Yn adjusted her glasses as she hunched over her laptop, deep in thought. The hum of the Aston Martin F1 team garage surrounded her—engineers shouting data points, mechanics adjusting cars, and the occasional roar of an engine being tested. As an aerospace engineer newly recruited for the team’s aerodynamics department, Yn loved every minute of it. She had always preferred the company of numbers and data over the flashy lifestyle associated with Formula 1, and she was determined to prove herself in a male-dominated field.
It wasn’t long before she caught the attention of Lance Stroll. Known for his easygoing personality and his status as the son of a billionaire, Lance was used to being in the spotlight. However, Yn treated him like any other driver—she was straightforward and focused on her work. This intrigued him.
“Hey, Yn!” Lance called out one afternoon, striding into the engineering office. She looked up, surprised.
“Hi, Lance. What brings you here?” she replied, trying to keep her voice neutral, though she could feel her heart quicken at his presence.
“I was wondering if you could explain some of the aerodynamics adjustments we’re making this weekend,” he said, leaning against her desk with a casual confidence that was hard to ignore. “I want to understand how it all works.”
Yn raised an eyebrow, not expecting such interest from a driver. “Sure, but you’ll need to pay attention. This isn’t just small talk.”
“I’m all ears,” he said, a playful grin spreading across his face.
As Yn explained the intricacies of airflow and drag, she couldn’t help but notice how genuinely interested Lance seemed. He listened intently, asking questions that went beyond surface level. For the first time, she realized there was more to him than his reputation suggested.
---
As the weeks progressed, their interactions grew more frequent. Lance often stopped by the engineering office, seeking Yn’s insight on the car’s performance. While other drivers focused on their PR duties or socializing, Lance was dedicated to understanding the science behind the speed.
“Do you ever get tired of all this?” he asked one day, gesturing to the garage filled with busy personnel. “I mean, the fame, the pressure?”
“Not really,” Yn admitted, surprising herself with her honesty. “I thrive on the challenge. It’s the problem-solving that excites me, not the spotlight.”
Lance nodded, intrigued. “I get that. Sometimes I wish people would see me for more than just who I am off the track.”
Yn looked at him, searching his expression. “What do you mean?”
“People always assume I’ve had it easy because of my background,” he confessed, his tone shifting to a more serious note. “But I work just as hard as anyone else here.”
She sensed the vulnerability behind his words, which was rare for someone in his position. “I can see that,” she replied softly.
---
A few weeks later, with the Monaco Grand Prix approaching, tensions were high within the team. The car’s aerodynamics weren’t performing as expected, and the engineers were scrambling to find solutions. Yn worked late into the night, poring over data and running simulations, determined to identify the issue.
Suddenly, she heard a knock on her office door. It was Lance, looking more serious than usual.
“Hey, can I come in?” he asked.
“Of course,” Yn replied, glancing up from her screen.
“I saw you were still here and thought you might need some company,” he said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
