Rivalry

Chapter IIII

A few weeks later.

It was the last race before the summer break. My home race, Silverstone. I was so excited. The energy there was always unmatched. Ferarri was at an all-time high. We won the last couple of races, and we were leading in both the championships.

I arrived at the paddock early this morning, as usual, to check my media day schedule. I was excited since it was my home race, i was going to do all sorts of things, at least, that's what i did last year. Fun games and interviews. To my surprise, i had quite a few interviews and a bit of fun games planned ahead, although it is who i was paired with that made it dreadful.

George and Lewis were teammates, so they were going to spend the whole day together apart from a couple of interviews and some games. Norris and i were paired together because of it. Ugh.

I headed to my driver room and changed to change. I wore my team shirt with blue jeans and because it was raining i also wore my raincoat with the Ferrari logo on it. I greeted charles, upset he couldn't mess with me on media day, and then headed for my first interview, the only one i was alone for.

Once that interview was over, i headed to my next one. Norris was already there as i arrived. He listened intently, fully focused on every word his PR manager was saying. He turned towards me when he saw me arrive. "Morning Malia" he said, eyeing me with a smirk "Morning" i said, expressionless. I sat down next to him after going over some things with my PR manager.

The interview started off with a few individual questions. They always brought up the championship battle between us at almost every interview since the start of the season. It was getting old. "Malia, how confident about this championship?" "I've already answered this question dozens of times. i am confident about it and-" Norris scoffs, i snap my head to him. The interviewer watches us a moment and asks him how he feels about the championship instead. "I feel confident about it. We are only halfway through the season, i can catch up. Our car is fast" he said, giving me a sly smile. I looked at him unimpressed.

This was going to be a long day.

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After a couple more interviews, the Mclaren driver and i started making our way to the track to meet George and Lewis for a game. "You need to relax, you know we have to spend the whole day together" i side eyed him. "Maybe if you wouldn't belittle me in interviews, i'd be more pleasant." I said, annoyed. "Awe, did i hurt your feelings?" he said, half laughing while i glared at him.

After we met up with the mercedes boys, we had a game of football. George and Lewis versus Norris and I.
We lost, i am so shit at football. My so-called teammate for the day wouldn't stop complaining about how unfair it was that i was paired with his for this.

Later on, after a few more interviews, we played a game of giant Jenga. I did pretty well. The tower was going to fall at any time. Norris puts the block he chose at the top of the tower, and it leans towards me. For some reason, i didn't move. I didn't think it was going to fall. He pulled me towards him just before it could crumble down on me. I just stood there a bit embarrassed, i could feel my cheeks burning. He watched me, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. "Right, so you lost, one more to the tally for me then" i said with the biggest grin on my face. He rolled his yes.

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After the free practices i went back to my hotel room to get ready for tonight. Lewis invited all of the drivers for dinner. A tradition he'd kept ever since he won his first championship.

I straightened my hair and put on a moss green hoody, black jeans, and my white trainers. I couldn't wait, i missed last year's dinner because i was feeling ill. I grabbed a coat just in case and headed to the lobby of the hotel where charles was waiting for me.

We arrived outside the restaurant and, to our surprise, most of the drivers were already waiting. Once everyone else arrived, we went inside, and the waitress brought us to our table. I sat in between Charles and Oscar with Max right in front of me. Lewis thanked us all for coming, and then we all eventually started chatting with one another. I was a bit anxious, i knew all the drivers but i wasn't close to many of them like i am with Charles and Pierre who were in the middle of a conversation with Carlos infront of them.

Oscar poked my arm, and i turned to him. "Lots of people, huh?" He said nervously. We were both rookies last year and kind of bonded over that since we didn't really know everyone. I smiled at him, and we had a nice conversation about what we were going to do during the summer break. I even invited him to come with Charles and the gang. "That would be lovely, I'll have to ask Lily, but i will definitely let you know" he said with a warm smile, then his gaze flickered behind me, he pointed with his chin "Someone is staring" i turn around to see Norris looking away while clenching his jaw when he sees me searching for who Oscar was mentioning. I roll my eyes "I'm pretty sure he fancies you" Oscar said, barely a whisper "Definitely not we hate each other, and even if he did, that's his problem" i said matching his tone.

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Qualifying went very well, i got pole, Norris second, and Oscar 3rd. I was ready to fight and take victory at home.

The race went pretty smoothly. I was leading up until the last few laps. My tyres were gone, i had no grip, i was doing the best i could to keep the car on track. Norris was close behind the whole race, followed by Lewis a little further back. My rival was inching closer as the race came to its end. I had a pretty bad lock up, which caused me to lose the lead of the race. I was devastated. This was the one race i wanted to win, and i was so close. I couldn't catch him fast enough. A small mistake cost me the win. I finished second.

We parked our cars by the numbered stands and got out of them. I didn't take my helmet off when i went to hug my team, i just wanted to hide. Lewis came up to me afterwards and rubbed my back to comfort me and was then waived down for his post race interview. Norris was still celebrating with his team. I went to the tables where they kept our belongings and I pulled off my helmet, feeling the weight of disappointment settle over me, and took a long drink of water, hoping to wash away the lingering taste of defeat. Lewis handed me the microphone, letting me know it was my turn for the interview.

Once i was done with my dreadful interview, i handed the microphone to my rival, who gave me a cocky smirk, then i stepped into the cooldown room. I put on my second place hat and slumped down on my chair, defeated. Lewis gave me a knowing smile "your time will come, love, just be patient. You're a great driver" i gave him a half smile in return. I looked up to him when i was a little girl. His comment meant a lot.

The victor of the race finally stepped into the cooldown room after what felt like ten minutes. He sat down in between Lewis and i. We reacted to the highlights of the race playing on the screen, quite an eventful race for the midfield cars. Then the clip where i locked up and lost the lead plays. I drop my head and look down at my hands, biting my cheek, waiting for his snarky comment, but the room fell silent.

The podium celebration felt bitter sweet. It was an all british podium. That alone was incredible. I couldn't have been prouder. I was just left with a bitter taste in my mouth because i lost to my rival. If it were anyone else, i wouldn't have been this upset.

After the podium, i lingered in the hallway that led up to it. I didn't want to face my father, my team, or anyone. The hallway eventually cleared. I was alone. I leaned against the wall and sat down, thinking of what i should've done differently. When i was eventually done drowning in slef pitty, i got up and made my way to the double doors ahead. As i was walking towards them, they opened. I was met with the bloke who just won the race. I looked down with a defeated expression and continued towards the doors. "Lighten up babe theres always next race." He said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. I continue walking, not acknowledging what he had just said. i almost passed him when he catches my arm. I lifted my gaze to meet his, my throat tight, my eyes started to burn. "You alright?" He asked worry crossed his face, still holding my arm. "Leave me alone" i snaped back gently. I slowly moved my arm out of his grasp before walking away, tears flooding my eyes.