Into the Apex

The winter break

The 2020 season had been a whirlwind for Masachika Kuze. From his first race with Mercedes to the grueling demands of Formula 1's most confusing calendar, he had faced challenges, learned new lessons, and emerged stronger. The season had seen Mercedes dominate, with Lewis Hamilton securing yet another World Championship, while Masachika—though not always in the spotlight—had proven himself to be a reliable and capable teammate finishing P4 in the championship.

While Hamilton's success was expected, Masachika's first year with Mercedes had been filled with positive moments, steady progress, and moments of brilliance. He had finished on the podium several times, including a spectacular battle with Vettel to secure a P3 finish at the British Grand Prix, and had regularly secured strong points finishes. But there were also difficult races. At times, the pressure to match Hamilton's level was overwhelming, and there were moments of frustration when Masachika knew he was capable of more but couldn't quite get the setup or strategy right. Yet, with every race, he became more attuned to the Mercedes way, finding his rhythm in the team and his place among the best drivers in the world.

But the 2020 season wasn't just about results on the track—it was also about adjustment. Masachika had moved to England to be closer to Mercedes' headquarters and factory in Brackley, which meant spending long periods away from home. The change in scenery, the increased focus on racing, and the demands of the job took a toll on his personal life, particularly his relationship with Alya. Their relationship had always been strong, built on shared experiences and mutual support, but the distance between them was starting to create cracks in the foundation.

Alya was still a huge part of his life, but the strain of being physically distant was weighing on them. They had tried to maintain a sense of normalcy, calling each other regularly and planning visits whenever possible, but it wasn't easy. Masachika often found himself missing her more than he let on. When he was racing or in the Mercedes factory, the focus on his career pushed everything else aside. But when the day ended, and he found himself alone in his apartment in England, the loneliness of it all set in.

It wasn't just the distance that was challenging—it was the way that F1 consumed him. Every race, every meeting, every piece of feedback was essential to the team's success. There was no room for distractions. And though Alya was supportive, Masachika couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing touch with the person who had been by his side since the very beginning. He hated it, but he also knew that if he wanted to make it in F1 at the highest level, he had to commit fully to the sport. Yet, the pull of his life with Alya remained a constant in the back of his mind.

After a long, exhausting season, the winter break provided a brief reprieve. Masachika took the opportunity to decompress and reflect on the year, which had been an undeniable success. He had earned his place in Mercedes, and with the 2021 season just around the corner, he knew he had to be ready for whatever came next.

He spent the off-season back in Japan for a while, catching up with his friends, and giving himself space to breathe away from the relentless pressure of the F1 calendar. His bond with Alya grew stronger during these months, with him visiting her and staying by her side. Yet, despite the rejuvenating time spent together, the reality of their living arrangements still loomed large. They both knew that their relationship needed attention, and as much as Masachika wanted to give it the focus it deserved, his next race was always on his mind. It was difficult, navigating the delicate balance between a relationship and a career that demanded so much of him.

By the time January arrived, Masachika was back in the UK, preparing for the pre-season tests. The familiar buzz of Mercedes' headquarters in Brackley welcomed him back. The W12 car was ready, and the anticipation for the upcoming season was palpable. With Hamilton still at the top of his game, Masachika knew that 2021 would be his real test—a chance to prove he could not only be a solid teammate but a true contender in his own right.

As the 2021 season loomed, Masachika found himself on a plane to Australia, leaving the cold, dreary days of England behind. Mercedes had provided him with a luxurious apartment in Melbourne, a place where he could settle in and adjust to the time zone before the weekend of the Australian Grand Prix. It was his first race of the season, and the
excitement of returning to the grid was palpable. But there was something else on his mind as the plane touched down in Australia: the uncertainty of what the season would hold.

The 2021 season was a fresh start. New challenges, new rivalries, and new opportunities awaited him. But there was also the weight of the previous season, of being part of the Mercedes legacy, of knowing that the team expected him to perform at the highest level. Could he challenge Hamilton, or would he be forced into the role of a number two driver again? The thought lingered in his mind as he walked through the Melbourne airport, making his way to the apartment Mercedes had arranged for him.

The apartment was located in a quiet part of the city, far enough from the busy hub of Formula 1 activity that he could get some peace and focus before the weekend began. It had large windows, offering a view of the city's skyline, and the modern design of the space made it feel like a temporary home. Masachika unpacked his bags, but his thoughts were consumed with racing. As he sat by the window, looking out at the skyline, he couldn't help but think of Alya, wondering if their relationship could survive the constant pull of his racing commitments.

As Thursday evening arrived, Masachika sat at the table, going over the technical notes for the Australian Grand Prix. The quiet hum of the city outside seemed distant compared to the whirlwind of his thoughts. He was anxious—anxious to prove himself, anxious about the pressures of competing against the best, anxious about how much longer he could keep the balance between his career and his personal life.

A knock on the door interrupted his train of thought. He opened it to find a delivery from Mercedes—a box with some additional information and a package of merchandise for the team. There was a message from Lewis, reminding him that they would meet up for a strategy session the next day. It was business as usual, but Masachika couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing inside him.

As he sat back in the chair, the weight of the season ahead pressed down on him. The 2021 season was starting, but the questions were still unanswered. Could he challenge Hamilton? Could he handle the pressure? Could he find a way to keep his relationship with Alya intact, despite the demands of his new life?

The phone buzzed on the table. It was a message from Alya.

"I miss you, but I know you're going to do great this weekend. Remember why you're doing this. Just don't forget about us."

Masachika stared at the message for a long moment, unsure how to respond. He had so much to prove, both to himself and to everyone around him. The road ahead was unclear, but one thing was certain: he wasn't going to stop. Not now. Not ever.

With a heavy heart, he put the phone down and returned to the papers in front of him. The 2021 season had officially begun, and the journey would be even more intense than the last. But in that moment, in the quiet of his apartment, Masachika knew one thing for sure—this was just the beginning.