Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 68

It's crazy how similar some parts of this race are to the Brazilian GP in 2024-

This was written following the real events of Sochi 21, so the coincidence really isn't my doing. I did write some things to be similar though. Also, warning, this is sad

And additionally, because it's 2021, George is in the Williams (not super relevant but he's mentioned so)

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POV: Lando

I've never been so excited to go racing, the momentum from our 1-2 in Italy not wearing off. Sochi is a very different track though, and the forecasted weather will probably make a huge difference as well. I still feel good though, slightly more confident in the car and myself.

The fact that all my friends supported me when I came out helps too. It's like there's nothing else other than racing on my mind anymore, and I can focus completely. Of course, I'm still spending time with Carlos, as we both care every day less about prudence.

We don't want to make any big announcement about our relationship, but if people figure it out on their own, it's not so bad. We've talked about it, and I'm happy that we're on the same page. Maybe we should tell our teams at some point, though.

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with my driving this year, currently fourth in the drivers' championship. Only having Max and the two Mercedes in front while being in such a less dominant car, is quite impressive. I don't want to compare myself to Daniel, seeing as it's his first year in this car but... Despite the win two weeks ago, he's only eighth in the standings, and struggling.

I really want to win now, this is already my third year in Formula one, I barely have two fastest laps, and no pole position. Five podiums is okay, but it's only making me more frustrated to have never stood on the higher step.

I learn during the day that Max should have started with a three places penalty, but as they changed his power unit he has to start from the very back. My only hope this weekend, with Max's penalty, is that the Mercedes get it all wrong, or for the race to be chaotic. Rain, for example, wouldn't be so bad.

This is more or less what we discuss during the briefing after practice on Friday, my mind wandering to optimistic scenarios. Unrealistic, maybe, but hope is life, right?

A few drivers crashed during practice, and even I lost control, slightly touching the wall. I thankfully managed to bring the car back to the pits, barely damaged. The track is quite wet, and more rain is to come, apparently.

— We've just been told that FP3 is cancelled, Zak informs me, and they still don't know if the track will be in running conditions for quali.

As expected, the Saturday weather is no better, and with everyone having so little testing time, it makes for an interesting qualification. At McLaren, we're happy about it though. Unusual conditions mean more chance to take advantage of the situation, and we really need it when we fight against two rocket ships.

And indeed, driving on a wet track works for me. With some drivers not bothering to even get a lap in, considering their penalties, I easily get to Q3, the track drying faster than expected. Hamilton topped the first two parts of the session, but now is the one that matters the most.

And as he enters the pitlane, trying to make the switch to slick tyres, there's a contact with the wall. This mess seriously impedes Mercedes, who in the panic of changing the front wing, also delay Bottas' change of tyres.

As the timer runs down, I start my last lap, soft tyres on my car and a heart full of hope. Currently, it's Carlos having the best time, and it's over for both Mercedes already. Whatever happens now, it'll only be due to a hard-fought occasion, and a bit of luck.