Thanks to Norris

part 36- media day

Thursday – 11:02 AM, Baku Circuit – Media Day

Race week had officially arrived.

You walked through the paddock with your team's comms rep beside you, lanyard swinging, camera shutters already starting to fire as you passed. Media day always had a certain buzz — the calm before the chaos, the fake smiles before the helmets went on.

You waved to a few familiar faces, nodding at engineers, camera crews, and drivers weaving through the swarm of reporters and interview stations.

And then — the fun part.

Your press conference lineup: Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon, and Nicholas Latifi.

You dropped into your seat between Esteban and Yuki, already grinning.

Yuki (leaning over): "This is going to be chaos."

You: "Perfect. I thrive in chaos."

Latifi (laughing): "Should we have coordinated outfits or...?"

You: "Too late. I'm already best dressed. You guys are background characters now."

The moderator welcomed everyone, and the cameras began rolling. It was the usual: questions about track conditions, tire strategy, driver rivalries. You answered like a pro — controlled but playful, enough personality to give them something, but not enough to end up on someone's TikTok edit.

That didn't stop the internet.

Question from a journalist:
"Y/N, how's the dynamic in the paddock lately? Any tension with fellow drivers?"

You (smiling calmly): "Not at all. I've learned to master the art of selective hearing. It's very peaceful."

Esteban (grinning): "She's being diplomatic today. I don't trust it."

Yuki: "If she starts throwing hands mid-qualifying, I warned you."

The room laughed. You rolled your eyes but didn't deny it.

Between interviews, you crossed paths with nearly every driver — Daniel gave you a bear hug and a stupid nickname, Carlos complimented your shoes, and Mick offered you a protein bar like he knew you'd skipped breakfast (which, embarrassingly, you had).

Then, of course, came the unavoidable.

Norris.

You spotted him near the Sky Sports tent, surrounded by cameras and PR handlers. He saw you too — but you both kept it professional. Nods, polite half-smiles. No words exchanged.

Your comms rep (sotto): "Want to dodge left?"

You (shrugging): "Let him dodge me."

And he did.

After the last scheduled interview, you returned to the hospitality area and found Yuki already demolishing a tray of post-press snacks.

Yuki: "That wasn't too bad, right?"

You (grabbing a croissant): "I only wanted to throw one mic. That's growth."

Esteban (joining you): "The FIA should be more scared of your diplomacy than your race pace."

You: "They should be scared of both."

By late afternoon, photos were circulating all over social media.

Fan1: "Y/N and Yuki in one room? That's unhinged energy."
Fan2: "Esteban looked like the dad trying to keep two chaotic kids calm 😭"
Fan3: "Latifi laughing like he's still emotionally recovering from Drive to Survive."
Fan4: "Y/N's little smirk when asked about rivalries?? TELL US WHO."
Fan5: "She said 'selective hearing' and I FELT that."