GIMME!GIMME! | Lando Norris

Eleven ✨

This Friday marked one of Isabela's favorite events at McLaren: the F1 Opening Season Charity Day. On those days, the office was always buzzing with people and activity. As a newly appointed PR Manager, this year's event was even more special to her, considering she had helped organize most of it. It was a welcome distraction from the terrible week she'd had.

Isabela had spent all of Thursday preparing everything for the event, and now that it was in full swing, she couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness in the midst of all the stress that came with trying to balance the demands of sponsors, press, and event logistics. It was a nice change that the only reason her phone kept constantly buzzing was due to people sending emails and messages with requests regarding the event.

The only downside? Mark, who used every opportunity to make a condescending remark about her work. Her stomach clenched every time she heard his voice, but she reminded herself that no one who truly mattered would listen to him. If anything, she'd prove him wrong. Had he never heard the saying: if you're bothered, maybe you should just leave?

"You know," Mark said, approaching her as she left Steve's office to retrieve the speech they had both prepared the day before, "I hope you enjoy all of this while it lasts because I can tell you that once Steve finds out about your close proximity to our number one driver, this will disappear from you."

Isabela clenched her jaw but forced a polite smile. "I'm going to pretend you didn't just question my integrity and my work ethic because you can't get it through your head that someone is better at your job than you."

"Sure," he said, leaning casually against a wall, blocking her from moving forward. "But let's not pretend you didn't get... distracted this morning. It's cute that Lando thinks he needs to take care of you, but maybe you should consider whether you're pulling your weight here."

The words stung, but Isabela refused to let him see it. "Anything else?"

He just shook his head and walked away. Her fingers itched to send him an email outlining every success she'd had since joining McLaren, but she decided against it. He wasn't worth the energy. Rolling her eyes in disbelief at his words one last time, she marched back down the hall towards the media room to find Steve (and give him the speech so he'd be all ready for later) and to check that everything was going smoothly with the live interviews that Oscar and Lando were doing.

The media room was buzzing with energy—cameras swiveling, lights flooding the space, and crew members darting back and forth. Oscar was seated on a couch beside Lando, both dressed in their McLaren team polos, looking effortlessly at ease despite the hustle around them.

"Alright, boys, five seconds," the director called out, counting down with his fingers.

The cameras started rolling, and the host launched into a bright, bubbly intro. "Welcome back, everyone, to our special F1 Opening Season Charity Day coverage! Today, we're thrilled to be joined by McLaren's star drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri!"

Cheers and applause erupted from the scattered onlookers in the room, and Lando flashed his trademark grin while Oscar offered a small wave and a smirk.

The interview was off to a smooth start, with questions about the season ahead, their training routines, and even a few lighthearted moments about their favorite snacks during race weekends. The boys had a natural camaraderie that made the exchange easygoing and fun.

As the conversation continued, Isabela slipped into the room quietly, not wanting to disturb the process. She caught sight of the live feed on one of the monitors. Everything seemed perfect, which was both a relief and a testament to her weeks of planning.

Oscar's gaze flicked toward her as she moved to the side of the room, his smirk widening.

"And," the host was saying, "we hear that today's event wouldn't have been possible without your amazing PR team. Is there someone in particular who's been behind the scenes making all of this magic happen?"

Lando's eyes immediately darted toward Isabela, his grin turning mischievous. "Actually, there is," he said, his voice teasing. "She's standing right over there, trying not to be noticed."

Isabela's cheeks flushed as every head in the room, including the cameras, turned her way.

"Come on, Isabela," Oscar added, motioning her over with a wide grin. "Don't be shy. Take a bow for your hard work!"

The crew started clapping, and under the pressure of the room's encouragement, Isabela let out a nervous laugh and stepped forward.

She hesitated as she reached the couch, glancing at the host for reassurance. "Hi, um... surprise?" she said with a chuckle.

The host beamed. "Isabela, everyone! The mastermind behind today's event. Tell us, how does it feel seeing everything come together so beautifully?"

"It's... surreal, honestly," Isabela said, smoothing her blazer as she tried to shake off her nerves. "A lot of work went into today, but it wouldn't have been possible without a great team and, of course, these two keeping things entertaining."

"Entertaining, huh?" Oscar cut in with a playful grin. "That's a nice way of saying we were a pain in the—"

"Oscar," Isabela interrupted, mock-scolding, "family-friendly event, remember?"

The room chuckled, and Lando leaned back, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're lucky she's here to keep you in check, mate."

"Oh, like she doesn't keep you in check?" Oscar shot back, raising a brow.

Lando tilted his head, pretending to consider. "Fair point."

"You see what I have to deal with?" Isabela said to the host, gesturing dramatically to the two drivers.

"Sounds like you're outnumbered," the host replied.

"Story of my life," she joked, earning more laughter from the room.

Oscar leaned toward the camera, lowering his voice in mock secrecy. "I mean, it's no wonder Lando behaves. Look who he's got looking after him."

The suggestive tone was impossible to miss, and the teasing smirk he wore only added fuel to the fire. The host laughed, clearly enjoying the dynamic, while Lando rolled his eyes with an exaggerated groan.

"Alright, that's enough from you," Lando quipped, pushing Oscar lightly on the shoulder.

Isabela felt her cheeks heat again, but she managed a playful retort. "See? This is what I mean. Nonstop trouble."

The host wrapped up the segment with a laugh. "Well, it's clear this team works hard and plays hard. Thank you, Lando, Oscar, and Isabela, for giving us a glimpse behind the scenes today."

As the cameras cut and the crew began resetting, Lando turned to Isabela with a grin. "You handled that like a pro."

"I'll survive," she said dryly, though her smile betrayed her.

Oscar leaned over, smirking. "I wasn't wrong, though. The internet is going to eat this up."

"Yeah, Oscar, and who do we have to thank for that?" Isabela muttered, though she couldn't help but laugh.

And, although she should be worried about the implications of the internet "shipping" her and Mr. Number One Driver, Lando Norris—especially after Mark's words of encouragement—she couldn't help the flutter in her heart at the thought of being shipped with the boy. Considering how much of a Directioner she was back in the day, 16-year-old Isabela would be freaking out because 25-year-old Isabela was having her very own Wattpad fanfic moment.