|Love 4 Apex| Lando Norris

🏎 39 - Spark of Dominance

The sun was still low over the Sakhir Circuit, casting a warm, golden light across the sprawling track. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of burning rubber and motor oil—familiar and thrilling to anyone who lived for speed. Rose stood on the pit wall, eyes narrowed against the glare, taking in the track that would soon come alive with roaring engines.

Testing day. The true beginning of a new season.

She adjusted her gloves, feeling anticipation settle in her chest. Sakhir wasn't just another circuit; it was a proving ground where months of preparation would be tested. Here, every corner, every straightaway held the potential to define the season ahead.

Her engineer, Mark, joined her, tablet in hand, eyes flicking between her and the bustling pit lane. "All set?"

Rose took a deep breath, nodding. "Yep. Let's see what this car can do."

A few meters away, she spotted Lewis, focused and calm, speaking with his team. They shared a nod—a silent recognition that they were in this together, each ready to push Mercedes to new heights.

As she turned back toward the pit lane, her eyes landed on Franco, who was leaning casually against the McLaren garage, helmet in hand. He caught her gaze, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Good luck, champ," he said softly, the familiar words carrying a warmth that only deepened their meaning.

Rose couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. With a playful tilt of her head and a glimmer in her eyes, she shot back, "You too."

Franco's smirk softened for a fraction of a second, something almost wistful flickering in his eyes before he turned and headed back to his car. Rose watched him go, emotions swirling within her—a mix of fondness, regret, and the lingering tension that always seemed to exist between them. But she pushed those feelings aside, forcing herself to refocus on the task ahead.

Further down the pit lane, Lando was with his team, prepping for the season. She hadn't seen him yet, but she knew he was there—immersed in strategy, as focused and determined as ever. The thought of racing him again sent a flicker of excitement through her; this season, they would push each other to new limits.

But now it was her turn. Rose climbed into the cockpit, letting the familiar seat envelop her. The harnesses tightened around her, securing her in place. A thumbs-up from her engineers, and with a press of a button, the engine roared to life. The vibration surged through her, filling her veins with adrenaline—this was where she belonged.

Out on the track, it was just her and the machine. Each turn tested the car's grip, every acceleration its power, every braking point her precision. She felt the weight of her preparation, of everything riding on this season, propelling her forward.

As she returned to the pits after the first session, Mark's voice crackled over the radio. "Looking good, Rose. We're making great progress. Let's make this season count."

She climbed out, breathless but exhilarated, adrenaline buzzing through her veins. She was ready—ready to face challenges on and off the track, to push herself further than ever before.

This wasn't just a season of possibilities. It was her season.

With Rose at the helm, her early victories set the tone, leaving no doubt about her dominance. Bahrain had offered a first glimpse of her strength, but as the races ticked by, she proved herself untouchable. In Saudi Arabia, she navigated Jeddah's high-speed circuit with unflinching precision, leaving her rivals in her wake. Melbourne's rain-soaked track was another test, but she adapted, crossing the line with a commanding lead. Baku's streets pushed her further, yet she led from start to finish. Then came Miami, where she conquered the unfamiliar circuit, solidifying her dominance across continents.