind McLaren and in front of Alpine. If they could stay there or higher, the money they'd get already made it worth being in the sport to a certain degree. The sponsorship money covered a lot but that prize pot made all the difference.
"It's a beauty," Daniel Ricciardo commented as he looked at the car.
The Formula 1 car, that was usually gold and black, was covered with the Italian flag on the back. The gold was still on the main body, with the Italian flag-coloured lines running down both side too.
The race suits had also been changed for the weekend, with the Italian flag on running down on the left side under the logo, standing boldly against the back suit. Both drivers had respected the team's home race with special helmets too, which added to the theme perfectly.
"They did a good job," Lucia agreed. "I hope you and Mick do it justice."
"We will," Daniel nodded.
Lucia gave him a kind smile before Mick joined them. There were cameras all around as photographers tried to capture the beauty of the Lamborghini Formula 1 car with its Italian wrap.
"Right, I have a conference to get to," Lucia announced.
The Team Principal press conference included Lucia, Christian Horner, Andrea Stella and a man from Pirelli. Lucia didn't mind them and she did enjoy the company of Fred, whom she sat next to. They had some light chatter before the presenter began to the questions.
"Lucia, can we start with you please. Your first race on Italian soil as team principal of Lamborgini. How is this different to anything you've done before?"
"From the beginning of the week, I am trying to say that it is not different, to keep everybody calm and focused – but the reality is that it is a bit different," Lucia chuckled. "Our home race is actually Emilia Romagna but due to it's cancellation, we're running that livery is here. We were lucky not to be too affected at the factory but this celebration of our home is needed."
"What reaction are you getting from the fans? What are they saying to you?'
"They are very enthusiastic and positive. We had a few in the factory. It's a good motivation for the team and I hope that we will be able to give them something on Sunday," Lucia added. "We don't have as much support as some of the other teams quite yet so it's well needed."
"And what about you drivers, are you thinking about contracts? We know in the past you've mentioned you'd like a female driver in your team."
"I'm always thinking about drivers," Lucia replied simply. "There is still time. The female driver market is still not at a point where i can pick and choose. Robyn is in a safe Mercedes contact and now Anneli has signed for Alpha Tauri. I have a lot to think about."
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Lucia sat, her eyes glued to the screen displaying the live feed of the race. The roar of the engines, the chatter over the team radio, and the data streaming from the car telemetry took over her senses. Yet, her focus was entirely on the sleek car speeding around the track, driven by Daniel.
The race had been intense for their team, and now, with only a few laps to go, Daniel was holding onto third place. Lucia's heart pounded in her chest as she watched him navigate each turn with precision, his skill and determination evident in every manoeuvre. He'd gotten a lot of his love for the sport back and now the results were showing it.
"Come on, Daniel," she muttered under her breath.
Her team had worked tirelessly for this moment, and the podium finish was within their grasp.
Mick was down in P9 due to a five-second penalty. He and Sergio Perez had made contact and the Mexican had suffered by dropping a few places. Lucia was sure that his pace would have left Perez in P2 if it weren't for that. Even so, it wasn't all Mick's fault and Lucia knew she'd have to comfort and talk to him about it later. He still had points.
Her eyes flicked to the timing screen. The gap between Daniel and Leclerc behind him was shrinking. The pressure was immense, not just for Daniel, but for the entire team. They needed this podium finish; it was crucial for their championship standing.
"Stay focused, Daniel," Lucia said into the radio, trying to keep her voice steady.
The seconds felt like hours as the race drew to a close. She could see Daniel's determination through the way he defended his position, and she knew that the decision to take him into her team was one of the best.
Finally, the checkered flag waved. Daniel crossed the finish line in third place.
Lucia didn't consider herself much of an extrovert but when she saw the podium place finish, she couldn't help but let out a 'yes' as she patted her team members on either side on the back. These were moments that made racing all the more worth it for her.
"Daniel Ricciardo, you just got our first podium!" Lucia grinned as she spoke not the radio. "Grazie!"
She stood up, a wide smile spreading across her face, and clapped her hands in celebration. The team around her erupted in cheers, the tension of the last few laps dissipating in an instant. There was no matter feeling in the world than seeing her driver take that trophy. The only thing that could have made it any better was if one of them were on the top step.
Marissa stood next to her mother, looking up at the podium with a goofy grin. She'd missed seeing the smile on her boyfriend's face after races rather than seeing the disappointed looks after they'd gone wrong.
"Thank you, mama," Marissa whispered into her mothers' ear.
"What for?" Lucia questioned, turning.
"Putting the smile back on Danny's face."
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