Into the Apex

The Final Push

The 2023 Formula 1 season was winding down, but for Masachika Kuze, every remaining race felt like a trial of endurance. Despite knowing his future lay with McLaren, he couldn't abandon Aston Martin entirely. He had started the year with them, endured their failures, and suffered the indignities of being undervalued—yet he wanted to finish with dignity.

However, Mike Krak seemed determined to make that as difficult as possible. Petty criticisms flew after every session, and Krak's accusations of "underperforming" wore thin. Masachika found himself biting his tongue to avoid worsening the tense atmosphere. He wasn't just driving against his competitors anymore—he was battling his own team.

Round 19: United States Grand Prix

Masachika always loved the Austin circuit, with its vibrant atmosphere and thrilling elevation changes. But the race itself was a grind. From the opening lap, it was clear the Aston Martin lacked the pace to challenge for meaningful points. The mid-field battle was brutal, with Alpine and Alfa Romeo snapping at his heels throughout the race.

In the final laps, Masachika managed to defend his 12th place against a charging Yuki Tsunoda. As he crossed the line, exhausted and frustrated, his engineer's voice came over the radio. "P12, Masachika. Solid drive."

Solid? Masachika thought bitterly. "That's not good enough. I'm done with solid."

After the race, Krak wasted no time voicing his displeasure. "We needed you in the points today, Masachika," he scolded in front of the team.

Masachika's temper flared. "And we needed a car capable of scoring points," he shot back, storming off before Krak could respond.

Round 20: Mexican Grand Prix

Mexico was better. The atmosphere of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, combined with the support of the passionate crowd, seemed to lift Masachika's spirits. The high-altitude circuit played to Aston Martin's limited strengths, and he felt the car come alive in the second half of the race.

By Lap 50, he was locked in a fierce battle for 9th with Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas. With a daring move into Turn 4, he overtook both, earning a roar of approval from the crowd. "P9, Masachika. Brilliant move!" his engineer said, genuine pride in his voice for the first time in weeks.

After the race, Masachika saw Vettel in the paddock. The veteran had finished 7th, and his face bore a knowing smile. "Nice job out there," Vettel said, patting Masachika on the shoulder. "You've still got it, even if they don't see it."

Masachika nodded. "Thanks, Seb. It means a lot."

Round 21: Brazilian Grand Prix

The Interlagos circuit was notorious for its unpredictability, and the Brazilian Grand Prix delivered drama from the start. Rain during qualifying shuffled the grid, with Masachika starting in 10th and Vettel in 8th. Both drivers were eager to capitalize on the mixed conditions, but the race would end in disaster.

By Lap 40, the rain had returned, turning the track into a slippery battlefield. As Masachika approached Turn 12, he found himself side by side with Vettel. Neither wanted to yield, and in the blink of an eye, their cars collided. The impact sent both spinning into the barriers.

"Are you kidding me?!" Masachika shouted over the radio, fury coursing through him as he climbed out of the wreckage.

Back in the paddock, Krak was livid. "What the hell was that?!" he yelled at both drivers in the garage. "You just cost us valuable points!"

Vettel, ever calm, stepped in. "We're racers, Mike. These things happen. Blame doesn't solve anything."

Masachika, still seething, glared at Krak. "Maybe if you didn't pit us on different strategies, this wouldn't have happened."

Krak's face turned red, but before he could retort, Masachika walked away. He'd had enough of the toxic environment.

Connecting with Alya

That night, Masachika retreated to his hotel room and called Alya. Her face appeared on the screen, a beacon of comfort amid the chaos.

"Hey," she said softly. "I saw the race. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he said, though his voice betrayed his frustration. "It's just... this team, Alya. I don't know how much more I can take."

Her eyes filled with sympathy. "Just a few more races, Masachika. Then you'll be with McLaren, a team that actually values you. Don't let them drag you down now."

Her words, as always, steadied him. "You're right," he said with a small smile. "Thanks, Alya."

She smiled back. "Always. Now, get some rest. You've got this."

As the call ended, Masachika felt a flicker of hope. Despite everything, he wasn't alone in this fight. And while the season wasn't over yet, he knew brighter days lay ahead.