Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 59

Warnings: Jos being Jos; violence; homophobia

(I am sorry for this chapter, I promise it'll get better after)

Also a quick reminder cause it's been a while, Charles has seen his therapist during this GP, and both of Max's parents are present.

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POV: Max

Today is race day, here in the south of France. My mom's cheering from the garage, and I start from pole position, what else could I ask for, right?

I've not really spoken with Charles in a while though, as he's quite busy with his and Pierre's families, but we text like normal so I guess everything is fine. I'm still feeling terrible for telling my mom about us without asking him beforehand though. I was panicking, sure, but he should have had the choice whether she knows or not. It's done anyways, and I can't really change it, the most I could do is tell him but... I don't want to do it on the phone, the last thing I'd want is my father surprising us because of this. And with how suspecting he is of me at the moment, it's best to just wait it out a little.

Before leaving the garage to get to the starting grid I check to see where my father is, startled as he appears right behind me.

— Do your best today Max, he says in a surprisingly nice tone.

— Of course, sorry but I have to go now!

— Wait, just one last thing, do you know where... Sophie is?

His calm and relaxed voice is not reassuring me, and I remember my mom's words a few days ago. I don't want him to harass her every time she comes to the track, and even less if it's because of me. Not replying, I quickly get out and almost run towards my car. Gosh, is he never going to leave me alone?

An anthem and some mechanical verifications later, I'm finally sat in my favourite spot. The car feels comforting around me, a place where I feel like I have control and am able to drive to my full potential. Which I definitely intend of proving today too, by winning the race.

With both Mercedes right behind me, it's going to be difficult not getting sandwiched by the first corner, but I'll try my best, hoping on Checo's 4th position to help me.

The formation lap done, I feel the nerves creeping under my skin as we all take place in our positions. I'm focused on what's in front, looking at the lights appearing one by one. As soon as they disappear, I let go of the clutch, feeling the car jumping forward.

Unfortunately, I'm not the only one with a good start, Hamilton instantly right by my side. I even notice in my mirrors that Bottas is getting closer and closer, not a glimpse of Checo in sight. Fuck.

I'm leading into turn one, when the car suddenly feels strange, as I slide into turn two, completely unable to steer right. This didn't just happen, please. I have not just gifted Lewis the lead, not when we're so critically close in the championship.

Mad against myself, but mainly about the car, I try to explain what happened through the radio, trying to defend from Bottas at the same time.

A few laps go by, at least maintaining my position for now. I'm told that Sainz is not a menace to Checo anymore, which leaves the Mexican in fourth, right behind the man on my heels. I would ask where Charles is, but seeing as it's not very relevant to my race, I prefer to keep quiet, learning later that he's in a battle of his own with Pierre, for 6th.

POV: Lando

I didn't get a great start, dropping to tenth and having to fight to come back. Daniel is in front of me, and I just hope he doesn't slow me down. I qualified higher up, so I'm faster, but now I need to prove it and pass him.