Starting Again (A Charles Leclerc Fic)

chapter thirty six : liefje and aien

The crowd was buzzing with excitement as the young British driver, Oliver Bearman makes history with Ferrari. He just became the youngest ever driver to make a debut with the Maranello based team at 18 years old. Today also marks the first time that two FDA Drivers are driving for Ferrari at the same time. 

Charles despite always pretending to be jealous of the young driver because of the attention katrina was giving him, was very welcoming to him. He had known Ollie since he became teammates with his younger brother Arthur when he was still racing in Formula 2. He knew that Ferrari is safe because he was their reserve driver. 

The Free practice went well for Max, Ollie and Charles. Their teams were able to gather enough information about the car and the track which was seen in the Grand Prix itself. Max was on Pole position, Charles was with him in the front row and Ollie makes his debut in Formula 1, 11th on the grid.

The race was intense as Charles and Max recreated their epic battle from 2022. They all gave everything they had but only one man can reach the top of the podium and that was Max. For the second time this season, he won another formula 1 race.

Mavi and Katrina rushed to the parc ferme to watch the Red Bulls and the Ferraris celebrate. Max and Checo secured the first two positions with Charles completing the podium.

Smiles were exchanged once Max passed by the two girls. Katrina playfully gave him a glare which made the dutch driver laugh.

"Liefje, you know I won't take it easy on Charles right?" he teased back. It has been their inside joke that they called each other Liefje and Aein which didn't annoy Charles at first until he found out what it meant. 

"I know Aien. Congrats Maxie, you deserve it... Enjoy it while you still can because Charles will definitely win one of this days"

Liefje and Aein where both terms of endearment in Netherlands and Korea. It meant darling and sweetheart respectively. Charles' reaction never ceases to amuse both Max and Katrina so the nickname stuck with them. It never meant anything more to the two other than a means to annoy Charles. 

"Bring it on" he then glanced at Mavi who was quietly observing the two of them interact. "Come on Mavi, you won't say anything to me?" he asked seriously

"Congrats Max" she told him without meeting his eyes

He smirked before rejoining the red bull team. Trina looked at her friend suspiciously before turning her attention back to Charles who just finished getting weighed. She knew something was going on but today is not the right day to ask her about it. 

"My love, I'm sorry" 

"Here we go again Charles... You don't have to apologize for not winning. I am proud of you regardless of how you end up in the race" 

"Your aien won again" he muttered under his breath which made the two ladies laugh. Charles was sulking once again

"Charlieeee" she whined before pulling Charles in a tight hug. "I don't care how many times Max won the race. I am not watching for him or any of the other guys, I only watch you. I was watching your onboard the whole race, you can ask Mavi" He shyly looked at Mavi who smiled at him before nodding. 

"You don't have to worry about anything or feel jealous Charlie. This girl only had her eyes on you. It's really disgusting and cute at the same time" Charles laughed before returning to our hug

"One of the next races, I would win" 

"I know you will and once you do, I'll be here waiting for you to congratulate you first." 

"I love you trina..." 

"I love you too Charles, so so much" 

jkhale

Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia

jkhale : Congratulations on your very first podium and the fastest lap this season my love. I can't be more proud of you. I love you Charles always ❤️

charles_leclerc : I love you too mon amour, thank you for always being here

olliebearman : Congratulations Charles!
↳ jkhale : congratulations to you too ollie, you did an amazing job stepping in for Carlos!