Redline | L.Norris

one

The paddock was alive with anticipation, buzzing with media chatter as the new Formula 1 season kicked off. Cameras flashed, reporters crowded around, and the focus was on one driver in particular—Isla Räikkönen. Wearing the unmistakable Red Bull colors, she stood tall, her helmet tucked under her arm, smiling as she fielded question after question.

She was no stranger to the spotlight, but this was different. This was Formula 1, the highest level of motorsport, and she was Kimi Räikkönen's daughter—one of the most legendary drivers in the sport's history. The expectations were suffocating, but Isla met them with her usual optimism and charm.

"Isla, what's it like following in your father's footsteps? Do you feel the pressure of living up to his legacy?" one reporter asked, shoving a microphone toward her.

Isla smiled warmly, not missing a beat. "Of course, there's pressure," she admitted, her voice steady. "But my dad's always told me to race for myself. I'm here to make my own mark. Sure, we share a last name, but I'm carving out my own path. This is my journey." Her friendly, open demeanor was a stark contrast to her father's famously stoic responses. She didn't hide behind short answers or cold indifference—she welcomed the questions with a smile.

The media seemed to lap up her easygoing nature, but behind that smile was the determination of a woman who knew exactly what she wanted. Isla was here to win, not just to be "Kimi Räikkönen's daughter."

Among the sea of reporters and camera flashes, she caught a glimpse of a familiar face—Max Verstappen. He leaned casually against a wall, arms crossed, watching her with an amused smirk. As soon as their eyes met, he pushed himself off the wall and strolled over.

Isla took that as her cue to step away from the reporters and start getting her mind ready for the weekend.

"Handled them like a pro," Max teased, nudging her with his elbow. "Just don't get too friendly, or they'll never leave you alone."

Isla laughed, rolling her eyes. "Oh please, like you didn't love the attention when you were the new kid on the grid."

Max's grin widened. "Yeah, but I didn't have a famous dad. You've got twice the media circus following you."

Despite the teasing, there was an unspoken understanding between them. Max had been like a big brother to Isla ever since they were teenagers, racing in the junior formulas. He'd been there when she first stepped into a kart, when she got her first sponsorship deal, and now, as she stepped onto the biggest stage of her career. Their friendship was rock solid, built on years of mutual respect and a shared love for the sport.

As they bantered back and forth, Isla caught sight of Lando Norris, leaning against the McLaren garage, chatting with his team. He was laughing about something, his signature playful smile lighting up his face. Isla and Lando had always been friendly—ever since they'd both been racing in the lower categories.

Their eyes met briefly, and Lando gave her a quick wink before turning his attention back to the man in front of him. Isla smiled to herself and made a mental note to talk to him after the practice sessions.

Ever since Checo announced his retirement over the winter break, the wheels of change had spun rapidly for Isla Räikkönen. Christian Horner had wasted no time in inviting her to Milton Keynes to discuss a one-year contract. Neither of them wanted to commit long-term; they needed to assess the fit first. It was advice her father had drilled into her over the years: Nothing was worse than being stuck in a contract where the team wasn't working in your best interest.

Now, as Isla prepared for her first race weekend, the weight of her decision began to settle in. She had joined Red Bull Racing, and despite the uncertainty of her rookie season, everything felt just right. After working closely with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team, she had found the spot she had always dreamed of. They provided her with a winning car, a supportive teammate, and a crew that genuinely listened to her insights—a rarity in the cutthroat world of Formula 1, especially for a newcomer.

Still, there was one nagging worry that lurked in the back of her mind: her last name. The legacy of Kimi Räikkönen loomed large, and Isla couldn't shake the anxiety that accompanied it. While Sebastian had retired a few years prior and her relationship with Fernando was minimal, it was the younger drivers that concerned her the most. The last thing she wanted was to be labeled as the kid who got her seat solely because of her father's connections.

She had watched Lance Stroll struggle under the same scrutiny since day one, his confidence eroded by whispers of favoritism. Was she really good enough to be here? Those thoughts clawed at her mind, fueling her determination to prove herself.

Fortunately, her worries began to ease as she realized the drivers had welcomed her with open arms, some more warmly than others. Lando Norris stood out in particular; from the moment she was announced as the new driver for Red Bull, he had made a concerted effort to help her feel at home. His cheerful banter and infectious smile brought a sense of ease to the often-overwhelming atmosphere of the paddock. Alongside him was Daniel Ricciardo, whose easygoing nature made it hard for anyone to feel unwelcome. But then again, Danny had a knack for making friends wherever he went.

"You ready for the big debut?" Max asked, pulling Isla's attention back to him.

Isla smirked, her confidence returning. "You mean am I ready to beat you on track? Absolutely."

Max laughed, shaking his head. "You wish. Rookie season or not, I'm still the top dog at Red Bull."

"A top dog that's about to be shown up by little ole me. Christian is going to rethink who the number one driver is soon." Isla's eyes sparkled with mischief, but beneath it was the fierce determination that had driven her through every level of motorsport.

Max rolled his eyes, "Whatever you need to tell yourself, schat."

The two made their way to the garage, separating to go to their respected side. Walking into her driver's room, she saw her racing suit hanging up and couldn't help but smile at the sight. She had made it and she was going to do everything in her power to keep it.

But even as she prepared herself mentally for her first race, the weight of being Kimi Räikkönen's daughter lingered in the background. Every interviewer wanted to know how it felt to carry that name. Newsflash, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows.

Every commentator compared her to the "Iceman." But Isla wasn't her father. She was something different—something new. She didn't have his cool, detached exterior. She was fiery, passionate, and wore her heart on her sleeve. And that's how she planned to race.

As Isla left her drivers room and stood in the Red Bull garage, pulling on her gloves and preparing for her first practice session, she felt the familiar surge of adrenaline. This was it—the start of her Formula 1 career. She was ready to show the world who Isla Räikkönen really was.

A/N: Chapter one is done! This is my first F1 fic so please bear with me as we navigate this new fandom together!! Thanks for reading!