TAKEOVER → Formula 1

X| Fiducia

Fiducia: Trust

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Italics: Italian

The performance of Lamborghini at the Singapore Grand Prix was truly exceptional, marking the highlight of their entire season. Throughout all three practice sessions, they consistently outpaced every car on the grid apart from Red Bull. McLaren, their closest rival, was just a hair's breadth away from matching their pace, but couldn't quite catch up with the magnificent Lamborghini. 

The arrival of the new updates had an undeniable impact, and team principal Lucia Romono was eager to showcase the immense effort her team had put into the car's development. They were truly at the peak of their performance, and their sudden surge of competitiveness left everyone wondering about the source of their newfound strength.

"Chiara, stop looking tense," Lucia hummed as she glanced back at the garage. "Everything will run smoothly, I am sure."

"I'm just worried about track temperature getting any higher," The strategist replied. "Like in quali."

Qualifying has been a frantic session, one that saw several drivers investigated for impeding after qualifying and one that was red flagged after Lance Stroll's hefty crash in the final stages of Q1. Both drivers kept themselves out of elimination so Lucia just let it flow. With the track being cleared and the barrier at the final corner being fixed, there was a lengthy delay to the start of Q2. In an even more surprising turn of events, it was to be two Red Bulls out of Q2 with Anneli Räikkönen moving up to 10th and knocking Verstappen down to 11th.

And yet, Mick Schumacher and Daniel Ricciardo had finished qualifying in P4 and P6. Mick was up, which was a surprise change that Lucia was ready to race with and see what happened.

The humid air was thick with anticipation as the cars lined up on the grid. The floodlights illuminated the circuit, casting long shadows and adding to the dramatic ambience. As the lights went out, the roar of engines signalled the start of the battle.

Mick made a lightning start, quickly following Leclerc to the first corner. He skillfully tried to get past Leclerc at every chance, he was on his trail the entire time. Lucia's voice crackled over the team radio, providing calm and precise guidance, ensuring Mick maintained his composure and his race engineer aided that.

Daniel, meanwhile, kept out of trouble. He had dropped down to P7 for the time being but Lucia knew he could get further up.  Despite the intense competition, Daniel's consistency kept him within striking distance at every corner, until a pitstop time allowed him to get them more easily.

"We want to undercut Leclerc," Chiara determined. "Pit Mick this lap and pit Daniel next lap."

Mick's first pit stop was flawlessly executed, allowing the undercut to be even easier than intended. The team opted for a balanced tyre strategy, ensuring Mick could maintain his pace while managing tyre wear effectively. He wasn't as experienced in Daniel but he still did a good job.

Lucia was thankful that her words got into Mick's heads and that the trainer she provided him was useful. She'd made sure he understood the difference between unnecessary rage racing and risk of overtaking. She had a lot to address from his time at Haas but they had worked on it.

Daniel's pit stops were equally well-timed, allowing him to overtake several cars through strategic undercuts. Lucia's ability to anticipate the movements of rival teams and adapt on the fly was instrumental in optimising both drivers' performances.

With each passing lap, the team's hopes soared. The clock ticked down, and as Mick crossed the finish line, another wave of pride swept in Lucia's chest. Mick had never had a moment quite like it, as Lucia's screaming entered his ears.

"MICK YOU GOT A PODIUM!" She beamed. "I'M CANCELLING OUR FLIGHT TONIGHT!"

"Oh my god!" Mick's laugh sounded. "Thank you. Thank you all."

"You deserve this Mick, it was a good drive," Lucia added. "Fantastico!"

There was nothing Lucia Romono would not do for her team.

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FORMULA 1 BREAKING NEWS

DANIEL RICCIARDO AND MICK SCHUMACHER TO STAY AT LAMBORGHINI FOR 2024.

Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher are set to talk at Lamborghini in a press release from the team earlier today. The contract was rumoured to be signed after Anneli Raikonnen secured the Alpha Tauri seat, though the confirmation only just arrived.

Ricciardo has signed a three-year deal with the team after making comments that he'd like the time to think about the future and a possible retirement. This comes shortly after expressing the want to start a family with long-term girlfriend, Marissa Romono.

Schumacher has signed a two-year deal with a possible third. Lucia Romono has expressed that she is happy with his performance and the way he works with the team, including Ricciardo. He has scored points in nearly every race

Romono has made her intentions clear on wanting a female driver but the market is currently too small, with only two in Formula 1 and some in F4. It's still a few years away before more decisions can be made. Here is what she had to say.

"The drivers' we have are fantastic. I'm not going to bring any female into this team, they have to be good enough, their gender is not enough. We're a little bit off that with the young ones right now so it's smart for us to keep the drivers we trust."

It seems Lucia Romono is really turning things around.

Read more:
> Anneli Räikkönen to Red Bull after amazing Singapore Qualfiying.
> Robyn Saunders talks about her crash and recovery.
> Lando and Mira Norris post pictures of daughter Lily holding her new brother Theo.