Story song : Here comes goodbye - Rascall Flatts
Y/N Vettel was a vibrant force in the Formula 1 paddock, known to everyone as the daughter of the legendary Sebastian Vettel. From a young age, she had grown up surrounded by the roar of engines, the scent of burning rubber, and the energy that only the world of motorsport could provide. But more than just being Sebastian's daughter, she carved out a space for herself as a beloved friend and confidante to some of the brightest stars of the sport—Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc.
Y/N was a beacon of light to those who knew her. She had a smile that could lift even the heaviest of hearts, and her laughter was contagious, often heard above the chaos of the pit lane. Whether she was playfully teasing Lando about his latest sim-racing adventure, debating race strategies with Max, or sharing quiet moments with Charles, Y/N was the glue that held their friendship together. She was fiercely passionate about the sport, but more than that, she was passionate about the people in it.
The paddock felt like a second home to Y/N. Her presence was felt by everyone, from the drivers to the mechanics, and she was often seen sitting on the pit wall during races, offering a smile or a word of encouragement. She had a way of making people feel seen and valued, something that was rare in such a high-pressure environment. For Max, Lando, and Charles, she was more than a friend; she was family.
But one tragic day, everything changed. The world of Formula 1 was shaken to its core when news broke that Y/N had died in a car accident, her life cut tragically short. The paddock, usually filled with the buzz of activity, fell into a somber silence. It was as if the very heart of the sport had stopped beating.
Her funeral was a private affair, attended by close family and friends. The drivers, who had once shared laughter and joy with Y/N, now stood united in their grief. Each of them took a moment to speak, their words carrying the weight of their sorrow and love for the young woman who had touched their lives so deeply.
Max Verstappen, usually so composed, struggled to find his voice. "Y/N was... more than a friend to me. She was my confidante, my support. She believed in me even when I doubted myself. I can't imagine this world without her, but I know she's watching over us, urging us to keep pushing, to never give up. I’ll miss you, Y/N."
Lando Norris, known for his light-hearted demeanor, was visibly shaken. "Y/N had this incredible way of making everything feel less serious, even when the pressure was on. She had a gift for bringing out the best in people, and she always reminded me to find the fun in what we do. I’ll carry her spirit with me every time I get behind the wheel."
Charles Leclerc, who had shared countless moments of both triumph and despair with Y/N, spoke last. "She was my anchor in this crazy world. Y/N had a wisdom beyond her years, and she always knew the right thing to say when I needed it most. She saw the person behind the driver, and I will forever be grateful for the love and friendship she gave me. Rest in peace, Y/N. We’ll race for you."
Sebastian Vettel, standing beside his daughter’s casket, could hardly find the strength to speak. His voice broke as he whispered, "My dearest Y/N, you were my greatest joy, my pride, my everything. The world is a darker place without you, but I promise to keep your light alive in my heart, always."
As the ceremony drew to a close, the drivers placed their helmets beside Y/N’s casket, a final tribute to the girl who had been a sister to them all. The paddock would never be the same, but Y/N's legacy of love, kindness, and unyielding support would live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
In the quiet moments that followed, as the wind gently rustled the trees, it felt as though Y/N was there with them, her spirit forever woven into the fabric of the sport she had loved so much.
** Four Years Later**
Four years had passed since Y/N Vettel's tragic death, but her memory remained deeply etched in the hearts of those who had loved her. The world of Formula 1 had moved on, as it always does, but there was a palpable change in the atmosphere. The paddock, once alive with her laughter and warmth, now carried a subtle, bittersweet echo of the past.
Max Verstappen had become a dominant force in the sport, claiming multiple world championships. To the outside world, he was a relentless competitor, but those close to him knew there was a part of him that would never quite heal. Every victory he claimed, every podium he stood on, he silently dedicated to Y/N. In the solitude of his home, hidden from the cameras, he still kept the last message she had sent him—a simple "Good luck, champ"—saved on his phone, a reminder of the friend who had believed in him unwaveringly.
Lando Norris had grown as both a driver and a person. The boyish charm that had once defined him was still there, but it was tempered by a quiet maturity. He had learned to navigate the pressures of the sport with the same resilience Y/N had always encouraged in him. She had been the one to remind him to stay grounded, to remember why he loved racing in the first place. Now, every time he sat in the car, he would take a moment to close his eyes and picture her sitting in the pit, giving him a thumbs-up.
Charles Leclerc, too, had evolved in those years. The pain of losing Y/N had been a heavy burden, but he had channeled that grief into his racing. There was a fire in his eyes that hadn’t been there before—a determination to honor her memory by giving his all, no matter the circumstances. He often found himself in quiet moments, staring out at the track, lost in thought, feeling her presence beside him. She had been his anchor, and in her absence, he had learned to be his own.
The start of a new season was just around the corner, and as the teams gathered in Bahrain for the first race, there was an air of anticipation and reflection. The paddock had changed faces, but the core group—Max, Lando, and Charles—remained as tight-knit as ever. They had become like brothers, their bond forged in the shared grief of losing Y/N and the shared joy of competing at the highest level.
As the sun set on the eve of the race, the three of them found themselves together, away from the hustle and bustle, sitting in the quiet of the paddock. It had become something of a tradition for them—to come together and reminisce about Y/N before the start of each season.
Max broke the silence first, his voice softer than usual. "Four years... It feels like just yesterday we were all here with her."
Lando nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I still hear her laugh sometimes, you know? In my head. Especially when things get tough. It’s like she’s still telling me to lighten up, to not take everything so seriously."
Charles, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke, his tone reflective. "I think she would have been proud of us—of what we’ve become, how we’ve kept going. She always believed in us, maybe more than we believed in ourselves."
Max smiled faintly. "She always saw the best in everyone. It’s what made her so special."
They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, each lost in their own memories. Then, Lando pulled something out of his pocket—a small, worn photo of the four of them, taken in happier times. They were all grinning, arms slung around each other’s shoulders, with Y/N in the center, beaming with joy.
"I found this the other day," Lando said, passing the photo around. "Thought it’d be nice to bring her back here, even if it’s just in spirit."
Max and Charles looked at the photo, their expressions softening as they took in the familiar image. It was a reminder of who they were, who they had been, and who they continued to fight for.
As they stood up to leave, Max spoke quietly, almost to himself, "This one’s for you, Y/N. Always."
The next day, the season kicked off with the usual fanfare and excitement. But for Max, Lando, and Charles, it was more than just another race. It was another chance to honor the memory of the girl who had been the heart of their little family. And as they raced around the track, pushing their cars to the limit, they knew she was with them, watching, smiling, and still cheering them on.
And in the roar of the engines, they could almost hear her voice, carried on the wind, urging them forward.
