Roads of Redemption | F1 | Toto Wolff

7.1. | Rush.

I had every reason in the world to spend the summer break in Spain. The afternoons at my parents' house, the smell of empanadas coming out of the oven, and the games in the living room...

However, whenever I am in Zaragoza, I feel an uncontrollable urge to leave from the very first moment I set foot there. It is as if every corner, every stone on the path, is impregnated with memories I would rather keep locked away.

They still hurt.

When I remember... I feel like a ticking time bomb about to explode. And sometimes, memories can be unforgiving.

The only thing that comforts me is my mother. But I feel that, just like me, she is no longer the same; she got lost in the midst of everything and still hasn't found herself. Her eyes, once full of life, now seem lost, reflecting a sadness that not even time can erase. Perhaps it's due to the inverted order of factors, isn't it? They say the worst punishment for parents is to bury a child.

It's as if a whirlwind of flashbacks rushes through my mind, and I realize that grief is never truly experienced at the moment of loss but in the absence the person leaves over time. It's wanting to share something and having no one to share it with.

And today, Zaragoza is that for me: a place that reminds me of everything I can no longer do.

Because of this, Seb suggested that we take the opportunity to rent a place in the charming region of Carmelo, where we could spend our —summer— winter break during the last week before returning to our activities. Over the past four years, he has witnessed how my love for the place has only grown, enchanting me more and more with its serene landscapes and the sense of home I always find there.

He knew everything I went through, even the things we never spoke about. He just knew and gave me space to talk about it when I wanted to—if I wanted to. But he made sure that I knew he would be there for me.

I was accompanied by him, Amelia, and Charlotte, all aiming to enjoy the peaceful environment and complete the final stages of our project: the website, Instagram, and soon, a YouTube channel. These platforms will serve as a valuable bridge between our initiative and the F1 community.

The four of us were gathered on a veranda overlooking a lake, where the chilly breeze intensified the feeling of cold. On the table, covered with notes and two open laptops, we were ready to join an important meeting with the team Sebastian had hired in Hamburg.

Sebastian brought té con leche for the three of us, and I couldn't stop laughing at the girls' puzzled expressions. He sat down next to me as we discussed the final points of the project before presenting the draft to the Hamburg team and giving the start tomorrow.

Our main focus was to demonstrate how small, consistent actions could lead to significant improvements in our mental resilience and overall performance. We aimed to create a culture where mental health was as important as physical conditioning.

"Amelia, do you think we should emphasize practical benefits or personal experiences more in the website section?" I asked, looking at her over my laptop.

"I think a combination of both would be ideal. People connect with personal stories, but they also want to see tangible results," Amelia replied, taking a sip of her tea and making a face. "I'm still not used to this flavor."

Charlotte laughed and added, "We could do a series of Instagram posts with testimonials and, at the same time, offer practical tips. That way, we cover both aspects."

Sebastian, who was reviewing some notes, agreed. "Yes, and we can use YouTube for more in-depth videos.", we all agree as Amelia gives another idea. "Seb can share his personal journey, which will surely attract many followers."