It was just after the last Hungary practice session. Max had retired and got out of his car. He was strolling through the paddock, when a hand reached out and grabbed him, pulling him into a dark corner. He was tucked into Cara's arms.
'Woah.. You scared me.' He whispered. He was wary of everyone else in the paddock, speaking quietly in case anyone heard him.
'Ha, calm down ragazzo. How was FP3?' She asked, her smile lighting up the dark alley like sunshine. He was always in awe of her smile. Just seeing it made his day. He smiled back.
'It was okay... I guess. I came P7. I still can't overtake Daniel. And the Williams were really fast, it's almost as if their engines had a boost.'
'I see. Everything still HAM ROS VET, business as usual?' She said cheekily. He nodded.
'But I'm more worried about the Williams. They're a real threat this weekend.'
'Okay. Don't worry bello..' She replied, soothingly. She kissed his cheeks. He blushed.
'I have to go...' Max said, still touched.
'Ciao Max!' She cheered as she walked away. Max lingered by the wall, watching Cara disappear off. His thoughts drifted to qualifying that afternoon. What could he do to improve? Not much. The Williams were too fast this time.
Max was ushered out of the garage. It was qualifying. He rolled into the pit lane, keeping the car at a constant speed, before starting his flying lap. He calmly slipped through the track, murmuring the names of the corners under his breath. As he began his first timed lap, he felt as if everything fell into place. The car felt so natural. He swiftly navigated the chicanes and corners, and set a good lap, putting him in P2, although the Williams, Mercedes and Ferrari's were not out yet. When the big three finally made their way out, it wasn't long until their lap times knocked Max further and further down the board. It was HAM ROS VET as per usual, but the Williams before Raikkonen was a shocking result. No one could have predicted the sheer speed of the Williams. They have never been so fast before. Frankly, that scared Max. He wanted to be faster- he needed to be faster. A bad quali result would really be tragic for him. All he wanted to do was to impress Cara- but his measly P7 was not going to do it. Something big had to happen tomorrow. He had to be faster.
After Qualifying, Max got a call from Cara. He was dreading talking to her; he was afraid that she would be disappointed in him. He hesitated before answering the phone.
'Hello?' He said, his voice shaking.
'Ciao bello! Are you okay?' Cara's voice sang on the phone. She was not angry like Max thought she would be. Instead, she sounded concerned for Max. Reassured, Max replied.
'I'm alright. I just... I wish I could have done better, that's all.'
'Don't worry ragazzo. Listen, how about you come to my hotel and we can chat about the race for tomorrow.'
'Oh okay, sure.' Max replied shyly. He smiled. He really wanted to be alone with Cara, to hold her in his arms, kissing her gently. But he knew that wasn't going to happen.
'I'm at the Bellario Hotel, Room 503.'
'Bellario? I think Carlos is there too...'
'Yep. Many other drivers too. Well, Arrivederci!'
'Bye Cara.'
He put the phone down before looking up the hotel address. He would ask his teammate for a lift, but he wanted to keep Cara a secret. At least before the race, that is.
After taking a taxi, Max arrived at the hotel. It was a grand, fancy hotel, clearly five stars. The golden lights lit up the entrance, reflecting off the super cars parked outside. Max gazed in awe. He remembered all the drivers who were staying here; Lewis, Seb, Kimi, Carlos and Pastor among a few others.
As he entered the elaborate foyer, his rough, grey trainers squeaked on the marble floors. He felt oddly out of place, despite being an F1 driver. But this world of expensive hotels and exotic countries was all new to him.
He took the elevator to the fifth floor, and when he arrived, he paused to figure out which direction to go in. He smiled when he finally reached the room door. He knocked carefully.
The door swiftly opened and Max was met with Cara's glowing complexion.
'Ciao, come in!' She said, ushering Max. He awkwardly followed her. The hotel room was stunning. The mood lighting was set on low. The view from the window looked all over the city, the bright street lights flickering down below. Max beamed in appreciation.
'Sit down,' Cara said, patting the bed. Max obliged. He sat down next to her, a little too close.
'So,' She continued. 'What went wrong today?'
'I-I don't know! The Williams were just too fast today..' Max panicked. Cara put her hand on his shoulder, calming him down.
'It's okay, I'm sure the engine won't last. They certainly won't be as fast tomorrow.'
'How can you be so sure?' Max asked, confusedly.
'Don't worry. I have a good feeling about these things. And calm the fuck down!' She teased. Max smiled.
'Alright. But what's the point, I'm never going to catch up to the Mercedes.'
'Oh I wouldn't bet on the Mercedes winning this race.' Cara grinned. There was a strange glint in her eye. Max felt at ease. Her smile could always calm him down, no matter what was bothering him.
'Okay. Thank you. I feel a lot better now.' Max said.
'I'm glad to hear it.' Cara beamed.
'I'll see you tomorrow then, in the garage?'
'Of course. I'll be there to cheer you on, make sure you win.'
Max smiled. Cara lightly kissed his cheeks. Max blushed, and looked at his watch.
'Oh shit, I'm late!'
'You can go, I'll see you tomorrow.'
'Thank you.' Max said before quickly leaving.
'Ciao bello ragazzo!' Cara called after him. Max smirked to himself. Tomorrow, the race would be his.
YOU ARE READING
Are You Fast Enough? (F1:MV)
Fanfic'It's one thing to be fast, but are you fast enough?' Max Verstappen is tired. Tired of being kept out of points. Tired of being ridiculed by his dad. Tired of being 'just a kid'. But when he meets Cara, things change. Soon he finds out what he's ca...
