Ellie sat at the bar, swirling her drink, staring out at the darkening city lights of Abu Dhabi. The grand prix weekend had been a whirlwind. She had arrived in the UAE with no particular plans—just another business trip for her company—but somehow, she found herself at the biggest race of the season. The closing race for a series of long, exhausting, and exhilarating years. The thought of spending the evening alone in her hotel room seemed unappealing.
Her phone buzzed on the counter. It was a text from her friend Marissa: You're in the desert and you're not out there? Come on! You're missing the after-party!
Ellie couldn't help but smile. The after-party? She wasn't sure she was the party type. But then again, why not?
The race had been electric—so many drivers had been vying for the title, but it had been a bittersweet weekend for everyone. Sebastian Vettel, four-time world champion, was retiring. It felt like the end of an era, one filled with incredible highs and crushing lows. He had been one of the most decorated drivers of his generation, and no matter how you felt about his on-track persona, his decision to step away from the sport marked a turning point.
She had watched him in awe during the race, knowing that it would be one of the last times she saw him behind the wheel of an F1 car. It was hard to imagine the sport without him.
The party was at a glitzy hotel near the track, an opulent space filled with flashing lights, laughter, and the faint buzz of racing fans discussing tire strategies. Ellie felt out of place, dressed in a simple black dress while everyone else appeared to have been born in the spotlight. But she found herself drawn to the excitement. After all, how often did you get to rub elbows with legends of the sport?
She ordered a drink and leaned against the bar, watching the crowd. That's when she saw him.
Sebastian Vettel stood just a few feet away, his back to her, talking with a group of other drivers. He looked relaxed in a simple button-down shirt and jeans, though his sharp eyes and signature beard were unmistakable. His presence was magnetic, even in a casual setting. He wasn't the flashy, attention-seeking type—he was the kind of man who exuded quiet confidence and a sense of purpose. His retirement had been the talk of the paddock, and it was clear everyone wanted a piece of his time tonight.
Ellie took a deep breath. The chance to speak with Sebastian Vettel—one of the sport's greats—felt like a dream, something out of reach for someone like her. But she couldn't deny the pull to at least try. Why not? What was the worst that could happen?
Gathering her courage, Ellie walked toward the group, and as luck would have it, the conversation naturally parted. Sebastian turned around to find her standing there.
"Hello," she said with a smile. "You're Sebastian Vettel, right?"
He smiled back, his expression warm, as though he were genuinely pleased by the recognition. "That's me. And you are?"
"Ellie," she replied, offering a handshake. "It's... strange, being at a race and not seeing you in a car."
Sebastian let out a soft laugh, nodding. "I suppose it is. It's strange for me, too, but I think it's time. Everything changes, and sometimes it's time to step away."
They exchanged pleasantries, and for the first time in a long while, Ellie felt herself at ease. The typical nerves she might have had around such an iconic figure were absent. Instead, there was just a sense of calm, as though Sebastian's presence brought a sense of peace with it.
The conversation flowed naturally, with Ellie asking him about his decision to retire and whether he'd miss racing. Sebastian spoke with a thoughtful sincerity that took Ellie by surprise.
