the IT girl

Arrival and the First Race Weekend

After a long flight, Lily, Lando, and little Gemma arrived at their destination for the first race of the season. The airport was buzzing with fans and media, eager to catch a glimpse of the drivers arriving for the season opener. Lando held Gemma close in her carrier, protective yet proud, while Lily kept a steady hand on his arm, smiling at the fans but keeping their pace calm.

As they reached the team car waiting for them, Lando turned to Lily. "Ready to experience your first full race weekend as a family?"

She laughed softly. "I think so! I'm excited — but let's see how Gemma handles all the noise and energy."

At the hotel, they settled in and unpacked, making sure everything was set for Gemma. Lando's phone buzzed with messages from Carlos, Charles, and even Oscar, all checking in to see if he was ready for the new season. It felt like a mini reunion, the group chat filling up with playful taunts and anticipation.

The next day at the track, Lily watched from the paddock with Gemma in her arms, taking in the sights and sounds of the F1 world in full swing. She could see the engineers bustling, fans lining up for autographs, and cameras flashing everywhere. It was exhilarating — and a bit surreal.

When Lando finished his practice sessions, he came over to find them in the McLaren hospitality suite. "So, how are my girls holding up?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Lily smiled, showing him Gemma, who was wide-eyed, taking in everything around her. "She's doing well. I think she's already got her first taste of F1 adrenaline," she joked.

As the race weekend progressed, Lando threw himself into practice, qualifying, and all the pre-race meetings. But every spare moment, he'd find himself back with Lily and Gemma, grounding himself with his family amidst the intensity.

On race day, as the engines roared and the crowd's cheers echoed through the stands, Lily watched Lando prepare for his start. She felt a pang of nerves mixed with pride. This wasn't just a race — it was the beginning of something bigger for them.

Lando looked over at her one last time before putting on his helmet, giving her a small, reassuring smile. She waved, mouthing, "You've got this." And with that, he was off, taking on the track with all the skill and determination he had.

When the race ended, Lando finished strong, crossing the line with a respectable finish. Lily could see the satisfaction on his face when he climbed out of the car and waved to the crowd. Later, he joined Lily and Gemma, still flushed with the thrill of the race.

"I told you — it's a season of firsts," he said, scooping Gemma into his arms. Lily leaned into him, smiling.