Chapter 3: Shifting Gears

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**Oscar’s POV**

The Australian Grand Prix is just around the corner, and the paddock is buzzing with excitement. It’s been a whirlwind since the Spanish GP—rumors about Lando’s supposed romantic entanglements and media scrutiny have only intensified. I’m trying to keep my focus on the track, but the constant pressure is starting to take its toll.

Logan and I are lounging in our shared hotel room, catching up on the latest news. Logan is flipping through his phone, scrolling past headlines about Lando and me. “Did you see the latest? They’re saying Lando’s got a new ‘girlfriend.’”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Yeah, I’ve seen it. It’s just more media nonsense.”

Logan chuckles. “You know how they are. Anything to stir up drama.”

We’re in a bit of a limbo, waiting for our private jet to take us to the next race. It’s nice to have some downtime, but the constant media frenzy and the pressure to perform are always lurking in the background.

“Speaking of drama,” Logan says, “did you hear about the flight arrangements? We’re sharing a jet with Lando’s team.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Seriously? That’s going to be… interesting.”

Logan smirks. “Just another chance to keep things interesting. Maybe it’ll give you a chance to get under Lando’s skin.”

---

**Lando’s POV**

The build-up to the Australian Grand Prix is in full swing. Max and Carlos are in good spirits, and we’re all gearing up for what promises to be an intense race. The paddock is a flurry of activity, and the media can’t get enough of the latest gossip.

Max and Carlos are in their usual upbeat moods, chatting and laughing as we head towards the private jet that will take us to the next race. “Can’t wait to get out of here,” Max says. “This media frenzy is getting old.”

Carlos nods in agreement. “At least we’ve got a bit of downtime. Maybe we can get some rest before the race.”

As we board the jet, I overhear some of the crew talking about the upcoming trip. “Looks like we’re sharing the jet with Oscar and his team,” one of them says.

I roll my eyes. “Great. Just what we need—a reminder of our ongoing ‘rivalry.’”

Max glances over. “Should be fun. Maybe it’ll be a chance to clear the air.”

Carlos raises an eyebrow. “Or it could make things even more tense.”

---

**Oscar’s POV**

The flight to Australia is anything but relaxing. The shared jet is a small, tense space, and the interactions between our teams are awkward at best. I try to focus on my own thoughts, but the atmosphere is thick with unspoken tension.

I catch Lando in the corner of my eye, chatting with Max and Carlos. There’s a casual camaraderie among them that only seems to highlight the divide between us. The conversations are friendly, but there’s an undercurrent of tension that’s hard to ignore.

Logan nudges me, nodding towards Lando’s group. “Looks like they’re having a good time.”

I shrug. “Yeah, well, they don’t have to deal with the same pressure.”

Logan grins. “Maybe this flight will be a good chance to sort things out.”

---

**Lando’s POV**

The shared jet is a strange experience. The atmosphere is charged, and it feels like everyone is walking on eggshells. I catch glimpses of Oscar interacting with his team, and there’s a sense of frustration in his demeanor.

Max and Carlos are trying to keep things light, but even they can’t ignore the palpable tension. I overhear them talking about the upcoming race and the various strategies they’ve been working on. It’s clear that everyone is focused on the competition.

As we approach our destination, the conversation shifts back to the upcoming race. I glance over at Oscar, who is deep in conversation with Logan. There’s a sense of camaraderie between them that contrasts sharply with the tension between Oscar and me.

---

**Oscar’s POV**

We arrive in Australia, and the media frenzy is in full swing. The paddock is crowded, and the anticipation for the race is palpable. I’m trying to keep my focus on the task at hand, but the constant media attention and the ongoing rivalry with Lando are distractions.

As I make my way through the paddock, I catch Lando in the midst of an interview. He’s handling the questions with ease, but there’s a hint of tension in his demeanor. It’s clear that the media scrutiny is getting to him as well.

I take a deep breath and focus on my own preparations. The race is just around the corner, and I need to be at the top of my game. The rivalry with Lando is more than just a competition—it’s becoming a personal challenge, and I’m determined to rise to it.

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