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

Chapter 22: Race Day in Bahrain

It was finally race day at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and the air was thick with anticipation. The sun was already starting to heat up the track, and the desert wind carried the sound of engines revving in the distance. Jamie stretched as she got out of bed, feeling the familiar buzz of race day excitement. She had spent the past few days working, keeping her head down, and successfully avoiding Lando. Today, though, there was no avoiding the thrill of the race.

After taking a quick shower and pulling on her Williams gear, Jamie stood in front of the mirror, tying her hair back. She didn't want to overthink anything today—just focus on Alex, Logan, and her work. She pulled on her favorite pair of Nikes, grabbed her phone and purse, and headed down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

As she stepped into the dining area, the usual sea of team shirts greeted her. A lot of Williams and Alpine staff were already there, some chatting, some going over last-minute data. Jamie scanned the room and spotted Lily waving at her from a corner table.

"Morning!" Jamie called out, walking over.

"Morning!" Lily replied with a bright smile. "Excited for the race?"

Jamie shrugged but smiled back. "Always am. Where's Alex?"

Lily took a sip of her coffee. "He's meeting with Lando."

Jamie blinked, pausing mid-reach for a piece of toast. "Lando?"

"Yeah," Lily said, leaning forward slightly. "Alex texted him this morning, and they're meeting up to talk. You know, to clear the air."

Jamie sighed and picked up her toast. "I hope it goes well. It's been weird seeing them like this."

Lily nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's about time they sorted things out. It's been hanging over them for a while."

Jamie didn't say much more, instead focusing on her breakfast. She hadn't really spoken to Lando since their argument at the golf course, and truthfully, she had no intention of doing so. Ignoring him had worked well enough so far, and with the race today, she could focus on her job.

At the same time, across town, Alex parked his car near the hotel where Lando was staying. He spotted Lando standing by the entrance, hands shoved in his pockets, waiting. Alex took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair, and walked over.

Lando noticed him approaching and stood a little straighter. They met each other's gaze for a second, then looked away, awkwardness settling between them.

"Morning," Alex said, breaking the silence first.

"Morning," Lando replied, his voice steady but cautious.

Alex shifted his weight. "Look, about the other day. I shouldn't have punched you. That wasn't cool."

Lando smirked faintly, rubbing his jaw. "Yeah, I didn't exactly see it coming. But honestly? I kind of deserved it."

Alex let out a small laugh. "You did. But still, I don't want things to be weird between us, you know? We've been mates for too long."

Lando nodded, kicking at the ground. "Yeah. Things just... spiraled with Jamie. I was frustrated, and then she started saying stuff about me, and I snapped."

Alex sighed. "I get it. But, you have to understand, Jamie's not just coming at you for no reason. She's been through some stuff with guys who treated her like crap, and she sees you, with your flirty attitude and... well, you get what I mean. It hits a nerve with her."

Lando looked down, clearly taken aback by Alex's words. "I didn't know that."

"I figured you didn't," Alex said. "But now you do. She's just protective of herself. She's seen what happens when guys don't take women seriously."