Enemies to lovers // C. Leclerc x C. Sainz

Chapter 11: Home Turf

{{{[P E R E Z's POV]}}}

The vibrant energy of Mexico City was palpable as I stepped into the paddock of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. There was something special about racing on home turf. The cheers of the Mexican fans, the sea of green, white, and red—it all filled me with a sense of pride and determination. The Mexico Grand Prix was always a highlight for me, a chance to connect with my roots and show my gratitude to the fans who supported me through thick and thin. As I made my way through the bustling paddock, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This race was different. It wasn't just about points or standings; it was about representing my country, my people. My mind drifted to the events of the past few weeks. The tension between Charles and Max had been hard to ignore. Their rivalry had intensified, but there was something else beneath the surface, something unspoken. As a driver, I understood the pressures and emotions that came with the sport, but their dynamic intrigued me.

"Checo!" a familiar voice called out, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I turned to see my teammate, Max Verstappen, approaching with a smile. Despite our competitive nature, we had developed a strong camaraderie over the years. Today, however, there was a hint of something different in his eyes—an unspoken tension.

"Max," I greeted him with a nod. "Ready for the race?"

He shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Always. How about you? Excited to be racing at home?"

"Always," I echoed, feeling a rush of excitement. "There's nothing like it."

As we continued our conversation, I noticed Charles Leclerc watching us from a distance. His expression was thoughtful, almost contemplative. It was clear that the events of Monza were still on his mind.

"Looks like Charles is deep in thought," I remarked, nodding in his direction.

Max followed my gaze, his expression unreadable. "Yeah, we've had our moments. But I think things might be changing."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Changing how?"

Max hesitated before speaking. "Let's just say we're trying to understand each other better. It's a work in progress."

Intrigued by his words, I decided to leave it at that. The dynamics between drivers could be complicated, and it wasn't my place to pry. Instead, I focused on the task at hand—delivering a stellar performance for my home crowd. The hours leading up to the race were a blur of preparations, briefings, and last-minute checks. The atmosphere was electric, the cheers of the fans growing louder as the start of the race approached. As I climbed into my car, I felt a surge of determination. This was my moment, and I was ready to give it my all. The race itself was a whirlwind of speed, precision, and adrenaline. Every corner, every straight, every manoeuvre was a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team. The roar of the crowd pushed me forward, their unwavering support fuelling my drive. As the checkered flag waved, I crossed the finish line, my heart pounding with exhilaration. The race had been intense, but I had given it everything I had. As I pulled into the pits, the cheers of the fans reached a crescendo, filling me with pride. Climbing out of the car, I was greeted by my team, their smiles and cheers reflecting the joy of the moment. Max approached, offering a congratulatory nod, and I returned the gesture. It was a moment of mutual respect, a reminder that despite our rivalries, we were all part of the same incredible journey. As I stood on the podium, the Mexican flag waving proudly behind me, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. This race was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of my heritage, my people, and the incredible support that had brought me to this moment. The road ahead was filled with challenges, but with my home crowd behind me, I knew I could face anything. And as for Charles and Max, their journey was just beginning. Whatever lay ahead, I had a feeling it would be something extraordinary.