Molly has spent her life growing up alongside her best friend Lando Norris who is now racing in his second season for McLaren F1 team. She never missed a karting, GP3, F2 race but whilst lando was achieving his dream she had been studying for hers w...
We fly straight from Australia to Bahrain and it feels strange as we were only here 6 months ago instead of a year. And how everything has changed in 6 months, I'm now with Williams and I live with Charles and it all feels right. I was going to walk away from F1 after last year but I'm glad I stayed and I'm glad I'm working with George. Williams has that family feel like at McLaren that I missed when I was working with Charles. Everyone is lovely, and I'm starting to feel like I belong here. George tells me I would've loved it more with Claire but Williams got bought out half way through last season so it's now a slightly different team.
We arrive at the paddock for media duties and I spot Lando down the paddock but George saw him first and shouts "Oi NORRIS" I see him jump and spin around in alarm then he sees me and George "GUYS!" He jogs over "haven't see you both since Straya" we both nod "team duties!" He smiles "how's Leclerc?" I grin "he is good, glad the car seems to be back on track" Lando nods "hopefully it will be a tighter season but I think me and Daniel are in a good position" I'm always happy to hear that Lando is gonna do well "we need to get to the press conference as we are always first so see you in a bit?" He smiles "dinner later? All of us?" We both agree and rush down the paddock.
Once we arrive and George and Nicholas take their seats I feel someone appear behind me "Hello Miss Lanes" a familiar voice tells me "oh, Hello Mr Horner" he stands next to me looking quite relaxed "how's George getting on?" He casually asks "he is adjusting to me bossing him around" I let myself have a small laugh "glad to hear you are both settling with each other" I'm starting to wonder where this conversation is going "not to be rude, but why are you chatting with me?" He smiles "well I was hoping to steal you away from Williams but it seems you are settled" I stand looking confused at me "you wanted me to work for Red Bull?" He nods his head "we still do! You did incredible work at McLaren and we would like that experience in our team" I smile at him "I will keep that in mind Mr Horner thank you" he grins "please call me Christian" I smile up at him as the press conference ends "I need to make a move!" We say our goodbyes.
Once we step outside "we're you chatting with Horner?" My steps falter "he was, don't worry it was nothing serious" he gives me a grim look "we stand with Alex, you can't work for that team they will destroy you!" I nod listening but not really taking it in "I'm not leaving Williams unless I'm made to!" I'm really enjoying my new team! George smiles at me and we went the garage. I hear my name being shouted and spot Matt working on George's car "Hey Matt, how you doing?" He smiles at me "I'm good, how's your day been?" He shoots me a smile before focusing on the car "it's been good, George is easy to work with" he nods "he is a good guy! How's Leclerc?" My face lights up at the mention of my boy "he is good, happier with the car already!" He shakes his head "what a tractor that made last year!" I giggle "it's really was!" We are both in fits of laughter till George comes over "what have you guys done?" I turn "nothing just laughing at the SF1000" George rolls his eyes.
I'm sat in the hospitality building sorting out some interviews for next week, I'm sat with Marie who is Nicholas' version of me. She is a nice lady, we get along and she is nice to sit a work with. She has helped me get to grips with my new team. My phone rings and I see Lando's face on my screen "Hey Lands! You okay?" I say "we are about to leave the track for dinner where are you?" I leap out of my seat "just outside Williams hospitality" I start packing my stuff away "cool we will be like 2 minutes, I've got Leclerc as well" I hear Charles shouting in the background. I mutter a quick goodbye to Marie and rush out of the building.
My eyes land on Charles first and I feel my heart flutter as he spots me and a huge smile spreads across his face. Once he reaches me he pulls me into a hug "missed you today baby girl" I grin at him "I've missed you as well! How was your day?" He frowns "I hate doing all of this without you" I squeeze his hand "we value our time more now though, and we live together!" I say earning a grin "yeah we do, and I love it" Lando clears his throat "a hello for your best best mate?" He questions and I give him a quick hug "hey Lands, good day?" He nods "yeah it's been breezy" I roll my eyes "you are spending too much time with Danny" he laughs "maybe" shrugging he starts chatting with Charles "is she annoying you yet? She is difficult to live with" he says and Charles laughs "she is annoying but worth it!" He nudges my side as I roll my eyes at them both "Alex they are ganging up on me" he laughs "walk with me Mols" and I do.
We arrive at the restaurant and the boys continue to annoy me and gang up on me all evening. I enjoyed myself anyway! It's been ages since we hung out altogether due to covid but the rules have relaxed as just an F1 bubble now. We get to hang out at race weekends again and it makes the whole thing much more worth it!
Race day
I'm walking down the starting grid with George's Balaclava as he didn't feel comfortable in the one he put on earlier. The guys are waiting to do the end racism and national anthem. I see George and Charles chatting a snap a picture
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
@mollylanesF1 my boys waiting for the lights to go out! Feels good to part of Williams this season! Let's get it! @georgerussell63
They spot me walking over, "thanks for bringing this Squirt!" He tells me "no probs George" I smile at Charles "good luck out there baby!" He pulls me in for a hug "I'm feeling a win and if I do it's dedicated to you!" He tells me. I rush back to the garage and take my seat to watch the race.
It was tense and Charles held the lead, unlike 2020 he was successful this year and made the win. George managed his first points in his Williams getting 10th today! The garage was buzzing as it's been a few seasons since Williams scored a point! This was almost as good as winning! I get pulled into a group hug with George's mechanics "we did it! Always improving" Matt says to me once the initial excitement calms down. I head to the podium to see Charles and I watch proudly as he is finally back on the top step after over a year! The pride I felt was immense! He has an amazing weekend!
I catch Charles after the podium and he pulls me in and kisses me hard "thank you for being with me, I love you" he tells me and I shake my head "I'm lucky to have you, I love you more"
Authors note: sorry it's short! There will be a break till after Christmas! Thanks for all of the support!
