Behind the Pit Wall: Jamie Albon's Challenge // Lando Norris // F1

Chapter 1: Takeoff and Turbulence

The familiar hum of London's Heathrow Airport buzzed in the background as Jamie Albon sat in the passenger seat of her brother Alex's car, her fingers tapping rhythmically on her phone. The 2023 Formula 1 season was about to kick off, and for the first time in her life, she wasn't just a spectator. This year, she would be in the thick of it—working for the Williams Racing social media team while still supporting her older brother, Alex, as he entered another season behind the wheel.

"New season, new teammate," Alex said, his voice filled with that quiet excitement he always had before the start of a race year. "Logan seems like a good kid. Eager, but with his head on straight."

Jamie smiled at her brother's optimism. "Yeah, I've heard good things. Hopefully, you two get on well. You don't need another awkward season."

"Tell me about it," Alex chuckled. "This should be fun, though. You'll be right there with us, working for Williams. How does that feel?"

Jamie looked out the window as they approached the airport, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling inside her. "It feels... surreal, I guess. I'm used to just hanging out in the paddock, watching you race. Now I actually get to work with the team. It's exciting, but nerve-wracking, you know?"

Alex smiled warmly. He always had a calming presence, a trait Jamie admired. "You'll be great. You've been following this sport as long as I have. Besides, social media? You've got that covered."

Jamie nodded, but couldn't shake the nerves twisting in her stomach. Ever since Williams had offered her the role, she'd been torn between excitement and dread. Excitement because she could finally put her sports media degree to use. Dread because she knew what came with being in the F1 paddock full-time—constant run-ins with drivers like Lando Norris.

Her phone buzzed in her lap, snapping her from her thoughts. She glanced down and instantly regretted it.

Stupid Norris
The name flashed across the screen like a bad omen.

Jamie's stomach flipped, a sigh escaping her lips as she swiped open the message.

You should've started a job as my assistant, Jay. Social media? Come on, you're better than that.

She rolled her eyes so hard it hurt. Typical Lando. Always teasing, always finding some way to get under her skin. She furiously typed back a reply.

I'd rather live under a bridge than work anywhere near you, Norris.

Her thumb hovered over the send button for a second before she hit it. She didn't know why she even bothered responding. Lando was relentless. She had blocked him multiple times, but he always seemed to find a new number to text her from. This was the latest one. Maybe it was time to block him again. But knowing him, he'd just show up in person and make her day even worse.

"You alright?" Alex asked, noticing her frown.

Jamie plastered on a fake smile and waved it off. "Just Lando being Lando."

Alex chuckled. "You two... you really can't stand each other, huh?"

"He's insufferable," Jamie muttered, already feeling her mood sour. "And now that I'm going to be at every race, I'll have to deal with him more."

"Well, he's not all bad. I mean, yeah, he's a bit much sometimes, but you get used to it. He means well."

"I'm sure he does," Jamie grumbled, shoving her phone into her bag. "But I'm not interested in whatever game he's playing."

Alex didn't press the issue. He knew better than to try to defend Lando around Jamie. The two had never gotten along, despite Alex's years-long friendship with Lando and George Russell. The trio had grown up racing together, climbing the ranks of motorsport from karting to F3 to F1, where they now found themselves as rivals and, frustratingly, inseparable friends. Jamie had been around for much of it, watching from the sidelines as her older brother navigated the ups and downs of the racing world, often with Lando and George by his side. But Lando had always rubbed her the wrong way—his cocky attitude, the way he charmed everyone around him with that mischievous smile, his constant need for attention.