"What if we're better as a team?" Lando asked, his gaze softening.
"We're better as rivals," Rose replied, her heart pulling her in two directions.
In this world of speed ambition friendship and love, every race could change everything-on and off th...
The buzz had started the moment Rose posted the now-infamous Instagram stories. The first one showed Lando glancing back with a mischievous smirk, the caption simply reading: "This kid." The second, posted just moments later, featured Lando grinning cheekily at a dinner table, captioned: "Wants to have kids 🤦♀️."
Social media exploded within minutes. Fans flooded the comments with everything from laughter to speculation. "Baby Norris on the way? 👀" one fan wrote, while another added, "Imagine little McLaren overalls 😍." Memes of Lando as a "baby whisperer" were circulating before the night was even over, and the hashtag #BabyNorris trended worldwide.
In the paddock, it was all anyone could talk about. Theories ranged from playful banter between the couple to a subtle hint at big news. Journalists whispered amongst themselves, trying to piece together the story. Was it a joke, or was there something more behind those posts? Even McLaren's team members couldn't resist chiming in with their own lighthearted teasing, joking about "mini race suits" and Lando's parenting skills—or lack thereof.
By the time race day rolled around, the speculation had reached a fever pitch. And now, as Rose stepped into the press room, the energy was electric—not just because of her impending announcement but because everyone was desperate to connect the dots. Was this retirement? A family? Both?
The air in the room was thick with anticipation as Rose made her way onto the stage, her heart pounding but her face calm. Taking a deep breath, she glanced at the crowd of reporters and fans, the flashing cameras capturing her every move. Today wasn't just about her; it was about everything she had built, everything she was about to step away from, and the future she was about to embrace.
The paddock buzzed with its usual high-energy atmosphere, but today, all eyes were on Rose Norris. She took a moment to take in the scene—fans who had supported her from day one, journalists who had chronicled every high and low, and the familiar orange-clad McLaren crew, all waiting for her to speak.
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Lando stood off to the side, his gaze fixed on her, his heart swelling with pride. He knew how much courage it took for her to make this decision, and seeing her stand there, poised and confident, filled him with admiration.
Rose took a steadying breath and began, her voice clear but tinged with emotion. "Thank you all for being here," she said, her eyes sweeping over the room. "Today, I have an announcement to make—one that's both bittersweet and exciting."
The room fell silent, the weight of her words settling over the crowd.
"After much thought and consideration," she continued, her voice unwavering, "I've decided that this season will be my last as a Formula 1 driver."
Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs of disbelief. Rose pressed on, her calm demeanor unshaken.
"It's been an incredible journey—one that I'm so deeply grateful for. I've achieved more than I ever dreamed possible: standing on podiums, winning championships, and racing alongside some of the best drivers in the world. Who would've thought one day I'd be pairing with my best friend—who became my husband—on the best racing team that could ever exist?" She glanced at Zak Brown standing beside her and added with a playful wink, "Zak, you owe me a bonus for this!"
