Racing Hearts ║ F1

3.

"Hey Pierre, what was that all about? I've never seen him like that, angry? Sure. In tears? Absolutely not." Oscar questioned the next morning after he had completed his media duties.

"I don't know if I can say, I mean- you have a bit of a history with him." He hesitated, not knowing what his intentions were towards his friend. 

"I'm not evil, I'm not gonna start spreading shit across the paddock. I just wanna know what got him in that state. I won't tell anyone." He was curious, as well as confused. Why was he so against seeing Lando? Everyone knew how close they were, still are. He was constantly reminded of it. 

"Well... okay, but if any kind of word goes around, I'll know who to blame. And don't use this as... what's the English word... ah, blackmail."

"I'd never, do you really think that lowly of me? I don't hate the man."

Pierre raised an eyebrow but nevertheless continued. "Carlos, Lando, Charles and I went out cycling round the track yesterday and we were joking around racing each other, until Lando said he's "'In his shadow where he belongs.' He didn't mean it horribly, but I guess it just hurt him. He's... he believes he's nothing but a second driver and that he isn't good enough."

"Wow, how could he believe that? Hes a three-time Grand Prix winner, hardly second driver material. Also, not good enough? He's got the majority of the teams offering him contracts. Yours included, I've heard. Ferrari is crazy for replacing him."

"I know this, it is him who doesn't. He won't tell Charles how he feels either, which doesn't help things. He said he's been feeling this way ever since being partnered with Max back in 2015. I can only understand his pain, yet he needs convincing he's good enough."

Oscar crossed his arms. "I could... probably start being nicer to him for a start..." He mumbled. Pierre simply smiled. That would help. I need to go back to Alpine now, but do take what I said into consideration please."

Oscar watched Pierre walk off, thinking. He wasn't aware of the mental state of Sainz, he was only used to being on the receiving end of one of his insults or crashes, yet he felt that he didn't deserve to feel so negative towards himself, no one on the grid should, they were some of the best drivers in the world, Carlos deserved his space more than many did.

He decided he would simply send a quick text, however he didn't have his number.

Lando

Hey mate
Can you send me Carlos' number please

um
why
that sounds like a terrible idea
just cos you hate him
doesnt mean u turn to cyber bullying
have some morals mate

Seriously? 

Ik u

Please can I have his number for non-evil purposes
I have good intentions

such as???
i dont trust u with him
no offence

Fine I'll ask someone else

no
fine
as long as u dont bully him

Finally Lando shared the Spaniard's number and he added it to his contacts, despite being heavily skeptical.

Sainz

Hi
Just wondering if you were alright
after yesterday
It's Oscar

Who gave you my number
I'm fine
Was there something you needed
I don't know where Lando is

What?
No
Why does everyone seem to think I have an ulterior motive?

A what?

Like a secret reason behind something
I'm just trying to be nice
Is that really so hard to believe?

You?
Yes
What do you really want

Jesus, how big is your fucking ego?
Next time I see you upset I hope you suffer alone

Nothing new there Piastri
Así ha sido siempre
Vete a la mierda

Don't know what the fuck you just said and couldn't care less

Oscar regretted being angry but he simply found Carlos to be insufferable. The one time he does something kind towards him he receives insults. Despite what Pierre had told him, he couldn't help but disbelieve it.

Lando

Oi
I told u not to be rude

Huh?

Idk whats got him in a mood lately but i reckon u have smth to do with it
Sry
cant u at least try and get along

Yeah because he couldn't possibly be nice to me could he?
It just has to me

bro im trying here
I keep trying to talk to him
but hes airing me
idk wtf i did
Ive never seen him like this
I mean he has
but like
not with me
idk man

Despite Oscar's annoyance he couldn't bring himself to tell Lando what the problem was. He did promise Pierre he'd keep quiet and he wasn't going to try and make another enemy.

Yeah well
no clue mate
maybe hes got some weird mentality thing going on

If he couldn't outwardly tell Lando then he could at least drop some subtle hints

Nah
hed tell me
we tell each other everything

It hurt Oscar. Lando was his own teammate and yet sometimes it was as though they didn't even know each other. He wondered what it would take to be in his inner circle.

Well I'm out of ideas
I'm sure he'll be back to ramming into the back of me by the time it's Sunday