Formula 1 | One Shots

We Could Be World Champions I Said | Charles Leclerc

Author's Note: Based this one off of my girlypop who loves Charles as much as I do, if not more! Remembering #AH19 this weekend ❤️

Done in 3rd Person POV  
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Energy was buzzing in the paddock. Abu Dhabi had finally come, the last race of the season. The first time since 2021, where the final race would determine the seasons champion. Tensions were high in three different garages. 

Ferrari, McLaren and Redbull all had a lot riding on the results of todays race. Max Verstappen was defending his 4 year championship titles while Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc were fighting for their first. A measly few points separated the trio in the final showdown. 

Paparazzi were going crazy as Charles entered into the paddock, holding his two year old son in his arms, while his other hand was intertwined with his longtime partner and soon to be wife. Charles and Cami smiled at all the fans who were screaming words of encouragement towards the couple. Trailing behind them, Pascale and Charles' brothers followed as they all headed towards Ferrari.

"How are you feeling" Cami asked as she set Leo on the ground to explore a little. 

"I have my entire support system here to get me through it" he smirked. It was true, all of Charles' friends had gotten paddock passes and made a trip of coming to Abu Dhabi to watch him race. 

"Oi! Not so fast pequeño!" a Spanish voice called out. Leo's face lit up seeing Carlos coming towards him. They hadn't seen each other in a few weeks and Leo secretly loved Carlos the most out of all of his papa's friends. 

"Tonton Calo!!!" Leo did grabby hands towards the ex-Ferrari driver, who scooped him up into his arms.  Leo put his little hands on Carlos' face and gave him a big wet kiss on the nose.

"Ay!!" Leo giggled at his reaction and rested his head on Carlos' chest.

"Intruder in blue! Intruder in blue!" Charles laughed. "What brings you to our side of the paddock, mate?"

"I'm just here to wish you luck, mate. Don't tell Christian or Max, but I'm really rooting for you."

"Carlos, that means so much. Hopefully if I win, there's not one else I'd want on that podium, other than you."

Carlos turned to Cami, greeting her with two kisses. "Isa really misses you, she wants to have you guys over for dinner during the break. She really wanted to be here today but Sebastián wasn't feeling well. I'll have her text you!"

"Oh we'd love that. Leo misses Sebastián so much! Thanks Carlos and good luck today!"

The two old teammates did their secret handshake before Carlos passed Leo back to Cami. He said his goodbyes before anyone saw him sneak into Ferrari. Charles excused himself from everyone and went to go begin his pre-race duties and training.

Cami turned to Pascale, noticing a worried look on her face. "He's got this, I feel it. He's worked so hard this year and we're going to watch history be made."

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"It's a beautiful day here in Abu Dhabi, Ted! The drivers are all preparing to get in their cars. All eyes are on the top three drivers today. We haven't seen this nerve wrecking of a race since the Hamilton/Verstappen showdown in 2021."

"Yeah Dave, with Redbull duo Verstappen and Sainz cinching the Constructors Title already, it all comes down to this. Who will walk away as the 2025 champion?"

Five Lights. Charles took in a final deep breath, as his foot lingered on the pedal, ready to send it. He was sitting in P2, Lando ahead of him and Max behind him. This was the moment, the final showdown.