Racing Hearts ║ F1

2.

"In his shadow where he belongs."

Carlos flinched as the words stabbed him like a knife. Lando knew of his insecurities, he was one of the handful of people Carlos trusted with his most personal thoughts, feelings and secrets. He knew that his best friend didn't mean it in the way he perceived it, yet it stung like no other pain.

Pierre was grinning until he caught sight of Carlos' expression, his usual mask of happiness crumbling. He cycled close to Charles' side and nudged him, tilting his head towards the other Ferrari driver. Catching on, Charles announced that he needed a break and that they had a meeting they needed to attend soon. Carlos looked confused for a moment, but before he could say anything Lando chimed in, "Shit, same, Oscar's gonna kill me, see you later guys," He dismounted his bike at the pits and ran inside. The remaining three did the same, but before either Pierre of Charles could speak to Carlos, he mumbled a goodbye, and quickly walked away towards Ferarri.

"What was that about?" Charles asked, removing his Hemet and running a hand through his hair.

"I'm not quite sure but I have a feeling. Ne t'inquiète pas, je vais lui parler. Je te verrai plus tard. (Don't worry, I'll talk to him. I'll see you later.) 

"Assurez-vous qu'il va bien." (Make sure he's okay.)

It took a while for Pierre to find Carlos, he asked around but no one had seen him.

"Sorry, no. Is he okay though? I haven't spoken to him for a while," Lewis answered concerned. He had a deep respect for Carlos and liked the driver very much, due to his kindness and positive attitude towards everyone and everything, as well as his success throughout his career.

"He's... I'm not too sure, no one I have spoken to has seen him. Something happened earlier and... well-"

"You don't need to tell me mate, it's his business, I understand. Just make sure hes alright, yeah? Try looking at Mclaren, he's probably with Lando." 

"I- yeah, thanks." He winced internally, he couldn't bring to tell Lewis that it's Lando's fault, he just hoped he could help. Some time had past and he still couldn't find him. He was about to give up hope, then out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of red followed by Oscar, heading round the corner. 

This can't be good, Pierre thought as he jogged to the end of the path, stopping abruptly when he was within hearing range, eyes widening.

"Hey- hey no you're good-" Oscar had held onto Carlos' arms so that he didn't run away. As much as they fought on and off track, Oscar wasn't one to abandon someone who was hurting.

"Lo sien- siento, no quiero- estoy bien-" Carlos rapidly spoke in panic, unknowingly slipping into Spanish. (I'm sorry, I don't- I'm fine-)

"I don't understand, Carlos please, I don't-"

"Lo sie- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to- please leave me." He whispered, a single tear running down his face, his big brown eyes glistening.

"Look, I know you don't like me, but I wanna help, please?" Oscar frowned. 

"No lo necesito- no es nada- por favor solo-" (I don't need- it's nothing- please just-)
It seemed that there was no calming down the Spaniard; Oscar could vaguely understand what he was trying to say, being able to translate a couple words. 

"Right, I- lets take you to Lando, he'll know what to do," He suggested, yet much to his confusion Carlos seemed very adamant to keep away.

"Por favor, Lando no, yo-" (Please, not Lando, I-)

At this point Pierre decided it was time to intervene. 

"Carlos? I just wanted to- can we please talk?"
Carlos weighed his options, either be interrogated by Piastri who would most likely snitch to Lando, or be 'less interrogated' by Gasly, who would probably help and not snitch."

"Sí..." Pierre gently took his arm and took him away from Oscar who looked at him, asking a silent question of 'what the hell is going on?' He gently shook his head and mouthed a quick sorry to the Mclaren driver.

"You know he didn't mean it like that, he would never." Pierre had taken them to his driver room, and after several minutes it seemed like Carlos had finally calmed down. 

"I know, but- it just hurts, I know what everyone thinks, I don't want to accept being the second driver, but..." He trailed off, dragging his hands across his face.

"Then don't accept it. You're not the second driver, Carlos. You have never, and will never, be the second driver, okay? Repeat it."

"But I am..." Pierre narrowed his eyes at him. "I... I have never, and will never, be the second driver." He spoke, still unsure.

"No, say it like you mean it. You are not the second driver."

"I am not the second driver."

"Putain, c'est vrai you're not. I understand how you feel, believe me. Are you going to talk to Lando?" (Damn right)

"Yes, probably. He'll catch on eventually, if not then I'm sure Piastri will tell him." He rolled his eyes. Of all the people to come across his like that, it just had to be him.