Grand Prix 7: Paul Ricard circuit
Friday:
Free practice sessions are competitive but Micky's mind is divided: on one hand there's the chance to join the Mercedes Academy but on the other there's Marco...
She now hates him, but... He is the one who has always believed in her...
Saturday:
Qualifying goes well but not outstanding: Micky knows that the decision she has to make weighs more than any quick lap...
Sunday:
First two races go well and Micky finishes on the podium both times.
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The crowd erupted into thunderous applause when she stepped onto the podium at the first two races.
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During the final race, she fights hard: every overtaking and braking is a moment of reflection but she was able to arrive first, managing for those minutes not to think about anything.
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Cheers fill the air while she steps on the podium but, in that sea of joyful faces, she is searching for just one: Toto Wolff's.
When she finally spots him in the crowd, she is struck by the way he's watching her... With great intensity...
<I need to talk to you> the team principal says, mouthing the words with no voice.
She instantly understands and responds with a subtle nod.
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As Micky re-enters the garage, Marco quickly pulls her aside.
"Toto wants to talk to you" he says, seriously.
"I know" she replies, calmly.
"How do you know?" he asks, surprised.
"I'm not sure if I've ever told you that..." she begins "But I feel a kind of connection with Wolff... It's like he's always there when I need him, as if there's an invisible thread tying us together. It feels a lot like the bond I have with you..."
He smiles, though there's a hint of melancholy in it...
"That only convinces me even more that passing the torch to him is the right thing for you," he concludes, his tone affectionate but resolute, "but now go into the garage, there's someone waiting for you..."
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"You are the Italian Formula 4 champion Micky!"
She almost falls over in fear because of the screams of the mechanics and engineers, because of all the anxiety-inducing situations she had forgotten the most important thing...
<I... I am a champion... I beated everyone!> she thinks.
The post podium celebration turns into a party: her growth throughout the season culminate in this triumph, marking the culmination of her journey in Formula 4 and the long-awaited leap forward.
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Toto Wolff, after witnessing Micky's success, tries to join the party: he has to reiterate his intention to offer her a place in the Mercedes Academy!
However, he had the misfortune to meet her father, who had positioned himself outside the garage entrance to smoke a cigarette, and, after a useless attempt at peaceful dialogue, he decides to give up...
As he walks away, he takes out his phone and sends a message to Marco.
Who knows what he has in mind...
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By the end of the weekend, and after winning a championship too, Micky knows that she has to make a decision...
Marco, on the plane, often looks at her, perceiving the importance that choice has for her and already aware of the choice she is about to make.
"This is your moment..." he says "For your own good, you need to follow your heart!"
His sentence scares her...
She is so lost in her thoughts that it is like she is in a parallel world...
"It's hard to do what my heart tells me... Do you remember when I wanted to escape from your team? Well... Now I feel like i can't leave it..."
"Maybe... This can help you" he says, holding out an envelope.
She opens it and...
Oh god!
Inside there were two undated plane tickets, one outbound and one return, to Birmingham and a letter.
< Dear Michelle,
I've been following your performance closely this season and your talent and determination have truly stood out, i believe you have what it takes to become a future Formula 1 champion.
I'd like to invite you to Mercedes headquarters to discuss your potential entry into the Mercedes Junior Academy, as well as the opportunity to race with Prema in Formula 3; this could be a key step towards your F1 career.
Let me know when you're available to meet, i look forward to our conversation.
Best regards,
Toto Wolff
Team Principal, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team>
Micky is fucking scared of the responsibilities that come with that letter but at the same time is very happy; with eyes full of tears, she turns to her, now former, team principal.
"You're... You're coming with me, right?!"
"Of course, I always told you that I would never make you face anything alone"
Her tears start to fall like waterfalls and the man, visibly moved, puts his arm around the girl's shoulders, so that she can rest her tired head on his shoulder.
She is sadly realizing that the AKM Motorsport's chapter is closing...
But a new exciting one is about to begin: Prema racing, Micky is coming!
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La Novellina: beyond the helmet
قصص عامةMicky, a young and talented driver, is ready to chase her biggest dream: reaching Formula 1. Her story is a journey to success: starts from karting and goes on through the challenges of Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1. Will she be able...
