Unchained Melody (Daniel Ricciardo)

In to the lions den

"It was so awesome to see you standing there. Sure the team was celebrating, but I knew you were the only one truly happy for me." Daniel says as they are going over the weekend.
"Of course I was. You did amazing and I was really thankful that my father came up with the plan to get me to McLaren so I could be there for you. He really is trying I think." Ayla remembers how her dad got her to McLaren to be with Daniel.

"I'm glad he is. I know you're still careful about letting him back in and nobody can blame you for that, but do you think you'll want to rebuild your relationship with him?" Daniel asks her.
"I don't know. I'm leaning towards a yes, but he really hurt me. He knows I need time and he knows I haven't forgiven him. I want to, but I'm also scared that he will end up hurting me again." She explains.

"I get that. You don't have to rush anything. Just follow your heart and you'll figure it out. I have to admit, I'm very thankful he could get you into the garage so your beautiful face was one of the first things I saw when I got out of the car."

Daniel's mind wanders off to Sunday.
When he crossed the finish line he was beyond excited to have made it on to the podium. He didn't win, but P2 in that car was the best he could do.

He saw a sea of orange when he parked his car in front of the sign with number two on it.
The last time he parked a car here was with Red Bull, it took a while, but he's pretty proud of himself that he managed to do it with the papaya colored car as well.

It's weird to see the team standing there, waiting to congratulate him. Of course it's a great feeling, but there's somebody he wished would be there more than anybody. But Ayla is part of Red Bull, so his team won't let her.

They will celebrate when they are both done today, he will steal a bottle of champagne and then they can party in the hotel room.

He looks to Seb who is standing on his halo with his index finger in the air. His signature move when he wins. Daniel is happy for Seb, his old teammate and friend deserved this win, he drove as if the devil himself was chasing him and Daniel didn't stand a chance once Seb was released.

He climbs out of the car and puts back the steering wheel. He then makes his way to Seb to congratulate him.
"Epic drive Seb. Well done." Daniel smiles.
Seb only sees his eyes as Daniel is still wearing his helmet, but it's clear that Daniel means every word.

There's thin lines next to his eyes, which shows that the Australian driver is smiling.
Both men give each other a hug, their helmets thumping against each other.
Seb slaps Daniel on his back.
"Thanks mate, I'm glad we get to share the podium once again."
"Took me long enough." Daniel jokes, but with a bit of sadness in his voice.

"Guys, congrats." Lewis approaches them and the three celebrate their results for a brief moment until they turn to their teams to celebrate with them.

Seb runs to the red crowd and launches himself into his team.
He gets slapped on his back and bum while Italian words of praise are being yelled at him. Today he is their hero, today they will celebrate him and his victory. Hopefully it's one of many.

Daniel looks at Seb who is having a great time with his team and he feels a hint of jealousy, sure his team is waiting for him, but he knows they don't support him the way Ferrari supports Seb, or the way Red Bull used to support him.

But he will pretend and celebrate with them, in the end he is still happy with his result.
He jogs to the men and women of his team and all of a sudden he sees a face that makes him stop dead in his tracks.

"Ayla?" He whispers.
He shakes his head and blinks his eyes, he's probably just imagining her.
But when he opens his eyes again, he sees her smiling face again.
She is there! She is standing against the fence in front of his team.