Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 67

This is still in 2021, in Monza! (hence the picture) Just a reminder cause people get confused every time ;)

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POV: Max

He did it. As soon as Lando talked on the stage, I saw a million articles and comments about it on social media, everywhere. Thankfully, nobody had interviews left today so we have until tomorrow to think of what we'll say. Because knowing these journalists, this is all that will be talked about, somehow.

And he's so brave, honestly. Just thinking that I could perfectly be in his place, it makes my anxiety go through the roof. But at least Charles and I can see how it goes now, definitely influencing whether we reconsider ever going public, and when.

For now, the support seems to be prominent, but some vile persons still make nasty comments, and it's too much for me. I decide to disconnect immediately from the internet, but not before sending a message to Lando.

~ To Lando, now ~: Hey Lando, just wanted to say I admire your courage out there today. You're inspiring, mate. Always here for you yeah? Good luck for tomorrow!

I imagine he's got plenty of similar texts, at least from some of the drivers. Daniel told me earlier how he helped him out, and proposed to help us too. I think my face told him everything he needed to know, because he started laughing just after.

I go to sleep thinking about Charles, the only person I can think of here. Everything is a reminder, from the red sea of tifosi to the overwhelming Italian language, that seems to be everywhere. I'm not complaining though, I kinda get it, why they call him a prince, or a saint. And I'm very lucky to be able to worship him, in my own way.

Unfortunately for us, the Mercedes seem to have the upper hand here, this year. Lewis goes quicker in the first of the only two practices we get this weekend, and both cars qualify above me for the sprint. I can still try to pass them, which would give me a better starting position for the actual race, but I'm annoyed.

And the extensive meeting we've just had with all the PR people from the team is definitely not helping me calm down. These things are just so boring, like, I'm not dumb! Of course I won't make homophobic comments to the media.

What shocked me though, is when they asked me to "stay as neutral as possible". Generally, I agree, trying to keep personal opinions far from the public. But this, I don't think it should count as an opinion. This is just... It makes me feel bad about my own coming out, if the team reacts like that.

I get that it's their jobs, of course, but I don't see how me saying I fully support Lando and am proud of him could be bad. It's quite the contrary, for me, but I guess not every sponsor would agree unfortunately.

And the journalists must have gotten a very strict briefing as well, because there's surprisingly few questions about Lando, or "queer identity amongst the sport", like I thought there would be. They seemed happy enough with the short and controlled answers I gave.

And actually, although it might be a pure coincidence, Lando had one of the best qualifications this year, starting in fourth just behind me. I really hope the media whirlwind of this afternoon won't affect him for tomorrow, the sprint being what determines your starting position for the actual race. Hopefully the second and last practice before will be enough to refocus him.

POV: Carlos

— Carlos, we know you're a close friend of Lando, what do you think about this whole situation, did you already know?

And one more, I honestly can't deal anymore with these intrusive questions. I made it clear to the team that I would be very honest in my answers, and so am I.