On and off the track {Lando Norris}

2.9

Scarlett POV

After we had done more track testing on the Monday, Zak had asked me to come and speak to him in the McLaren hospitality while Lando raced

"What's this about?" I asked as I peeled off my helmet, neck brace, and head mask to let my braids fall down my back

"Well" He sighed "Someone wants to come speak to you"

"Who?" I asked and followed him over to his set up office, he opened the door to reveal Christian Horner sitting there

"Hi Scarlett, good racing last weekend" He smiled and shook my hand "Please, sit" I nodded and sat opposite him

"What's this about?" I asked him

"Well," He sighed "I don't know if you've heard the rumours about us replacing Pierre Gasly with Nico Hulkenberg in the future, but we can confirm that they aren't true. However, there is something else we want you for"

"Is it about Max?" I folded my arms

"Sort of" He shrugged "You and Max have an undeniable rivalry which is obvious in person, online, and on the track, but we want that rivalry to be fueled into working as teammates"

"Hang on. So you are replacing Pierre?" I leaned forward "And you want me to take the seat?"

"Not right now" He assured me "I know Ferrari and Mercedes have offered to have you as a backup driver, but we want to reserve you a seat for the near future. I mean, you're right behind Max in the Drivers Standings, so we want to see if you can beat him, and we know you could do it in a Red Bull"

"Wow," I said "That's amazing, thank you"

"I know it's a big offer but we want you to think about it," He said calmly

"I just don't know what to do because that means I wouldn't race with Lando and it could put a strain on our relationship, but I also want to get to the end of the season so that Pierre has a fair chance to prove his talent and I can think about this offer"

"Of course" He nodded "I understand, and we hope you take us up on this"

"I'll get back to you" I agreed and we stood up "Thank you"

"No, thank you" He smiled and shook my hand before he left the office. I took a deep breath and headed out to the paddock again to where Lando was hopping out of his car

"You alright darling?" Lando panted and took off his helmet, neck brace, and head mask

"Yeah" I smiled "How was your run?"

"It was good, I wish I had gotten to race here," He said wistfully and I wrapped my arms around his torso "Where were you?"

"Speaking to the strategists" I waved my hand vaguely "Just some notes about my corners"

"Alright" He nodded and we began to walk to our shared driver's trailer. We changed into more comfortable clothes and left in my McLaren to drive back to the hotel

END