ᴄʜᴀꜱɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴏʀɪᴢᴏɴ ; ᴏꜱᴄᴀʀ ᴘɪᴀꜱᴛʀɪ x ꜰᴇᴍ!ᴏᴄ

The Rising Tension

As the season marches on, the rivalry between Oscar and Lando becomes more pronounced. Every race, every qualifying session, and even every practice lap feels like an unspoken competition. Though they've managed to maintain professionalism, the tension is palpable, both on the track and in the paddock. McLaren's internal dynamics begin to shift as Oscar's results improve, fuelled by his willingness to trust Amelia's innovative strategies, while Lando, the established favourite, starts to feel his position threatened.

The media amplifies the tension, casting it as a battle between the old guard and the rising star. Headlines and social media are flooded with comparisons, tallying every qualifying session where Oscar outperforms Lando, every race where they finish within seconds of each other. It's no longer just about points or podiums—it's about pride.

At the Austrian Grand Prix, the tension reaches a new level. Oscar's bold pit strategy, devised by Amelia, secures him another podium with a third-place finish. Lando, finishing just behind in P4, watches as Oscar is celebrated once again. The subtle favouritism towards Oscar's aggressive approach begins to sting.

In the post-race press conference, a reporter directly addresses the growing tension between the teammates. "Lando, Oscar's been taking some risks lately with strategy, and it's been paying off. How do you feel about the internal competition within McLaren?"

Lando forces a smile, his tone light but the edge unmistakable. "It's good to see Oscar pushing hard. Taking risks can work, sure, but experience matters in this sport. Let's see how long that lasts."

The comment lands harder than Lando intends. It's a subtle dig, but one that cuts through the usual pleasantries. Oscar, sitting next to him, glances at Lando but says nothing, his expression calm, though inside he's seething. He knows the media will latch onto those words, turning them into headlines that will only fuel the narrative of a growing rivalry.

As they leave the press conference, there's an unspoken tension between the two. The camaraderie they once shared is eroding, replaced by a silent contest of who will come out on top. Lando, long the face of McLaren's future, now sees Oscar as a genuine threat to his status.

The summer break offers a brief reprieve from the relentless intensity of the season. But for Oscar and Amelia, the break only magnifies the media's interest in their relationship. They've always kept things professional, but the growing closeness between them hasn't gone unnoticed by those paying attention—especially the press.

In Budapest, during a quiet dinner, paparazzi catch photos of the two leaving a restaurant together. The next morning, the internet explodes with headlines speculating about the nature of their relationship.

"McLaren's Rising Star: Is Oscar's New Love Interest Steering His Career?" reads one particularly invasive headline. Others question whether Oscar's judgement on the track is being influenced by his relationship with Amelia, with some even suggesting that Amelia's unconventional strategies are a way to stay close to him.

Back in Woking, the mood shifts. McLaren's upper management grows wary, and it isn't long before Zak Brown calls Oscar into his office for a private conversation. Zak's usual easygoing demeanour is replaced by a more serious tone.

"Oscar, you've been doing great on track. No one can deny that," Zak begins, his voice calm but firm. "But I need you to understand that the media loves to build these stories. It can get out of control quickly, and it affects how people view the team—not just you."

Oscar listens, but there's a tightness in his chest. He knows Zak's words are a warning, but there's also something unspoken beneath them. The insinuation that his personal life, particularly his growing connection with Amelia, could become a liability doesn't sit well with him.