Kevin Magnussen X Nico Hülkenberg - Tiny Miracles

Back On Track

The buzz around the paddock was different as Kevin stepped into the Haas garage on media day, Helena snugly strapped to his chest in a baby carrier. Dressed in a miniature Haas onesie with her name embroidered on the back, she looked every bit the team’s tiniest fan. Kevin had made sure her ears were protected with noise-canceling baby earmuffs, even though it wasn’t loud yet.

The moment the mechanics caught sight of them, chaos ensued.

“Look at her!” one of them exclaimed, rushing over with a grin. “That’s the best team spirit I’ve ever seen.”

Another mechanic, clearly smitten, bent down to Helena’s level. “Hey, little one. You’ve got to bring us good luck this weekend, okay?”

Helena cooed in response, her chubby hand swiping at the air, much to everyone’s delight.

Kevin chuckled, adjusting the straps on the carrier. “Careful, guys. She’s already got a full paddock of fans. Don’t spoil her too much.”

One of the senior engineers gave Kevin a knowing smile. “Spoil her? She’s the Haas baby. It’s basically our job.”

The team couldn’t get enough of her. Someone had even brought out a custom baby-sized Haas cap, which sat slightly lopsided on her head. Helena didn’t seem to mind the attention, soaking up the affection with bright eyes and curious babbles.

Watching it all unfold, Kevin felt a twinge of longing. He missed this—the energy of the paddock, the thrill of being part of the team. But when he turned to see Nico holding court with a small group of journalists, his face lighting up whenever he glanced over at Kevin and Helena, the ache was replaced by something warmer.

He might not be in the car, but seeing Nico with their daughter, sharing these moments as a family, was just as fulfilling.

As Kevin wandered around the garage, a few reporters caught sight of him and quickly approached.

“Kevin!” one called out, microphone in hand. “Great to see you here! How does it feel to be back in the paddock?”

Kevin stopped but adjusted his stance, making sure Helena was shielded by the carrier. Not even a glimpse of her nose was visible, thanks to the light blanket draped strategically over her.

“It’s nice,” Kevin replied with a small smile. “A bit different, of course, but it feels good to be back around the team.”

Another reporter chimed in, “And what about Helena? How’s fatherhood treating you?”

Kevin’s smile widened, a soft pride evident in his voice. “It’s amazing. She’s amazing. Keeps us on our toes, but it’s worth every second.”

The questions kept coming, but Kevin was careful, keeping the focus on himself and Nico while ensuring Helena stayed out of the spotlight. Eventually, Nico appeared at his side, gently placing a hand on Kevin’s shoulder.

“That’s enough for now,” Nico said firmly but kindly, steering Kevin and Helena back toward the garage.

As they settled into a quieter corner, Kevin looked up at Nico. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Nico shrugged, his lips quirking into a soft smile. “I know, but I wanted to. They don’t get to take up all your time. You’re ours today.”

Kevin leaned into him briefly, feeling the comfort of Nico’s presence. Watching Helena clutch at her tiny Haas cap, her eyes wide as she took in the world around her, Kevin realized he didn’t miss racing as much as he thought he would.

Being here, with his family, was more than enough.

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As Kevin made his way through the Haas garage with Helena strapped securely to his chest in her baby carrier, it didn’t take long for the usual crowd to gather. The mechanics were always the first to dote on the baby dressed head-to-toe in miniature Haas gear, but soon the familiar faces of other drivers began filtering in. 

This wasn’t Helena’s first time with the padddock faces—she’d already met most of the grid—but every time felt like an event. Kevin had to smile as Lando appeared first, as usual, his wide grin in full force. 

“Helena!” Lando called out, as if she might actually recognize him. He crouched down slightly, his face already lighting up. “You remember me, don’t you? I’m your favorite uncle.” 

“She literally saw you two weeks ago,” Kevin said, rolling his eyes but smiling. 

“That’s a lifetime in baby years,” Lando argued, carefully reaching out to stroke Helena’s tiny hand. She grabbed at his finger, and his face melted into pure joy. “See? She knows me.” 

“More like she grabs anything shiny,” Nico quipped from nearby, crossing his arms but smiling faintly. 

Carlos appeared next, greeting Nico with a friendly clap on the back before turning to Kevin and the baby. “She’s getting so big,” Carlos said, his voice warm. He leaned over slightly to get a better look at Helena’s chubby cheeks. “Look at her! She’s a proper little racer already.” 

“Only in gear,” Kevin joked. 

Carlos chuckled, stepping aside as Max strolled in. Max, who had quietly earned the title of Helena’s unofficial favorite, approached with a calm air that immediately had Kevin smirking. 

“Alright, Verstappen, what magic trick are you going to pull this time?” Kevin teased, glancing down at Helena. 

Max shrugged casually, his blue eyes flickering with a hint of mischief. “I don’t need tricks. She just likes me.” 

Helena, as if on cue, started squirming in her carrier. Kevin sighed and unstrapped her, handing her over to Max with practiced ease. 

“Here,” Kevin said, watching as Max took her with surprising confidence. 

The transformation was instant. Helena’s little fussing stopped the moment she was in Max’s arms. She nestled against him, letting out a tiny sigh, and Max’s face softened in a way that made the rest of the room pause. 

“Unreal,” Lando muttered, shaking his head. “It’s like magic.” 

“She likes the calm,” Nico said, pride evident in his tone as he watched Max cradle the baby. 

“She has good taste,” Max replied, smirking slightly. He looked down at Helena, his voice softening. “Don’t you, little one?” 

The drivers all exchanged looks, and Lando, never one to let a moment slide, elbowed Carlos. “You think he practices with baby dolls at home or something?” 

Carlos laughed, shaking his head. “No way. He’s just secretly good at everything.” 

“You’re all just jealous,” Max said, tilting his head as Helena’s tiny hand grabbed at the zipper of his suit. 

Kevin, watching from the side, couldn’t help but grin. He missed racing—missed the adrenaline and the competition—but moments like these reminded him that he wouldn’t trade his current life for anything. Watching Nico beam with pride, Max effortlessly soothe their daughter, and even Lando’s clumsy attempts at baby talk, Kevin felt a deep contentment settle in his chest. 

Helena, blissfully unaware of the scene she caused, let out a soft coo, and Max chuckled. “See? She gets it. She’s a Verstappen fan.” 

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Nico said, stepping closer and holding out his arms. “She’s still a Hulkenberg at heart.” 

Max carefully handed Helena back, his expression slightly reluctant. “Alright, but I’ll take her again if she starts crying. You know she likes me best.” 

Nico smirked, cradling Helena against his chest. “You wish, Max.” 

As the drivers joked and laughed, Kevin leaned back against the counter, watching them all with a quiet smile. His daughter had somehow charmed the entire grid, and while he couldn’t deny Max’s special connection with her, he knew Helena’s real favorites were right here—her dads.