Thanks to Norris

part 38- comeback

Sunday – Race Day, Baku

The paddock buzzed with nervous energy, sunlight glittering off the cars as final checks were made. You stood near the hospitality area, already in your race suit, sipping water, trying to stay loose.

Before the chaos of grid procedures began, a little group had naturally formed — like it always did before the tension hit its peak. You, Carlos, Charles, Lewis, Mick, and George were all leaning against the barrier or perched on chairs, laughing and talking.

It started with harmless teasing about track temps, then spiraled into a debate about whose Spotify pre-race playlist was most chaotic.

Carlos: "You still listen to sad music before racing?"
You (deadpan): "It builds character."
George: "Yeah, trauma builds pace, apparently."
Charles (laughing): "That explains so much."
Lewis: "You're all unserious. Meanwhile, I'm manifesting peace and pole positions."
Mick: "I just hope I don't sweat through my fireproofs before lights out."

You were mid-joke when a fan account posted a video from the stands — zoomed in and slightly shaky, but clear enough. All six of you together, suited up and smiling, arms folded or gesturing dramatically.

@f1fangirls: "No because why does this look like the cast reunion of some F1 Netflix drama 😭😭"
@gridchaosdaily: "The Power Squad™ — why do they look like they're plotting world domination?"
@teambanter: "Y/N standing between Charles and Lewis like the team principal of chaos. This is my multiverse of madness."

Within an hour, TikTok edits were flying. One had the video set to dramatic cinematic music with the caption:
🖤 "F1 Direction: the group we never knew we needed."

Another had your voice from a past interview overlaid: "I don't start drama. I just narrate it."

The comments were gold:
Fan1: "This group has the range. From soft boys to certified menaces."
Fan2: "Y/N is the unspoken leader and I stand by it."
Fan3: "Mick's just happy to be included 🥺"

You saw it briefly before heading to the grid. You couldn't help but laugh and showed Charles.

You: "Apparently I'm the lead vocalist now."
Charles (grinning): "You? Please. You'd be the one everyone argues with in rehearsals."
Lewis: "Nah, Y/N's the one who ditches the band halfway through for a solo career."
Carlos: "Only to come back two years later with a documentary."

You all laughed as the call to the grid was made. Helmets on. Visors down. Time to race.

But for a brief moment before the lights, it wasn't just about pressure.
It was friendship. Camaraderie. That strange magic of being rivals and teammates all at once.

And you?
You were ready to lead the chaos — on and off the track.

Sunday – Baku Grand Prix

The race start was clean — unusually so for Baku. The front row of Charles and you held position off the line, while Daniel, starting P3, came under pressure immediately from Carlos and Lewis.

By Lap 5, you and Charles had built a small gap from the rest of the pack, running smooth, defensive lines and staying just outside of each other's DRS zone. But Baku, as always, doesn't stay calm for long.