the F1 journey begins | Part 2

Chapter 12 : SQ1

(Lando's POV)

   Time went by as both me and Faith just ate, took photos, relaxed, relaxed some more, and then went to get ready for the Qualifying. I knew this was going to be the toughest as Ferrari, Redbull and Mercedes were doing well with keeping up with each other which was scaring our reputation. McLaren was doing pretty well at keeping our highest whilst our fight for the championship with Ferrari being 1st and us being 2nd. Yes, I want Charles to win the Championship and show he's in Ferrari for a reason but I deserve it too. I've never even won a Grand Prix yet. I kept rethinking as I wore my racing suit. I really want to win. At least once for Faith, maybe, to feel that happiness and point at her while holding the trophy to show her how all my sacrifices will be for me in the future. And maybe our future children. Just the thought of that makes me happy and smile and scream inside. It's been only 2 weeks and I'm already head over heels for her. I have never felt like this with anyone at this point. All of a sudden, she came in the bathroom with the song 'Smooth Operator' on full volume. It was Carlos' song but the whole group liked to tease him by singing it at random times.

  "Smooooothhh Operatorrrrr" Faith said twirling with happiness. "I need to get my head in the game, beautiful, and I really want to win this for you." I told her as she stopped and looked at me with her innocent look. "Honey, you win for yourself. It's been your dream since a little boy. You deserve the win." She told me as she hugged me. "And even if you don't win, I'll always be proud no matter what place you set on the last lap. You're my race winner even if you haven't won 1st once." "Thank you, my love, but I'm still going to try to win for you. Only for you." I said as i grabbed her arm and twirled her around. "Lando! We're in the bathroom!" She said as she laughed. "It's fine. I'm done anyway. Let's go win some races." "Yes!" We got out and went to the Cabin. Faith quickly texted the girls where she would be and they replied instantly with a normal "Okay, see you!".

    I got my helmet as I kissed Faith and put on my helmet. I got in the car and got comfortable. I wore my gloves and secured the steering wheel. SQ1 had 12 minutes and the other two with 10 and 8 minutes. Once I heard Will say, "Sprint Qualifying has just started. Good luck buddy." I started the car. I got signaled by our front officer which showed me when to get out in case of traffic, and I drover out of my cabin. I was the first driver out on track. I got out of the pit lane and went out on track. It was boiling hot. This track was boiling hot. The sun was fully out. It was a nice day to be out on track in my opinion. I slowly made my way along the track and I got informed that other drivers were slowly working their way out of the pit lane. I decided to do two cool runs and then start my actual timings for qualifying.

   After these two cool runs, I pressed the accelerator hard and drove fast around corners. I loved this track and the adrenaline. I enjoyed driving this track. As I went through the first lap, Will informed me that I was first with a 1:27:403 and that both Verstappen and Hamilton weren't beating me. Time went by as 12 minutes turned into 1 minute and I was still in first place. "Keep it up, my driver." Faith told me over the radio. I smiled and replied with a laugh. Once I noticed that the first qualifying round was over, I asked Will who was out. "Logan, Checo, Alonso, Albon and Magnussen are the ones out and won't be in SQ2."  He told me as I sighed. Thank god the guys weren't out. Faith had told me that Charles was struggling a bit with keeping up with Carlos. I got back into the pit lane and parked the car inside the cabin. I got out, removed the helmet and hugged Faith as usual. I wonder what Carlos and Leah were doing...