Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 62

POV: Max

Time flies as we make it to one of the last races before the summer break, and even though our relationship is much more peaceful now, I still can't see Charles as much as I'd like. He told me about his idea of adopting a puppy, and as much as I love my cats, it's true that the picture he showed me is super cute. And if it can help with his issues, I'm in.

I shouldn't get distracted now though. With the British GP right across the corner, and even with an advance of 32 points on Lewis, I can't let my guard down. For sure he's going to want this win even more than any other race, and considering his past records here, he likes the track.

I'm determined I can do it though, now that the pressure from my father has left, I feel much more comfortable expressing my doubts about the car to the mechanics, which leads to a better understanding for everyone, and better results. I won the past two races, in my team's home country, and couldn't be happier of the car at the minute.

There's a sprint "qualification" as well, here, leaving even more points on the table for us to take. It's new, a weird race that gives points to the top three finisher, and also determines the starting order for the main race. This feels like an experience, and I'm not sure I like this kind of circus when I'm in such a fight, but hopefully it'll be a good surprise.

— Max! Christian's voice startles me as I put on my gloves.

— Mh?

— Just wanted to say good luck, I know the format is still new for everyone but do your best yeah? Quali yesterday was good, I know you start between Lewis and Valtteri, but I trust you. Checo should overtake Charles quite quickly, considering how the Ferrari is at the moment, so it'll be you two and the two Mercedes again. But please, drive carefully, because this is also qualifying for tomorrow yeah?

— Yeah thanks Christian, Lewis might be the "speed king" or whatever they call this shit again, but I'll get pole.

Seventeen laps to overtake and keep the lead. Shouldn't be too complicated right? In addition, the tyres will be much easier to manage today, as the temperature completely shifted since yesterday's quali and got warmer.

I focus as we take position on the grid, engines roaring everywhere. It gets so quiet in my brain though, when the lights appear and suddenly go off. I have a better start, resulting in me easily slipping in front of the Mercedes. It might only be 3 points in the end, but it also means starting from pole tomorrow, and that is crucial.

Although this is a short race, my engineer warns me about people already spinning on and off track, causing yellow flags everywhere. I sigh when he tells me about Checo, who lost it on lap 5, running into the gravel. He won't help me defend the two Mercedes behind, that's for sure. Meh, at least that gave Charles a position, I guess.

Fortunately, nothing else happens and I cross the line in first, happily taking one more point over my closest opponent. It's kinda ridiculous, how they give 3, 2 and 1 point for the three highest finishers, but it means I extend the gap a little, and I won't complain about that. But that also means tomorrow I'll get immediately chased by both Mercedes, while my teammate starts... from the pitlane. Yeah, he had to retire one lap from the end, and will change some mechanical parts too.

— Good job Max, you maximised everything, now head down for tomorrow! My engineer says through the radio.

A moment later, Charles manages to walk past me just as I'm getting interviewed in the middle of the paddock, hijacking the interview with his charming smile. He immediately tries to ask me a question, taking the journalist's spot.