Veni Vidi Amavi - [Daniel Ricciardo]

1.4

It was such an amazing day at the circuit of Melbourne. Gudrun got to see Daniel driving his laps during the two practice sessions, she saw the mechanics working in full concentration, the men behind the pit wall working hard to pass through their information. It was something completely else than she thought it would be, in an absolute positive way. Gudrun didn't get tired of watching him driving endless laps, she hoped this weekend would never stop. Daniel ended the last practice session of the Friday with a fourth position and it was a decent mark on the first day of the first raceweekend of the new season. The car rolled through and stopped in front of the pit box, Daniel's crew immediately jogging towards the Red Bull bolide to lift it up and push it backwards between the lines that were sketched out in the pit box. Daniel took his gloves off first, finally feeling the cool air reach his sweaty palms as he threw them under the halo of his car. Daniel hoisted himself out of the seat and hopped out in a supple jump.

His fingers pried with the lock of his helmet, flicking it loose and pulling it over his head. He threw a glance at his wife and she could see that he was smiling beneath the balaclava. Daniel plucked the fireproof balaclava from his head, his curls sweaty and all messed up, making her laugh. "That's a look I'd wear to the restaurant tonight". Gudrun teased him, moving her fingers through his jet black hair. "Sexy, right?". Daniel chuckled. "So, how was this? Being a WAG and all, staying in the pit box, official shit". He summed up, making her smile even more. A healthy blush coloured her cheeks and his heart melted at seeing her this happy. "Amazing, it really was. It's so cool to see this so up close". Gudrun explained. "Great, because I felt even more good while sitting in the car and having you on my mind, knowing you're here with me". Daniel smiled in response, tucking some of her strands behind her ear. "I didn't think Daniel Ricciardo could be romantic". A voice sounded behind them.

Simon stood behind them with his clipboard and his headphones around his neck. "With that shitty Australian humor". His engineer teased him and Daniel chuckled, the wide grin showing he was amused. He gave Simon a playful push and shook his head. "I have a meeting with my engineers and some media duties now. You can just go into our hospitality, get yourself something to drink. I'll get dressed afterwards and then we can leave, yes?". Daniel asked and Gudrun nodded in response. She could do that on her own, as he had shown her where Red Bull's hospitality was. "I'll see you later". Daniel smiled and kissed her cheek before walking away with Simon. Gudrun took her purse and her phone with her and made her way to the exit of the pit boxes on the side of the paddock. She felt a bit awkward walking here on her own, still feeling as if everyone was looking at her, but she just quickened her pace and got into the Red Bull hospitality. "First races are uneasy, right?". Gudrun looked up from her phone as a girl who was waiting at the bar spoke up to her.

"A bit, yeah. You went through it already?". Gudrun gently asked, not recognizing the girl anyway. "Yes, last year". She smiled. Gudrun was quiet for a minute as she studied the girl, not sure who she was. It wasn't Dilara, she'd recognize her. "Are you ehm... With someone on the grid?". Gudrun asked with a soft laugh. "I'm with Pierre". The girl giggled. "I'm Catarina, but Cate is fine". Cate shook her hand. "I'm Gudrun". She started to introduce herself. "Daniel's wife. I know, it's all over the grid". She rolled her eyes, knowing how quick such news could spread. "Do you want anything to drink? I just ordered". The Italian smiled. "Sure, just a water would be nice". Gudrun pulled on the stool next to her and sat down. "I love your shoes by the way". Cate immediately complimented, feeling at ease with the beautiful Australian. She didn't know Brendon's wife very well, and she didn't show up that much at races, so she was glad someone within the Red Bull family was here too.

"Thank you so much". Gudrun smiled, briefly looking down at the heeled boots on her feet. "Are you going to do something tonight?". Gudrun asked now, wanting to keep talking with Cate. "Probably out in Melbourne a bit, but not till very late of course". The Italian replied. "And you?". She asked. Meanwhile they received their waters and Gudrun took a sip through the strap that was in it. "Out of for diner, I don't know what else he wants to do, I don't know the schedule and all". Gudrun admitted. "You'll get used to it soon". Cate gave her a simple handwave to indicate it was a piece of cake. "People even have fanaccounts on Instagram for me and Pierre". She laughed. "Oh my god, really?". Gudrun asked, not sure if she should be horrified or see it as strong support. "It's quite funny actually". She replied. "Just preparing you for what will come! Daniel's very popular, so...". Cate laughed at the expression on Gudrun's face. "Cate, je t'en prie. You're not scaring her away, are you?". Both girls looked up to see the Toro Rosso driver walking up to them, a Red Bull bottle in his hands.