Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 70

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for Abu Dhabi 21 in the next chapter(s)!

(sorry for the wait too lmao)

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POV: Carlos

Getting comfortable in the plane seat, I get ready for the next hour and a half to spend with my teammate. Hopefully this time we share a flight, he won't have anything bad to tell me like last time to Canada.

— Are you excited for the last race? Charles asks, as the plane starts moving.

— Yeah, I'd like to finish higher than Lando in the championship, to be honest. I checked earlier, we're 4.5 points apart! And, I mean, you're only four points ahead of him as well so... yeah. I'm sure this will be an eventful race though, especially with Max and Lewis... How's he handling the pressure, by the way? It's crazy that the championship is still going, for the last race of the season!

— Meh, he's doing quite well I'd say, he looks thoughtful, smirking. I mean, he didn't look stressed at all last week when we... spent time together. And although Max and Lewis are even on points, he had better race finishes overall so even if they crashed he'd win it. I have faith, I'm not... too worried for him.

— Yeah alright, I don't need details of you two, I say with a disgusted frown, getting a wink in return. And honestly, if there was an opportunity to help Max in the race, would you do it?

The Monegasque looks away through the window, apparently lost. When he glances back at me, I can see the doubt on his face.

— I mean... If it had to be to the detriment of my own race, or Ferrari, certainly not. I know we're kinda close with McLaren for third in the championship, no way I'm being disloyal to the team. And actually... he sounds unsure, before sighing. It could be a problem if I did, because we've talked about going public, with Max. Like, seriously considered it, you know?

— Really? That's great! I smile, trying to be reassuring. Does the team know?

— No, we're not 100% sure yet, but I think we might do it this weekend. Not the best country, I know, he adds as I grimace.

— Yeah... I guess the championship result could at least divert the attention a little. Let's hope for the best then!

We start talking about other things, more related to the technical aspect of our sport, and I brilliantly win our chess game, a proud expression on my face for the remaining time of our flight.

The next day, we have media, as always, and I grumble at the thought of being asked once again about the championship. I couldn't care less, honestly, as long as I'm not in it. If Lando was, then maybe I'd have anything to say, but Max and Lewis? I really don't have any opinion. I prefer to focus on my own race, to achieve the best result I can.

Maybe I'd secretly like Max to win it, for Charles, and because I really know the guy. Our days as teammates didn't really work out in the end, but I still keep very good memories of the Dutchman. Plus, he was so young that I don't think he's the same man now, probably more mature.

— Carlos, you're 7th in the drivers' championship, what do you think is possible for you this weekend?

I answer to the multiple questions, enjoying the break we get around noon. Taking a few minutes to celebrate the annual "early Christmas" with the secret Santa game, I open my presents. Italian food and a Swiss knife, everything screams Giovinazzi. The funny thing is, I also offered him something, as I was his secret Santa too. Smiling and thanking the camera, I soon return to the garage to talk to the team.