Breaking the Grid

Mates

As we finished yet another round, the golf clubs all but forgotten, the conversation had drifted to topics far from racing or golf. We'd been out here for hours, more for the company than the game itself. Naturally, Carlos, with his talent for sparking random discussions, was the first to shift the topic.

"Alright, serious question for everyone," he began, a mischievous grin on his face. "If you had to live as an animal for a year, what would it be?"

Lando didn't hesitate, jumping in like he'd been waiting for this moment. "Koala. They just hang in trees all day and eat. Seems like the dream."

Carlos stared at him, shaking his head. "A koala? Really? You'd sleep through the entire year."

"Exactly," Lando shot back, grinning. "Ultimate relaxation."

Max, usually more reserved, actually seemed to give it some thought, arms crossed as he considered his answer. "Cheetah, I guess. Fast, sleek, deadly. Fits, doesn't it?"

I chuckled, unable to resist. "Of course, Max goes for the fastest animal alive."

Alex, always the joker, deadpanned, "I'd be a cat. Do nothing, demand attention, and still get loved no matter how indifferent you act."

Lando snorted. "Now that explains a lot about you, Albon."

The table erupted in laughter, with Carlos shaking his head at us. "You lot are something else. I'd go with an eagle. Fly anywhere, see the world from above. Freedom, no limits."

I nudged him playfully. "You just want to feel important."

Carlos didn't deny it, grinning. "Maybe."

Lando leaned in toward me, that signature mischievous glint in his eye. "What about you, Becks? What's your animal spirit?"

I shrugged, pretending to think it over for a moment. "Probably a wolf. Loyal to the pack, but doesn't mind going solo when needed."

Carlos nodded, seemingly impressed. "Solid choice. Suits you."

Lando, never one to miss an opportunity, grinned. "I was expecting something weirder, like a llama or something."

"A llama?" I raised an eyebrow, laughing. "Why a llama?"

Lando's grin widened. "Well, you're tall, and sometimes you've got that whole 'don't mess with me' vibe, kind of like how llamas just spit at people."

Without missing a beat, Carlos made an exaggerated spitting sound, and Max shook his head, failing to hide a smile. Alex pointed at me, grinning. "Llama Becks. It has a nice ring to it."

I groaned, knowing this nickname was going to stick. "Please, no. Anything but that."

Lando's grin only grew. "Too late. It's official. You're the F1 llama now."

As the laughter died down, Carlos leaned in with another grin. "Alright, next question. If you had to go pro in any sport other than F1, what would it be?"

Without hesitation, I replied, "Football, obviously."

Carlos raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? Thinking about switching careers?"

I shrugged, a smirk playing on my lips. "If I wasn't in racing, I'd probably be on the pitch. I'm decent with a ball."

"Decent?" Lando scoffed, eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've seen you kick. Definitely more defender than striker."

Carlos nudged Lando, laughing. "I bet she's still better than you, mate."

Lando threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Hey, not saying she isn't! I know my limitations."