Senna's Heir: A Journey Beyond the Finish Line - Carlos Sainz

Chapter 23 - Was this really the right move?

Carlos Sainz's POV:

As I zipped up my suitcase, I glanced over at Gabi and Luca, both still in their pajamas. The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warmth over the room. Imola was next on the calendar, and although it was just another stop in the season, I knew it wasn't an easy one for Gabi.

I'd asked her if she wanted to come along to the race, even though I already knew what her answer would be. Imola wasn't just a circuit for her; it was a place of painful history. She never liked to come, and I never pressured her to. The memory of her dad, Ayrton, was something sacred to her, and Imola carried the weight of his absence in a way few places did.

"I'll be watching from home, like always," she said quietly, reaching out to take Luca from me so I could finish packing. I could see the unease in her eyes, a shadow that always seemed to come around this time of year. As much as she supported me, some parts of racing would always feel difficult.

I leaned over, kissing her forehead, then planted a soft kiss on Luca's tiny head. "Take care of each other, okay?" I said, keeping my tone light. I wanted to make it easier on her if I could.

"We will," she replied, managing a small smile. "And you, don't overdo it out there."

I laughed, more to ease her nerves than anything. "I'll try. I know you'll be keeping an eye on me."

We shared a few more moments, standing close in the quiet, Luca's soft gurgles filling the silence between us. Then, with a final squeeze of her hand, I picked up my bags, heading toward the door. Turning back for one last look, I caught the steady gaze she held on me.

"I love you," I said, and in that instant, I wanted her to know just how much her strength meant to me.

"Love you too," she replied, Luca's chubby hand reaching out in a tiny wave.

With that, I stepped out, feeling the weight of Imola in a new way, knowing I was carrying a piece of her with me. As I made my way to the airport, I promised myself I'd drive that circuit with purpose—not only for my team and my career but for the legacy she held so close to her heart.

Gabriela Senna's POV:

The whole weekend had felt like a slow, rolling storm. I'd stayed glued to the television, watching every practice session, every qualifying lap, every interview. Imola was etched into my life in a way no other circuit could be, and watching Carlos race there tugged at memories and fears I'd never completely shaken. He understood that, which is why we were constantly on the phone, FaceTiming more than ever before during a race weekend. Just hearing his voice was enough to steady me.

On Sunday, I felt like I was holding my breath the entire race. Every corner, every overtake—it felt like I was right there, living each tense moment from our home in London. When Carlos finished P5, relief settled over me, even though I knew he wouldn't be fully satisfied with the result.

When he finally came through the door late that night, he looked weary. His smile was there, but faint, as he set his bags down and pulled me into a hug. I held on, letting the comfort of his presence wash over me. For a few moments, we just stayed that way, letting the quiet of our home surround us.

Later, as we sat on the couch, Luca asleep upstairs, Carlos started talking about the race. He let out a long sigh, his frustration surfacing. "I don't know, Gabi," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe moving to Ferrari wasn't the right choice. Seeing Lando on that podium... it stings. I could've been the one celebrating if I'd stayed with McLaren."

I reached over, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "Carlos, you're still finding your rhythm with Ferrari. You knew this wasn't going to be easy, especially at a place like Imola," I said, hoping to soothe his self-doubt.