Dopamine | Adrenaline Book Two

36- In The Other Life

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Race Day

"Fernando Alonso has announced his retirement from Formula One. After twenty-four years racing and two world championships in the sport, the Spanish Driver has decided it's time to say goodbye to open-wheel racing."

"It was a very hard decision to make, and I confess I thought about it up to the very last minute. I've made many sacrifices in my life to be where I am today, and I still feel like there is a lot left to do. This past year, I began to think more often about the possibility of giving space for new drivers to come in and enjoy this amazing team. I still believe Aston Martin will get to fight for the championship someday. We have a very talented group of mechanics and engineers, and the work they have done on the car over the past few years has been amazing. Today is mostly to celebrate racing as a whole, not to say goodbye," said Fernando.

"According to reports, the Spaniard will continue at Aston Martin with the role of consultant. Thankfully, this won't be the last we'll see of him."

After the driver's briefing concluded, Max was quick to approach Fernando before he made his way out of the room, where he would certainly be bombarded by the media and press. "So, you're leaving?" the blond asked, watching as a couple of other drivers passed by Fernando, giving him a few words and a handshake before moving on.

"Yeah, I need a break from all of this," Fernando replied, nodding as a third driver neared them.

"You're leaving," the Australian accent was unmistakable. "I'm glad I got to race you for a few years at least," Oscar said, a smile creeping into the corner of his lips.

"I'm glad I did," Fernando replied, now focusing completely on Oscar. "Reminded me of when I used to race Mark. Pretty good times."

Oscar chuckled softly, "I bet."

"I've heard they want you at Ferrari, huh?" the Spaniard said, grabbing the younger man's shoulder. "Are you gonna follow in your dad's footsteps and reject the offer, or are you thinking about getting in that red car? Because if you ever need advice, don't forget I was the golden boy of that Italian team for a long time."

"He won't get any offers if Charles wins today," Max cut in, both of their smiles fading away as if the Red Bull driver had shot their excitement down.

Suddenly, Fernando's serious face burst into a chuckle. And, in contrast, Oscar seemed to grow uncomfortable.

Max didn't quite catch the reason behind their reactions, but he could tell there was something they both knew that he did not.

"What makes you think he didn't get them already?" Fernando chuckled again. In an attempt to avoid the rising confrontation, Oscar quickly tapped Fernando's shoulder and excused himself.

Putting the pieces of the puzzle together, given Oscar's reaction, Max quickly came to the conclusion that Ferrari had already started sending proposals for a replacement to Charles' seat even before knowing the outcome of the championship. The idea enraged him and, most of all, worried Max that Charles' own team would try to sabotage his chance at winning the championship.