Redline | L.Norris

two

The sun hung low in the sky as the race weekend progressed, the excitement palpable in the air. Isla Räikkönen stood seventh on the grid after qualifying yesterday, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. This was it—her first official race as a driver in Formula 1. The roar of engines and the chatter of teams filled the paddock, blending into a symphony of anticipation.

Max had just missed pole position to Lewis but still shared the same row as him. Depending on how they jumped off the line, the second-place position might be more favorable. Something she learned after watching Bottas over the years.

Isla had glanced up at the cars in front and saw Max hang his hand out the side of his car. She squinted and just made out a thumbs up, making her nerves pause for a second as she gave him one back.

Lando was the car in front of her and he must have seen the gesture as well. His head leaned to the side so she could see him in his side mirror and tapped the side of his helmet twice. It almost looked like a "good luck". She did it back to him just in case.

The formation lap was underway, and her engineer Jack sent her some last-minute words of encouragement. "You got this kid. Deep breaths and just focus on clearing one car at a time."

A quick, "Will do." Was relayed back and Isla pulled around the last corner, slowing her car down to her position on the grid. As the last car got into place, the lights started lighting up one at a time. Time seemed to move in slow motion as the last light illumined and the wait for them to clear drug on. Isla's fingers twitched as she got ready to upshift.

"It's lights out and away we go."

Isla slammed her foot down on the accelerator and got off the line as quickly as possible, narrowly avoiding the cars around her. While the front row was deemed best of the best, being in the middle of the pack made Isla rethink who needed the most skill. One who has to hold pole position and defended one or two drivers? Or the ones in the midfield trying very hard not to clip anyone while also gaining and defending. The first turn was absolute madness.

The race unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance. Isla held her position in the midfield, her Red Bull car weaving skillfully through the field. She felt the thrill of competition, adrenaline coursing through her veins as she executed each corner with precision, all the while keeping her focus on the track ahead. Max was up front, leading the pack, but Isla was determined to make her mark, to showcase the skills she had honed over years of racing.

As the laps ticked away, Isla found herself locked in an intense battle for position. She fought hard, her heart pounding as she maneuvered around other cars, inching closer to the top three. With every overtake, the cheers from her team pushed her forward, and she felt the weight of expectation lift just a bit.

But the race wasn't without its challenges. On the penultimate lap, Isla found herself battling with a familiar rival. Lando Norris had been steadily moving up the ranks, and their cars were neck and neck as they approached a tight corner. She could see him in her peripheral vision, focused and determined, just like she was.

As they rounded the corner, Isla executed a daring move, cutting inside Lando's line. The thrill of adrenaline surged through her as she completed the maneuver, but it didn't last long. Lando, ever the fierce competitor, retaliated with an impressive overtake of his own, reclaiming the position just before the finish line.

Isla crossed the finish line, her heart racing as she eased up on the throttle, the roar of the crowd echoing in her ears. Jack's voice crackled through her radio, "Fourth place, kid! Not too bad for your first race in the big leagues." It wasn't the result she had hoped for, but it was a respectable debut nonetheless.

"Thank you. And thank you to the team for believing in me enough to give me this opportunity," Isla said, her voice full of gratitude as she waved to the crowd during her cooldown lap. A few of her fellow competitors passed by, offering quick waves and smiles to congratulate her for finishing her first race.

As she parked her car behind the others, Isla spotted Max, who had claimed victory. His triumphant smile was infectious as he celebrated with his team. A rush of pride surged within her—not just for him, but for herself. She had held her own against some of the best in the sport, and that was a victory in its own right.

Climbing out of her car, Isla took a moment to gather her thoughts, her arms trembling from the exertion of the race. Max rushed over, his grin wide and genuine. "You did amazing, Isla! Fourth place in your first race? That's impressive!" He wrapped her in a quick hug, squeezing her tightly.

"Thanks, Max! And congrats on starting the season where you left off," she beamed, feeling her cheeks flush with excitement.

"Just wait until you start getting used to the car and the tracks," he said, clapping her on the back. "Double podiums in no time."

Before she could respond, Lando approached with a teasing smirk on his face. "Not bad for a rookie, Räikkönen. I see you're not afraid to throw elbows out there!"

Isla laughed, a warm rush flooding her at his praise. "Thanks, Lando! Next time, I won't let you get away so easily." The playful banter felt like second nature between them, comfortable and light-hearted.

"Look at our little sunshine go!" Danny Ric chimed in, his trademark grin lighting up the atmosphere. "You're going to show up all of us here soon."

"Sunshine?" Isla cocked her head to the side in confusion, a playful frown tugging at her lips.

Danny chuckled, "Well, you sure aren't a mini-Iceman."

That one statement ignited the biggest smile on her face for the entire weekend.

As the post-race buzz began to settle, Isla stepped back, allowing herself to breathe in the electric atmosphere. The energy was palpable, a vibrant blend of celebration and competition, and she knew this was just the beginning of her journey.

"You did bloody amazing, Isla. You should be proud of yourself," Christian fell in step beside her on the way to the trophy ceremony, his expression earnest.

"Thank you. It was a dream come true to be able to race that car," she replied, her eyes shining as they turned their attention to the presenter. They watched intently as Max was handed his trophy and medal, the crowd erupting in cheers.

"That will be you up there soon. No doubt in my mind," Christian squeezed her shoulder reassuringly as she watched the celebration unfold, champagne spraying and laughter echoing around the podium.

Isla felt a surge of determination course through her. This was just the start, and she was ready to embrace every challenge that lay ahead.