GIMME!GIMME! | Lando Norris

Sixteen ✨

On Tuesday, Isabela got a call from Pietra. It almost felt like they were two long-time best friends—the friendly banter filling the gap created by Ema's absence. Even though the girl was excited about all the plans the two had settled on for the first Grand Prix weekend, Isabela couldn't seem to shake one topic of conversation: Lando.

Although Isabela was still feeling hurt by the boy—not only for tearing her apart but also for ignoring all her attempted apologies—hearing Pietra stress how much he was freaking out over the idea of a possible PR relationship made Isabela's heart ache a little. It made her regret not standing up more for him. If she didn't grow a backbone now, when would she?

That's why, after ending the call with her new friend, she spent her free Tuesday—the day the entire team had been granted to prepare for the flight to Bahrain the next day—constructing a brand-new media and PR strategy for Lando.

The plan was to take all of Lando's youthful and fun personality traits and give him a cause to align with. Next, start having him participate in podcasts hosted by local creators, make him known to the public of each city through the eyes of someone who belongs to that city, and have him be vocal and active in his community. It would make him appear engaged and mature and, more importantly, it would keep people from tearing into his personal life. It would distract people from the only thing they seemed to focus on—relationships.

It was an easy concept, really. If someone is seen as more than just their job and fame, then people wouldn't be left curious about their romantic lives.

That's how Isabela found herself adjusting the papers on her tray table, the low hum of the plane's engines creating a soft background. Steve was seated beside her, his laptop open but ignored as he casually sipped his coffee. The cabin lights were dimmed, and the quiet atmosphere gave her the perfect opportunity to pitch her idea.

She cleared her throat, feeling the weight of her own nerves pressing against her chest. "Steve, I wanted to run something by you."

He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in her direction. "I'm listening."

Isabela took a deep breath, gripping the edges of her notes. "It's about Lando. I know the PR relationship was supposed to be the big fix, but I think... I think there's another way."

Steve closed his laptop and turned his full attention to her. "Alright, I'm intrigued. What's your pitch?"

She sat up straighter, the words flowing now that she had started. "The plan is to shift the narrative entirely. Take all of Lando's youthful and fun personality traits—his humor, his energy, the way people connect with him—and align them with something meaningful. A cause or a series of causes.

"From there, we get him involved in community-focused activities. Podcasts hosted by local creators, events that resonate with the people in each city we visit during the season. If we make him a voice for something bigger than racing, people will start seeing him as more than just a driver or a public figure. And most importantly, it'll shift the focus away from his personal life—especially relationships.

"It's a simple concept, really. When someone is perceived as multifaceted and engaged, people stop obsessing over their romantic entanglements. They care about the whole person, not just the gossip. It's all about distraction, but in a way that builds his image and aligns with his values."

Steve didn't interrupt once, his face calm and unreadable. When she finished, he leaned back in his seat, arms crossed over his chest. "And you think this will work?"

Isabela nodded earnestly. "It's not just about making people forget about the PR relationship. It's about giving Lando something he can actually believe in. He hates the fake stuff, and this... this is real. It's sustainable."