|Love 4 Apex| Lando Norris

🏎 42 - Until the Last Lap

The soft murmurs and shuffling footsteps in the chapel created a solemn symphony, a world away from the roaring engines and cheering crowds of race day. Today, the quiet carried its own kind of weight, every whisper and movement reverberating with shared grief and respect. Rose could feel it deeply as she looked around, seeing the faces that had come to support her. Nearly everyone from the grid was there—drivers, team principals, engineers, and friends. They weren't just colleagues; today, they were a family, united for her.

Daniel, usually a beacon of lightheartedness, offered a soft smile and stayed close by, his comforting presence a reminder that even in sorrow, warmth could be found. Lewis, calm and steady as ever, placed a reassuring hand on her arm, offering silent empathy. Their presence grounded her, reminding her that she wasn't alone in her grief.

Toto, Mark, and members of the Mercedes team stood nearby, quietly supportive, their solidarity extending beyond the racetrack. Lando's family was there too, surrounding her with the familiar warmth she had known her whole life. Adam and Cisca Norris hugged her tightly, their embrace filled with the comfort of years of shared memories. The Norris and Page families had been intertwined for as long as she could remember, standing together through life's highs and lows. Lando's sisters and older brother, Oliver, offered gentle smiles and words of encouragement, their support unwavering. Her closest friend Max and his girlfriend Pietra were also there, their presence reassuring in this difficult moment.

Amidst the crowd, Franco and Lando stood close, each offering support in their own way. Franco's steady presence was a silent promise, while Lando's understanding gaze and gentle gestures showed he could sense her every need. In this moment, they were her foundation, helping her find strength when everything felt overwhelming.

Beyond the chapel, love poured in from fans around the world—condolences, tributes, and heartfelt messages that wrapped Rose in a collective embrace. It was a reminder that her grandmother's legacy would live on through those who shared in her journey.

After the funeral, Rose found solace in returning to her grandmother's house. She wandered through its familiar rooms, each filled with memories—the scent of cooking, the creak of old floorboards, and echoes of shared laughter. The grief was deep, but so were the memories, each one a reminder of the love that would always be a part of her.

Even Apex, her loyal dog, seemed to feel the weight of the loss. His usual playfulness was subdued, as if he, too, understood the absence. In the quiet days that followed, Rose allowed herself to grieve fully. She visited her grandmother's favorite spots, walked the paths they had often taken together, and let the sorrow flow. The two-week break after Silverstone became a time to heal, to remember, and to find strength in the love that remained.

When the time came to return to racing, Rose felt a renewed sense of purpose. Her grandmother's legacy became her guiding force, a constant reminder to race with heart, strength, and integrity. Surrounded by family, friends, and fans, she knew she'd come back stronger than ever, ready to take on the challenges ahead, carrying her grandmother's love with her every step.

She kept stacking up victories, her focus unbreakable and her determination unwavering. Together with Lewis, their performances were so dominant that Mercedes clinched the Constructors' Championship in Las Vegas, sealing the title with races to spare. Rose shattered personal records along the way, claiming nine victories so far—a testament to her talent and relentless resolve.

Now, with the Constructors' title secured, the pressure of team priorities lifted, allowing for a fair, unrestrained battle between Rose and Lewis for the ultimate prize. Each race had tested them, but their final showdown in Abu Dhabi would be different. It was a level playing field, the rivalry pure, each driver knowing that this race was theirs to win without holding back. Toto had given them his blessing, saying, "You're free to race, but please... bring the car home in one piece." The message was clear: no team orders, just raw competition between two champions.