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Charles POV
As I was getting ready both mentally and physically for the race, I noticed a girl walk by our garage. She had long dark hair and pale skin. She must know one of the engineers or drivers, or she wouldn't be on the paddock, but I honestly had no clue who she was. I had never seen her before in my entire life. I couldn't help but get distracted by her, she was so elegant and gorgeous. The second she left my view it was like I was brought back to reality. I had a race to focus on, but that wouldn't stop me from trying to figure out who that mystery girl was.
"Charles, we go in 30, you ready, mate?" Carlos says, placing his hand on my shoulder.
"Ready as always"
The Zandvoort Grand Prix this year is very important to me considering I had a DNF last season and I cannot have that happen for a second year in a row. There is absolutely zero room for error or mistakes, this race has to go perfectly. Of course I want a win, but getting on the podium is what I have to worry about first. I need to lock in and get focused for race time.
As I'm talking to one of the engineers, Carlos comes around to join the conversation.
"I've heard a rumor that Mercedes has made some pretty impressive upgrades. It seems they are trying to come back and make up for what happened to George last race. You know how Mercedes is, Charles. One week they're shit, the next they dominate.."
"Oh really? Well, we will just have to be faster and race harder, alright?"
Carlos nods before going back furhter into the garage.
This race is important to both of us big time.
The second half of this season has been rough for everyone at Ferrari. With Carlos moving to Williams, and getting ready for a new team dynamic, along with the tension of racing and the stress of needing to get podium placement, things have been hectic, and this race going smoothly is very much needed.
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The next thing I know, I'm sitting in my car waiting for the race to start. The nerves set in like they always do, and I try to ease my mind and get focused. We have a really good team strategy this race and Carlos, the team, and I are all ready for a tough but good race.
As the race begins, I have no thought in my mind except the track, my dashboard, the radio, and winning.
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P2.
I got P2.
I got fucking P2.
Netherlands did not disappoint I will tell you that much.
I needed this podium more than anyone could imagine I think. I get out of my car, head over to Carlos who got P1 and we both yell in celebration. We head over to press together, and as we are heading over I see the girl from earlier. She's talking to Stroll and Archie. What an odd combination. Carlos then nudges my arm and continues walking to the press area for our post-race, pre-podium interviews.
What the hell is that gorgeous girl doing with Stroll? Out of anyone, Stroll?!
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The interview goes great. Talking about how the race went and how I was feeling was incredible. I love telling the world that I worked damn hard for this podium and people need to know that. I don't mean to be cocky, but if I do well I want people to know I worked hard. I hate when I'm underestimated and undermined, and Carlos does too.
While walking to the podium, I see the girl again, but this time, she's standing right next to the Formula 1 legend himself, Jackson Bridgerton.
How does she know the Bridgertons?
After the podium, we make our way back to team buildings and such and I find myself in a conversation with Archie, Logan, Carlos, and Yuki. I then find out that the mystery girl is Archie's sister and the daughter of Jackson Bridgerton.
I immediately feel stupid for not knowing. I mean, with both Jackson and Archie in the spotlight, you would assume you would get to know about their family, but I guess I was not very observant.
The conversation comes to an end, and I make my way inside the team building to relax and decompress.
