RED LIGHTS | LANDO NORRIS

Not Here To Lose

"I officially hate Netflix."

Lando laughed as Lia approached him. He immediately stood at attention so he could join her on their walk to the garage.

"When their next season comes out you might hate them even more-especially with how well you've come back this year."

She scoffed, "I might even get a whole special episode to myself."

She rolled her eyes at her own sarcasm. She'd just come back from a very lengthy interview with Will Buxton about quite literally the whole season. Lia had to recount her feelings on her crash, her recovery, her phenomenal races upon her return, and even the battle for the championship between Lewis and Max.

"I hope they highlight the fact that you've been on every podium since coming back," Lando reminded, "You deserve the recognition."

He pulled her into a side hug as they moved into the garage. The crew were bustling about in preparation for the race that was soon to begin.

Zak and Andrea had stopped them both upon their entrance-causing Lando to release his hold on her. They both briefly talked about team strategy and wished them luck.

"Max and Lewis are gonna be fighting like hell, so you stick right in there with them."

Lia nodded in understanding. She was set in P3, so if anything were to happen between the two, she could swoop in and steal the lead. Despite not securing the world championship, it would put her up higher in the points-which was always a marketable need.

Both drivers split and went to their drivers room. Graham and her trainer waited for her inside and advised her whilst she changed into her race suit. Her trainer ran her through a few reflex exercises when Graham was informing her of their media duties after the race.

"We've kept our head down this whole weekend. Until the end of the race, let's not mention any thoughts or opinions on the Max and Lewis rivalry."

Lia nodded before quickly shooing them both away. The race was soon and she needed to focus. The two were pushed out and Lia followed them out to stand behind her car. Lando soon joined by her side in silence.

She only had time to listen to three songs before Duncan called on her to get ready. She tore out her earbuds and handed them to Graham nearby.

"Good luck Norris."

She bumped her fist against his with a hopeful smile. He winked in return.

"Good luck Wren."

They both made their ways to their respective cars. Lia's gloves and helmet were on within a minute and she soon hopped into her seat. Where one might've felt tension in the car, she was immediately put at ease-it was her domain after all.

The car rumbling sent energy through her whole body. Her grip on the wheel tightened as the engineers quickly directed her out to the pit lane. Her and the rest of the grid began their formation lap before reaching their final grid positions.

She was seated directly behind Max, whose hunger for the win she could feel from there. Lewis shed a similar aura as well, radiating in a wide net from both cars. Lia felt it motivate her just as much.

If she secured this win, it wasn't for the championship-it was for herself and all she'd gone through this season.

"Radio check."

"Loud and clear."

"Copy...before you go, we all just want to say we're all incredibly proud of your return this season."