Being Esteban Ocon's press officer and personnal assistant, that was the dream job. When the dream becomes reality, Charlie discovers a whole new world, new friends and new challenges.
Based on the 2018 season.
Esteban Ocon fanfiction, featuring Pi...
"I heard rumours." I tell Esteban on our way to the circuit on Thursday morning.
"So did I."
"Is it true?"
"Probably." He shrugs. "It's not like I'm going to ask the boss about it."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
In Canada, two weeks ago, Lisa told me about Force India being bankrupt. I didn't believe her at first, but then media started reporting about it too. Apparently, the firm's finances are in critical conditions, and the Indian boss risks being extradited to India where he would be charged with money laundering and fraud. A true telenovela! Nothing has been confirmed yet, but everyone at Force India is under pressure, this rumour acting like a threat to our jobs.
"Are you not worried about it?"
"Of course I am. But I can't do anything about it, so I'd rather focus on my racing and wait until we know more." I nod, understanding his point of view, even though I can't seem to get this rumour out of my head. I don't know what I would do if I lose this job.
"I can't wait to see my mom." I say after a small pause. It's finally France GP and my mum is coming to Le Castellet to watch it with me in Esteban's garage.
"Yeah, I can't wait to see my parents too. When are they arriving again?"
"Your parents this morning, my mum early this afternoon. I already booked a taxi for them to meet us at the track."
"Good, thank you Char."
Seeing as it's his home Grand Prix, Esteban and I are very busy this weekend. Many journalists want to have an exclusive interview of him, I've had a lot of work answering requests these past few weeks. I had also organised an autograph session for some fans yesterday afternoon, a very nice moment.
It's already hot when we arrive at the track, Esteban meeting with Dan for his morning routine while I go into the motorhome to do some work. It's the end of June, a month has passed since Monaco GP, and the weather definitely improved, chilly spring making room for warm summer.
---
FP1 just started when Esteban's parents enter the garage, a Force India hospitality employee gave them their badges at the track entrance so they can freely walk around the paddock and the garages. Many members of the team greet them, having already met them during previous races, including Dan who spent some time at their family house in Normandy during the winter break.
"Hello, nice to meet you M. and Mrs. Ocon!" I greet them once they're done shaking hands with the engineers and mechanics.
"You must be Charlie! Very nice to meet you." Esteban's mum gives me a warm hug before turning to her husband. "I now see why Esteban talks so much about her!"
"Didn't he tell us not to mock him in front of her?" Esteban's father gently nudges his wife and turns to a soon-tomato-red me. "Hi, happy to finally meet you Charlie. Thank you for your hard work, we really appreciate it. And please call us Laurent and Sabrina, I'm sure we'll get to see each other again very soon."
