My Brother's Teammate | Lando Norris

Declarations

Silverstone was alive as the practice sessions for the British Grand Prix approached. Alexis found herself amidst a whirlwind of engineers, mechanics, and pit crew members, her heart racing as she tried to focus on supporting Lando and Oscar. The sound of tools clanging and the distant hum of conversation created a familiar backdrop, yet today everything felt unusually heightened.

The tension in her chest was a constant reminder of Lando's condition and his lingering concussion symptoms. She was exhausted; walking a fine line of being supportive whilst also harbouring a fear she couldn't share with anyone but him.

As she made her way through the garage, she was greeted by Lando's family, who were brimming with enthusiasm. His mother Cisca and father Adam beamed with pride, while his brother Oliver and sister-in-law Savannah shared excited glances. Alexis returned their smiles, though her own anxiety simmered beneath the surface.

"Alexis! It's so wonderful to see you again!" Savannah said warmly, her eyes lighting up as she gave Alexis a hug.

"Hey, Sav! It's great to see you too," Alexis replied, trying to mask her unease. "How are the girls?"

Savannah's expression softened with a mix of joy and longing. She had only given birth to her second little girl a couple months prior. "They're doing well. Mila's full of energy, and Athena... well, she's growing so fast. It's been a bit of a whirlwind, honestly."

"How are you holding up?" Alexis asked gently, her voice tinged with concern. "I can only imagine how challenging it must be with a newborn and a toddler."

Savannah nodded, her eyes reflecting both the exhaustion and the excitement of new motherhood. "It's been tough, but rewarding. I'm definitely missing the girls this weekend, but I'm excited to have a bit of a break and be here for Lando. It's nice to focus on something else for a change."

Alexis nodded, feeling a pang of guilt mixed with empathy. "It must be hard to be away from them. But we'll have a great time here, I'm sure."

The two women continued to chat, catching up on life and family as the energy in the garage surged with anticipation for the practice sessions. Savannah's upbeat demeanour was a small comfort to Alexis, who needed all the support she could get.

In between conversations, Alexis cast occasional glances toward the McLaren cars, their sleek forms a stark reminder of the risk Lando was willing to face. She knew he was determined to race, but the weight of his unspoken struggles hung over her like a shadow.

The sight of Lando approaching the group brought a collective wave of smiles, but Alexis could see through the facade. While his family rushed to greet him with tight hugs and kisses on the cheek, Alexis lingered a few steps back, her eyes not missing a beat.

Lando's smile was wide but did not quite reach his eyes. He looked tired, his usually lively gaze dulled with a subtle haze. Alexis noted his small hesitations, the slight wince as he stretched his arms.

The family's enthusiasm was palpable, their excitement for Lando's home race evident in every word they spoke. They spoke of the weather, the new updates to the car, and the buzz around the paddock, all while keeping their focus on Lando. Alexis could see the deep lines of worry etched in his face, even as he tried to mask them behind an optimistic veneer.

Lando brought Alexis close, wrapping an arm around her waist while his family continued chatting. His touch was gentle but his demeanour revealed a bit of the strain he was under. He pressed a soft kiss to her temple, a small, reassuring gesture that felt more like a comfort to him than to her.

"How are you holding up?" She whispered, her concern barely masked.

"I'm focused," Lando replied, his voice low and steady, though Alexis could detect a trace of fatigue. "I've just gotta make it through this weekend."