Y/N Norris had always admired her older brother, Lando. Despite the age gap, they shared a close bond, with Lando often taking on the role of protective big brother. Though Y/N loved the thrill of racing, she’d stayed out of the spotlight, focusing on her studies and other passions. But this year, she decided it was time to experience the world of Formula 1 firsthand. So, she booked a trip to visit Lando at the Silverstone Grand Prix.
Silverstone was buzzing with energy when Y/N arrived. The paddock was alive with the sound of engines roaring and the sight of teams preparing for the weekend ahead. Lando was thrilled to have her there, showing her around the McLaren garage and introducing her to the team. It was overwhelming but exhilarating at the same time.
Among the faces in the garage was Oscar Piastri, Lando’s new teammate. He was young, talented, and focused, but there was an air of seriousness about him that made Y/N a bit uncomfortable. They had been introduced briefly, and while Oscar had been polite, there was a coldness to their exchange that left Y/N feeling uneasy.
Throughout the day, Y/N couldn’t help but notice how different Oscar was from Lando. Where Lando was outgoing and friendly, Oscar seemed reserved and distant. Their brief interactions were marked by awkward silences and tense politeness, and it was clear to Y/N that they didn’t exactly hit it off.
Later that day, as the practice sessions wrapped up, Y/N decided to explore the paddock on her own. She wandered around, taking in the sights and sounds of the event, but as the day wore on, she started to feel a bit overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. The noise, the crowds, and the unfamiliar faces were beginning to take their toll.
In the late afternoon, Y/N found a quiet spot behind the garages, away from the hustle and bustle. It was there, sitting on a bench with her head in her hands, that everything caught up with her. The overwhelming nature of the day, combined with some personal struggles she had been dealing with, hit her all at once, and before she knew it, she was sobbing quietly to herself.
She was so lost in her emotions that she didn’t hear the footsteps approaching. It wasn’t until a shadow fell across her that she looked up, her tear-streaked face meeting the concerned gaze of Oscar Piastri.
“Y/N?” Oscar’s voice was soft, laced with genuine concern. “Are you okay?”
Caught off guard by his presence, Y/N quickly wiped her eyes, embarrassed that he had found her in such a vulnerable state. “I’m fine,” she mumbled, trying to compose herself. “Just a bit overwhelmed, I guess.”
Oscar hesitated for a moment before sitting down beside her on the bench, leaving a respectful distance between them. “It’s a lot to take in,” he said quietly, his tone much softer than she had expected. “The paddock, the noise, everything. It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to it.”
Y/N nodded, grateful that he didn’t press her for more details. “Yeah, I guess it’s just… a lot. And I’ve had some stuff going on lately, so it all kind of hit me at once.”
Oscar was silent for a moment, then spoke again, his voice careful and sincere. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but if you need someone to listen, I’m here.”
Y/N looked at him, surprised by the kindness in his eyes. The cold, distant persona he had shown earlier was gone, replaced by someone who seemed genuinely concerned for her well-being. She took a deep breath, deciding to trust him, at least a little.
“It’s just… I’ve been struggling with some things back home,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “I thought coming here would be a good distraction, but it’s all so intense. I didn’t expect it to be this hard.”
