Love 4 Apex | Lando Norris

🏎 49.5 - British Victories

The roar of the engines echoed across Yas Marina as the final race of the season reached its climactic showdown. The battle for the Drivers' Championship had boiled down to two contenders: Rose and Franco. Adding to the tension, McLaren and Red Bull were locked in a fierce fight for the Constructors' title, with every point crucial.

Lando had lost several crucial points in the last few races, putting him out of contention for the Drivers' Championship, but his role in this race was vital. His mission was clear: to support Rose and secure McLaren's supremacy over Red Bull. As the lights went out, he had already decided he would do whatever it took to protect her.

The race unfolded with nerve-shredding intensity. Rose led the field, her McLaren dancing on the edge of grip as she managed her tires. Franco was in P2, relentless and calculating, pushing every limit in his pursuit of the title. Lando was right behind in P3, shadowing the fight ahead, fully aware of the stakes.

As the laps ticked down, Franco turned up the heat on his fresher tires, closing the gap to Rose. His Red Bull loomed larger in her mirrors, its pace undeniable. Lando, watching the battle unfold, saw his opportunity. Exiting the final corner with a perfect slipstream, he launched past Franco into Turn 1, slotting himself between the Red Bull and Rose.

"Franco's closing in fast. We need you to hold him off, Lando," his race engineer instructed, urgency clear in the tone.

"I'm on it," Lando replied firmly, his voice steady with determination.

Now with Franco behind him, Lando switched to full defense mode. The Red Bull driver wasted no time, launching an attack in the next DRS zone. Diving to the inside, Franco tried to seize the position, but Lando reacted instantly. He placed his McLaren perfectly on the racing line, braked late, and forced Franco to back out, his car holding firm under pressure.

Franco's frustration grew with each failed attempt. Lap after lap, he pushed harder, inching closer in the corners and searching for any weakness. But Lando was unshakable, countering every move with precise positioning and impeccable timing, turning each corner into a battlefield.

As the trio approached Turn 6, the tension was palpable. Franco made a daring move, braking late in a desperate attempt to pass Lando. Anticipating the attack, Lando defended brilliantly, closing the inside line with precision and leaving no opportunity for Franco to slip through. The McLaren twitched under the strain, but Lando powered through cleanly, keeping Franco at bay.

"Lando, Franco's pushing hard. Defend smart but clean," Will's voice came through the radio, calm but firm.

"Yeah, I see him," Lando replied, his tone sharp and focused. "I've got her back. He's not getting past."

Franco regrouped and tried again, using the DRS as they barreled into Turn 9 at the end of the straight. This time, he attempted the outside line, hoping to use his fresher tires for better traction on the exit. But Lando was ready. He adjusted his braking point, slowing just enough to disrupt Franco's rhythm and forcing the Red Bull to back off once more.

"Nice one, Lando," Will said, his encouragement clear. "Two laps to go. Keep it steady."

"I'm not letting him through, mate," Lando shot back, his determination unwavering. "Not today."

Meanwhile, Rose's voice crackled through the radio to Mark, her engineer. "The tires are starting to go! I'm losing grip through the corners."

"Stay focused, Rose," Mark reassured her. "You're almost there. Lando's got Franco covered."

Rose gritted her teeth, holding on as her McLaren skated through the corners, while Lando continued to shield her lead with impeccable defensive driving. The race was reaching its climax, every move on track intensifying the battle for victory.