Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Part 11 | Worth Nothing

August 2022

*Flashback*

The moment I crossed the finish line, I felt the weight of the entire season lift off my shoulders. The roar of the crowd was muffled by my own heartbeat pounding in my ears. I couldn't believe it, I had finally done it after five races. After everything, after all the false promises, the heartbreak, the failures... I was on the top step again.

The victory should have felt like pure joy, but it was more than that. It was relief, a release of pressure that had built up over months of disappointments. I had spent so much time trapped in my own thoughts, battling the dark feelings that came with every race that didn't go my way. 

The frustration of hearing promises that were never fulfilled, of seeing the gap between me and Max grow wider every weekend, it had gotten to me. I had begun to doubt myself, questioning if I was really capable of competing at the highest level. Was I worthy of my seat at Ferrari?

But today, all of that vanished the second I crossed the finish line in Australia. The doubts, the anger, the bitterness....they didn't disappear completely, but they were pushed to the back of my mind, replaced by something I hadn't felt in a long time....hope.

I pulled into the P1 spot and I stepped out of the car, I was met with the cheers of my team. For once, the smiles felt genuine, not just a mask hiding the disappointment we'd all been feeling. I could see the pride in their eyes, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things were going to turn around.

As I stood on the podium, looking out over the sea of fans, I let myself take it all in. My anthem playing over the speakers, this was what I had been fighting for all season. The ups and downs, the sleepless nights, the endless debriefs—it all led to this moment. And it was worth it. I could feel a shift inside me, a sense of belief creeping back in. I wasn't just a driver struggling to stay sane in a chaotic season; I was a winner. The cool burst of champagne hitting my face felt good, I missed this feeling. 

I looked down to my team, specifically to my team principal who looked overly excited. Those around him were clapping him on the back, congratulating him. My fists clenched at my sides, anger brewing beneath the surface of my media trained smile. He didn't deserve any of it. I had won today with the help of my engineers and team, no thanks to him.

The championship standings flashed in my mind. I was now only 20 points behind Max. Just 20 points. After everything, I was still in the fight, I could do this. And that realization sparked something inside me—something I hadn't felt in a while. Confidence. That I deserved to be here, that I could win races, and that I could challenge for the title.

There's still a long way to go, and I know it won't be easy. The battles ahead will be tough, and the dark thoughts will still be there, lurking in the background, waiting for the next setback. But today, I've proven to myself that I can overcome them. I've shown that no matter how difficult the journey, I have the strength to push through and come out on top.

For the first time in a long while, I felt like the Charles Leclerc I was destined to be. And I'm ready to keep fighting, to keep pushing, and to keep believing that this season can still be mine. I was blinded by the sweet taste of hope.

Heading back to Ferrari from the podium, I felt strong hands on my shoulders, startling me out of my own thoughts. 

"Perceval, you did it! Proud of you! You're closer and closer!"

"Thanks Chili, I'm back in the fight, huh? Great job on your P4, you were so close!"

"I got your back, I know I'm too far behind in points to catch up to you and Max. I'd be happy with 3rd place in the championship. Going forward, I will defend you whenever I can. You can do this Charles."

Carlos gave me a quick hug and I let myself melt into his embrace. He was a good friend, it wasn't his fault Ferrari had shitty leadership and poor strategy at times. 

Heading back to my drivers room I took a moment alone to process it all. I didn't have the desire to party or to drink tonight. I pulled out my phone, dialing up the most important person in my life. As the phone rang, I waited patiently for them to pick up.

"Alo maman?"

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Author's Note: Next chapter is a good one for Aria & Charlie 😉 Appreciate you all reading my first book that isn't a One Shot book hehe! ❤️