The lap of life

Chapter 9: McLaren

It is a warm morning and the air is buzzing with excitement as you approach the McLaren garage; you are able to hear heartbeats racing with every step while are you walking toward it. The big face of Lando Norris, hanging on the entrance, welcomes and introduces you inside a room full of sounds of roaring engines and technical chatter.

While you are lost observing the work of passionate and hyper-competent mechanics and engineers, Zak Brown, the CEO of the McLaren F1 team, and Andrea Stella, the team principal, approach you, with a welcoming smile on his face.

"Welcome! We are happy to have you here today" Zak says enthusiastically.

"Thank you so much, it's an honor to be here" you reply, trying to hide the mix of happiness and sadness.

"Come on, we'll give you a tour to show you our world" adds Andrea, gesturing towards the heart of the garage.

We walk through the room, passing by areas where engineers are working frantically on the cars refining every detail to achieve maximum performance: the passion and dedication are palpable in every corner and Zak and Andrea explain you the various aspects of the work, from aerodynamic design to race strategies.

Then, they take you to the conference room, where a small buffet with coffee and snacks had been prepared.

"Now, let's talk a bit about you," Zak says, inviting you to sit, "tell us about your background and what brought you here"

"My name is y/n and I have worked as a race engineer for the Mercedes Formula 1 team: there i was able to gain experience in race management, data analysis and race strategies. But now I am ready for a new challenge and i am excited about the opportunity to join the McLaren F1 team for its innovation and excellence; i believe that my skills can contribute to your future successes"

Zak and Andrea listen attentively, nodding and asking pertinent questions, and, after an hour of discussion, the interview comes to an end; quickly Zak stands up and gives you a piece of paper.

"We definitely think you could be a valuable addition to our team, we're impressed by your skills and experience! We think you'd fit in well with our team and we're excited to see what you could bring to the table" Andrea says, before you could read what Zak gives you.

"Okay, we need to stop thinking ipotetically... Y/n, we're very interested in bringing you onto our team and offering you a contract: your tasks would primarily revolve around coordinating communication between the team and the drivers, advising them on technical and tactical matters and ensuring they're equipped with all the information they need to perform at their best. Do you have any questions for us?" says an impatient Zak.

"And, of course, you'll also be a part of our team meetings and debriefs, helping to review race data and plan for future events" adds Andrea.

"I already understand what you want from me and I'm ready to commit myself, body and soul, to helping the team" you say, with passion burning in your eyes.

"Excellent! What I gave you in your hand before is the contract we offer you; sign it and you will be part of the family" says Zak.

"Wait, right now? I still have the contract with Mercedes active..."

"Ah, yes... We understand that you currently have a contract with Mercedes but this is a very generous offer we're making to you and we need to finalize the details as soon as possible; don't worry, we will help you navigate the transition from Mercedes to McLaren" says Zak.

You decide to sign it, trusting the CEO; your eyes become wider when you read that they are offering you a multi-year contract, that will give you long-term stability and the opportunity to grow, but a tear slides on you cheek remembering that you are officially no longer part of the Mercedes team, the team you have dreamed of working with since you were little.

"We completely understand that it's difficult to leave a team like Mercedes, they're a top team in the Formula 1 world and you've probably built a lot of great relationships there; but we believe that McLaren is a great fit for you and that you'll find a lot of opportunities for growth and success here" says Andrea.

Relationships... Yes...

"Yes, it's surely a great team but, ehi, now I am part of the McLaren family; i can say that i am a Minion now!" you joke, while cleaning your cheek from another tear.

"Of course girl and Zak is our Gru!" says Andrea, almost falling over from his chair laughing.

A cough interrupts the exchange between you and your new team principal, causing you to fall silent and turn towards the CEO.

"As soon as the transition process is complete and you officially end your contract with Mercedes, you can start with us at McLaren; we'll keep you updated on it and let you know as soon as we have a start date for you. Congrats on joining the McLaren family!"

"Now you can go, we'll be in touch soon" concludes Andrea.