Daniel’s POV:
I walked into the first team meeting of the 2015 season. Christian had just pulled my aside to inform me that that my current race engineer would not be returning for personal reasons. I’m devastated at the news and confused about how this season will go. The team really clicked last year and my season was amazing, including my first ever formula 1 win. I had planned to come back even stronger this season, but right now I don’t see how that’s possible. Christian assured me that had already found another very capable engineer. I can only hope he knows what he is doing like Christian said he did. Then Christian told me that the rest would be discussed in the team meeting. I put on a strong face, I didn’t want to team to see that I was bothered. I want us to be strong. I took a seat amongst the other members of the team as Christian stood in front of us. I heard the door in the back of the room open and I looked over my shoulder to see an unfamiliar woman walking in and taking a seat in the back of the room. She was cute, petite, with curly brown hair the color of caramel. She had fair skin and blue-gray eyes. She was wearing a navy dress. My curiosity instantly peaked, who could this woman be. Christian cleared his throat and I turned back to face him.
“Team, with much sadness I have to Simon Rennie has stepped down from his position as Daniel’s engineer.” when Christian said it was like all of the oxygen was sucked out of the room. “However, we must press on. Last season was an amazing one for us and I intend to do everything in my power to make this one even better. We have already hired a new engineer. As you all know Red Bull is all about trying new things and innovating. We are not scared to take chances or to give people chances. Our new engineer was not the conventional or expected choice, but that is what is going to win us this season. T.C. our new engineer is probably the most capable and skilled person for the job. So without further ado I would like to introduce you all to T.C. Jennings our new engineer.” Christian said.
To my surprise I watched as the petite woman that sat in back walked up to stand beside Christian. She stood there looking around. She wrung her hands together nervously. There was no way this was my new engineer. She is just a kid, she couldn’t even be as old as me. And I know there are many great women in motorsports, but there is no way this girl in a dress could replace my engineer.
“Hi y’all.” she said nervously then looked at the ground. Her accent was American, southern. It reminded me of how the people speak in Texas where the US grand prix is held.
“This is T.C. you are all to welcome her and make her feel part of the team. She is a great asset and we are lucky to have her.” Christian said.
The girl sat down and Christian began to go on talking about plans for the rest of the season, but I wasn’t listening. All I could think of was the girl, that they had told me had to be my engineer. I have worked so hard to get where I am. And now I can see it slipping through my grasp. My chances for another great season seemed less likely than ever. I know Christian wants to win and wants to best for me, but this seems like sabotage. What kind of experience could this girl have. She certainly doesn’t have any formula 1 experience. There is no way she is lasting the entire season.
T.C.’s POV:
“Daddy, they hate me.” I told me dad. As soon as I got back to the hotel I called him. It had to be super early back in South Carolina, but my dad was up at all hours.
“Honey, I’m sure they don’t hate you.” my father assured me.
“No, they do.” I stated bluntly “You shoulda seen the looks on their faces when Christian called me up in front, they looked at me like I was as lost as least years Easter egg.”
“Well, you knew it wouldn’t be easy.” my dad said calmly. He was always calm and I always knew what to do. I think that’s why he was such a good driver and was so good raising my four older brothers.
