The Last Grand Prix | Toto Wolff

Chapter one

Change is a powerful thing, people are powerful beings
Tryin' to find the power in me to be faithful
Change is a powerful thing, I feel it comin' in me

Change - Lana Del Rey

365 Days Later.

About Second Chances.

Katrin knew she couldn't change the choices she'd made in the past, but she was determined to make different ones moving forward. 

It might have sounded cliché, but she understood that each day brought a new opportunity to choose differently. She knew that if she didn't seize the chance to return to working with an F1 team, she would spend the rest of her life regretting the decision not to do things differently.

People are defined by the little details that enchant them: the music that makes them dance, the books that transport them to distant places, the colors they choose to paint their worlds. It's the smell of fresh coffee in the morning, the stars they gaze at during the night, and the wind that tousles their hair. 

It is not the reflection in the mirror, the clothes they wear, or the perceived imperfections that only they see. 

It is the laughter they share, the stories they tell, and the love they give. They are not merely the bodies they inhabit but the sum of their passions, dreams, and all that makes their eyes shine.

 They are not defined by a single choice.

— Katrin! — Vowles called, as she watched the beginning of the pre-race weekend rush, pointing out and explaining some things to Lennart, who was sitting in her lap.

— Sorry for being late, — Katrin replied with a smile. — But this little guy here got curious about everything. Isn't that right, Lenny? — She teased, running her fingers through his hair. 

Lennart, still slightly pale, snuggled closer to his mother's chest, his eyes sparkling as he took in the movement around him.

James approached, bending slightly to meet the boy's gaze. 

— How about a fist bump, champ? — he asked, extending his fist.

Lennart hesitated briefly but then returned the gesture with a shy smile.

— How is he doing? Has he improved a bit? — James asked, casting a concerned glance at the boy as they headed toward the garage.

— He's getting better, yes, — Katrin replied, gently rubbing Lennart's back. — He's still a bit weak, but it's hard to keep a three-year-old boy still for long.

James' assistant, Emily, approached them with a warm, welcoming smile. 

— Hi, Lennart, — she said softly. — How about coming with me? We can look for a special snack while your mom talks to James.

Lennart looked up at Katrin, who nodded encouragingly. — Go with Emily, Lenny. She'll show you some cool things.

Lennart, still a little uncertain, extended his arms to Emily, who carefully lifted him up.

— He seems like a strong boy, — James remarked, watching as Lennart walked away with Emily. — I imagine it hasn't been easy for you.

— No, it hasn't, — Katrin admitted, smiling with a trace of fatigue. — But he's resilient.

James gave a brief nod, his expression shifting. — Right, let's get to work. We have a lot to discuss.

Over the next 30 minutes, James explained, with measured enthusiasm, his transition from Mercedes to Williams, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities along the way. He highlighted the cultural differences between the two teams — Mercedes' strict precision versus Williams' more flexible and adaptive approach.

As he spoke, Katrin noticed a spark in James' eyes, a mix of determination and optimism she hadn't seen in the Williams paddock for a long time. He described future plans with passion, detailing a development schedule for the next three years focused on steady yet ambitious growth. 

A long-term vision.

— I want everyone here to feel they are part of something bigger, — James concluded. — A project of at least three years, where every step forward, no matter how small it seems, takes us a step further.

Katrin hesitated, feeling the weight of her words before speaking. — James, I...

James interrupted her gently, raising a hand to forestall any excuse. — Katrin, I know what happened, — he said softly, his gaze gentle. — I don't agree with the means you chose, — he admitted, frowning slightly, — but I understand...

He took a deep breath before continuing, choosing his words with care. — I would move heaven and earth for my little girl, — he added, a touch of vulnerability in his voice. — Any parent would do the same.

— You are the best, — James continued, letting the words linger in the air. — If not one of the best at what you do, then... — He sighed, crossing his arms as if carefully considering his next words. — Don't waste that talent, Katrin. Not now.

Katrin looked away, feeling the weight of his words. She was unsure whether to feel relieved or guilty for receiving this trust after everything.

— I... thank you for that, — she said, her voice sounding more fragile than she would have liked. — I just want a chance to prove I can start over.

James nodded slowly, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips. — Everyone deserves a second chance, Katrin. I believe you know what's at stake and what it takes to make this work.

He stepped back as if concluding the conversation. — I'll see you on Monday in Grove, — he said, his voice now firm and resolute.

Katrin knew she needed to start from where she was, to accept her missteps. She realized she could be lost, without all the answers, and still be on the right path. It was about learning from the process.

As she returned to the garage with James, Lennart ran to his mother's arms, his eyes gleaming with excitement, though his face showed a hint of tiredness. Katrin knelt to embrace him, feeling the relief of his small body against hers. She smiled at his enthusiasm.

— Did you have fun, Lenny? — she asked, gently stroking his hair as he nodded eagerly, his lips curling into a wide grin.

— Yes, Mommy! Emily showed me lots of cool things! — he exclaimed, though a yawn soon escaped his mouth.

Katrin offered a warm, appreciative look to Emily and the mechanic beside her, who chuckled at the boy's infectious energy.

— Thank you so much for looking after him, — Katrin said gratefully. — He'll sleep well tonight, for sure.

The mechanic, still smiling, added, — He's practically part of the team already, huh? — he joked.

Katrin laughed, feeling a joy she hadn't experienced in a long time. — I think he'll want to come back more often, — she replied, lifting Lennart into her arms.

As she prepared to leave, James watched her, crossing his arms with a slight nod of farewell. — I'll see you on Monday, Katrin, — he reaffirmed, his voice filled with anticipation.

James observed Katrin as she walked away, Lennart snuggling closer to her, his small arms wrapped around her neck. 

Just as James was about to turn back to the garage, a familiar voice called out behind him.

— Who's the boy? — Wolff inquired, appearing out of nowhere, his tone calm and direct. His eyes were fixed on Katrin's retreating figure as she disappeared among the cars and equipment.

James sighed briefly, averting his gaze momentarily before looking back at Wolff with an impassive expression. — Where did you come from? — he replied, his tone a mix of weariness and irony.

Toto said nothing immediately, his gaze still following Katrin with focused curiosity, a slight line furrowing his brow as he waited for a more complete answer.

James relented, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. — Her godson, satisfied? — he replied, maintaining a casual tone with a hint of sarcasm.

A small white lie? Or perhaps just none of his business?

Toto offered no response, giving a slight nod as if processing the information, before turning away.