Veni Vidi Amavi - [Daniel Ricciardo]

3.0

   "Wow, this is the last one". Gudrun sighed when they walked over the track of Yas Marina. Daniel had taken her out here before the sun was going down in Abu Dhabi, a stunning sight offered when the golden hour of the day struck the Marina whale, the track colours looking even more bright now. "Can you believe it?". He chuckled, his hands pushed into the pockets of his shorts. Gudrun felt extremely good with her pregnancy. She had seen a doctor every two weeks to make sure the baby is doing okay. She had skipped the races in Mexico and in Brazil to stay home and stay well rested. Daniel was more in love with his wife every day. Her belly was clearly showing off now, being two months pregnant. They had gotten lovely reactions from other drivers and teammembers, all congratulating them and wishing them the best. "I can't believe it. What an ups and downs this season had. That way I'm glad it's over". Gudrun chuckled.

"Me too, babe". Daniel said. "Lucky Red Bull didn't want me to test with Renault. We have holidays a bit earlier now". He grinned and she laughed. The last meeting with the team had been a bit tense as Renault had showed and suggested that they wanted Daniel to test for them after the race weekend, yet Christian had said no and didn't want Daniel to test with them. But Daniel couldn't test for Red Bull either, since they were trying out things for the next season, which Daniel can't know about. Daniel had leaned back in his chair before standing up and saying. "Great, cash me outside how bout dah". And walking out of the briefing room. He hated how things were so unpersonal within Formula One. He had absolutely enjoyed all of those years with Red Bull, but this feeling also confirmed that he was ready for something new. Besides, Nico Hülkenberg was going to be a great teammate as well.

Daniel told Gudrun that he was going to miss Max' childish and boyish behaviour every now and then. The two had great fun on and off track. He felt emotional, thinking that this Sunday he had to thank the team. It felt like he was leaving the complete F1 instead of just Red Bull Racing. Daniel looked up at her when he felt her hand sliding into his and he smiled her way. He lifted her hand to press a kiss to the back of it. "What a year". He sighed, looking at her stomach once more. She was so beautiful, oh my god. "Was this what you had expected?". Daniel asked, referring to the whole programme that had brough them together almost a year ago. "Well, meeting someone this special through 'Married at first sight', was never something I'd expect". Gudrun giggled. "So, no. But it's so much better. I can't thank my friends enough for forcing me there. Else I probably never met you". She added.

"Very true". Daniel hummed in agreement. "Weird, isn't it? That our futures could have been so much different if one moment didn't happen?". He continued. "Are you being a philosopher now, Dan?". She asked with a laugh. "I was just thinking". He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. It was quiet between them afterwards, just their footsteps on the asphalt audible. Gudrun looked up at the whale of Yas Marina that was now behind them and would soon light up with the light blue colour, sparkling in the dark. "Red Bull has been an amazing team for you. You learned so much, gained so much experience. Also this year, even though it felt like absolute shit". Gudrun said and he nodded. "I especially agree with the last part". They laughed and Daniel let go of her hand to swing his arm around her. They heard new footsteps on the asphalt behind them and they looked up to see who it was. Michael was running up to them, he was aparently doing a round on the track for himself.

Daniel already had his training session before the interviews. Tonight was a resting night, before he had to get up early to workout in the gym of the hotel with Michael. "Why are you so slow, guys?". Michael grinned, slowing a bit down when he passed them. "Especially you, Gudrun. You can go a bit faster, right?". The trainer teased and Gudrun rolled her eyes. "I have an extra one to take with me, Michael". She called after him and he laughed while continuing his run. "I'm happy he comes with you to Renault". Gudrun said when she looked up at her husband. "Me too". Daniel smiled. He trained with Michael for a year now, after he had trained with Sam, who left Red Bull at the beginning of year. Michael was Australian too, so they immediately clicked. They had good fun during the workouts and that was important as well. He felt more fit and more healthy since he was training with the fellow Australian.