Beyond The Checkered Flag

005- (Bambi and Faline)

BREAKING FORMULA ONE NEWS:
As the end of the 2024 season comes closer, finally the grid for next year has been confirmed with the shocking news of Estella Albani confirming her place in the iconic Red Team, Ferrari. She has shocked the world with this news considering her best placement this season was a p7, nobody expected Ferrari to even look her way.

Many have questioned how Estella has managed  to acquire this highly desired seat, and many have assumed it is purely based around her gender. Ferrari knows the amount of attention and love linked with choosing a woman as your second driver.

"I think it's obvious that it's purely social media based, I mean who would want a woman to drive their f1 car? It's a laughable idea. To be honest I'm not even sure why she's in this sport. " James Smith says in an interview where he was asked on his opinion about the news based around Estella.

We have yet to hear about Charles Leclerc's thoughts when it comes to next years grid, but we are aware of the tension between these two drivers. In the back ground of an interview with Lando Norris, Charles and Estella were seen arguing, but we were not able to see the exact words they were saying.

We will keep you updated if there is any more news to share.

                       — ESTELLA —

"Oh, come on, Stella. You've seen this movie a hundred times, and you're still crying?" Lando teases as the end credits of *Titanic* start to roll.

"I can't help it! It's just such a good movie," I say, wiping the tears still streaming down my face.

"It's not even that sad. Jack could have easily fit on that door with Rose," he says, dismissively. I frown at him, my face scrunching up in frustration. "Lando, he couldn't have. And that's not the point! He sacrificed his life for Rose. That kind of love is what I want someday!"

He bursts into laughter. "So you want your future boyfriend to drown?"

I roll my eyes. "No, Lando! Stop it." I huff, throwing a pillow at him.

"You've made me watch  Titanic at least seven times now. Sorry, but it just doesn't hit me the same way it does for you." He catches the pillow effortlessly and adds it to the pile beside him before lying down and patting the space next to him in invitation. I reluctantly join him.

"I'm scared for next season, Lan." He sits up slightly, his expression softening as he looks down at me nestled in his arms.

"Why?" he asks gently, brushing a strand of hair out of my face.

"I'm scared of letting everyone down," I admit quietly, then hesitate before adding, "And... Charles really doesn't like me." I peek up at him through my lashes, watching his brow furrow in confusion.

"I'm sure he does. How could anyone not like you, Faline? You're amazing! And if he's rude to you, just make sure to out-rude him so you come out on top." I laugh softly and ruffle his hair.

"Aww, are you actually complimenting me, Flower?"

"Yes, I guess I am," he says, laughing before sitting up fully and wrapping me in a bear hug.

Suddenly, his tone shifts. "Any news? Is Bambi awake yet?"

I sigh, my mood darkening. "I haven't seen him in a while, but as far as I know, Luca's still in a coma." A heavy silence falls over us, the atmosphere turning uncomfortable.

"You guys were perfect together... You were his Faline," Lando murmurs, looking down at the floor.

"He's not dead, Lando," I say softly, but firmly, not ready to entertain that possibility. He gives me a guilty look, realizing his mistake.

"I'm sorry..." he whispers.

I nod slightly, accepting his apology.

"It's getting late, Stella. We've got a whole summer of training ahead to prepare for next season. We should get some rest."

***

I finished the season in 9th place—not exactly how I wanted my debut season to go, but it's something to build on. I already have a plan for next season:

1. Make some more friends. Lando's great, but I can't rely on him forever.
2. Get a podium.
3. Avoid Charles Leclerc at all costs.