Dear Lando - Book Two

𝟹𝟷 ♡ Friday

Friday By Riton, Nightcrawlers, Mufasa & Hypeman

Sunday was buzzing at COTA. It was race day, and everything from the garage to the stands was teeming with excitement. Lando had already left for the track early, heading in with his team for final preparations. Lana, Nat, Theo, and Max were taking their time, planning to roll in a bit later.

Lana stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the McLaren jacket she was wearing. Today, she was dressed head-to-toe in McLaren colors—no Ferrari red in sight. Even her boots were a sleek black, matching her ensemble. She gave herself a once-over and smiled. Today felt different—like a shift had happened, and she was here for Lando.

When the group finally made their way to the paddock, the bustling energy was infectious. Fans were already crowded along the barricades, and as the four of them walked towards the entrance, they were met with cheers and camera flashes. Lana, in her McLaren gear, was met with the most stares. People shouting their encouragement or questions about her relationship. 

As they reached the McLaren hospitality, Lando was already there, suited up and checking data with his engineers. When he glanced up, his eyes found Lana almost immediately, and his expression changed—something between surprise and delight flickering across his face. He stepped towards her, his eyes scanning her outfit before landing on her boots.

"No red boots today?" he teased, his grin unmistakable.

Lana gave a small shrug, her lips curling into a smile. "Decided it was time for a change. Thought I'd support the team a bit more, you know?"

Lando's eyes softened, a genuine appreciation behind his usual teasing demeanor. "Looks good on you, Red," he said, his voice a bit lower, more sincere.

Before Lana could reply, Nat and Theo joined in, both eyeing her outfit. Nat smirked, nudging her with an elbow. "Look at you, all decked out in McLaren gear. Is this love?"

Theo laughed, shaking his head. "You've betrayed Ferrari, Lana. I didn't think I'd ever see the day."

Lana rolled her eyes playfully, but her smile stayed. "You two are ridiculous," she replied, her tone light. "I'm just being supportive, alright?"

As they all moved further into the hospitality, Theo threw his arm around Lana, giving her a friendly squeeze. "We're just happy you've finally seen the light," he joked, giving her a wink.

Lando, still standing a few steps behind them, watched the interaction, his smile faltering slightly. There was something about the casual closeness between Theo and Lana that had a knot tightening in his chest. He knew it was irrational—he and Lana weren't even really together—but he couldn't help the pang of jealousy that flared when he saw how easy things were between them. The way Theo made her laugh, the way she leaned into his side without a second thought—it all made him wish, just for a moment, that things were different.

He shook his head slightly, trying to brush off the feeling. Today was race day, and he needed to focus. But the image of Theo's arm around Lana stuck with him, even as he walked back to the garage.

The grandstands were filled to capacity, and the air charged with anticipation. The Texas sun was blazing, the excitement palpable as the cars lined up on the grid. Lana stood with Nat, Theo, and Max in the McLaren garage, her eyes glued to the screens, watching as the cars revved, waiting for the lights to go out.

When the lights finally went out, it was chaos. The roar of engines, the blur of colors as the cars shot forward—every nerve in Lana's body was on edge, her heart pounding in sync with the rhythm of the race. Lando got off to a great start, maintaining his pole position, the McLaren looking strong out on the track.

Lap after lap, he held his lead, the tension in the garage slowly easing as it became clear that Lando was in control. Lana watched, her heart swelling with pride as she saw him skillfully navigating the turns, keeping the other drivers at bay.

Just then, on one of the tighter corners, another driver miscalculated. Lana's breath caught in her throat as she watched the car behind Lando clip his rear wheel, sending the McLaren spinning off the track. The collective gasp in the garage was deafening, followed by silence as everyone waited, holding their breath, hoping for the best.

Lando's car came to a stop, and the commentators' voices filled the speakers, confirming what everyone feared—Lando was out of the race. It wasn't a serious crash, but it was enough to end his day.

Lana felt her chest tighten, her eyes glued to the screen as Lando climbed out of the car, his helmet hiding his expression, but his body language said it all. Frustration, disappointment—it was evident in the slump of his shoulders, the way he moved towards the barriers.

She watched as he made his way back to the garage, her heart aching for him. He had worked so hard this weekend, and to see it all end like this—it wasn't fair. When he finally walked in, the energy in the garage was somber. Lando pulled off his helmet, his face flushed, his jaw clenched.

He looked up, his eyes meeting Lana's for a brief moment, and in that look, she could see it all—the anger, the disappointment, the vulnerability. She wanted to say something, to comfort him, but the words caught in her throat.

Instead, she took a step towards him, her hand reaching out to touch his arm gently. He looked at her, his eyes softening just a fraction, and he gave her a small nod—an acknowledgment of her presence, of her support.

"Sorry, Red," he muttered, his voice low, filled with frustration.

"Don't be," she replied softly, her eyes locking with his. "You were incredible out there."

He didn't say anything, just gave her a tight smile before turning to talk with his engineers. Lana watched him, her heart heavy, wishing she could do more. She knew how much this meant to him, how much he had put into this weekend. And to see it all end like this—it broke her heart.

She stayed by his side for the rest of the afternoon, her presence a quiet reassurance. Even if she couldn't fix it, she could at least be there, and maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

AN 

i know its not Friday but this song is just so Lando and Mclaren coded I had to use it for Lana dressing up in Mclaren gear.