Sitting In Traffic | Formula 1

Chapter 141- Confrontations

Max was sitting in a conference room with different cameras and microphones looking to record what he had to say alongside Charles and Fernando Alonso. He had Riley deep in the back of his mind, feeling the hesitant stares more in the conference room than he had all day. Although he has felt stares prior as he was doing media and walking through the paddocks. There was judgement all around from people who didn't know the full story.

It made Max feel guilty about wanting Riley to be there with him, because he knew this wasn't a place for her to be right now. He knew people would only judge her more, and there was nothing he'd be able to do after he left the garage and she got kicked out. The rumors online weren't calming, everyone was trying to 'comfort' Kelsey, saying Max had 'fumbled' and 'chose the wrong girl'.

It was infuriating for people to make comments about his life without having a speck of valid information.

"No comment" Max said into the microphone again, he was getting questions about Riley, she was a hot topic in the media now.

"Oh- okay.." The journalist said, looking at another journalist confusedly. They were getting a replay of Max boycotting the FIA conferences.

He wasn't going to provide the public with any information on Riley.

Max looked at Charles and shrugged, he didn't know why people were surprised. It was a private topic.

"Question for Max" Someone said, hesitantly looking at the notes they were sent in with. "Firstly congratulations on your engagement. Secondly, do you think to the recent findings with your fiancé will have a negative outcome on your race performance? With the knowledge that you have found out at the same time as us all?"

"No" Max said dryly, "And I would really appreciate it if everyone would stop asking me questions about my personal life" He told every journalist in the room. The commentator was trying to mediate the playing field, to calm the situation again as Max was visibly irritated.

"Well you can answer this bit," The commentator said, "Will this have a negative outcome on your race performance"

"I don't see why it would, no" Max said, and it was simply that. With Riley around and in the picture he felt motivated to do better. "Can I say something- before we continue"

Max had interrupted the commentator when they were trying to move on.

"Go ahead"

"So, these conferences are about the races, and the cars performance, how I think the weekend will go for the team" Max started speaking into the mic, "My fiancé has no involvement with racing besides showing me support before and after the weekend. So to say that she would be the cause of bad performance is entirely idiotic and unfair to her." He spoke, nodding as people stayed silent. "And I'm not going to sit here and listen to you guys assume that she is because you all are consuming misinformation pushed by the media" Max began to stand up from the couch, "I'll take the fine for the weekend, I'm not doing these conferences"

Max put the microphone down on the couch next to Charles who looked stunned to say the least. He grabbed his red bull hat, and headed off stage to exit the conference room only to be met by Christian Horner who had rushed throughout the paddocks as soon as Max stopped answering questions.

"Not right now" Max said when he saw Christian.

"You have to go back in there" Christian told him, following behind him quickly outside the conference building. "Unless you want another day of community service"

"I'll take it if that means I don't have to air out Riley's business" Max kept his head up and forwards, pulling his phone out of his pocket. "You know Christian, you should really be careful given this is your fault" He said, stopping his steps to face him. "I told you not to sue and you did, I could sue you"