Three Dumb Ideas | Formula 1 fanfiction

105: Watching my mirrors

Tuesday

Charles' point of view

'Get out', I tell Norris as he enters my car.

'Luci told me I could go in front!', he complains.

Luciana sighs. 'Charles, be nice. I am in the back with Sienna, it's okay'.

I roll my eyes. 'Fine'.

'So, where is the aux?', Sienna asks.

'No way you are getting the aux', I laugh. 'You'll play let's go Lando'.

'No I won't, he has been singing it since it came out, I am sick of it', Sienna laughs. 'I was thinking... MON23'.

I laugh, Norris can get on my nerves sometimes but his girlfriend is amazing.

Sienna is funny and sweet, but I may be biased since I've known her longer than I've known Norris... or Luce in that case.

Sienna connects the aux and I listen to her music, it's a great playlist.

'So, ready for the questions?', Luci asks Lando and me.

'Oh please, you know Charles and I hate interviews'

'That's why she's asking if you two are ready', Sienna interrupts.

'I don't know, guess so', I look next to me and I see a bunch of girls filming us.

I roll down my window. 'Hello there!', I wave to them.

Norris looks out of the window and waves too, the girls erupt with screaming.

Sienna starts to laugh. 'How did bad boy Charles just roll down his window to wave to fans'.

'I know, I too am flabbergasted', Luci smiles.

I flip them off to which they laugh even harder.

Maeve's point of view

The Abu Dhabi paddock is already buzzing with anticipation and it's only Tuesday. This is the final race weekend of the season and 'it's shiving me timbers'. Today our PR managers organized a Q&A with Charles, Lando, Max and I. We are seated at a long table and the fans are surrounding us. Sienna and Luciana are seated to the side.

This race is the race that will decide everything, it's not just another weekend, it's the race that will crown either Max as a four-time world champion or me as a one-time world champion. But no stress today, just connecting with fans.

A brunette girl walks up to the microphone. 'Hello, I am a big Formula One fan and I really really love you, Max'.

He waves to her and then tries to discreetly smile at me as if I would get jealous over a fan.

'Hello there, I love you too', he laughs.

She looks like she is about to faint. 'Max, you've won here before. How do you feel coming into this race knowing the championship is on the line?'.

Alright miss girl, straight to the point.

Max leans back in his chair. 'I feel good, I know what's at stake and I'm ready for the challenge. I love the Abu Dhabi track and racing for something this big is what we live for as drivers'.

The crowd cheers and I can't help but show a small smile. It really is a high no drugs can match

A young boy walks up, probably ten years old. 'Hello Maeve, it's your rookie season and you're fighting for the championship. Did you ever think you'd be in this position?'.

I look at the crowd, waiting for me to answer. 'Never ever did I expect to be fighting for a championship in my first year, but I've worked hard and I have an amazing team behind me, so whatever happens I'm here for it'.

I look at Luciana, who gives me a thumbs up.

Sienna's point of view

'Fucking hell, I can't say I'm not a bit scared for this weekend', I sigh.

'I know. They're both so focused, nothing is going to break them, but still, I can't help but worry how this is all going to end'.

The next fan is a little girl wearing a Ferrari hat with number 55 on it, she's wearing Charles' baseball shirt. 

'Now that's my girl', I smile, Luci's ovaries are probably trembling right now.

'Hello, Mr. Leclerc. You had an amazing race last week! How do you feel about this weekend?'

Charles smiles, definitely more relaxed than Max or Maeve. 'Thank you, little one. It was great! This weekend is just focusing on finishing strong. The championship isn't mine this year but I'm giving Ferrari everything I've got'.

He looks over at Luce and she beams at him.

'I still get butterflies watching him, don't you?', Luci asks.

'Me? While watching Charles? No'.

She rolls her eyes and we laugh quietly.

Lando's point of view

I can see a grown man walking to the stand, he's wearing a Ferrari hat, a Mclaren shirt, and... Redbull shoes?

'Lando! Amazing season! We know you've been keeping an eye on this title fight, what is it like watching them battle it out?'

I grin, leaning forward to answer. 'Wild, honestly', I laugh. 'Got a mint front-row set to one of the most intense battles in years. Both are incredible drivers so whoever wins, it's going to be well-deserved. I enjoy trying to get them to hate each other, just to make it more interesting but no luck so far'.

The crowd laughs and Maeve shakes her head, hiding a small smirk.

'I'll be watching my mirrors for you, Lando Norris', Maeve jokes.

'Better keep an eye out on his bright Mclaren, freaking sneaky that one', Max laughs.

The next fan is holding up a sign with Maeve's name on it. It says 'I can give you 19 reasons why Maeve Vettel deserves the championship', obviously directing it at her racing number.

'Maeve, what's been your favorite moment of the season so far?', he asks

Maeve is quiet for a moment. 'Jeez, there have been so many. Oh- I know! I know I didn't win that week but Zandvoort is probably my most memorable race week this season. The whole week was just filled with amazing fans and moments'.

Yeah no shit, Max has told Charles and me that they kissed for the first time during that week.

The last fan of the day walks up to the stage. 'Max and Maeve, what is the first thing you're going to do if you win the championship?'

Max and Maeve glance at each other. 

'I can answer that for th-'

'Shut up, Leclerc', Max interrupts laughing.

Sneaky little Charles.

'I'd get drunk on Margerita's probably', Max says with a smirk.

Maeve laughs, but her answer is more serious. 'I'll probably just take a moment to breathe and let it sink in. It's been such a whirlwind of a season. And after that? Who knows'.

The crowd erupts into applause as the Q&A is officially done. We wave them goodbye.

Luciana and Sienna move to join us as we leave the stage.

'Handled that well, Norris. Feeling alright?', she asks.

'With you by my side? Always, little Sainz', I kiss the top of her head.