Max Verstappen doesn't do distractions. Especially not ones that come in the form of Charles Leclerc - all curls, calm stares, and the kind of smile that makes Max forget his brake markers. Cool Down Lap is a slow-burn love story wrapped in fireproofs and ego, where rivals fight for more than just pole position. It's the kind of story where every glance means more than a radio message, and every near-collision feels like a confession no one's ready to make. Beneath the helmets, the interviews, and the championship points, there's tension that can't be timed and feelings that don't fit into a post-race debrief. With grid chats exploding, Instagram stories hinting at more, and a secret past that Charles refuses to let define him, Max finds himself losing control - and not just on the track. Because sometimes, the most dangerous thing in Formula 1 isn't the speed. It's falling for the one person you're supposed to beat. A LESTAPPEN STORY!

"Max doesn't know what to say. His eyes draw over every inch of Charles's face. His green eyes with brown specks, the sweat dripping down his face, his lips curled in a small smile... "If only you saw yourself the way all of us do. The way I do." Max and Charles have been circling around one another ever since they can remember. Heading into the 2024 season, Max doesn't know if he can keep his feelings locked inside for much longer. Canonically follows the entire 2024 F1 season, with chapters posted after every race. Completed. Sequel in 2025!

"You made me feel something again - you brought me back to life." Max Verstappen, reigning Formula One champion, is devastated when a tragic call leaves him to care for his young nephews. Struggling with grief, he steps away from racing and isolates himself, trying to hold his shattered life together. Charles Leclerc, his somehow friend but mainly rival, is shocked by Max's withdrawal from the sport. While being on the peak of his performance, he sees Max spiral into despair. Charles is determined to help him heal, risking everything to bring Max back to life, and maybe, to love. In the high-octane world of Formula One, where every second counts, two souls are drawn together by love, loss, and the hope of healing. Will Charles be able to break through Max's walls and help him rediscover the joy of life, or will fear and heartache keep them apart?

❝𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐝❞ - After a dramatic stunt from F1's top two drivers: 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘤 and 𝘔𝘢𝘹 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 are forced to share a room during race weekends by their PR teams. What starts as a rivalry could end up as something more, but can they reach a happy ending when the pressure of maintaining images can ruin their relationship...?

> Lestappen 2024 story < Charles Leclerc struggles with Max Verstappen's dominance in Formula 1 and begins to consider getting closer to Max as a way to challenge him. What starts as playful banter during a night out turns into something more complex, leaving Charles questioning if his plan is working or if he's crossing boundaries. As he navigates this new dynamic, Charles must confront his growing feelings for Max while maintaining their professional rivalry. Story warnings: Alcohol consumption Explicit smut Angst