Three Dumb Ideas | Formula 1 fanfiction

112: Fades to black

Sunday, race day.

Maeve's point of view

My eyes meet this as they approach, so I open up my visor. 'You two never miss this, do you', I smile, a soft laugh escaping.

After today the season will be over and with it so much that we've come to cherish.

Luciana reaches out first, giving Maeve's helmet a gentle tap. 'Stay safe out there, Maevey. No matter what happens today, just know you've made us so so so proud', her voice breaks, almost as if she's going to cry.

Sienna steps forward, pressing her palm to the side of my helmet, her eyes meeting mine. 'Bring it home, Maeve. No matter where you end up we're right there with you', her voice is a blend of encouragement and emotion.

I nod, my smile is fading mostly because of the tears I'm holding back. 'I'll be alright, I'm so grateful to have you both here'.

THE RACE

Start

I'm standing there before the red lights, I can see Max's car behind mine.

Fuck me.

I can't with this adrenaline rush.

The lights are counting down...

I place my feet on the throttle, ready to push it any second now.

It's lights out and away we go, Abu Dhabi title fight edition.

Round 5/58

The first few laps are intense, with Max right on my tail. Every time I glance in my mirrors, I see his car threatening me, waiting to lunge at the first sign of weakness. The pressure is insane, but I can't let it break me. The roar of the crowd is faint beneath my helmet, yet their energy seeps through, adding fuel to this showdown.

RADIO: Maeve, keep steady, temperatures are good.

MAE: Copy that, I've got Max close, no chances for mistakes.

I'm doing this

Round 12/58

We've settled into a rhythm, though nothing about this race feels settled. Max's car inches closer, sometimes pushing right to the limit, and every move he makes forces me to be on point. Leclerc is keeping pace, he started third, his Ferrari holding its ground with relentless speed. It's a three-way dance, and every lap feels like a battle.

RADIO: Max still behind, Leclerc gaining a bit on him. Our system clearly states you are faster than both of them, good luck, Maeve.

MAE: Understood, let's keep our lead, Owen.

RADIO: Stay focused, Maeve. Doing great out there. Pitting in 11 rounds.

MAE: Fine with me.

Round 23/58

The call for my pit stop comes, and I swing into the lane, the crew rushing around the car in a blur of motion. Tires are swapped in record time and I shoot back onto the track, heart pounding as I rejoin in front of Max (I created a little gap, fortunately long enough to pit). The pit stop was smooth, a tiny bit of relief amidst this high-stakes race, but I know Max is only going to push harder now.

RADIO: Back on track, the tires will be at their best temperature soon. How do they feel?

MAE: Feels good, let's keep this lead.

My voice is steady, but inside, I'm wired to every nerve alert.

Round 29/58