Since Day One - Max Verstappen X Male Reader

Chapter 12

“What's your problem with me?” 

The tension is so thick you could literally cut it with a knife, me and Max are stood in a vacant room in one of the empty garages along the pit lane. After the podium he practically dragged me here, with a look of pure anger. 

“What's your fucking problem with me” he repeats adding the expletive whilst shoving me. 

“A lot” I say, shoving back. 

This constant back and fourth of arguing with Max has brought me down a lot and has altered my focus. It's consumed every waking thought I have. I zone out in engineering meetings replaying the moment I told Max I was joining VCARB and nothing came out of his mouth other than I shouldn't do it. Seeing him and Kelly walking around like teenagers in love constantly being at the front of my mind. 

I attempt to walk away but he blocks me with his body. 

“We are sorting this out right here and right now, you made me look like an idiot when I tried to fist bump you and you just walked away” 

“Aww did I hurt Maxies feelings? I guess you know how it feels, right?” 

“You're acting like a child right now,” he says, stepping closer. 

“Fine you want to know what my problem is Max” 

Before I can even give him a chance to reply my voice dominates the conversation. 

“I was dedicated to my career but I was also equally dedicated to our relationship but you on the other hand was dedicated to your career and not to our relationship, you then proceeded not to support my career choices which by the way joining VCARB wasn't a choice it's what I had to do to say in this sport” 

“Like I said before I don't want you to join VCARB” 

“Tell me why then and I may understand” 

“Because… because you would be promoted to Red Bull quickly and you would outshine me. You are a great driver. Look at what you have managed in a Sauber in a Red Bull you would be unstoppable and I'm not ready to have him cast away as a number 2 driver.” 

I actually don't know what to say, but then I do.

“You are pathetic Max, I have never heard something so infantile and ridiculous” 

He looks down. I call that the conclusion of our all too common moment of awkwardness. 

“Y/N” I turn around to see my manager jogging past journalists. 

“Alessandro wants to see you” 

The only time he wants to see me is if someone is wrong or if I have tucked up so I'm understandably apprehensive as I get closer to the door of his office. I pause for a second and sharply inhale before knocking. I enter the office.

Alessandro is sitting behind his desk, his expression is stern yet calm. He doesn't waste time with pleasantries. His eyes lock onto mine making me shuffle into the room closing the door behind me, the tension in the room feels just as thick as it did with Max moments ago.

"Sit down," he says, gesturing to the chair opposite him. His tone is firm, but not hostile.

I sit, feeling the weight of the moment press on me. Alessandro leans forward slightly, resting his elbows on the mahogany desk. 

"We need to have a serious conversation," he begins, his voice steady but carrying an edge of concern. 

"This isn't about performance, your talent isn't in question. What is in question is your focus. Your head is not in the right place, and it's starting to show and both the team and media have seen it”