Beyond the Track - Oscar Piastri bxb

The Calm and the Chaos

Sunday dawned early, the sky still a dim gray as Oscar made his way to the paddock. Race day was always like this - a mix of excitement and nerves that thrummed through him from the moment he woke up. The team was already busy, final checks and adjustments well underway, and the air was thick with the smell of fuel and the hum of engines being prepped.

Oscar loved these mornings, the stillness before the roar of the crowds, before the helmet went on and the rest of the world faded. Today, though, something was different. Beneath his usual focus was the lingering warmth of last night, a quiet conversation over coffee in a dim cafe, laughter and the feeling of finding someone who understood in a way that surprised him.

He hadn't expected Nick to have this effect on him. He hadn't expected to be thinking about anything other than racing today.

As he walked toward the team tent, he spotted Nick across the paddock, standing with a group of journalist who looked to be talking shop. Even in the crowd, Nick's gaze found Oscar, his eyes lighting up as he gave a small, almost imperceptible wave. Oscar's heart picked up its pace, a sensation he usually reserved for the moment before a race.

Oscar returned a nod, resisting the urge to walk over and talk to him. He reminded himself that he had a race to focus on, but that didn't stop from catching quick glances in Nick's direction as he prepped with his team. Nick wasn't doing anything special, just chatting and laughing, but there was something easy and real about him that made him stand out.

Hours passed in a blur of final briefings, interviews, and last-minute strategy talks. The grandstands filled, a sea of fans and flags, the excitement building as race time neared. Oscar was in the zone, but Nick lingered in his mind, his from last night echoing in quiet moments. He found himself wondering if Nick would be watching, wondering what he'd think of him on the track.

Finally, the cars were lined up on the grid. Oscar slid into his seat, his hands finding their familiar place on the wheel, the roar of engines vibrating through his bones. This was his sanctuary, the place where every worry and thought melted away, replaced by pure instinct and focus. He could feel his team behind him, his crew chiefs voice crackling over the radio, and the tension building in the air like electricity.

And then, they were off.

The first few laps were intense, as always- jostling for position, finding the rhythm of the car, testing grip and brakes, and finding the sweet spots on the track. Oscar's mind was a laser, every turn calculated, every move deliberate. The roar of the crowd faded into background noise as he became one with the car, slicing through corners, pressing every limit.

But as the laps wore on, a new sense of calm settled over him. Oscar couldn't explain it, but today felt different. He wasn't just racing; he was enjoying the drive, savouring each corner, each pass. There was something grounding about it, something steadying.

After what felt like no time at all, the race neared its end, and Oscar found himself pushing harder, his instincts driving him to his limit. As he took the final lap, he felt the thrill of the victory pulse through him, the finish line nearing as he held his position.

When he finally crossed the line, Oscar let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding, feeling the satisfaction of a race well-run. His teams cheer crackled through the radio, and he laughed, letting himself enjoying the moment, soaking in the energy of the win.

After the podium ceremony and rounds of handshakes, Oscar finally made his way back to the paddock. He was still riding the high, his grin stretching wide as his team celebrated around him. He was grateful, excited- but as he glanced around, he found himself looking for Nick.

He spotted him a short distance away standing just outside the team tent, a wide grin on his face. Oscar walked over, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the race and everything to do with the way Nick's face lit up when he saw him.

"Congratulations, champ," Nick said, his voice low and genuine.

"Thanks," Oscar replied, his voice softer than he meant it to be. He felt his heart skip again, just like last night. "Didn't know you'd be watching."

Nick raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are you kidding? Of course I was watching. You were amazing out there. I mean, I'm still learning all the ins and outs of racing, but even I could see it."

Oscar ducked his head, a bit shy under the praise, but he couldn't hide his smile. "Thanks. It was... a good race. Felt different somehow. Better."

Nick nodded, studying him with that same thoughtful look. "Maybe because you had something more than just winning on your mind?"

Oscar opened his mouth to respond but stopped, not entirely sure what to say. He wasn't sure how Nick saw right through him like that, but he wasn't ready to question it, either.

The noise of the celebration drifted around them, but for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the paddock. Nick held Oscar's gaze, his expression softening, and there was a quiet understanding in his eyes, as if he felt it too- that pull, that sense that this ordinary connection.

"So," Nick said, breaking the silence, "now that you've conquered the track, think you have time to hang out with a guy who can't tell the difference between a brake pad and a spark plug?"

Oscar laughed, the sound breaking through his nerves. "Yeah, I think I could make some time for that."

Nicks smile deepened, and Oscar felt the calmness from the track return, a steadiness in his chest that felt as thrilling as any race. He didn't know where this was going, but for once, he was okay with taking things one moment at a time, letting it unfold lap by lap.