Hola Chica - Carlos Sainz Jr. fanfiction

Chapter 3

Sophie's POV

It was finally time for qualifying. I woke up as soon as I could, around 3 so that I could watch Carlos. It had been looking amazing on Friday and in FP3, so I couldn't wait to see him get a decent place.

I was told not to get my hopes up about him getting out of Q2, so I wasn't. He was languishing in P13 and it really looked as if he wouldn't manage it. Out of nowhere he put in a lap that sent him to P8. That was where he qualified in Q3!

I couldn't believe that he had done it. Against everything that people had said about the engine on the car! As soon as it had finished I went straight back to sleep. I knew I wouldn't be able to call Carlos straight away as he would be doing media work, but I couldn't help but send him a text.

Bring it home in the top 10 tomorrow and you'll get a treat ;) Xxxxx

I couldn't wait for the race to unfold.

Carlos POV

"Come on, Carlos. Put your foot down! Let's get to Q3!"

The engine seemed louder as I went through the final few corners.

I can do this. I can get to Q3...

"Very well down Carlos! Q3 it is! Well done mate!"

I was smiling all the way back in my helmet. I couldn't believe it.

I was let out on one run for Q3, I wanted to do more, but we had to save the tyres.

"Push now Carlos, you've got this lap and this lap only to get us a good spot"

I ignored him as I drive as fast as I could, suddenly becoming the fastest in the speed trap. But, as I had the Renault power unit, it didn't last long. From P4 I was pushed straight down to P8. But, no one could do any better so that was where I qualified..

Tabatha took me to all my interviews. I was partly the center of attention, being a rookie in the top 10 and all, so I had a lot of interviews to do.

"So Carlos, you've out-qualified your teammate who is the center of attention right now, will you just get on with everything, despite not getting the attention that seems to be needed?"

"Well, I think it's better to get on with everything without being the center of attention. Then, if you don't live up to expectations, no one will be disappointed by your performance"

"And, do you think you'll be able to fight tomorrow even with the Renault engine?"

"I think there's a good chance to be able to fight our way up the grid, but we don't see ourselves higher than where Max and I qualified"

"Okay, thank you"

***

I checked my phone as soon as I was done for the day. There was a text from Sophie.

Bring it home in the top 10 tomorrow and you'll get a treat ;) Xxxxx

Well, when you put it like that I've got no choice but to! ;) Xxxxxx

Would you like to know the treat? Xxxxxx

I can tell you that you'll be getting one! Xxxxx

Why? I haven't done anything xxxxx

You'll be getting a kiss on those pretty lips of yours for managing as long as you have done without me xxxx

Get home soon then! I'll let you get on, love you Carlos! Xxxxx

I love you Chica XXxxxx