Three Dumb Ideas | Formula 1 fanfiction

115: For now

Three months later, pre season testing (Just to be clear, Max won the championship in which Maeve crashed and the championship the year after that, so the third season is starting soon)

Maeve's point of view

The engines roar through the air, echoing all around the track, and I feel my heart thud as if it's keeping pace. Pre-season testing. I should be in that car today. Instead, I'm standing on the edge of the pit lane, holding my son Sebastian in my arms, while Max tears around the track in my place.

I look down at Seb. He's watching the cars fly by with wide, curious eyes, his little fists gripping my jacket every time the engines rev. I trace my hand over his tiny fingers, trying to ignore the ache in my chest. The last year has changed everything. I went from being a champion hopeful to barely surviving a crash, then spent months re-learning everything I'd taken for granted. My own team, my own career, both feel a little out of reach now. And yet, somehow, here I am, still part of this world.

'You see that, Seb?' I whisper softly, pressing a kiss to his hair. 'Maybe one day, you'll be out there too.'

Luciana and Sienna stand beside me, my ever-loyal support system. Luciana is practically glowing now, her hand resting over her stomach in a protective way that makes my heart swell. The news of her pregnancy is still fresh, they don't know the baby's gender yet, but Charles is practically buzzing with excitement. Luci catches me looking and gives a soft smile.

'We all know what a good mother you are already,' she teases, glancing down at Sebastian. 'Charles wants to set up a full nursery by next week.'

'Sounds like him,' I laugh, nudging her shoulder. It's comforting to focus on her and Sienna, on their lives, which are both growing in new ways.

Sienna is chattering on about Carlando, the bakery she's opened because of Lando.

'The "Carlando Special" donuts are gone within hours! I can't believe it's taken off this much, I'm actually going to have to hire more help soon!', she sighs.

I try to smile, even laugh, but my gaze keeps drifting back to the track. Every now and then, I catch a flash of Max's car as he handles each corner with that calm precision only he seems to manage. I wonder, for the hundredth time, if I'll ever feel that thrill again from inside the cockpit, instead of from the sidelines.

Daniil Kvyat walks past us, nodding in recognition, and I return it with a slight smile. It feels strange, watching him now as Alpine's second driver, knowing it's partly because of Max and me that he's landed that role. At least someone is getting a fresh start this season.

Esteban Ocon comes by too, with his son Matthew next to him, both sending me a friendly wave. 'Good to see you here, Maeve!' Esteban calls, his smile genuine.

'Feels good to be back,' I reply, though a part of me knows it isn't fully true. It's cute how Esteban finally got in contact with his son and they both couldn't be more happy about it.

When Ocon and Matthew move along, Sienna and Luci join me, all of us staring out at the track. Max is halfway through another impressive lap, looking as smooth as ever. Charles and Lando are chasing close behind, the three of them weaving through the corners with all the intensity that defines their careers. Watching them feels like a punch in the gut, and I find myself whispering, almost to no one at all, 'I wish I could've done won that once'.

Luciana puts a hand on my shoulder. 'You've done more than most drivers ever could, Maeve. Max says every win, every lap out there, still feels like he's doing it for both of you.'

I nod, watching him finish his lap. And even if it hurts, there's a comfort in knowing Max is out there racing, not just for himself, but with a piece of me in every lap. It doesn't erase the longing, but standing here with my son, my friends, and my husband on the track, I know I'm exactly where I need to be.

For now, anyway.