New driver in the paddock

Singapore Grand Prix: Plan B

In the days leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix, Y/n had a different plan in mind. The tight corners, humid conditions, and notorious difficulty for overtaking made the Marina Bay Circuit a unique challenge. As Y/n walked through the paddock, her mind was churning with ideas, especially with Max and Lewis both hungry for wins in their respective championship fights.

She caught up with Max in the Red Bull hospitality room, away from the prying eyes of the media and team personnel. They exchanged knowing glances, their rivalry simmering, but under it all, there was a deep respect for each other’s driving skills. She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice.

“We need to make sure Lewis doesn’t get ahead,” Y/n began. “If we can control the race, both of us, it’s going to keep him stuck in P3. This track is all about defense. If we play it right, we can both come out on top.”

Max nodded, his usual sharp confidence softened by a hint of agreement. “You think we can make it work? Defending together?”

Y/n smiled slyly. “We both know how to cover our sectors. He won’t be able to pass if we’re coordinated.”

Max’s eyes gleamed, catching on to her idea. “Alright, let’s do it. But we need to be precise. One mistake and—”

“I know,” Y/n interrupted, her tone firm. “We’re racing to win, but we can win together.”

The plan was set in motion, and they parted ways just as Amy caught up with Y/n. Amy had been Y/n’s constant companion through the highs and lows, and she sensed the tension lingering between the races. Y/n smiled at her as they walked toward their media duties.

During the media session, Y/n sat beside Max, the two of them sharing subtle smiles and exchanging banter for the cameras. Max threw in a playful jab about how Y/n was a "tough nut to crack" during races, and Y/n shot back with a smirk, “You’re just mad I’m always right behind you.”

The energy between them was easy, almost relaxed, as the press fed off their chemistry. It felt refreshing, and while Lewis maintained a cool demeanor during his interviews, Y/n could feel the competitive tension from him simmering beneath the surface.

The first day of practice sessions brought its own challenges. FP1 and FP2 saw both Y/n and Max pushing their cars to the edge, trying different strategies and setups to get the best balance on a circuit that demanded precision. Y/n felt her car gripping the corners better than expected, and her times showed it—P2 in FP1, just behind Max, and P3 in FP2 with Lewis nudging ahead by mere tenths of a second.

Max and Y/n exchanged glances in the garage after FP2, both knowing they still had more to show.

“Tomorrow will be interesting,” Max said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

“Tomorrow, we stick to the plan,” Y/n replied with a grin.

The second day of the weekend came with FP3 and qualifying. Y/n nailed the perfect lap in FP3, finishing P1 for the session, her confidence soaring as the team prepped the car for qualifying. When it came down to the crucial moments, Y/n felt the pressure mounting. Every corner, every inch of the circuit mattered here. She could hear the roar of the crowd, and under the floodlights, the tension on track was electric.

Qualifying ended with Max on pole, Y/n locking down P2, and Lewis in P3. It was exactly what they wanted—a front-row start, with Lewis directly behind them. They glanced at each other after stepping out of their cars, a silent agreement passing between them: they were in control now.

Race day dawned with sweltering heat, the humidity pressing down on everyone like a weight. Y/n walked through the paddock, passing drivers and engineers, her focus razor-sharp. She briefly caught up with Amy, who gave her a supportive nod.

“You’ve got this,” Amy whispered, handing Y/n her helmet before walking back to the garage.

The anticipation before the race was palpable. In the moments before lights out, Y/n sat in her car, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. Her radio crackled to life with final instructions, but she only half-listened. Her mind was on the plan she and Max had created.

Lights out. Y/n’s start was flawless, holding her P2 position as they barreled through the narrow streets of Singapore. Max maintained the lead, with Lewis close behind. The race unfolded as they had planned, each of them defending in their respective sectors, making it nearly impossible for Lewis to find a way through. Y/n played the perfect second to Max, using her car’s positioning to cover every attempt by Lewis to close in.

“Y/n, Lewis is getting closer. Tighten the defense in Sector 3,” her engineer called over the radio.

“I know,” Y/n muttered, adjusting her approach, blocking every possible overtake attempt Lewis made. Max continued to build a gap up front, and they had successfully trapped Lewis in their strategy.

As the race progressed, Y/n felt the pressure ramping up. She could see Lewis in her mirrors, but her focus remained unwavering. Then, with just under ten laps to go, the call came through from the team as she was in the lead: “Y/n, let Max through.”

Her hands tightened on the wheel. She had anticipated this moment, but it still lit a fire inside her. She clicked the radio button. “I’m not giving up my position.”

There was a pause on the other end before the team replied again, more sternly. “Y/n, that’s an order.”

Before Y/n could respond, the line was cut. The engineers informed Max about the situation to which he replied: “It’s okay, we know what to do.” His words echoed in the team garage and all around the paddock, it was a signal that they were in this together, no matter what the team said.

The commentators picked up on the tension. “It seems like Y/n has been given orders to let Max through, but she’s not backing down. What an intense situation we’re seeing unfold!”

Another commentator chimmed in.
"Well it looks like they have some strategy for this race I suppose the confidence in Max's voice speaks for itself."

As the race proceeded with each lap, the atmosphere on track intensified, but Y/n held her ground, defending both her position and Max’s lead from Lewis. It was a masterclass of coordination between the two Red Bull drivers, and as they crossed the finish line—Max in P1, Y/n in P2—the relief and satisfaction washed over them.

The podium ceremony was filled with elation. Max and Y/n exchanged a handshake and shared a knowing smile. On the podium, the champagne flowed freely, and despite finishing second, Y/n celebrated just as much as Max did, the victory feeling shared between them.

During the post-race interviews, Y/n credited Max, her voice steady and filled with respect. “Max and I worked together today. We both had the same goal, and it was about controlling the race. We knew what we needed to do, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”

Max echoed her sentiments. “It was a team effort, honestly. Y/n defended brilliantly, and we both had to be on top of our game to keep Lewis behind. She played a huge part in this win.”

Later, in the team briefing, the mood was lighter than expected. The team acknowledged the success of their strategy, but there was still an underlying tension from the disobeyed order. Max, however, smoothed things over.

“She did what needed to be done,” he said with a shrug. “We had a plan, and it worked. That’s what matters.”

Y/n glanced around the room, her eyes meeting Max’s for a brief moment. Despite the drama, they had proven themselves as a formidable pair on track. They had each other’s backs when it counted, and that meant more than anything else.