Into the Apex

Healing and Growth

The 2024 Formula 1 season was more than just a return for Masachika Kuze—it was a true rebirth. With the first race in Bahrain behind him, Masachika felt more grounded than he had in years. But his journey wasn't just about speed on the track; it was also about inner peace, and the steady support he had in his life.

Back in England, after the Bahrain Grand Prix, Masachika was already settling into a routine that felt both familiar and new. Therapy sessions continued to be an integral part of his life, as they had been for months. Each session helped him to better understand himself, his emotions, and how to cope with the pressure of being a Formula 1 driver while maintaining a healthy mind.

The therapy was not just about recovering from past traumas, but also about building resilience. Masachika had learned to identify his stress triggers, his coping mechanisms, and how to stay centered when things became overwhelming. He had learned that it wasn't about avoiding stress or negative feelings—it was about embracing them and navigating through them with grace.

But it wasn't just the therapy that made the difference—it was Alya.

Having her live with him in England had made an immense difference to his well-being. The love and comfort of having Alya close by brought a sense of normalcy to his life. Her presence at home made the transition from intense, high-pressure race weekends to calm, peaceful moments even more meaningful. Whether it was sharing a quiet dinner, walking through the countryside, or simply watching a movie on a lazy afternoon, Alya's support was unwavering.

She had been his rock through the darkest of times, and now, as they shared a life together, her calming presence helped him navigate the rollercoaster of Formula 1 with a newfound sense of balance. She was his anchor, the steady force that kept him grounded when the world felt like it was moving too fast.

"Are you ready for the next race?" Alya would often ask as they sat together in the evenings, her silver eyes glowing with both pride and concern.

Masachika would smile, his heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering belief in him. "More than ever."

The next few races came and went—each one marking another step in Masachika's journey back to his best. In Saudi Arabia, he finished P4, just missing out on a podium but showing that his pace was right on the mark. His performance in Australia was similar—a solid P3 finish, where he raced aggressively but smartly, never overextending himself.

With every passing race, his confidence grew. It wasn't just his results that were improving—it was his ability to manage race weekends. No longer was he consumed by the stress of it all. Masachika was present in each moment, whether he was battling for position on the track or relaxing with the team after a long day. He wasn't trying to be perfect anymore; he was simply doing his best, and that was enough.

His relationship with Lando Norris also strengthened as the season wore on. The friendly rivalry between them was healthy—pushing each other to be better, but always supporting one another off the track. They'd share laughs during team debriefs, offer advice to one another in the car, and constantly push each other to improve.

In Imola, Masachika showed just how much he had evolved. He crossed the finish line in P2, a solid second place behind Verstappen. The race was intense, with both of them battling for the top spot. Masachika had the pace, but Verstappen was too strong in the final laps. Still, the result was an enormous boost to his confidence—he was in the fight, and he knew it.

"I think we've got a shot at the championship," Masachika said to Lando after the race, the realization finally settling in.

"You've always had the shot," Lando replied with a grin. "Now, you're just proving it."

Alya continued to play a pivotal role in Masachika's growth as a driver. After every race, whether he won, finished on the podium, or had a difficult result, Alya would be there to offer support, perspective, and love. She understood him better than anyone else.

On the days when the weight of the world seemed to press down on him, she knew just what to say to lift his spirits. On the mornings before races, she would remind him that his worth was not defined by the result but by how he handled himself—how he showed up for himself, for the team, and for those who believed in him.

And when he struggled with a difficult race or felt frustrated with his performance, Alya's encouragement was a constant reminder that he was more than his on-track results. She would often take him on walks or have long conversations, helping him to release the pressures of the race weekend and return to the track with a clearer mind.

By the time the European leg of the season began, Masachika had truly found his rhythm. He wasn't just racing for points anymore; he was racing for himself. The mental battles were no longer in the foreground of his mind. He had come to accept that the journey was as important as the destination. The moments of self-doubt had become fewer, and the moments of joy on the track had become more frequent.

And the most important part of this newfound peace was his relationship with Alya. Living together in England had brought them closer than ever before. Their love had deepened in ways neither of them had expected. The distance and struggles of the past seemed like distant memories as they built a future together—one where both of them could grow, heal, and thrive.

Alya's support was crucial, but it was Masachika's own strength, nurtured by therapy, self-care, and Alya's love, that allowed him to become the driver he was once again.

As the summer break came to an end, Masachika felt an immense sense of gratitude. He was healthy, mentally strong, and ready to take on the rest of the season. But more than that, he was at peace with himself. He knew that whatever the outcome of the 2024 season, he had already won in many ways.