#Charles leclerc x driver!reader

[bon2bonn]

Media Menace

22!F1 grid X female!driver!reader

Words count : 1.5k

* just Some of the fans favourite moments of Y/N being the media menace she is ✨.

It was as a normal interview with Seb standing in the media pin , being asked about the drivers and the line up so far , he listened carefully before he answered " well , I think we have a solid lineup so far, each have their own unique driving style and that makes it more interesting to see and to compete with on track , they surly matured from where they started and........" What the fans didn't expect was when the camera zoomed in on the back of the pin , where some of the drivers were seen carrying a wiggling Charles trying to escape their hold as they marched on , being led by Y/N , who was chanting " to the pit ! , to the pit! " hand raised with a water bottle in it , her media officer could be seen standing at the back facepalming as she watched her driver walking away unfazed by the cameras following them .

••

*Crack-heads leader 🪄.

They paused as they came across Fernando , who was being interviewed close by and asked her something while pointing at Charles, she answered back and he nods at her , raising his own water bottle in a cheer , letting them go on their way with Charles seemingly pleading to be let down but no one dared to help him as the rest of the grid and media officers watched in amusement as they disappeared out of frame , the camera zoomed out and turned back to Seb as he finished his answer , blissfully unaware of the chaos behind him .

•••••••••••••••••••

* The road to Silverstone fistfight! , choose your fighter ! MV#33 Vs LH#44 🥊💪🏻.

She sat between Max and Lewis, bored out of her mind and fed up with their pity low-key shit talk by both drivers along with her team's principal and the media exaggerating the rivalry between them three , ignoring the reporters trying to bait her with their twisted questions as yet again she got stuck in the crossfire.

One reporter asked "what's your input on the ongoing feud ? " she let out a sigh at the repeated question for the millionth time this weekend alone , answering with a shrug " I don't know mate , I just work here " . Another one asked " what do you think of this ongoing rivalry, and do you think it'll last and how today's results will effect tomorrow's race ? " She answered nonchalantly " I sure hope it wouldn't affect tomorrow's race for I'm starting between them " giving them both a pointed look as if warning them , both looked away trying to maintain a stoic face listening as she went on answering , ignoring her officer who kept waving their hands at her from the back to cut it out " and as for if it'll last I honestly think today's quali could've been a fist fight, you know , end it there and move on with their day but no one is ballsy enough to arrange it , so here we are " leaving the reporters with a hanging jaws and taken back looks along with the driver's media officers as she leaned back into her chair waiting patiently for the next question .

•••••••••••••••••••••

* "Bitch! , I'm out!" .

Being seated in another post-race conference with Seb and Lewis after scoring P2 after a breathtaking battle against Seb, both Seb and her were beyond exhausted from pushing eachother to the limit but they enjoyed how they kept eachother at the tip of their toes , same as the fans who were at the edge of their seats anticipating who'd cross the finish line first between these two , and the final lap was proof of it , but she made sure to secure herself the position by one tenth of a second ahead of Sebastian who made sure to congratulate her first , everyone was pleased with the race results, well, everyone but the reporters who kept slipping backhanded remarks starting from the post-race interview up untill the actual press conference where they kept asking whether she considered another career or if she ever consider an early retirement , she got bored as another one asked why she still held on to the F1 career instead on Turning to other fields os sports , she gave him a fed up look " I just wake up everyday and decide that I want to make my life harder , why choose something else easier while I can make myself miserable here with you lot asking me the same question in hopes I'd give a different answers?" That got them to shut down for a while before another one asked the same , again.

Before either Seb or Lewis could shut them for their way or choice of questions she took the mic with no hesitation addressing the reporter who asked her for the third time when she'll take the retirement decision " look , and listen carefully cause I'm going to say it once , and I won't be repeating myself . when I Y/N L/N finally decide to retire from F1 my statement would be " Bitch, I'm out " nothing more , and definitely nothing less , so untill I myself say I am retiring I won't entertain this question anymore, and I advise you along with everyone else to do the exact same thing . next question please ! " Leaning back with a leg crossed over her knee as she waited for the next question . And It'd be save to say no one dared to poke at her with such assumptions after that answer , and earning herself the Bear nickname.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

* Toto's karma .

She rolled her head back distractedly looking up at the sky as she had to sit again through one of the team's interviews with her and Lewis both stuck with Toto as he went on and on about the teams competing against Red Bull and their chances this season and his opinion on drivers etc ...., she looked at the side , waving at some of the fans who walked by and shouted for her attention, sending them hearts and making faces before she was brought back by the host asking them three " speaking of the Red Bulls and the on going rivalry , who can you say is your favourite driver " Toto answered before any of his driver's could do, in a dismissing tone " in Red Bull? , I can't say there's anyone one I can name " . she however smirked as she shared a side look with her teammate before she answered ignoring Toto's pointed look giving him a wide tight lipped syndical smile " Oh! , but I know one I could name , you might be very familiar with him after all " the host eagerly look at her waiting for her answer " my favourite Red Bull bull driver is Toto Christian Wolff " Lewis tried to hold back his laugh as she kept smiling smugly at the said man , who looked away at the mention of his name with his eyes clenched in a grimace , wondering what have he ever done in his past life to get her as a karma/driver . The host stuttered before changing the topic , asking the drivers about their upcoming summer breaks and holidays .

••••••••••••••••••••••

* lando's downfall (literally) .

She stood in the media pit doing an interview with one of her favourite reporters , answering swiftly as the reporter gave her questions she actually enjoyed for once , not the diet and ignorant questions as if she barely knew anything about the sport , let alone drive . Her interview was going well , too well if she could say , because not long after she was halfway through answering her question , a gremlin decided to poke her for the fun of it. Having finished his interview already he turned to her to fill the time before his next interview , and boy would he regret it .

She kept swating his hands away and smacking him in attempt to finish her interview in peace , but no , he didn't pay her any mind untill he was called away . She glared at his smug face as he successfully annoyed her for the day , then she looked at the reporter with a wide sweet smile as she said " he'll regret it , trust me " nodding along as the reporter laughed nervously at her not knowing how to react , but that turned into shock as the driver excused herself for a moment.

she went around the pit sneaking up behind the McLaren driver, giving a thumps up to the reporter who looked at the camera with wide eyes before back at her , only to witness as she swept her foot in a kick aimed at the back of lando's knees, causing him to gasp as his feet gave up on him and he fell face first on the ground mid interview . She dusted her hands in accomplishment as she made her way back to the interview , asking as she smiled innocently " so , where were we?"

[sophsbookstore]

Shifting Gears

Charles leclerc x driver!reader ｡･:*˚:✧｡

Word count: 6560

F1 Masterlist

A/N: Enemies to lovers af

The roar of the crowd was a physical force, pressing against Y/N as she adjusted her helmet. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a familiar pre-race rhythm. She glanced across the grid. Charles Leclerc, in his Ferrari red, was a few spots over, his focus seemingly fixed on his steering wheel. Even from this distance, she could feel the tension radiating off him, a mirror of her own. Their rivalry, a carefully constructed performance for the cameras and the fans, was a constant hum beneath the surface.

Flashback – Karting Track, Monaco, Age 10

"You cheated!" Y/N shrieked, pointing a finger at Charles, who shrugged, a smug grin plastered on his face. He’d just bumped her kart off the track in the final turn, snatching victory by a hair's breadth.

"All's fair in love and karting," he retorted, his French accent thick even at that young age. Y/N gritted her teeth. This wasn't the first time he'd pulled a stunt like this, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. Their rivalry had started the moment they’d met at this very track, two precocious kids with a burning passion for speed.

End Flashback

Y/N scoffed internally. Some things never changed. He was still pulling stunts, albeit on a much grander scale now. The stakes were higher, the consequences more severe, but the underlying dynamic remained the same. They were locked in a perpetual battle, two sides of the same coin, driven by an ambition that bordered on obsession.

Flashback – Formula 3 Press Conference, Age 18

"Leclerc," a journalist drawled, "rumors say you deliberately blocked Y/N during qualifying. Care to comment?"

Charles’s expression was carefully neutral. “Just racing,” he said smoothly. “Y/N knows the game. If she can't handle the pressure, maybe she should find another career.”

Y/N, sitting a few seats down, bristled. “Oh, I can handle the pressure,” she snapped, her voice laced with ice. “Unlike some people, I prefer to win with skill, not dirty tricks.”

The tension in the room crackled. Their rivalry, carefully manufactured for the media, was starting to feel very real.

End Flashback

The lights on the starting gantry began to blink out one by one. Five… four… three… Y/N took a deep breath, centering herself. She could feel Charles’s gaze on her, a silent challenge. Two… one…

The lights went out. The engines roared, and the race began.

—

The cars surged forward, a blur of vibrant colors against the grey asphalt. Y/N’s reflexes were lightning fast. She slotted her Red Bull between a McLaren and an Aston Martin, gaining a position before the first turn. The track twisted and turned, a high-speed dance of precision and nerve. Charles, starting a few places ahead, was aggressive, pushing his Ferrari to its limits. He and Y/N traded places several times in the opening laps, a constant push and pull, each driver refusing to yield an inch. The tension was palpable, not just between them, but throughout the entire grid.

Lap after lap, they danced on the edge of control. Then, on lap fifteen, disaster struck. Coming out of a tight hairpin, Charles’s rear tires lost grip. His car fishtailed violently, spinning him across the track. There was a sickening crunch of metal as he collided with the barrier. The air filled with smoke and debris. Y/N, just inches behind, narrowly avoided the wreckage. Her heart pounded in her chest. For a split second, she was concerned, but then the competitive fire reignited. This was her chance.

With Charles out of the race, the path to victory was clear. Y/N seized the opportunity, pushing her car to the absolute limit. She overtook the remaining contenders one by one, her focus laser-sharp. The roar of the crowd faded into the background. All that mattered was the checkered flag.

As she crossed the finish line, a wave of exhilaration washed over her. She had won! Not only that, but with Charles’s unexpected exit, she had likely taken the championship lead. The team radio crackled with congratulations. Y/N grinned, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.

The post-race interviews were a whirlwind. Y/N, beaming, answered questions about her victory and the championship implications. “It’s an incredible feeling,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “The team did a fantastic job, and the car was perfect. Of course, it’s unfortunate what happened to Charles, but this is racing. Anything can happen.”

Meanwhile, in the Ferrari garage, the atmosphere was somber. Charles, his face grim, faced the cameras. He was furious, and he didn't try to hide it. “I don’t know what happened,” he said, his voice tight with anger. “One minute I was in the lead, the next I was in the wall. It’s… frustrating.” He paused, then added, his eyes flashing, “And I’m sure some people were very happy about it.” The implication was clear. He believed Y/N had somehow been involved in his crash.

Later, in the paddock, Y/N was celebrating with her team when she saw Charles. He was walking towards her, his expression dark. She braced herself.

“Congratulations,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m so glad my misfortune brought you such joy.”

Y/N’s smile faltered. “Charles, I…”

He cut her off. “Don’t even,” he spat. “You know what you did.”

“I didn’t do anything!” Y/N protested, her voice rising. “It was an accident.”

“An accident that conveniently took me out of the race and handed you the win?” He scoffed. “Don’t play dumb. You’ve been trying to sabotage me since we were kids.”

Y/N’s eyes started to sting. “That’s not true,” she whispered.

“Oh, please,” Charles sneered. “You’re just as bad as everyone else in this paddock. A fake, just like the rest.”

His words hit her hard. Y/N’s throat tightened, and she blinked back tears. She couldn't believe he was saying these things. She turned away, unable to face him any longer.

Charles watched her go, his anger slowly giving way to a gnawing guilt. He knew he had been harsh, but the frustration of the race and the suspicion that she was involved clouded his judgment. Seeing her almost cry made him feel terrible. He had gone too far.

He watched her walk away, his heart heavy. He knew he needed to apologize, but the words seemed to catch in his throat. The rivalry, the pressure, the constant need to win – it had all boiled over. He had let his anger get the better of him, and he had hurt her. He knew he had to make things right, but he didn’t know how.

—

The days following the race were a blur of media scrutiny and strained interactions. Y/N, despite her victory, couldn't shake off Charles's harsh words. She avoided him at all costs, dodging interviews where they might be paired together, and slipping away from events early to avoid any chance encounters. The media, ever eager for a rivalry narrative, continued to pit them against each other, twisting their every word and action into fuel for the fire.

Charles, meanwhile, was consumed by guilt. He knew he had messed up, and he desperately wanted to apologize. But Y/N was making herself scarce. He tried texting, calling, even leaving messages with her team, but she remained elusive. The more she avoided him, the worse he felt. The rivalry that had once seemed so exhilarating now felt like a heavy weight, dragging him down.

One evening, seeking solace and advice, Charles found himself at his mother’s apartment in Monaco. Over a plate of her famous pasta al pesto, he confessed his troubles. He recounted the events of the race, the crash, the post-race confrontation, and his failed attempts to apologize.

Pascale Leclerc listened patiently, her expression a mixture of concern and disapproval. “Charles,” she said gently, “I never liked this rivalry between you and Y/N.”

Charles frowned. “What do you mean?”

“It’s always seemed so… forced,” she explained. “You two are so alike, so passionate about racing. I always thought you could be friends.”

Charles scoffed. “Friends? With Y/N? That’s impossible.”

Pascale smiled. “You might be surprised. You know, her mother and I have been friends since we were young, back when you and Y/N were just starting out in karts.”

Charles’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? I had no idea.”

“Yes,” Pascale continued. “And Y/N always spoke very highly of you. She admired your talent, your drive. She always looked forward to racing against you.”

Flashback – Y/N’s Childhood Home, Age 8

A young Y/N burst through the door, her face flushed with excitement. “Mama!” she exclaimed, “I raced against Charles Leclerc today!”

Her mother, smiling, knelt down to her level. “Oh, really? And how did it go?”

“He’s so fast!” Y/N gushed. “He almost beat me, but I managed to win! He’s the only one who can really challenge me. It’s so much fun racing against him!”

Her mother chuckled. “Well, that’s wonderful, sweetheart. It sounds like you’ve found a worthy rival.”

Y/N nodded enthusiastically. “He’s the best! I can’t wait to race him again!”

End Flashback

Charles sat stunned. He had always assumed Y/N hated him, just as he had pretended to hate her. The idea that she had admired him, looked up to him, was a revelation. It made the guilt he was feeling even more acute.

“Charles,” his mother said softly, “you need to apologize to Y/N. Properly this time. And maybe… maybe you could even try being friends.”

Charles looked at his mother, his heart filled with a strange mix of hope and trepidation. Could he really be friends with Y/N? After all these years of rivalry and animosity, was it even possible? He didn't know the answer, but he knew one thing for sure: he had to try.

—

The paddock at the next race weekend was a hive of activity, but Charles wasn't focused on the usual pre-race buzz. He was searching for Y/N. Armed with his mother's words and a newfound determination, he was on a mission to apologize. He scanned the crowds, checked the usual haunts, even peeked into the Red Bull hospitality area, but she was nowhere to be found.

Finally, after a frustrating hour of searching, he spotted her. She was tucked away behind a storage building, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Charles's heart clenched. He approached cautiously, his own emotions a confusing mix of guilt, concern, and a strange tenderness he couldn't quite explain.

He slid down the wall beside her, the silence stretching between them. "I know I'm the last person you want to see," he began, his voice barely a whisper.

Y/N sniffled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She looked up at him, her expression a mixture of surprise and resentment. "What do you want, Charles?"

"I… I wanted to apologize," he said, his voice earnest. "For what I said after the last race. I was angry, frustrated… I didn't mean any of it."

Y/N remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ground.

"I was a jerk," Charles continued, "and I'm truly sorry. It's just… this rivalry, the pressure… it gets to me sometimes."

He hesitated, then added, "My mom told me about your mom, about how you used to admire me when we were younger. It made me realize how stupid this whole feud has been."

Y/N finally looked up at him, her eyes red-rimmed but curious. "You… you knew about that?"

Charles nodded. "It made me feel even worse about how I acted. I never realized… I always thought you hated me."

"I didn't hate you," Y/N said softly. "I… I admired you. But then, as we got older, the teams, the media… they made it seem like we had to be enemies. And I started to believe it."

She took a deep breath, then confessed, "It's hard, you know? Being the only girl on the grid. The pressure to prove myself, to represent women… it's a lot sometimes."

Charles listened intently, his heart aching for her. He had never considered the unique challenges she faced. He had been so caught up in his own world, his own ambitions, that he had failed to see hers.

"I get it," he said, his voice gentle. "It's tough. But you're doing amazing. You're talented, you're strong… you deserve to be here."

Y/N smiled weakly. "Thanks, Charles."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their years-long rivalry slowly lifting. They had both been so caught up in the game, in the pressure to win, that they had lost sight of the person on the other side.

"You know," Charles said, a small smile playing on his lips, "we were pretty ridiculous as kids."

Y/N laughed, a genuine laugh that made Charles's heart soar. "We really were."

Flashback – Karting Track, Monaco, Age 9

A young Charles found Y/N sitting behind a stack of tires, tears streaming down her face. She had spun out of the lead on the last lap, handing the win to another driver.

Charles, despite their rivalry, felt a pang of sympathy. He sat down beside her, awkwardly patting her shoulder. "Hey, it's okay," he mumbled. "It happens to everyone."

Y/N sniffled, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "But I was so close," she whispered.

"You'll get them next time," Charles assured her. He felt his cheeks flush, suddenly aware of how close they were.

Y/N nodded, wiping her eyes. "Yeah, you're right." She looked at him, a shy smile forming on her lips. "Thanks, Charles."

"No problem," he mumbled, his own cheeks burning.

They sat in silence for a moment, the awkwardness hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Y/N spoke. "Let's… let's never talk about this again."

Charles nodded eagerly. "Deal."

They both knew this shared moment of vulnerability was something to be kept secret, hidden away from the prying eyes of their competitive world. And beneath the embarrassment, a tiny seed of something else was planted, a secret crush that neither of them dared to acknowledge.

End Flashback

As the memory faded, Charles and Y/N looked at each other, a shared smile passing between them. The years melted away, and for the first time, they saw each other not as rivals, but as something more.

—

The atmosphere between Charles and Y/N had undergone a palpable shift. The animosity that had defined their interactions for so long was gradually replaced by a tentative warmth. They started acknowledging each other in the paddock, exchanging brief smiles and nods. The tension was still there, a lingering echo of their past rivalry, but now it was laced with something new, something that felt… exciting.

The media, ever eager for a story, noticed the change. Speculation ran rampant. Were they friends now? Was there something more? The questions were relentless, but Charles and Y/N remained tight-lipped, their newfound connection something they wanted to protect from the prying eyes of the world.

After a particularly thrilling race in Monza, where they both landed on the podium – Charles in second, Y/N in third – he finally decided to take a chance. As they were walking back to their respective motorhomes, he caught up to her.

"Hey," he said, a nervous flutter in his stomach.

Y/N turned, her eyebrows raised in surprise. "Charles? What's up?"

"I was wondering… maybe we could… exchange numbers?" he blurted out, mentally cringing at his own awkwardness.

Y/N's lips curved into a playful smile. "Took you long enough," she teased, pulling out her phone.

Charles grinned, relief washing over him. He quickly typed in his number and sent her a message. "There. Now we can officially trash-talk each other without the media eavesdropping."

Y/N laughed. "Oh, I'm sure you'll find plenty of creative ways to annoy me, even in private."

And so began a new chapter in their relationship. At first, their texts were mostly about racing – analyzing strategies, debating tire choices, sharing the occasional frustrated rant about their respective teams. But gradually, Charles started venturing into more personal territory.

Charles: How was your day? Aside from the usual media circus, of course.

Y/N: Surprisingly productive. Managed to squeeze in a sim session AND a pilates class. Feeling very virtuous. How about you? Ferrari not driving you crazy yet?

Charles: Ha, you know they are. Vasseur keeps trying to make me eat quinoa. I tell him I need carbs for fuel, but he doesn't listen. Send help.

Y/N: Maybe you should try hiding the pasta under the quinoa. Stealth carbs.

Charles: Genius! You're a lifesaver. Speaking of saving… any chance you're free for dinner sometime? Strictly professional, of course. We could discuss… tire degradation. Yeah, tire degradation.

Y/N: Hmm, tire degradation, you say? Sounds riveting. But I might be persuaded. How about Friday night? I know this amazing little trattoria that makes killer carbonara.

Charles: It's a date… I mean, a meeting. About tires. Definitely about tires.

Y/N chuckled as she read his message. He was so bad at this, and yet, so endearing. She couldn't wait for Friday night. This new, unexpected chapter in their story was proving to be far more interesting than the old rivalry ever was.

—

The paddock was abuzz with its usual pre-race frenzy, but this time, there was an extra layer of anticipation in the air. All eyes were on Charles and Y/N as they approached each other near the Ferrari garage. The tension was palpable, not the hostile kind that had characterized their past interactions, but a different sort, charged with an unspoken energy.

Charles, his heart pounding in his chest, reached out and pulled Y/N into a hug. It was a spontaneous gesture, fueled by a mix of nerves and a growing affection he could no longer deny. Y/N, surprised at first, relaxed into his embrace, the warmth of his body a comforting presence amidst the chaos of the race weekend.

The hug lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity. When they finally pulled away, the paddock had fallen silent. Every driver, mechanic, and journalist within sight had witnessed the unexpected display of affection. Cameras flashed, capturing the moment for posterity. The whispers started immediately, spreading like wildfire through the tight-knit community.

After the race, where Charles finished a respectable fourth and Y/N a close fifth, he was bombarded with questions. His fellow drivers, a mix of curious and amused, couldn't resist poking fun at the situation.

"So, Leclerc," Pierre Gasly grinned, nudging him with his elbow, "are you and Y/N still rivals, or are we witnessing the beginning of a beautiful romance?"

Charles, his cheeks flushed, remained tight-lipped. He wasn't ready to share his feelings with the world, not yet. But the sparkle in his eyes and the slight curve of his lips betrayed his happiness.

That evening, Charles prepared for his date with Y/N with a mix of excitement and trepidation. He chose his outfit carefully, opting for a stylish yet casual ensemble that he hoped would impress her. He picked her up in his sleek Ferrari, the purr of the engine a symphony to his ears.

As Y/N emerged from her apartment building, Charles's breath caught in his throat. She was breathtaking. A simple black dress hugged her curves, her hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, and her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. He couldn't believe he was lucky enough to be going on a date with this incredible woman.

He drove them to a renowned restaurant nestled in the heart of Monaco, a place known for its exquisite cuisine and intimate atmosphere. He had reserved a private room, wanting to ensure their conversation remained undisturbed.

As they settled into their seats, the initial awkwardness was undeniable. They started with safe topics, discussing the intricacies of tire compounds and the challenges of the upcoming race in Singapore. But as the wine flowed and the delicious food arrived, their conversation took a lighter turn.

"You know," Y/N chuckled, "the whole paddock thinks we're dating now."

Charles grinned. "Well, they're not entirely wrong, are they?"

Y/N raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Oh? And what exactly are we then, Mr. Leclerc?"

Charles leaned forward, his eyes sparkling. "I don't know yet, Miss Y/L/N. But I'm certainly enjoying finding out."

He paused, then added, "And for the record, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if they were right."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. She met his gaze, a warmth spreading through her chest. "No," she agreed softly, "it wouldn't be the worst thing at all."

A comfortable silence settled between them, filled with unspoken possibilities. They continued to chat, sharing stories about their childhoods, their families, their dreams for the future. The conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and genuine connection.

As the evening drew to a close, Charles walked Y/N back to her apartment. They stood on the doorstep, the city lights twinkling around them. The air was thick with unspoken emotions.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, Charles," Y/N said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Me too, Y/N," he replied, his gaze locked with hers. He wanted to kiss her, but the fear of ruining the moment held him back.

Instead, he reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Can I see you again?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.

Y/N smiled, a radiant smile that lit up her face. "I'd like that very much."

—

he rain hammered against Y/N's windows, a relentless drumming that mirrored the panic rising in her chest. A pipe had burst in the apartment above hers, and water was cascading down into her living room, soaking everything in its path. Furniture was ruined, her belongings were drenched, and the floor was quickly becoming a small, indoor lake. She frantically called her landlord, but they were unreachable. She was alone, stranded in her flooded apartment with no idea what to do.

Her mind raced, searching for a solution. Then, a name popped into her head: Charles. He was the closest person she knew in Monaco, and despite their still-relatively-new connection, she trusted him. Hesitantly, she pulled out her phone and typed a message:

Y/N: SOS! My apartment is flooding. Pipes burst upstairs, and it’s a disaster. Any chance I could crash at your place for a few days until I can sort things out?

She hit send, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and anxiety. Within minutes, Charles replied:

Charles: Absolutely! Of course, you can stay here. Don’t worry about a thing. 

Relief washed over Y/N. She quickly gathered a few essentials, stuffing them into a duffel bag. 

Meanwhile, at Charles's apartment, a flurry of activity was underway. He had received Y/N's message while he was relaxing after a long day at the simulator, and he immediately sprang into action. He cleaned every inch of his apartment, scrubbing, dusting, and rearranging furniture to make it as welcoming as possible. He wanted everything to be perfect for his unexpected guest.

Just as he was finishing up, his mother, Pascale, arrived, carrying a basket of freshly baked madeleines. "Charles, darling, I just wanted to drop these off," she said, beaming. She noticed the immaculate state of his apartment and raised an eyebrow. "My, my, you've been busy. Expecting company?"

Charles blushed slightly. "Yes, Mom. A friend is going to be staying with me for a few days."

Before Pascale could ask any further questions, the doorbell rang. Charles opened the door to find Y/N standing there, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. Pascale's eyes widened in surprise and then lit up with excitement.

"Y/N! What a lovely surprise!" she exclaimed, embracing her warmly. "Charles has told me so much about you."

Y/N smiled, feeling a bit overwhelmed by Pascale's enthusiasm. "It's nice to finally meet you properly, Mrs. Leclerc," she said.

Pascale chatted with Y/N for a few minutes, making her feel comfortable and welcome. She then glanced at Charles, a knowing smile on her face. "Well, you two have fun," she said, winking. "I should get going. Charles, darling, don't forget to offer Y/N some of my madeleines!"

As Pascale left, Charles and Y/N stood in the hallway, a comfortable silence settling between them. "Make yourself at home," Charles said, gesturing towards the living room. "The guest room is just down the hall."

"Thank you, Charles," Y/N said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I really appreciate you doing this for me."

"Don't mention it," Charles replied, his eyes sparkling. "I'm happy to help."

Later that evening, after Y/N had settled in, they decided to cook dinner together. Charles, despite his earlier claims about needing carbs for fuel, turned out to be a surprisingly good cook. They prepared a simple but delicious pasta dish, laughing and chatting as they worked side-by-side in the kitchen.

They ate their dinner on the couch, watching a movie that neither of them was really paying attention to. Y/N, feeling relaxed and comfortable in Charles's presence, gently stretched her legs out, placing them on top of his. Charles didn't flinch. Instead, he got up and grabbed a soft blanket, carefully draping it over his lap and Y/N's legs.

They sat in comfortable silence, the warmth of the blanket and the closeness of their bodies creating a cozy atmosphere. Y/N's eyelids started to feel heavy, and she moved her body closer to Charles and leaned her head against Charles's shoulder. He gently placed an arm around her, pulling her closer.

Soon, Y/N had fallen asleep, her breathing soft and even. Charles watched her, his heart filled with a tenderness he had never experienced before. He carefully scooped her up in his arms, surprised at how light she felt. He carried her gently to the guest room, tucking her into bed and turning off the lights.

He lingered for a moment, watching her sleep peacefully. He couldn't help but smile. This unexpected turn of events had brought them closer than he ever imagined possible. He knew that this was the beginning of something special, something that went beyond their shared passion for racing. He quietly closed the door, his heart filled with a quiet joy.

—

A week had flown by in a blur of shared meals, late-night conversations, and stolen glances. Y/N's apartment remained uninhabitable, but she found herself strangely reluctant to leave the comfort of Charles's home. The easy banter and undeniable chemistry between them had blossomed into something deeper. Behind closed doors, they were openly flirting, their touches lingering a little longer, their laughter echoing through the apartment.

The Monaco Grand Prix arrived, casting a long shadow over their newfound intimacy. The pressure was immense, especially for Charles, racing on his home turf. As they arrived at the circuit together, the media frenzy was unavoidable. Cameras flashed, microphones were shoved in their faces, and the questions were relentless.

"Y/N, are you and Charles more than just friends?"

"Charles, is Y/N the reason behind your recent improved performance?"

"Are you two living together now?"

Y/N, ever the composed professional, handled the barrage with grace. "My apartment flooded," she explained with a slight smile, "and Charles was kind enough to offer me a place to stay. He lives closest to the track, so it's been convenient for both of us."

Charles, standing beside her, simply nodded in agreement, his eyes conveying a silent message of support. The speculation continued, but they weathered the storm, their bond seemingly strengthened by the shared scrutiny.

The race itself was a tense affair. Charles, starting from pole position, was determined to win in front of his home crowd. Y/N, starting a few rows back, was equally focused, eager to prove her skills on the challenging street circuit.

The roar of the engines filled the air as the lights went out. Charles took the lead, but Y/N was hot on his heels, her Red Bull car weaving through the narrow streets with precision. The tension was palpable, the drivers pushing their cars to the absolute limit.

Then, disaster struck. Y/N, pushing too hard to close the gap on Charles, misjudged a corner. Her car slammed into the barrier, the impact echoing through the grandstands. The crowd gasped, a collective intake of breath followed by a stunned silence. Charles, witnessing the crash in his rearview mirror, felt his blood run cold.

Ignoring the instructions from his team, he slammed on the brakes, his Ferrari screeching to a halt. He jumped out of the car, his heart pounding in his chest, and sprinted towards the scene of the accident. He reached Y/N's mangled car before the medics, his mind filled with a terrifying sense of dread.

He yelled for help, his voice hoarse with panic. Charles reached in, his hands trembling, and gently removed Y/N's helmet. Her eyes were closed, her face pale. Charles's breath hitched in his throat. "Y/N? Y/N, can you hear me?"

He gently shook her shoulder, his voice filled with desperation. There was no response. Fear gripped him, a cold, suffocating feeling. He felt tears prick his eyes, his vision blurring.

Suddenly, Y/N's eyelids fluttered open. She looked at Charles, a weak smile forming on her lips. "Hey there, Leclerc," she rasped, her voice hoarse. "Fancy seeing you here."

Charles's relief was so overwhelming that he almost sagged against the car. "Y/N! Thank God you're okay!"

"Well," she winced, "relatively speaking. I think I might have bent a few things."

Despite the pain evident in her voice, she managed to crack a joke. "At least I provided some excitement for the home crowd, right?"

Charles chuckled, his fear giving way to a surge of affection. "You always know how to make an entrance, Y/L/N."

The medics arrived, carefully extracting Y/N from the wreckage. Charles watched as they loaded her into the ambulance, his heart heavy with worry. He knew he had been disqualified from the race for leaving his car, but he didn't care. All that mattered was Y/N's safety.

He followed the ambulance to the hospital, his mind racing with a mix of emotions. He couldn't lose her, not now, not after they had finally found each other. He paced the waiting room, his anxiety growing with every passing minute. He needed to know she was going to be alright.

—

The fluorescent lights of the hospital waiting room seemed to hum in Charles's ears, amplifying the frantic beat of his heart. He was still clad in his racing suit, his adrenaline-fueled energy slowly giving way to exhaustion and worry. Hours had crawled by since Y/N had been wheeled into surgery, and every tick of the clock felt like an eternity. He couldn't shake the image of her crumpled car, her pale face, the fear that had gripped him when he thought he might lose her.

He closed his eyes, and a memory surfaced, unbidden.

Flashback – Karting Track, Italy, Age 11

Young Charles lay sprawled on the track, his kart flipped on its side. Pain shot through his ankle, and tears welled up in his eyes. The other karts whizzed by, their drivers oblivious to his plight. Except for one.

Y/N, despite being in the lead, slammed on the brakes, her kart skidding to a halt. She rushed over to Charles, her face etched with concern. "Charles! Are you okay?"

He shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "My ankle… I think it's broken."

Y/N didn't hesitate. She helped him limp to the side of the track, then flagged down a medic. She stayed with him until the ambulance arrived, offering words of comfort and reassurance.

"It's going to be alright, Charles," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle for their usually competitive dynamic. "You'll be back on the track in no time."

He looked at her, his heart filled with gratitude. In that moment, their rivalry seemed to fade away, replaced by a shared vulnerability and a surprising sense of connection.

End Flashback

Charles opened his eyes, the memory bringing a bittersweet smile to his lips. Even back then, Y/N had shown him kindness when he least expected it. He realized that their relationship had always been more complex than the simple "enemies" label they had worn for so long.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the surgeon emerged from the operating room. Charles jumped to his feet, his voice catching in his throat. "How is she? Is she going to be okay?"

The surgeon smiled reassuringly. "The surgery was successful. She has a few fractures, but nothing life-threatening. She'll need some time to recover, but she'll be back on her feet soon."

Relief washed over Charles in a tidal wave. He thanked the surgeon profusely, then rushed towards Y/N's room, his heart pounding with a mix of relief and a newfound urgency.

He burst through the door, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Y/N, propped up in bed, looking pale but awake. He rushed to her side, his emotions overflowing.

"Y/N!" he exclaimed, taking her hand in his. "Be my girlfriend!"

Y/N, still groggy from the anesthesia, blinked at him in confusion. "What was that?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Charles blushed, realizing how abrupt he had been. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice softer now. "I just… when I saw your car crash, I was terrified. I realized how much you mean to me, and I can't imagine my life without you."

He looked into her eyes, his own filled with sincerity. "Y/N, will you be my girlfriend?"

Y/N's heart melted at his words. She had never seen him so vulnerable, so open with his emotions. She squeezed his hand, a smile spreading across her face.

"Yes, Charles," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I'd love to be your girlfriend."

Charles beamed, leaning down to kiss her gently. The kiss was soft, tentative, filled with a tenderness that had been simmering beneath the surface for years.

And so, in the aftermath of a terrifying crash and a heartfelt confession, their relationship took a definitive turn. The rivals, the enemies, the competitors… they were all gone, replaced by two people who had finally found love in the most unexpected of circumstances. The paddock would buzz with the news, the media would have a field day, but for Charles and Y/N, none of that mattered. They had each other, and that was all that counted.

—

A month had passed since the dramatic Monaco Grand Prix, a month filled with hospital visits, physiotherapy sessions, and a blossoming romance. Y/N had recovered remarkably well, her determination to get back on the track fueling her recovery. Charles had been a constant presence by her side, his support unwavering. Their relationship, forged in the crucible of adversity, had deepened, the layers of rivalry and pretense stripped away to reveal a genuine connection.

The Canadian Grand Prix marked Y/N's return to racing. As they walked hand-in-hand into the paddock, a wave of murmurs and whispers followed them. The media, alerted to their relationship, were in a frenzy. Charles and Y/N, however, seemed unfazed by the attention. They had faced scrutiny before, but this time, it felt different. There was a newfound confidence in their stride, a sense of unity that radiated from them.

The race itself was a testament to their resilience. Y/N, despite the lingering aches and pains, drove with a fierce determination, her eyes fixed on the podium. Charles, inspired by her courage, pushed his Ferrari to its limits. They battled wheel-to-wheel with their rivals, their shared passion for racing reignited.

As they crossed the finish line, Charles in second place, Y/N a close third, the crowd erupted in cheers. The post-race interviews were a whirlwind of questions about their relationship, their recovery, and their performance on the track.

"Charles, how does it feel to be racing alongside your girlfriend?"

"Y/N, has your relationship with Charles affected your rivalry on the track?"

Charles, with a grin, responded, "It's definitely a new experience, but I'm enjoying it. Y/N is an incredible driver, and I'm proud to be racing alongside her, both on and off the track."

Y/N, her eyes sparkling, added, "We're still competitive, of course, but there's a different dynamic now. We support each other, push each other to be better. And it's definitely more fun this way."

Their confirmation of their relationship sent shockwaves through the Formula One world. Fans rejoiced, the media went into overdrive, and their fellow drivers offered their congratulations. But for Charles and Y/N, the most important thing was the quiet understanding they shared, the unspoken bond that had grown stronger with every passing day.

As they left the circuit that evening, Charles at the wheel of his Ferrari, Y/N turned to him with a thoughtful expression. "Charles," she began, "I was thinking… maybe it's time we took the next step."

Charles glanced at her, a curious look on his face. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," she continued, "maybe we should move in together."

Charles was taken aback. "Move in together? Already? We haven't been dating that long…"

Y/N smiled, reaching out to take his hand. "I know it might seem soon, but it just feels right. We spend almost all our time together anyway. And besides," she added with a playful wink, "I've had a crush on you since I was eight, so I think I've waited long enough."

Charles's eyes widened in surprise. "You have? Seriously?"

Y/N laughed. "Yes, seriously. You were the annoyingly talented kid who always beat me on the track. How could I not fall for you?"

Charles grinned, his heart swelling with affection. "Well, in that case," he said, "I have a confession to make too. I've had a crush on you since we were kids as well. You were the only one who could ever keep up with me, the only one who truly challenged me."

He squeezed her hand, his voice filled with sincerity. "So, yes, Y/N. I'd love to move in with you."

And so, with a shared laugh and a promise of a future together, they embarked on a new chapter in their love story. The apartment hunt began, filled with playful disagreements about décor and compromises about closet space. But through it all, their love for each other shone brightly, a beacon of hope and happiness in the high-pressure world of Formula One. They had found their home, not just in each other's arms, but in a shared life, a shared dream, a shared love for the sport that had brought them together.

[vroomvroomcircuit]

Early Risers vs. Night Owls

(A/N): Special thank yous to @foreveralbon and @disneyprincemuke for helping me choose which drivers are morning people and which are more of night owls.

Summary: Some people are night owls, others are morning people. But there is another sort that some drivers learn to fear: Morning Monsters (it's the reader)

Pairings: (All platonic) daniel ricciardo x driver!reader, charles leclerc x driver!reader, carlos sainz x driver!reader, oscar piastry x driver!reader (max and lando get a guest starring)

Word count: 1.2k

🏎Masterlist🏎

________________________

It’s difficult, being a night person in a day people’s world. It really is. Especially when you are around morning loving human beings.

“Oh, don’t you look happy?” Carlos comments, when (Y/N) steps into the breakfast room. Coincidentally, several teams are accommodated in the same hotel during this race weekend.

As she lets herself fall in a seat at his table, the young female whispers an annoyed “Don’t”. “I wasn’t saying anything mean?” He genuinely questions. Is his English failing him again?

“Please, just stop talking. It’s only the ass crack of dawn, how can someone be so chatty?” (Y/N) puts her head onto the table, effectively stopping any further conversation with the Spaniard. He looks a little bit lost into his fruit bowl, not sure how to handle this situation adequately. 

“Top of the morning, my sunshines,” a smiling Daniel Ricciardo strolls into the room. The happiness radiating from him reaches (Y/N) even through her closed eyes.

Just as Daniel arrives at their table, she gets up with the most sluggish motions a sober person can muster. “Coffee” is the only thing mumbled, answering to the confused looks around her.

Shortly after, she sits down again with a cup in her hands, not even bothering to try to follow the chatting between Daniel and Carlos. (Y/N) just stares into space, wondering where she went wrong in her life to have to sit in between two morning people. Surely, this is a punishment of some kind.

“Ok, what is up with you? You look like you are about to murder everyone in this room if someone just dares to breathe in the wrong direction,” Daniel observes. (Y/N) takes another sip from her coffee. “Because it’s true.”

Carlos can’t wrap his head around it. “But what happened to the sunshine-in-person-(Y/N)?” “How am I supposed to be a sunshine, when I’m barely a person at this moment?” Well, that is not a lie. She does look pretty rough. Not everyone can wake up and look perfect like Florence Pugh. Some people have to look more like Merida herself in the mornings.

“Why are you talking to this woman during the early hours?” Charles, who just entered the breakfast hall, fears for their lives. “Because this is what people do? They talk when they sit together?” Daniel is confused. What is so bad about making conversations?

Charles steps closer to their table and (Y/N) immediately latches onto him, burying her face into his stomach.

“Don’t you value your life? A tired (Y/N) in the morning needs quiet and some hugs.” The young woman mumbles something, making the Monegasque laugh. “Yes, and coffee. This is the recipe to get the sunshine person you know and love.”

Confused, the other two drivers blink. Did they miss the manual that came with the rookie?

“And you know all of this, because?” Carlos asks the question that popped up in both their heads. “Because (Y/N) and Arthur were together in F2 and he had been ‘chewed out by her like a pack of gum by a class of elementary schoolers’, his words, not mine. She is not all bark and no bite, isn’t that right?” (Y/N) nods, her head still buried into his front.

“Do you want to catch a ride to the paddock with me? I plan on leaving in five minutes.” (Y/N) nods again and quickly gathers her things before waving the other drivers goodbye.

The ride is filled with silence, Charles even leaves the radio turned off. This lets the female drive in and out of a state of half-asleep until they arrive at their destination. At the same time a certain papaya wearing aussie his own car not far away from Charles’ Ferrari.

“Oh, is it still too early?” He asks her with a small smile. Just like Arthur, Oscar is aware how much of a night owl (Y/N) is, having witnessed her outbursts first hand several times during his own career in F2.

The driver nods as she throws herself into his embrace. A tired (Y/N) turns into the most cuddly person. “Let’s get you a cup of coffee, can’t have you go around screaming at people. You will scare everyone off.”

Oscar is pretty much the only smiling person she tolerates in the morning. Whenever another human being dares just grinning in her direction during her own waking up phase, she is ready to jump their throats. But Oscar is different. He doesn't do it out of mocking or pitiness. He is genuinely happy and wants to show and share it. Also, he radiates a nice calm aura, which is the complete opposite to what she experiences during the days of a race weekend.

When Carlos passes (Y/N) by later, he walks up to her with caution, keeping his teammates' warning in mind, “Hey Carlos, have you heard the rumors about the newest Taylor Swift album? Do you think it will feature a song about Nando?”

The woman in front of him has nothing in common with the one he interacted with just an hour ago. She somehow even looks completely different from her. It’s the kind of freshness that doesn’t come with a shower.

“Uhm, no I did not. Are you ok? You seemed… a bit out of it this morning.” There is a hesitation in his voice, not wanting to accidentally offset her.

But (Y/N) just laughs it off. “Oh yeah, that. I’m sorry for being a grump back there. Just like Charlie said, I’m absolutely not a morning person. During the first hour of being awake I’m an absolute monster. Just, don’t talk to me or only when it’s absolutely necessary during that time. I apologize for my behavior, it wasn’t nice. Today was particularly bad, because I do my best work at night and I have been pouring over some data until 2 am. I’ll try to give you a warning next time!”

With that she is off, looking for her partner in crime aka her teammate to start some kind of mischief with the social media team.

Carlos is just flabbergasted. The duality of some people and how a small cup of caffeine can bring that out of them is astonishing.

Just remember to never fuck with night owls during the early hours of the morning.

Bonus Scene

During a free week some drivers set a date to play a private paddle tournament together in Monaco. Daniel enters the court with a big smile. After all, it is a fresh, sunny morning. This day is a promise of having a good time with his friends and colleagues, playing their favorite game and having lunch plans together.

What sets the Australian off are the three frowning faces, sitting on a bench nursing each a can of Red Bull solemnly. “What happened to you?”

Max answers his question first with a grumpy voice. “I had to leave my cats cuddled up in my bed alone.” “My alarm woke me up while the first number on the clock was still a single digit.” Landoo sounds about as tired as (Y/N) next to him looks like.

“Life”, Daniel answers for the young woman already, who just nods and pulls the strings of her hood closed, hindering someone else to make more conversations with her until the caffeine has kicked in.

Desperate times call for desperate measures after all.

[buckleyx]

OBSESSION C.L

Summary: How far is too far? What if Formula One’s loving heartthrob comes entangled with the bitter taste of success? And what if you threaten to take it all away from him.

Author’s note: This has been in my drafts for a looong time, I guess I was never sure when to post it but because of last weeks race in Vegas and Charles snapping about the Carlos overtake I decided to try and post Part 1! It just fits so well with the story! I hope you enjoy!

Charles Leclerc x Driver!Reader

masterlist

It was no secret how much Charles loved to win. He liked the thrive, the attention, the indescribable feeling in his chest. He yearned to feel it, to experience it. It was like an addiction, a thrill that he couldn't get enough off. And after winning his first Formula one race in Spa, he knew that the taste will forever leave him yearning for more.

Winning was like poison to him but a good poison. A poison that he wanted to come back to no matter the cost. So you can say that after Ferrari kept letting him down, kept taking him away from tasting that bitter beautiful drug, that something inside of Charles switched.

Hushed whispers in the garages called it an obsession, an obsession towards perfection. Something that now with Ferrari seemed almost impossible to achieve. But that didn't stop the Monegasque. You see Charles kept a promise. And he was eager to live by it. He wasn't doing this for himself, atleast that's what he kept telling himself, he was doing this to prove to the people around him that he could live on a legacy.

The longer Charles was being held back from winning his championship the more impatient and infuriating he became. Charles had a great image. Had. He was caring and kind, threated people with respected and love but that version of him was long gone, he burried it six feet under together with the idea that you could ever get something done by being nice.

And then there was you. A freshly new driver. Not yet aware of the heartbreaking, money hungry world you were about to enter because you were so blinded by promises and ideas that you blissfully ignored every sign screaming towards your direction. Just like any other rookie.

After two successful starting years at Mclaren. You were quickly the new 'hot topic' for paddock talk. Your contract was coming to an end and you were being tossed around from team to team, being offered irresistible promises and big numbers left and right. "Championship talent." Is what they called you and everyone wanted a taste. Of course they did. If you were to win a championship you'd go into history as being the first woman to ever do so and everyone wanted it to be their name that you did it with.

But the best promises seemed to be coming from the red Ferrari garage. Their iconic age old logo shinning proudly on the side, reminding you off it's legacy and power. Ferrari was a dream since your early karting days. So after the winter break you traded your old orange papaya suit in for a bright new red one.

Here you were, Ferrari's new champion. New life full of ambition and joy. Just what the team needed. You were at the top of your game, ready for your new adventure. But your happiness left as quickly as it came because no one was better at bursting bubbles than your new teammate Charles Leclerc.

He mocked the term "championship talent" with so much disgust that it almost made you embarrassed to carry it. Every person could tell he felt intimidated, afraid that the team would shift their newly found focus completely on you. You had as much ambition to win as Charles and that scared him. You were not there to play second driver, no. You demanded equal pay and every little benefit the Moneqasue got too. You knew your rights and you were not afraid to remind every one of them, especially Charles.

Your first official introduction with Charles was during a guided tour of the Italian Ferrari headquarters back in December. You got shown around and recieved all the necessary information. A group of people were busily crowded around you, reporters, interns, assistants and ofcourse the big bosses of Ferrari themselves. Flashing you charming smiles and a handfull of information about the team and it's eventful history in Formula one.

"Here we have our championship wall." One of the technical directors pointed out, proudly refering to the timeline Infront of them with framed pictures and reminders of all their wins. Year numbers marked their past victorys together with accessories of their previous drivers: Schumacher's racing gloves, Lauda's helmet, Ascari's racing suit, enc. It was beautiful looking at the people whoms footsteps you were about to follow. "Soon that will be you." He nodded, watching as you stepped closer to the end of the timeline, inspecting the picture of Kimi holding the last championship trophy for Ferrari above his head.

You looked in awe, feeling a sense of pride and confidence wash over you at the trust the team so generously put into you. The group of people chatted their way into the next room, so big into their own world that they payed no mind to your short absence while you admired your early childhood heroes.

"Beautiful, no?" A familiar voice pulled you out of your thoughts. You turned around, seeing your new teammate admire the wall for himself. His arms were crossed and he had a concentrated look on his face. "Very." You smiled sincere. There was no need for first introduction, since you both were well aware of who you both where. You've seen Charles countless times on the grid but this was the first proper conversation you had with him alone.

"I admire your courage." Charles remarked after a minute of silence, sarcasm dripping clear in his tone. The peaceful tension in the room suddenly shifted to a hostile one. "Not a lot of people want to be my teammate." He said cockily as he made his way towards you. You could tell from his tone that he had the intention of intimidating you and by the way you uncomfortably took a step back as he got closer he could tell it was working.

A slight nasty smile covered his lips as he looked down on you. His eye contact was strong and uncomfortable. "I'm not afraid of you." You stated out, still taken back by his rude persona but you weren't in the least bit surprised.

Carlos warned you about him, everyone did. You met Charles before, talked to him before, but that person he was 2 years ago was nowhere near the same as the one towering over you. The Monegasque was indeed unrecognisable. His shimmer was gone. The shimmer everyone fell in love with was replaced by a heartless and mean one.

"Very cute." He mocked. "I'm sure you wont last long so I'm not worried about you. Most rookies never do. And since they only hired you to make their team more diverse, I see you more as a walking mascot, a fucking joke to promote their perfect reputation. Just,-" Your teammate laughed coldly, moving his head closer to your face before whispering: "-don't get in my fucking way."

He threatened, looking you dead in the eye before flashing another fake charming smile and leaving you again alone in the room.

[bubblesam06]

Racing Hearts - Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc x driver!reader!OC

Should I make this a series?

The sun was just beginning to rise over the glittering city of Monaco, casting a golden hue over the pristine streets and azure waters. The excitement in the air was palpable; the Monaco Grand Prix was just days away. For Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari's golden boy, this race meant more than just another chance at victory. It was his home race, a place filled with childhood memories and dreams.

This year, however, there was something different. Or rather, someone different.

Scuderia Ferrari had recently announced their latest addition to the team, a talented young driver named Elena Rossi. She had made waves in the racing world with her fearless driving style and quick wit. Hailing from Italy, her journey to Formula 1 had been nothing short of extraordinary.

Charles stood in the Ferrari garage, surrounded by the familiar scent of burning rubber and motor oil. He was adjusting his racing suit when he heard a voice behind him.

"Ready to show Monaco what Ferrari can do?"

He turned around to see Elena standing there, her dark hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, her Ferrari cap slightly askew. Her hazel eyes sparkled with a mix of determination and mischief.

"Always," he replied with a grin. "You?"

"Born ready," she said with a confident smirk.

As they prepped for the practice session, Charles couldn't help but feel a strange connection to Elena. There was something about her that drew him in—her passion for racing, her unwavering confidence, and the way she seemed to understand him without words.

The roar of the engines was deafening as the cars lined up on the grid. The tension was thick, and Charles could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced over at Elena, who was in the car next to him. She gave him a nod, her face set with determination.

As the lights went out, the cars surged forward, tires screeching against the tarmac. Charles and Elena maneuvered their Ferraris with precision, weaving through the pack. The streets of Monaco were unforgiving, but they both handled the pressure with grace.

Halfway through the race, disaster struck. A collision in front of Charles forced him to swerve, losing precious seconds. Elena, seeing the opportunity, took the lead. Charles fought to regain his position, but the narrow streets made it nearly impossible.

In the final lap, Elena crossed the finish line first, securing her first victory with Ferrari. Charles followed closely behind, his disappointment quickly overshadowed by a sense of pride for his teammate.

As they climbed out of their cars, Elena ran over to Charles, her face flushed with excitement. "We did it!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

He hugged her back, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through him. "You were amazing out there," he said, pulling back to look into her eyes.

"Thanks," she said, her voice softer now. "But I couldn't have done it without you pushing me."

Charles felt his heart skip a beat. There was something in her gaze, something that made him wonder if this connection was more than just professional.

—

Over the next few weeks, Charles and Elena grew closer. They spent hours discussing race strategies, training together, and sharing stories from their lives. Elena's laughter was infectious, and Charles found himself looking forward to every moment they spent together.

One evening, after a particularly grueling training session, they decided to unwind at a quiet café overlooking the harbor. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the water.

"Do you ever think about what life would be like if we weren't racing?" Elena asked, sipping her espresso.

Charles looked out at the horizon, considering her question. "I can't imagine my life without it. Racing is in my blood. But sometimes… I wonder what it would be like to have something more. Someone to share it with."

Elena's eyes softened. "I know what you mean. It's hard to find someone who understands the sacrifices we make for this sport."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the unspoken connection between them growing stronger. Charles reached across the table, his hand covering hers.

"Maybe we don't have to look too far," he said quietly.

Elena's breath caught in her throat as she met his gaze. There was something in his eyes that made her heart race, something that made her believe that maybe, just maybe, they could find that "something more" together.

—

As the season progressed, so did Charles and Elena's relationship. They became inseparable, their bond both on and off the track growing stronger with each passing day. Their chemistry was undeniable, and it translated into their racing. They pushed each other to be better, to reach new heights.

One evening, after a particularly intense race, Charles found himself unable to sleep. He wandered out onto the balcony of his hotel room, the cool night air doing little to calm his restless mind. He was deep in thought when he heard the sound of a door opening and closing softly.

Elena stepped out onto the balcony, her eyes finding his in the dim light. Without a word, she walked over to him, slipping her hand into his.

"Can't sleep?" she asked softly.

Charles shook his head. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

"About us," he admitted. "About how much things have changed since you joined the team. How much you've changed me."

Elena looked up at him, her eyes full of emotion. "You've changed me too, Charles. You've made me believe in something more than just racing."

He turned to face her fully, his heart pounding in his chest. "I don't want to imagine my life without you, Elena. Not anymore."

She smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You don't have to. I'm not going anywhere."

In that moment, under the stars, they shared their first kiss. It was a kiss filled with promise, with the hope of a future together.

Epilogue: A New Beginning

The Monaco Grand Prix was once again upon them, but this time, Charles and Elena faced it as more than just teammates. They were partners, both on and off the track.

As they lined up on the grid, Charles glanced over at Elena, who gave him a confident smile. He knew that no matter what happened in the race, they had already won something far more important.

The lights went out, and the roar of the engines filled the air. They surged forward, racing not just for victory, but for each other.

And as they crossed the finish line, side by side, they knew that this was just the beginning of their story. A story of love, of passion, and of racing hearts.

Authors Note:

Holy smokes, I was not expecting this post to blow up like it did! Thank you so much for all the love!! 💗

[nichmeddar]

charles leclerc

Hopelessly Devoted NOT To You - Charles Leclerc x Driver! Reader

Summary: Your family believes in two religions; Ferrari and Charles Leclerc. When you drive for a different F1 team, they make it known who their favourite is. Luckily, Charles’ favourite is you. 

Warnings: a happy functioning family (not sure how to write one of those), fluff, bad flirting

Requested: yes by anon

F1 Masterlist

━━━━ ༻𖥸༺ ━━━━

its_yn just posted

liked by alpinef1team, charles_leclerc and others

its_yn type of town i could spend a few days in 🌴

18,161 comments

pierregasly before you ask, i’m not helping you steal the hedge car

→ its_yn you never let me do anything fun

→ pierregasly @/alpinef1team can we leave her in miami?

→ alpinef1team only if you drive better than she does 

user1 she makes the alpine pink look so good! 

yourmum so excited to see you race, tesoro

yourdad will our paddock passes let us near the ferrari garage?

→ user2 love how this is her second year in f1 and her father is still a loyal tifoso

→ user3 her whole family are. don't think i've ever seen them wear alpine merch

landonorris the pink helmet makes you look like a highlighter

→ its_yn you can’t say anything, lorax

→ visacashapprb oh god, the girls are fighting 

→ user4 vcarb admin, you will always be famous

yoursister can’t believe i’m going to see a ferrari up close 

yourbrother do you think i’ll meet THE charles leclerc??

→ charles_leclerc if she brings you by the garage, absolutely

→ its_yn merda

charles_leclerc just posted

liked by carlossainz55, oscarpiastri and others

charles_leclerc the city that keeps the roof blazin’ 🌴

16,330 comments

yourdad be good to see you on the podium this weekend, son

user5 not charles matching captions with yn. in his lover boy era

→ user6 i mean, it’s a popular song for miami?

→ user5 trust me, he did it on purpose 

scuderiaferrari our driver is cooler than all others

user7 anyone else in love with the fact that yn isn’t her family’s favourite driver

→ user8 and they make no effort to hide it

→ its_yn they actually told me off once because i overtook him, even tho it lead to my first podium

→ charles_leclerc part of me is inclined to agree with them but your overtake was very nice

→ user9 stand up, charles

yourbrother the aura is unmatched. why don’t you look this cool on race weekends @/its_yn?

user10 yn’s whole family being tifosi is so special to me

→ user11 they’re italian. ferrari and charles are their religion

yourmum my daughter is single if you’re interested? liked by charles_leclerc

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its_yn posted a new story

yoursister replied i worked really hard on that cake. show some respect → its_yn you only get props for it tasting good → yoursister i bet charles tastes good → its_yn that is my work colleague!  → yoursister bangeable work colleague → don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it

charles_leclerc replied i think red really suits you  → its_yn don’t you start. they’ve spent the entire night asking me when i’m going to join ferrari  → charles_leclerc isn’t your contract up this year? → its_yn are you trying to make my cry on my birthday?? → charles_leclerc no, no. i just mean, any team would be lucky to have you → i’d beg ferrari to take you if we hadn’t already signed lewis  → its_yn i might have to start begging someone to take me at this point → charles_leclerc you can have my car if you wear red more often → its_yn how about you just lend me a t-shirt sometime? → charles_leclerc if you come over, i have a whole wardrobe you can go through

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mercedesamgf1 just posted

liked by valterribottas, kimi.antonelli and others

mercedesamgf1 we're so excited to announce that yn ln has joined the mercedes petronas family for 2025 on a multi year contract

44,634 comments

pierregasly i’m free!

→ its_yn you’re bald! 

yourdad tesoro, you are italian, not german. why are you doing this to the family?

yourbrother well done, sis. now grandma is crying. this is not what we agreed upon

yoursister i told you that mercedes green doesn’t suit your complexion. ferrari red does

user1 not yn’s entire family crying in the comments

user2 getting to the point where i don’t think they’re joking

→ yourbrother we did congratulate her privately. we just had to scribble out the ferrari on the banner

georgerussell63 i take it i won’t be invited to ln family dinners? 

→ landonorris only happens if your name is charles leclerc

user3 maybe ferrari didn’t want her?

→ charles_leclerc how dare you!

its_yn at least this way, @/charles_leclerc and i can continue our enemies to lovers arc

→ maxverstappen1 @/charles_leclerc was that loud scream from across the paddock you?

→ lewishamilton he can’t reply. he’s passed out on the garage floor. the mechanics are currently trying to revive him

→ user4 can’t blame him. yn finally acknowledged how obsessed he is with her

charles_leclerc just posted

liked by maxverstappen1, lewishamilton and others 

charles_leclerc my girl looks good in red 

27,876 comments

its_yn ❤️❤️

pierregasly you two sicken me

→ its_yn your hairline sickens me

→ pierregasly @/charles_leclerc dump her

→ charles_leclerc never

user5 charles is just showing men that if you act obsessed enough, it’ll work out

→ yourbrother i think him being unbelievably handsome had something to do with it

scuderiaferrari does this mean you’ll stop talking about her every weekend? 

→ charles_leclerc probably not

→ its_yn you might just see me in the garage more

→ yourdad and us! 

yourmum oh it’s happening! it’s finally happening. i’ll bring the wedding book with me next weekend

→ its_yn no! you promised never to show any one that

→ yourmum but now it’s not just my fantasy, it’s real

→ charles_leclerc yes, please. i’ll bring mine as well

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Requests open. Now accepting requests for Estie Bestie

Can you tell I'm on the side of twitter that jokes about Gasly having a turkey transplant for his hair?

tag list

@peachiicherries @rosecentury @c-losur3 @heavy-vettel @evie-119 @raizelchrysanderoctavius @lilorose25 @sillyfreakfanparty @justaf1girl @piastri-fvx @teamnovalak

[bon2bonn]

For you , I'll pray

C.L¹⁶

✨ ☆° I'll keep on waiting for your ｡⁠☆✨

Charles Leclerc X female!driver!reader

Words count : 2.5k .

Back to 🏁 The Grid 🏎️

* you know what it is 🤷🏻‍♀️.

* Warnings : not proof read, grammar,fire .

That One Brain Cell :

Lando's live footage came to a halt beside Carlos and Max who were sitting on the grass behind the Ferrari's hospitality, both looking forward with impassive expressions at the distance where Charles along with our driver were having the time of their lives up ahead .

" What are they ...? " He muttered under his breath as he watched them speed around the empty slot beside the storage units on a scooter driven by our driver with Charles behind her , both having the best of times as they drifted up and down with screeching tires .

Max sighed " they're sharing that one brain cell " Carlos added with an equally tired sigh " again " both glared at Lando who let out a snort before he tried to cover it up with a cough then he gasped , making the two look in confusion which turned into bewilderment as they saw the madling duo run away from the now flaming scooter while cursing in panic .

Both looked around for any witnesses , unaware of the three drivers behind them , and the live feed still going, and nod in agreement when they found none before they booked it back to the pits while cackling their heads off , probably on their way to endanger something else with their malfunctioning brain cell they usually share .

••••••••••••••

My You :

Charles was sitting on one of the foldable chairs, a towel covered his head but beneath it you could see the tiredness and sadness on his face , another failed race and another failing attempt to salvage whatever left of what the car could give , which wasn't much to begin with.

Our driver made her way to him and stood Infront of his chair , a gentle hand on his shoulder got his attention to look up , his alarmed eyes softened as he found her standing before him with an understanding look in her eyes as she asked how he was holding up .

He shrugged absentmindedly at the question while looking away , eyes trying to hide the hurt he felt before her a hand delicately caressed his cheek to get his eyes back to her , he blinked up and met her eyes as she did the same with his other cheek, now cradling his face in her hands as she spoke , his frown regressed as he listened intently to every word she said and slowly he leaned into her hands and closed his eyes in content , nodding as she asked him something before reaching up to take one of her hands in his , smiling softly before leaving a kiss on the palm of it then held it for a moment untill she finished speaking . She added something which made him laugh aloud for the first time that week .

••••••••••••••

Words On The Street That... :

One of the fans caught our driver who made her way to Charles as he stood with Pierre as they were about to board the platform ahead of the drivers parade, she said something to him with wide eyes , then both looked to where she came from with suspicion then back at Pierre who asked them with a frown.

The duo started to tell him which turned his confusion into shock as he asked with disbelief before looking quickly at the same thing/person they were looking at moments ago , he rubbed his cheek in bewilderment before they added something that made his eyes widened even more before he shouted a loud ' what!? ' that made Sebastian who came their way as they finally boarded ask as he stood beside our driver.

Now it was his turn to be filled in on the topic, leaving him looking at the distance with plank eyes and a reeling mind as the two drivers smiled and waved at the crowd as if they didn't just dropped a mind scrambling pieces of information.

••••••••••••••

The Favourite :

Sebastian was looking between the two with his drink halfway up when he was caught/ambushed in yet another argument between Charles and our driver, for the God knows how many time was it that he was the centre of the argument between the two , he was contemplating on shutting them both down to make them let the topic go but somehow they always manage to turn it against him and dig him a hole he didn't ask to be shoved into.

Just like how they were both glaring each other down, pointing out why they were his favourite . It started with Lance, oh poor Lance who was made to swallow back his words after they heard him say how they were a pretty decent team , that didn't pass with Charles who declared that he was a better teammate, then our driver added that she was his favourite, and from there things went downhill.

Charles scoffed at the statement " well we were actual teammates ! " She countered back with a matter of fact " and I know him longer, so? " Sebastian tried to interfere once again " can I just ......" But was shut down with a " No! " From both drivers, rendering him speechless as they returned once again to argue ,leaving him to stare blankly at the distance .

He was starting to contemplate his life choices before a voice called him out, he turned to find Mick waving at him as he got closer, a wide smile and a sigh of relief escaped him when he moved to greet him . Glancing at the still Pickering pair with a twitching eye then clapped Mick on the back before leaving them behind. When they turned to look at him but found his empty chair instead, so they turned to Lance who raised both his hand in surrender and pointed to the left " he went with Mick" the two scowled , Charles scoffed " he left us!? " As she grumbled with a glare towards the direction the two left off to " he picked that blond elf in a shelf tooth fairy over us ??! " Both Lance and Charles asked in confusion " the what ? " Making her wave their confusion " I don't even know , I just saw it on Reddit, or was it Tumblr? " Then she glared again while addressing them " it doesn't matter! , the point is, he left us!! We need revenge! " Charles nod " revenge! " While lance looked between the two then added " I was about to grab some lunch " making them share a look before agreeing with a shrug " yeah let's eat first" our driver added with determination " lunch break , then revenge!! " .

••••••••••••••

By Default :

Arthur loves his summer breaks back home , he was having a peaceful day , or as peaceful as it could be with his brother and our driver winding up a storm in the house , which means that no one will get any peace as long as they were still nagging eachother just for the fun of it .

A shout came from the kitchen made him turn his phone camera to record whatever they decided to fight about , and it was chaotic to say the least, " Charlie! " She screamed as he dumped something on the pan and dodged the wooden spoon aimed at him, shouting back with a heated glare " what !? " She waved the spoon threateningly at him as she pointed to now bubbling pan " you're not supposed to add them now ! " He shrugged and pointed out with both hands " I know ! But I wanted to! " Making her groan as she tried to think of a way to salvage it " but it's not the recipe! " He called out " I don't care ! I just wanted to add them now " , she growled at him as she tried to hold back from smacking him with the cutting board and threatened with her spoon " this is exactly why I don't cook with you anywhere near me ! " He scoffed with a hand on his hip " yeah right! . Like you'd do any better on your own, your cooking is half a step away from being rat poison " .

She glared at him with murdering intent but suddenly she frowned and her lower lip start to quiver , lowering her wooden weapon she asked in a small voice " you think my cooking is that bad ? " . Charles quirked an eyebrow and stated " a burnt tire is a treat compared to it , I'm surprised no one is dead because of it yet . Thank God you could drive for a living, which is another surprise " , just as he finished his sentence a loud call of his name rang through the whole house " Charles marc hervé Perceval Leclerc ! " Making him clenched his eyes knowing he was in deep trouble .

Arthur turned to show his mother , standing with her arms crossed with a deep frown as she waited for his brother to explain himself then to our driver who was now looking at the camera with a knowing smile , making Arthur mumbled quietly " oh , she got him in a corner , she's good " .

The next thing was Charles sitting on a chair facing his mother who was sitting on the couch adjacent to him , our driver was sitting beside her leaning with her head on her shoulder as she nodded along with the scolding her former teammate was receiving . Arthur was turning between Charles who's eye was starting to twitch and our driver who was smiling smugly at him from beside their mother, then to their mother who was deep in scolding her son who was caught red-handed " is this how I raised you?! Huh !? " , Charles tried to defend himself " but Mama! , she..." But was cut off with his mother asking incredulously " but what?? Is this how you always treat her ?!! " Arthur found it harder and harder to hold his amusement as the scolding got worse for Charles who failed miserably to get one word in , all he could do is glare at our driver who smirked back at him with a kiss thrown when his mother wasn't looking .

••••••••••••••

I Hope That You Won't Slip Away :

Charles was standing shoulder to shoulder with our driver , talking about something while they waited outside the media pin , our driver had his hand in hers , she played with his ringed fingers as she spoke with her media officer, while his other hand was occupied with his phone , she had her head on his shoulder before she was called to the side , making her step away , letting his hand slip from hers as she turned away at the call .

He frowned at the loss , eyebrows creased in deep lines as he turned to follow her with his eyes , his now free hand twitched in a clenched fist before relaxing then went to rub his neck , falling to his side then to his pocket before going up to hold his phone again . His eyes kept wandering her way every few minutes until she stepped back towards him , and he didn't hesitate to reach his arm around her shoulders to keep her close , now content when she reached her hands up , one on his wrist while the other waved at the retreating officer then let her fingers snuck between his in a tight hold , his shoulders fully relaxed when she leaned her head back on one of him with a fond smile as she looked up at him before he leaned his head on hers .

••••••••••••••

Hit List :

Max sat beside Daniel on the chairs outside the later's driver room, he noticed the camera recording and asked in confusion " what's that for ? " Daniel smirked as he pointed towards the left side " look closely to the side " Max did as told and found our driver along with Charles creeping their way to Lando's driver room , each have a bag in their hands as the scouted the area before making their way in .

Max let out a laugh and asked " ten bucks they would get him , again " making Daniel shake his head " it's a losing bet to go against them , and they'd go after me if I dare to " making them both shudder at the reminder of the warzone they went through with the duo on their pranking spree " Max mumbled under his breath " I still have glitter in my ears " Daniel nod with a thumb pointing to the door beside them " it still smells of wet molding shoes and pickles in there " Max shrugged " better than Kimi " both made a face before Daniel added " he was this close of running them both over " Max snorted as he remembered " or Horner and Toto " making Daniel wince " that was traumatizing " before pointing ahead as the two got out and walked away with their arms linked as if they were an innocent bystanders out in a stroll, enjoying the weather .

" Oh no " Daniel mumbled when Lando opened his door and got in , not two minutes later a scream came from inside along with several things falling down, including Lando who screamed again and fell a second time. Max asked " they got him , twice? " Another scream came out making them share a look " three times " Daniel noted " that's a record " , Max shrugged " he brought it upon himself , he messed with one , the other won't let it slide, now he messed with both and it's his hole to dig " .

••••••••••••

You Better Not :

Charles was besides her as she was finishing an interview, trying not to laugh when he saw her fist her hands and clenched her eyes for a second in attempt to not lose her tempers and dive over at the reporter who wouldn't take a hint to leave her be and conclude the whole thing .

She turned her eyes his way and found him with his hands up and his eyes tightly squeezed shut ,a bout on his lips before he pointed while chuckling " that's your angry face " , she scowl at him before she blinked her eyes rapidly , making him ask in concern as he moved closer " what's wrong? , what's the matter with your face , is there something in your eyes ? " She then pointed out with a wide grin " that's your winking face " making him close his eyes with a deep breath in order to not smack that smug look she sported, knowing his mother won't let him hear the end of it is he did , so he resolved to kick her leg before moving to his own waiting interview .

[jungwnies]

F1 GRID (1/2) | being lifted onto a counter

୨ৎ : featuring : max verstappen, lewis hamilton, george russell, carlos sainz, & charles leclerc (click here for part two) ୨ৎ : synopsis (requested by anon 🫐) : your f1 boyfriend picking you up on the counter... or maybe even vice verse for shits and giggles ;)

୨ৎ : genre : comedic romance & slightly suggestive (for some drivers) ୨ৎ : tws : suggestive if you SQUINT ୨ৎ : word count : 1893

୨ৎ masterlist ୨ৎ

ᡣ𐭩 a/n : y'all it's freaking race weekend finally... i can feel the winter depression leaving my body 👻

ʚ・max verstappen

max was feeling smug.

not that it was unusual, but this time, he had good reason.

he had just lifted you onto the kitchen counter with zero effort, hands firm on your waist, placing you there like you weighed nothing. you had gasped, mildly startled, but it was hard to argue when his grin was so self-satisfied.

“there,” he said, standing between your legs, his hands still resting on your thighs. “problem solved.”

you arched a brow at him, trying not to melt at how good he looked with his post-workout messy hair and that stupid smirk. “oh? and what exactly was the problem?”

max shrugged, fingers giving a playful squeeze to your legs. “you were in my way.”

you scoffed, lightly smacking his shoulder. “you just like showing off.”

his smirk widened. “you love it.”

you rolled your eyes, but your fingers didn’t move from where they clung to the fabric of his hoodie. “i could lift you too,” you blurted out, immediately regretting it.

max paused.

his eyebrows slowly lifted, amusement twinkling in his blue eyes. “oh yeah?”

you hesitated for a split second but quickly doubled down. “yeah. i bet i could lift you.”

max chuckled, fully entertained now. “go on, then.”

and that was how you found yourself attempting to lift a nearly 6-foot, 160-pound world champion off the ground like you had something to prove.

you wrapped your arms around his waist, bent your knees, took a deep breath… and nothing happened.

max did not budge.

instead, you let out a strangled grunt, your arms barely managing to shift him an inch before your muscles gave out.

max was dying laughing, barely holding himself up as he leaned into you, his forehead resting on your shoulder as he shook with laughter.

“oh my god,” he wheezed. “are you even trying?”

you groaned, face hot, still stubbornly trying to heave him upwards. “you’re—way heavier than you look!”

max tilted his head, grinning. “are you calling me fat?”

“yes,” you gasped, dramatically collapsing against him, completely out of breath. “you’re made of bricks.”

he was grinning like an idiot now. “maybe you just need to train harder.”

“oh, shut up.”

max smirked, leaning in way too close, his hands firm on your hips again. “admit it,” he murmured. “you like when i do all the lifting.”

you narrowed your eyes. “you’re insufferable.”

his smirk widened. “still stuck up here, though.”

and yeah, you were. but you were never admitting defeat.

ʚ・lewis hamilton

the kitchen was warm with the scent of fresh coffee and something sweet, probably the pastries lewis had insisted on picking up this morning. you were barely awake, wearing one of his oversized hoodies, standing by the counter and lazily stirring your tea.

lewis, fresh from his morning workout, had already found his way behind you, arms loosely wrapping around your waist. his chest was firm against your back, radiating warmth.

“you’re in my way,” he murmured, but his hands were sliding against your hips, fingers pressing into the fabric of the hoodie that was very much his.

“you came into my kitchen,” you pointed out, sipping your tea.

“our kitchen,” he corrected smoothly, lips brushing against the shell of your ear.

you could hear the smirk in his voice.

before you could fire back with something equally smug, lewis’s hands suddenly gripped your waist, and before you knew it, you were lifted effortlessly off the ground. a surprised gasp left your lips as he set you down onto the kitchen counter, placing himself between your legs.

your heart stuttered at the sudden shift.

“lewis,” you laughed breathlessly, palms pressing against his chest. “what—”

he leaned in, his face dangerously close to yours, his hands sliding to rest against your thighs.

“you were making things difficult down there,” he murmured, his fingers teasingly brushing against your skin. “this is a much better angle.”

your breath hitched slightly, eyes flickering to his lips before snapping back to his teasing gaze. “you could have just asked me to move.”

lewis smirked, tilting his head. “where’s the fun in that?”

you narrowed your eyes at him. “you just wanted an excuse to put me here, didn’t you?”

he hummed, fingers still tracing slow, absentminded circles against your thigh. “maybe.”

your body betrayed you, warmth creeping up your neck at how easily he could make your knees weak.

lewis noticed. of course he did.

his lips brushed against your jaw, feather-light. “are you flustered?”

you rolled your eyes, trying to play it off, but your fingers instinctively curled into the fabric of his hoodie. “you wish.”

he grinned, hands squeezing your thighs slightly. “you’re right,” he murmured, voice lower now. “i don’t have to wish.”

and just like that, your entire morning plans shifted.

ʚ・george russell

you were standing by the kitchen counter, still wrapped in one of george’s oversized shirts, attempting to make coffee when two strong arms wrapped around your waist from behind.

a lazy smile spread across your face. “good morning to you too.”

george hummed against your shoulder, pressing a soft kiss to your exposed skin. “mmm… morning, love,” he murmured, voice still thick with sleep. his arms tightened slightly, pulling you closer into his warmth. “why are you up so early?”

you laughed softly, leaning into his hold. “it’s almost ten.”

“that’s early.”

you rolled your eyes, feeling his lips brush against your neck again. “you’re ridiculous.”

“i’m on vacation,” he reminded you, burying his face in your shoulder like he could melt into you completely. “and i don’t want to start my day without at least five minutes of properly cuddling you.”

you smiled, melting at how soft he was in the mornings. george was always composed, always put together—but here, in the quiet of a vacation morning, with the warmth of the sun on his skin and no race weekend stress in sight, he was nothing but yours.

you turned in his arms, wrapping yours around his neck. “what if we just stay here all day?” you suggested, voice teasing.

george lifted his head, a small smirk playing on his lips. “i love the way you think.”

and before you could even react, he effortlessly lifted you onto the kitchen counter, his hands firm on your waist.

you gasped, clutching onto his shoulders. “george!”

he grinned, stepping between your legs, his hands sliding up to cradle your face. “now i have your full attention.”

“you always have my full attention.”

his smirk softened into something sweeter. “good,” he murmured, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to your lips.

the coffee sat forgotten on the counter, the warm breeze from the open windows making the moment feel even dreamier.

“best vacation ever,” he mumbled against your lips, pulling you even closer.

and with the way he was looking at you, like you were the only thing in the world that mattered, you had to agree.

ʚ・carlos sainz

it started as a completely innocent idea.

you had seen carlos do it before—effortlessly lifting you onto the kitchen counter like you weighed nothing, always with that smug little grin. it was annoying how easy he made it look.

so, today, you decided to flip the script.

carlos was standing at the counter, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone while waiting for the kettle to boil. his posture was relaxed, completely unsuspecting. it was perfect.

you took a deep breath, squared your shoulders, and wrapped your arms around his waist from behind, attempting to lift him off the ground.

attempting.

because the second you tried to pull him up, you immediately regretted it.

carlos didn’t budge.

not even an inch.

if anything, you were pretty sure you moved yourself more than you moved him.

carlos, who had barely even reacted, finally glanced over his shoulder, an eyebrow raised in amusement. “what… exactly are you doing?”

your arms were still locked around his waist, your feet planted firmly as you tried one more desperate attempt. you groaned, using every muscle in your body to lift him.

nothing.

carlos grinned, setting his phone down. “are you trying to pick me up?”

you panted, feeling a bead of sweat forming. “yes. shut up.”

he laughed, shaking his head. “good try, amor.”

before you could even process his words, his hands were suddenly gripping your waist, and in one smooth motion, he lifted you clean off the floor.

a surprised yelp left your lips as he spun you around and set you down directly onto the counter.

carlos, still grinning, stepped between your legs, his hands still firmly on your waist. “that,” he said, tilting his head, “is how you do it.”

you scowled, crossing your arms. “unfair advantage. you’ve been training your whole life.”

carlos hummed, looking way too pleased with himself. “and you thought a sneak attack would work?”

“i thought you’d be caught off guard!”

he chuckled, leaning in closer, his voice teasing. “you think i don’t always expect your little tricks?”

you huffed dramatically. “one day, i’ll lift you.”

carlos smirked, pressing a slow kiss to your cheek. “mmm. looking forward to it, cariño.”

and somehow, that felt like an even bigger challenge.

ʚ・charles leclerc

the party was in full swing, music humming through the air, laughter spilling from different corners of the room. you were standing near the bar, chatting with a few friends, sipping on your drink when you felt a familiar warmth press against your back.

charles.

“having fun?” he murmured, his breath brushing against your ear.

you smiled, not bothering to turn around. “i was… until some guy started interrupting my conversation.”

charles chuckled, his hands casually sliding around your waist, his fingers pressing gently into your sides. “some guy, hmm?”

“mmm.” you took another sip, playing along. “he’s kind of annoying.”

before you could tease him any further, his grip suddenly tightened, and before you even had time to process, you were lifted effortlessly into the air.

a surprised gasp escaped your lips as he set you onto the bar counter, right in front of everyone.

“charles!” you smacked his chest, your legs dangling off the edge as he grinned up at you.

his green eyes sparkled mischievously, hands still casually resting on your thighs as he leaned in just a little closer. “what? you looked too nice standing there, i wanted you at my level.”

“you are so improper,” you scolded, fighting back a smile.

“maybe,” he murmured, his smirk turning softer as his fingers lightly traced circles against your skin. “but you love it.”

before you could retort, a dramatic groan echoed from behind you.

“oh my god, can you two not?”

you glanced over your shoulder to see lando, rolling his eyes, drink in hand, looking utterly unimpressed.

pierre, standing beside him, shook his head. “they do this everywhere.”

“i’m sick of it,” carlos added, taking a sip of his wine. “they don’t even care we’re here.”

charles, completely unbothered, grinned up at you. “jealous?”

lando scoffed. “of you? no. of her? maybe.”

you laughed, finally giving in and threading your fingers through charles’s hair, letting your other hand rest on his cheek. “fine,” you sighed dramatically. “i guess i’ll keep you.”

charles leaned into your touch, smirk fading into something sweeter. “good,” he murmured. “because i’m not going anywhere.”

and as much as your friends complained, neither of you moved.

2021-2025 © jungwnies | All rights reserved. Do not repost, plagiarize, or translate

[pomegranatesarchive]

A female f1 driver who was featured in the barbie movie as the f1 driver. You could write about her scene and working with the Margot and Ryan lol, and how the grid reacts to it. Lanpd could be her bf or not if you don't want.

You don't have to absolutely write if it doesn't strike any inspiration and you obviously can write whatever you want you xoxo

barbie girl | redbull!reader

pairing: f1 grid x reader

summary: redbull!reader does a cameo in the barbie movie

part of my ‘redbull!reader’ series

liked by alex_albon, landonorris, and 816,027 others!

yourusername: this barbie is a f1 driver! 🎀 barbie is out now in theaters near you <33 (or not near you? idk where you lot live)

view comments below!

user1: yn is just hitting all these side quests because what?

user1: happy for her tho!

user2: is this what it’s like to be so rich that you can literally do whatever you want?

user3: YN CAMEO!!!!

user4: WE CHEERED

user5: omw to see barbie now

landonorris: i know where you live

user6: can someone tell me her part in the movie? my parents won’t let me see it 😓

user7: she’s a f1 driver barbie, and she’s gets into a relationship with f1 driver ken (played by glen powell) throughout the movie you could see like snippets of them going from friends to bf and gf!! you could probably find some clips on youtube or something :)

user6: thank you <33

user7: GLEN POWELL????

user8: THE CAPYBARA GUY???

charles_leclerc: i can be your ken 😊

yourusername: no thank you i already have my glen ken!

charles_leclerc: but he can’t drive a REAL f1 car

yourusername: i can teach him

charles_leclerc: FINE

charles_leclerc: BE LIKE THAT THEN

charles_leclerc: I DONT CARE

charles_leclerc: GOSH

glenpowell: i would like to make it very clear that i have no interest in learning how to drive a f1 car!

charles_leclerc: NO ONE CARES GLEN

user9: i love when yn posts because i just know the comments are going to be filled with the drivers acting like they have no decorum

landonorris: i know where you live

alex_albon: movie night?

maxverstappen1: i already watched it

georgerussell63: we know…we all saw the picture of you decked out in pink at the movie theater

user10: LMAO

user11: it makes so much sense that the first time we see max in pink is when he’s supporting yn

lewishamilton: so excited to see it! 🩷

yourusername: love you 💚

charles_leclerc: I LOVE YOU TOO YN

maxverstappen1: i want love

alex_albon: can’t remember the last time you said that to me…sigh…

georgerussell63: love me next?

oscarpiastri: playing favorites i see 🤨

landonorris: i love you too 🥰

user12: bring back shame

user13: their desperation makes me sick

oscarpiastri: i guess ill watch barbie now

yourusername: why are you pretending like you weren’t the first to ask me for spoilers?

oscarpiastri: no clue what you’re talking about???

yourusername: mhm sure osc sure

user14: osc 🥹

landonorris: i know where you live

yourusername: what is wrong with you?

landonorris: i’m outside your door

user15: it’s official, lando is killing yn so he can win more races

. . .

notes: thank you for requesting!! hope you don’t mind i used this for my redbull!reader au :)

[nichmeddar]

Mesaytara | charles leclerc x reader

Charles leclerc x princess!reader

Charles leclerc imagine

F1 imagine

F1 x reader

Mesaytara

Charles Leclerc x Sheikha of Abu Dhabi!Reader

Summary: in which an Emirati princess sets off to make her mark on Formula 1 … and maybe falls in love along the way

You press your face against the glass of the private suite, watching with wide eyes as the mechanics scurry about below, tending to the sleek race cars lined up on the grid. The engines growl and rumble, seeming to shake the very foundations of the brand new Yas Marina Circuit.

“Baba, can we go down and watch them up close?” You ask your father, turning your big eyes up at him imploringly.

As the youngest child and only daughter of the ruler of Abu Dhabi, you know you hold a certain power over him. He dotes on you endlessly, his precious princess over a decade younger than your brothers.

Your father, Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, smiles fondly at your eagerness. “Of course, habibti. Anything for you.”

Despite being the most powerful man in the United Arab Emirates, your father takes your small hand lovingly as you practically drag him from the plush suite. Your entourage of guards and attendants follows at a respectful distance as you make your way down to the pit lane, the roar of the engines growing louder with every step.

Gasps and whispers follow as star-struck crew members realize just who has arrived mere feet from their work stations. They snap into nervous bows and stumble over themselves to clear a path for the Sheikh and his daughter.

But you pay them no mind, your attention utterly transfixed by the brilliant colors and aerodynamic curves of the Formula 1 cars. You’ve never seen anything so sleek and powerful up close. A faint scent of racing fuel and hot rubber hangs in the air, sharp and intoxicating.

“They’re so beautiful,” you murmur reverentially, watching as a pair of Red Bull mechanics roll out the tires for Mark Webber’s car.

Your father chuckles indulgently at your awestruck expression. “That they are, habibti. Works of engineering brilliance.”

A shot rings out from the starting lights, signaling the final minutes before the race begins. The air thrums with rising tension as the crews make their last frantic preparations. The loud thrum of the engines spinning up reverberates in your chest like a beating heart.

Leading you back to the shelter of the suite just before the cars roar out on the formation lap, your father settles into the plush sofa and pats the seat beside him. You immediately scramble up next to him, craning your neck to keep the track in view through the wide glass windows.

And then, they’re off — a streak of blinding color and screeching tires as the crimson Ferraris charge into the first turn. You rise up on your knees, hands pressed against the glass and breath fogging up the surface as you watch them disappear into the distance, chasing one another in a frenzy of motion.

For the next hour and a half, you are utterly enthralled, riveted to every twist and turn of the spectacle unfolding before you. You cheer and gasp with the roiling crowd, celebrating each breathtaking pass and lamenting every spin or collision.

When the checkered flag finally waves, signifying the end of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, you turn to your father with eyes still wide with wonder and admiration.

“Baba,” you breathe, newfound determination shining in your gaze. “I want to do that someday. I want to be a race car driver too.”

The rest of the assembled Emiratis in the suite freeze, shooting covert glances at one another uneasily. For a daughter, even a beloved princess, to harbor such ambitions is nearly unheard of in your culture. The thought of a young woman taking up such a masculine, dangerous sport is immediately dismissible.

But your father only smiles down at you warmly, cupping one calloused hand around your small cheek. “If it is Allah’s will for you, my daughter, then who am I to stand in your way?”

Around the suite, brows raise in shock and disapproval at the ease with which the Sheikh entertains your fanciful dream. You are too young to recognize the raised eyebrows and muttered whispers for what they are.

All you know is the pure joy that blossoms in your heart at your father’s blessing. You throw your arms around his broad chest, squeezing him tightly.

“Did you see them, Baba?” You gush excitedly in his ear. “How they danced through those turns? How bravely they raced and fought for every position? I’ve never seen anything like it!”

His chest rumbles with a low chuckle, cradling you against him in a fierce embrace. “I saw indeed, habibti. And perhaps no one else in our family has the same firelight in their spirit to take on such a challenge as you.”

You pull back with a radiant smile, total adoration shining up at him. At eight years old, you are still young enough to see your father as an all-powerful, all-knowing figure put on earth solely to make your dreams a reality.

The thought that he may ever deny you anything, even something as far-fetched as becoming a professional race car driver, is simply unthinkable. This is a man who rules a nation, who commands wealth and resources beyond your comprehension — and he has just promised to make your heart’s desire come true.

Still, your brow furrows slightly as the first traces of dubiousness creep into your shining eyes. “But Baba … I’m a girl. Will they even let me race?”

The Sheikh laughs again, deep and booming, causing the other attendants in the room to jump slightly at the unexpected outburst from their normally stoic monarch.

“And who is to say what any they will allow?” He counters, wagging one finger at you firmly. “If this is what you wish to do, we will move mountains to make it so. Even the most powerful dunes bow to the will of the lords who rule them.”

You giggle at his metaphor, picturing the undulating desert sands moving like ocean waves at his command. Your laugh fades as your expression turns pensive once more.

“But … I’ve never even sat in one of those cars, Baba,” you confess, chewing your lower lip anxiously. “What if I’m not brave enough? Or quick enough? What if I’m … not good enough?”

The very notion that anything or anyone could ever deny his daughter is clearly laughable to the Sheikh. He leans in close until he is staring into your eyes intently.

“Not good enough?” He asks, cradling your face in his hands. “You are the daughter of my heart, habibti. You were born of bravery and fire. There is no challenge in this life you cannot master if you desire it so.”

His words chase away any lingering doubt like the rising sun burning away the morning mist. You nod vigorously, fresh determination shining in your eyes.

“Then I’ll do it, Baba. I’ll work and train and become the quickest, bravest driver who ever lived! You’ll see!”

Your father’s warm chuckle is one of pure paternal pride and adoration. He presses a weathered kiss to your forehead, crinkling his nose at you playfully.

“If it is written, my daughter … then I have no doubt you shall, Inshallah.”

***

The mid-morning sun blazes over the sweeping dunes as the convoy of gleaming white Land Cruisers rolls up to the private family compound in Al Ain. After spending the night at one of the royal residences deep in the desert, you are returning to the main palace to celebrate your 15th birthday with the rest of the family.

As the lead SUV crunches to a stop on the grandiose circular driveway, you can’t help but notice an enormous object taking up a significant portion of the motor court. It is covered with an impeccably smooth red tarp, the color so rich it seems to glow against the bright sand like a magnificent mirage.

“What’s that?” You whisper to your brother Hassan, eyes wide with girlish curiosity as you peer through the tinted windows.

Hassan merely shrugs, already looking bored by whatever grand spectacle your father no doubt has planned this time. As the eldest son and heir apparent, he has long grown accustomed to the lavish trappings and surprises that come with being part of the Emirati ruling family.

You, on the other hand, still thrill at every indulgent display of your father’s affection — and his obvious efforts to make this birthday one you’ll never forget.

The minute your door is opened by a waiting attendant, you are scrambling to get out and get a closer look at the mysterious shape lurking beneath the tarp. Your towering bodyguards swiftly fall into step behind you, eyes sharp for any potential threat as they follow your darting form across the gleaming tile courtyard.

“Baba!” You call out excitedly, slowing your pace only when you draw up to the tarp-covered shape. “What is it? What’s under here?”

As the Sheikh emerges from the inner courtyard doors, chuckling heartily at your youthful enthusiasm, you notice the crowd of grinning spectators gathered behind him. A pride of aunts, uncles, and cousins spill out from within, all waiting with barely contained glee to bear witness to your reaction.

“Patience, habibti,” he chides you playfully, though his own eyes are twinkling with poorly masked mirth. Your father lives for these moments — any opportunity to shower his only daughter with grand gestures and lavish surprises. “The unveiling comes first.”

You practically vibrate with anticipation as your father accepts a simple push remote from one of his attendants. He casts you one more indulgent smile, then thumbs the button dramatically. There is an agonizing beat of total silence before the heavy tarp begins its slow mechanical slide to the ground.

When its contents are finally revealed, your jaw drops open in a shocked ‘O.’ There, squatting low and sleek before you like a panther ready to pounce, is the unmistakable profile of a Formula 1 car. But not just any car ...

“No ...” you breathe, pressing one hand to your mouth as you recognize every curve and angle, every slashing line of the striking Ferrari red livery. “It … it can’t be...”

“The F2002,” your father announces grandly, gazing at the vehicle with obvious pride. “The very same one that Michael Schumacher drove to his fifth World Championship that year. I had heard the team was auctioning it off to make way for their museum refurbishment … so I put in a special request.”

You stumble forward, hands outstretched to reverently trace the contours of the car as if to assure yourself it is real. Your fingertips glide over the sinuous sidepod, feeling the raised ridges of the sponsor’s decals and the rough nubs of leather on the steering wheel. You can scarcely believe you’re running your hands over the very car that dominated the 2002 season.

“Baba ...” you barely have the breath to vocalize your stunned gratitude. Any other girl may have been delighted by clothes or jewelry for a 15th birthday. But this … this is beyond your wildest dreams.

Your father steps up beside you, wrapping one strong arm around your shoulders as you continue gaping at the car in awe. He leans in close, his words meant for your ears alone.

“Do you remember what I told you that first day at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, habibti?” His voice is solemn but warm with parental affection. “That if this was your true desire — to race, to pour your spirit into this challenge — that I would move mountains to allow it?”

You nod numbly, still half-convinced you are dreaming even as the heavy scent of racing fuel and hot metal seems to fill your senses. Your eyes trace hungrily over every aerodynamic seam and vent carved into the car’s bodywork.

“So much has changed in the years since that day,” your father continues, giving your shoulders a gentle squeeze. “The world shifts in ways we can never foresee, carrying us all along in its currents whether we resist or not.”

You tear your gaze away from the car to glance up at him questioningly. His expression has turned peculiarly intense, the solemnity in his face aging him beyond his years.

“But there is one force more powerful than any empire or nation, habibti. More resolute than any passing storms that batter our traditions.” He leans in close, searching your eyes as if to impart something profoundly meaningful. “And that is the immortal strength of a father’s love for his child.”

The simplicity of the statement, the effortless way it encapsulates every indulgence and surprise of your young life, steals what little breath remains in your lungs. You simply gape at him, scarcely daring to blink as he cups your face in his calloused palms.

“So no, my daughter,” he murmurs, holding your gaze firmly with his own. “I will not deny you this. Your desires and dreams are my own. If you wish to race, if you burn to chase this path … you will do so with my eternal pride and blessing at your back.”

You feel tears prickling the corners of your eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of his vow. At fifteen you are still young enough for his words to anoint you with purpose and conviction. Your destiny feels as immovable as the highest dunes in that moment, your path clearly illuminated by his will alone.

As if to echo his promise, your father nods over your shoulder towards the gathered crowd. You glance back to find your extended family arrayed in a loose semicircle, hushed and watchful as if awaiting some pronouncement. Among their numbers, you recognize several prominent local racers and federation officials who have clearly been summoned here as witnesses.

“Which is why ...” your father continues, raising his voice to carry across the courtyard. “I have already taken the liberty of entering you in next year’s inaugural Formula 4 UAE Championship.”

A ripple of gasps and muttering races through the crowd at his words. You can see disapproving glances exchanged between the elders and officials, expressions ranging from skeptical to outright incredulous.

But your eyes only widen further, mouth falling open in shock as the implications of what your father has decreed wash over you. He said the words so casually, as if securing your entry to the first-ever national Formula 4 series was as simple as booking a dinner reservation.

“The … the F4?” You manage to croak out, still utterly blindsided by the revelation. “You mean … I’ll be racing in single seaters?”

A fresh murmur of disbelief rises from the crowd at your stunned reaction. Out of the corner of your eye, you see several uncles shaking their heads in disbelief, while your aunts look politely appalled. Even your stone-faced bodyguards shift uncomfortably at your father’s flagrant disregard for propriety.

But the Sheikh only frowns at them all, appearing affronted that they would dare doubt his word. When he speaks again, his tone brooks no argument — this is a decree from the ruler of the nation himself, not a mere family disagreement.

“For too long, many have clung to outdated traditions that would see my daughter’s ambitions rendered invisible,” he declares, seeming to grow in stature as he takes in their skeptical faces one by one. “We have chosen to view her gender as an obstacle to overcome, rather than a divine gift to be nurtured!”

You watch, stunned and a little afraid, as your father’s impassioned words seem to pull the disapproving gazes towards him like a lit torch drawing moths to the flame. You have never seen your normally reserved father so heated, so emboldened to make this public defense of your dreams.

“Which is why I say enough!” He sweeps one hand through the air, brushing aside generations of ingrained patriarchal norms like a tuft of desert sand. “My daughter burns with the spirit of a million wildfire hawks! And if you would deny her the right to chase her own destiny, you deny the winds that stir this very land itself!”

A hush falls over the assembled crowd, none daring to rebut the Sheikh’s sudden impassioned rhetoric. You can only gape at your father, utterly transfixed, drinking in his protective roar.

“From this day forward,” he declares, turning his fiery gaze back down to you. “My daughter will race for more than just herself. She will drive for every daughter in this family — in this nation — who has ever had her dreams dimmed simply for being born female. She carries the weight of a thousand ancestors’ ambitions on her back!”

His words seem to electrify the very air surrounding you. You can feel their power, their reckless conviction washing over you like a sandstorm flaying away all the self-doubt and uncertainty in its path.

When he gathers you into his embrace, you cling to him with everything you have. Tears stream openly down your cheeks, heedless of the audience bearing witness to this seismic shift in the ancient social order.

“You will race, habibti,” your father rumbles fiercely into your hair, squeezing you so tightly. “Not just because I wish it, but because it is your destiny written in the stars themselves. The path may be difficult, the challenges ahead more than you can fathom … but you will never walk it alone.”

You nod wordlessly against his chest, blinking back tears of overwhelming gratitude and purpose. In this moment, he does not merely feel like your indulgent father — he is the very sun burning away the last vestiges of doubt, ensuring your course is forever set towards glory.

When you finally pull back, your eyes shine with fresh determination and unflinching resolve. You turn to face the silent, gaping crowd with your chin raised defiantly, every bit the born warrior princes making her stand.

“I will race,” you declare, pitching your voice to carry to the furthest reaches of the courtyard. “And I will win.”

A shocked beat of silence hangs over the assembly. And then, incredibly, it is your dear brother Hassan who steps forward first, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he shakes his head in disbelief.

“Of course you will, you spoiled brat,” he proclaims with a snort of laughter. “Knowing our father, you’ll probably end up with one of Lewis Hamilton’s cars next.”

The tension shatters in a wave of startled chuckles from the onlookers. You shoot your brother a watery smile, silently thanking him for being the first to signal his acceptance of the path your father has set out for you.

As the rest of the gathered officials and elders slowly begin to nod and murmur in acknowledgment, you feel a profound sense of peace and conviction settle over your heart. You need no longer dream and wish and hope — everything has been set into glorious, undeniable motion.

When you turn back to the gleaming Ferrari sitting before you, it no longer seems like an impossible fantasy, but a key to a future burning brighter than the desert sun itself. You move towards it without hesitation, climbing up into the body-hugging carbon seat until you are cocooned within its sleek lines.

Wrapping your fingers around the sculpted steering wheel, you can practically feel its power and purpose thrumming through you like an electric current of pure adrenaline. This is where you belong — raw ambition harnessed within a technological marvel. You are a falcon poised for flight, wings outstretched to conquer the horizon, gender be damned.

You glance up through the curved windscreen to find your father watching you with naked pride shining in his eyes. He catches your gaze and offers a single, solemn nod of acknowledgment. His little princess, once an innocent dreamer … now preparing to become a pioneer for a new era.

You nod back, inhaling the rich scent of clinging burnt rubber and drinking in the intoxicating promise of everything to come.

You are chasing more than just some fanciful passion. You will prove to the world that no ambition is too lofty, no dream too bold, for you to conquer.

***

The sleek Aston Martin DBX glides silently through the entrance tunnel and into the team’s gleaming new headquarters in Silverstone. As the muscular crossover comes to a stop in the bright, airy courtyard, a familiar thrill of anticipation sparks to life in your chest.

This gleaming complex of glass, steel and green technology has become more than just the workplace of your racing heroes over the past year. With the news of Aston Martin’s sudden sponsorship woes, it has taken on a tantalizing new significance — the potential launching pad for your own Formula 1 dream.

You shoot your father an excited glance as the driver opens your door, but the Sheikh remains impassive behind his amber-tinted aviators. Now in his late 60s, Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has grown only more inscrutable and steely with age and power.

To the casual observer, he would appear utterly unruffled, preparing to stride into a meeting that could alter the course of the Formula 1 landscape. You, however, have spent a lifetime studying the nuanced ridge of his jawline, the reserved set of those broad shoulders, and can sense the focused intensity burning behind his courteous facade.

This is far more than just a meeting for the ruler of Abu Dhabi and chairman of International Holding Company, one of the largest conglomerates in not only the Emirates but the world. This is the potential culmination of a promise made to his only daughter nearly 15 years ago — a vow to move heaven and earth to ensure her dreams were realized.

You follow half a step behind your father and his retinue of advisors as they cross the courtyard, resisting the urge to gawk openly at the team motorhomes and formidable industrial build of the main factory. Despite spending your early years mired in the European junior formulae, this exalted world of Formula 1 still manages to set your heart pounding with equal parts reverence and ambition.

A sleek black sedan is idling in the VIP parking section, dispatched to collect the final party in your impending negotiation. As you slow your approach, the driver emerges and moves to hold open the rear door with an obsequious bow.

“Son of a bitch kept us waiting,” comes the droll observation from the tall, lanky figure emerging from the sedan’s depths.

Lawrence Stroll, Canadian billionaire, business magnate, and majority owner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, appraises your group through those same inscrutable tinted lenses favored by all men of profound power and means. At his side is the rather more bookish form of team principal Mike Krack, eyes already politely averted as he waits for the Sheikh’s lead.

You can’t resist a tiny, adrenaline-tinged thrill at the sight of them both. These are the men who hold the keys to the kingdom you’ve spent your life battering against — the exalted realm of Formula 1. You’ve spent countless nights watching their team’s racing green cars arc and pivot through Yas Marina’s turns, dreaming of the day you might join their ranks.

Now that tantalizing possibility hovers before you, dangled by the generous purse-strings of your family’s staggeringly deep pockets. For in the wake of Aramco’s high-profile defection as Aston Martin’s title sponsor, a Goliath-sized vacuum has opened — one which your father’s IHC conglomerate is uniquely positioned to fill.

For a price, of course.

“Ahmed,” Lawrence greets your father with a curt nod, making no effort to mask his impatience or indifference to decorum. “I’ll cut right to it — what’s your ask here? 25% share in the team? 35? Just name your number so we can get this whole-”

“Actually, Lawrence,” your father interrupts him, sliding off his sunglasses to reveal that piercing gaze that has cowed entire global cabinets into obedience. “I have no interest in an ownership stake. Not in this particular venture.”

The Canadian billionaire pulls up short, clearly thrown by the unexpected rebuff of his assumption. He glances towards his team principal, who can only offer a minute shrug, before turning back to your father with one arched brow.

“Well then … enlighten me,” he prompts with just a hint of renewed interest flickering in those beady eyes. “If not an ownership play, then what’s your angle here?”

Your heart leaps into your throat as your father responds, his words carefully measured but leaving no shred of ambiguity in their intent.

“My desires are rather more … specific. More personal.” Your father casts a meaningful glance in your direction. “As I’m sure you’ve both realized by now, I have a rather more vested interest in the world of Formula 1 beyond mere business or expense portfolios.”

He turns back to Lawrence and Mike, expression inscrutable once more.

“I want a seat for my daughter. On your team.”

The stunned silence that follows is perhaps the loudest absence of sound you’ve ever experienced. Even the distant whirr of machinery from the factory seems to grind to a halt as the two men process your father’s audacious declaration.

You watch them closely, studying their reactions with rapt fascination. With a single conversational grenade, your father has lobbed your ambitions squarely into their laps in a way that cannot be ignored or dismissed as idle fanciful musings. This is a directive from one of the wealthiest sovereign individuals on earth, stressed through the undeniable weight of his tone and body language.

For a few charged seconds, all you can hear is the thundering of your own pulse in your ears.

Then, surprisingly, it is Mike Krack who finds his voice first. The diminutive Luxembourger clears his throat, exchanging a poorly masked look of disbelief with the still dumbstruck Lawrence Stroll.

“With … all due respect, Your Highness,” he begins carefully, as if testing the tensile strength of rice paper with each word. “While I cannot challenge your ambitions for your daughter, a Formula 1 seat is simply not something that can be … appointed through sponsorship alone.”

He pauses again, seeming to hesitate under the level stare of your father. You realize his reaction stems not from any doubts about your abilities - the team principal doesn’t even know you from any other young hopeful dreaming of the F1 grid. His concern is far more fundamental, stemming from the very nature of your gender in this male-dominated world.

“There hasn’t been a female driver on the grid since the 90s and even that was short lived. For good reason — the physical and mental demands are … immense. No offense intended, but perhaps a personal sponsorship targeted towards the F1 Academy or something similar would be-”

“That won’t be necessary,” your father cuts him off with a curt wave of his hand. “My daughter’s credentials should speak for themselves, if you care to review them. She’s competed in — and won — both the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships over the past four years. I assure you, she is more than prepared to handle the same mental and physical rigors as her male counterparts.”

Silence falls again as Krack and a visibly skeptical Lawrence clearly reassess their earlier assumptions. You feel their analytical gazes washing over you, weighing and measuring as if they can somehow gauge your skills and fortitude based on outward appearances alone.

When Lawrence speaks again, there is a newfound edge of pragmatism in his tone.

“Sure, that’s all well and good on the junior level,” he allows with a slight nod. “Won’t be the first time a hotshot comes up thinking they’re Senna reincarnated only to completely bottle it on the big stage. Happens all the damn time.”

He holds up one hand as your father’s brow furrows dangerously. “But say we do entertain this … suggestion of yours. That still leaves the rather prominent problem of having an open seat to slot her into. In case you haven’t heard, we already signed our team for next year. Only got two cars, last I checked.”

A thin, vindicated smile curves your father’s lips. For all his bluster, the Canadian team owner has just delivered the perfect entry point to reveal his true bargaining chip.

“About that,” the Sheikh murmurs, casting a sidelong glance towards Krack. “I have it on good authority that Aston Martin will, in fact, have a rather convenient vacancy opening up on their driver roster very soon.”

Mike Krack’s expression shutters instantly at the tung-in-cheek reference, no doubt recognizing the inside information that could only have come from one of his own drivers or personnel leaking like a sieve. His eyes slide momentarily toward Lawrence in wordless apology.

Your father doesn’t miss a beat, pressing his advantage with the casual confidence of a man who has spent a lifetime wielding power and influence as deftly as others use voice tonality.

“Fernando Alonso’s impending retirement may well be the worst kept secret in the paddock, no?” He arches one eloquent brow at the increasingly chagrined team principal. “A Delta Topco investor of mine happened to mention the championship-winning Spaniard has been snapping up quite an impressive Swiss real estate portfolio as of late ...”

The comment hangs engulfed in awkward silence as even Lawrence seems slightly taken aback by your father’s easy name-dropping of proprietary team intel. You realize with a start that this is a glimpse into the upper realms of global power and business dealing you’ve only ever witnessed from the outside — the effortless ability to command knowledge and find out even the most classified information with just a few strategically-placed calls or leanings of influence.

It’s Krack who finally capitulates first, clearing his throat again as he darts a helpless glance towards the team owner. “Clearly … this exit has been, ah, on the team’s radar for some time. We’ve been exploring our options, but-”

“But you haven’t had to make it official yet, yes yes of course,” your father interjects, waving off the rest of his explanation with an airy flick of his wrist. “Which brings us back to the matter at hand.”

He pins them both with a pointed look, any trace of ambiguity evaporating from the scorching intensity of his gaze.

“Gentlemen, I will get straight to the point — Aston Martin requires a new title sponsor to remain financially solvent and competitive on the Formula 1 grid. International Holding Company has the resources and reach to provide that sponsorship, effectively in perpetuity if need be.”

His mouth curves into the barest hint of a smile, though there is no warmth in the expression whatsoever. This is a businessman reveling in checkmate before the final stroke is even delivered.

“All I require in exchange is one of the seats that will be so … conveniently vacated.”

A heavy silence falls over the courtyard once more. You watch Lawrence and Mike exchange another loaded glance, wrestling with the realization that your father seems to hold all the leverage in this particular negotiation. The cool confidence radiating from the Sheikh suggests he is more than comfortable walking away from this deal if they prove … unreasonable.

Finally, Lawrence seems to decide upon the path of least resistance. The corners of the Canadian billionaire’s mouth tug downwards in displeasure, but he offers a curt nod of acceptance.

“You’re twisting one hell of a knife, I’ll give you that, Ahmed,” he mutters, clearly taking no joy in the literal quid pro quo being forced upon Aston Martin’s future solvency. “Okay, fine. We agree to your … terms, shall we say. One seat on the grid for the 2025 season in exchange for IHC’s sponsorship.”

Both men turn their assessing gazes towards you once again. There is no missing the skepticism and doubt burning behind their studied neutrality. They have clearly accepted your presence on the team as nothing more than a necessary evil to be endured in exchange for the monetary incentive.

There will be no welcoming embraces or admiring back-slaps from these two men hardened by decades in the cutthroat world of business and motorsport politics. You are a costly contractual obligation to them at this point, one they have no emotional investment in whatsoever.

There is only one way to change that. Only one path to earn their acknowledgement and respect.

You lock eyes with Stroll and then Krack in turn. When you finally find your voice, it comes out low and thrumming with absolute conviction.

“I will earn my place on that grid. And any doubts you may have now will be extinguished when I take that Aston across the finish line first.”

It’s a bold statement, perhaps even arrogant from an unproven rookie. But it has been woven into the very fabric of who you are over a decade and a half of sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering paternal support. You are a daughter forged from renewed sands by the sheer force of your father’s will into a warrior princess.

Doubt is no longer a luxury you can entertain, now that your dream looms so close at hand.

Your father casts you a faint, proud smile — the only outward sign he will permit of his profound approval and respect for the woman you have become. His eyes glitter with razor-sharp ambition.

“My daughter speaks true,” he declares, turning back to Lawrence and Krack with a challenging arch of his brow. “But of course … I expect you’ll both prefer to judge her for yourselves on the track.”

Lawrence’s perfunctory nod is perhaps a touch more intrigued now, a glimmer of renewed interest flickering behind those impassive eyes. For the first time, he seems to be assessing you as an actual person and athlete rather than some implausible imposition. A sliver of doubt appears to prick at the stony edge of his demeanor.

Mike Krack simply inclines his head in acquiescence, the perfect picture of professional decorum regardless of his personal misgivings. Smart money would place him as one of the individuals funneling inside information about Alonso’s moves to your father’s sources. He is clearly not about to push his luck any further by voicing unnecessary dissent or challenge.

“Very well then,” your father concludes with an air of finality, turning towards Lawrence with an expectant look. “Shall we go ahead and make this official?”

The billionaire businessmen meet in the center of the small gathering, squaring off like two prize fighters preparing for the bell. You watch with bated breath, heart thundering in your chest, as they size one another up for the final moments of the negotiation.

Then, in one smooth motion, they clasp hands and exchange a firm shake — sealing your life’s ambition into ironclad reality. A barely perceptible nod of understanding passes between them, an acknowledgment that despite all the complexities and nuances, there is now a deal on the table that benefits them all.

Your father has successfully leveraged every ounce of his wealth, power, and influence to deliver on his decade’s old promise to you. The seat, the sponsorship … everything has been set into motion.

The only thing left is for you to drive.

***

“Are they seriously going to make us do this?”

Lance Stroll’s voice carries a distinct whine as he hunches lower on the leather couch, pointedly avoiding eye contact with the small crew setting up lights and cameras around the Aston Martin hospitality unit. His lanky frame is dressed down in team-issued sweats, tousled hair lopped into that carefully cultivated ‘I woke up like this’ aesthetic he seems to spend hours perfecting.

You shoot your new teammate a sidelong glance, arching one sculpted brow at his apparent distress. Despite being the owner’s son and growing up immersed in the utmost privilege, Lance still seems to find novel ways to broadcast his discomfort with the fame and exposure that comes with being an F1 driver.

“What, you’ve never had to film some cringey sponsor vid or team propaganda before?” You tease him lightly, unable to resist needling him a bit. There’s a certain giddy thrill at realizing you now share an equal standing with Lance on this global stage — though you still frequently have to remind yourself of that fact.

Lance shifts again, slouching further into the plush cushions with a frown. You watch his finely-boned features scrunch up petulantly, and can’t quite resist rolling your eyes.

“I mean, yeah, of course I have,” he mumbles, suddenly finding great interest in inspecting his nails. “But those were always pre-scripted or completely faked, y’know? This just seems so ...”

“Menial? Frivolous?” You arch a taunting brow at him. “For the son of a billionaire businessman and an actual princess?”

He blinks, thrown briefly off-guard as you remind him of your own lofty status with a wry grin. It’s still a novel concept for him to process, you can tell — the idea of an Arab woman of royal lineage daring to enter the same playing field, to consider herself an equal.

Good. It will make savoring his skepticism all the more satisfying when you blow past him on the circuit.

“Just don’t get too used to all this, alright?” He rallies, regaining some of his trademark swagger as he jerks his chin towards the ever-growing gaggle of team personnel crowding the lounge area. “We’re still teammates and all, but on the track … well, may the best nepo baby win.”

You laugh at his attempt at posturing, gentling nudging his foot with your own in an uncharacteristically playful gesture. “Don’t worry, Lancelot, I’ll go easy on you,” you tease. “Baba always did say to respect one’s elders, after all.”

Lance’s indignant sputter of outrage at your jibe is mercifully cut off by the arrival of one of the producers, a slim woman in stylish athleisure attire adorned with Aston Martin’s iconic green cues. She claps her hands together with a bubbly smile.

“Hiya, names Chelsea, nice to meet you both!” She chirps in a distinctly American accent, utterly unbothered by the two pairs of eyes swiveling to size her up with varying levels of dulled enthusiasm.

“We’re going to keep things pretty simple for this one — just a quick, low-stakes game to help get you guys on camera and build some pre-season hype on the socials, yeah?” Chelsea continues brightly, gesturing for her crew to finish setting up the lighting and cameras.

“Ooo, a game?” You perk up instantly, intrigued. As a lifelong academic overachiever, any type of challenge or opportunity to demonstrate your brain muscle still manages to activate the synapses of childish glee. “I do love a bit of friendly competition ...”

“Not if it’s going to be anything too taxing, I hope,” Lance drawls with an exaggerated yawn. He mimes checking an invisible watch on his bare wrist. “Do we at least get snack breaks? This jet lag is a killer and I need to keep my strength up ...”

You can’t resist rolling your eyes again as Chelsea laughs politely, clearly recognizing his pampered shtick for what it is. She pauses to check her notes on a tablet before continuing.

“Well, good news for you then — your mental fortitude won’t be too strained today. We’re going to keep things pretty light. We’ll just have some common, everyday items for you two to identify and guess the purchase prices. Easy peasy! More variety show games than trigonometry.”

Chelsea grins, unaware of the subtle way the blood seems to drain from your teammate’s face. You blink once, digesting her words, before a bemused smile finds its way across your own lips.

“Wait … they’re actually going to ask us to identify grocery prices and things?” You shake your head in disbelief. “No, this has to just be a wind-up, right? Even in this economy, there’s no way the team can be serious about-”

“Unfortunately, we are painfully earnest on this one, kids,” Another voice pipes up, accompanied by the familiar cadence of an East London accent.

Jack, a senior member of the Aston team’s creative division, slouches against the doorway to the lounge with his customary smirk already in place. Clearly this was his brainchild — a casual hazing ritual for the team’s most privilege-addled members.

“See, the blokes upstairs figure since you two grew up way closer to hedge fund managers than grocery checkout queues … could be a bit of a laugh, yeah?” He jerks his chin towards you both with a conspiratorial wink. “Just a bit of fun for the fans, have a go at seein’ how the young rich kids guess costs of plebeian things like bananas and bread loaves. Been a hit with the other teams, gets good traction on social, all innocent fun and whatnot.”

“Told you it would be taxing ...” Lance grumbles under his breath, pinching the bridge of his nose as if staving off the first twinges of a migraine.

You, however, find yourself rather intrigued by Jack’s premise. It does seem a fairly innocuous way to let the fans peek behind the curtain at the lives of their favorite drivers, to which you and Lance represent the extreme ends of wealth disparity.

More than that, however, some tiny kernel of competitive ego has taken root in your chest, issuing a silent challenge. What better way to prove you are more well-rounded and less out-of-touch than the reputation that clearly precedes you both?

Let Lance play into the indolent, affluent caricature that paints all of F1’s rising stars in broad strokes. You, however, were raised under a rather different philosophy ...

“You know what, I think this sounds rather amusing,” you announce with a demure shrug of your shoulders, catching Lance’s incredulous stare head-on. “Should be … illuminating.”

From his spot by the door, Jack lets out a dry cackle of amusement. Chelsea, bless her, maintains her gracious professionalism despite sensing the rising undercurrents of upper-crust posturing between the two of you.

“Brilliant, that’s the spirit!” She cuts in brightly, clapping her hands together again. “Everyone just follow my lead, we’ll start off nice and easy ...”

Within a few minutes, the cameras are rolling, framing the two of you seated opposite one another on the couch. A small table sits between you, ready to display the variety of day-to-day items you’ll be asked to examine and appraise.

At Chelsea’s behest, a production assistant brings out a single, slightly bruised banana and places it on the table with an audible thunk. You instantly feel Lance’s gaze swivel in your direction, doubtlessly already anticipating whatever absurd denomination you’re about to slap on the unremarkable piece of fruit.

“Alright, then we’re live starting in 3 … 2 ...” Chelsea narrates before cueing the two of you with a brilliant smile and a wink. “Welcome back everyone, today we’ve got Lance and our newest driver Y/N here to play a little guessing game for us!”

She gestures grandly towards the table, injecting her effervescent delivery with just the right mix of playful condescension.

“First item up — something anyone can find at their local shops or markets. A nice, appealing banana. Question is … what would our two racers be willing to pay for such a humble thing? Off the lot, so to speak. Y/N, love? What do you reckon this banana would cost?”

You swallow back the first, instinctive answer that comes to mind — that it likely doesn’t cost anything, seeing as fresh produce is always plucked from your family’s private orchards and greenhouses at a moment’s notice. Instead, you force yourself to consider the question from the perspective of a supposed commoner, out doing their weekly shopping.

“Well ...” You begin slowly, chin cradled in one hand as you lean forward to examine the fruit. “I suppose bananas don’t seem terribly expensive, do they? Just a bit of potassium and carbs, good for starting the day strong and beating any energy troughs during exercise ...”

Chelsea nods encouragingly, hanging on your every word in that canned, just-over-dramatized manner of most TV personalities. Across from you, Lance is already pinching his nose again, eyes squeezed shut as if preparing himself for the inevitable bomb you’re about to drop.

With a decisive nod, you fix your eyes directly on the camera and proclaim, “Ten euros for a single banana seems perfectly reasonable in this economic climate, no?”

The silence that falls over the lounge is damn near deafening. You watch Chelsea’s overly-rehearsed presenter mask slip for just a moment, features contorting into naked shock. Even Jack the producer lapses into a rare moment of speechlessness, mouth hanging open in slack-jawed disbelief.

At your side, Lance finally breaks, collapsing forward as his frame is wracked with deep, abdominal convulsions of laughter.

“Sweet merciful …" He finally manages to gasp out between ragged gasps. Long, spindly fingers clutch at his stomach as tears of mirth stream down his reddened cheeks. “Ten … fucking … euros! For a banana?”

Any residual thoughts you may have had about defying expectations and proving your economic awareness swiftly crumble to dust amidst the howls of laughter. You gape at your teammate, feeling your cheeks flaming with a mix of confusion and growing embarrassment as the reality of your inflated estimate crashes over you.

“Well … it’s … it’s not THAT outrageous, is it?” You sputter in a desperate attempt to regain control of the situation. “I’d just assumed, with the import tariffs and global agricultural strife we’ve seen as of late-”

“Stop, stop! Just … stop ...” Lance wheezes, waving his hands in surrender before you can dig the hole any deeper. “I can’t … I actually can’t breathe right now.”

“For the record, love,” Jack pipes up from his doorway perch. “Stores don’t even charge ten euros for a bunch of bananas, let alone one lousy nanner.”

The production assistant responsible for presenting the fruit chimes in with a faint “20 pence, last I checked,” sending Lance into another spiral of unbridled cackles.

Just like that, any delusion of cultured cosmopolitan grace you may have carried has been utterly incinerated. You are as transparently affluent as the rest of them assumed, your upbringing and lifestyle so sequestered from normalcy that even the simple prices of supermarket produce have become alien concepts.

And the realization that you are still young, still so new to this entire experience, hits you with sobering impact. For so long, you had believed your decade and a half of single-minded pursuit had prepared you for seamlessly joining the elite ranks of your new career.

But one ill-fated guess at a banana’s cost was all it took to remind you that, in many ways, the learning curve you face goes far beyond simply whipping a turbo-hybrid around a few iconic circuits.

As Chelsea scrambles to regain control of the taping and cycle in a new item, Lance leans over with the last dregs of laughter still shuddering his lean frame.

“You’re totally gonna get us roasted online for this, you know?” He murmurs, lips quirked in that devilish smirk you’re already becoming accustomed to. “Maybe we should schedule a field trip to, y’know … go grocery shopping or something? Little crash course before the damage gets too widespread?”

Despite his smarmy delivery, you recognize the extended olive branch for what it is — an acknowledgment that you’re both very much still kids stumbling into a world of intense scrutiny and maturity. A reminder that you’re on the same team, for better or worse.

So you shoot him a wry grin in return, squaring your shoulders as Chelsea presents the next mundane item with a theatrical flourish.

“Oh, I have a feeling the roasting you speak of has only just begun, Lancelot,” you proclaim with an arch of one challenging brow. “But if prices shock me so thoroughly … what’s your excuse going to be?”

His widening smirk is all the response you require. Teammates or not, this is still a competition on and off the track.

An education, regardless of how humbling, is about to be had.

***

The media center in Melbourne’s Albert Park is a churning sea of humanity when you arrive. Journalists from every corner of the globe jostle for position, clutching voice recorders and branded lanyards as they await the start of the season’s first official press conference.

Despite the pandemonium, an anticipatory hush falls over the assembled scribes when you are led to the makeshift stage alongside Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri. The five of you settle into the leather chairs arrayed in a semicircle, blinking furiously under the brilliant TV lights as you ready yourselves for the onslaught of questions.

Your heart pounds in your ears, palms suddenly slick with nervous perspiration as you fight to maintain an aura of calm composure. Though you’ve been groomed practically since birth to carry yourself with regal poise, this is an entirely new arena you find yourself in. One where pedigreed lineage and family legacy afford no protection or leg up.

This is the world where you will either rise or fall based purely on your own deeds behind the wheel and words under fire. No longer will a dismissive wave of your father’s hand send underlings scattering — here, you will have to forge your own path, earn every scrap of credibility and respect.

The thought is at once thrilling and utterly terrifying.

You do your best to focus as the opening preambles and formalities commence, nodding politely when your name is announced along with your Aston Martin team affiliation. A small, fiercely proud smile tugs at your lips as the FIA moderator rattles off your accomplishments in the junior formulae.

Multiple feeder series championships across Europe and Asia, becoming the first Arab woman to compete in the FIA single-seater ladder. A true pioneer transcending societal norms and expectations.

This is your chance to let that very accomplishment shine on its own merits. An opportunity to prove you belong here through your own grit and talent, free from the protective umbrella provided by your family name and wealth.

The first question, mercifully, comes from a fellow Emirati news outlet. The young man politely identifies himself and his publication before addressing you.

“Your Highness, as the first woman from our part of the world to ascend to this level of motorsport, what does this achievement mean for you? How important is it to serve as an inspiration for other young Arab women and girls with big dreams?”

You exhale slowly, offering the man a grateful smile at the respectful phrasing. This is the type of insightful perspective you’d been hoping to discuss — the gravity of overcoming generations of patriarchal norms, the significance of inspiring an entire culture to see women as strong and capable.

“Well, it is an immense honor and privilege to hopefully be paving the way for other young women, both in my region and all around the globe,” you begin, falling easily into the poised cadence you’ve honed since childhood.

“This was a dream I was fortunate enough to have the support system to chase from a very young age, despite the conventions of my culture. I know there are countless other girls out there with the same fire, the same ambitions, who have been discouraged or dismissed simply for being born female. If my example can shine a light on a new way forward, can help uplift even one other person to take up the mantle and fight for their passions … then every obstacle I faced along the way will have been worth it.”

A smattering of polite applause ripples across the room and you incline your head graciously, relieved to have navigated one of these public inquisitions so smoothly on the first go. Perhaps this won’t prove as daunting as you feared, after all.

The next few questions are mercifully innocuous as well — standard inquiries about dealing with the pressures of F1, relationships with teammates and engineers, your personal driving style and technical strengths. Child’s play for someone with your extensively cultivated presence before the media cameras.

You are settling into a contented, borderline cocky rhythm when the tone of the press conference takes an abrupt turn.

“Your Highness,” a gravelly voice suddenly rings out, immediately catching your attention as one of the gruffer correspondents gestures for the mic with poorly disguised impatience. He clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably as every head swivels in his direction. “Given your … background, and the societal norms you’ve admittedly had to overcome, does it give you any pause that women’s bodies may simply not be able to handle the extraordinary G-forces and physicality required to pilot one of these beasts around a track for hours at a time?”

The silence that falls across the media room is positively deafening. You can sense the other drivers beside you tensing, no doubt steeling themselves for the oncoming wreckage they can see barreling down the line.

For your part, you simply blink once, twice — allowing the weight of the man’s insinuation to fully descend like an iron shroud and smother you from every side. Any joviality or adrenaline from the earlier back-and-forth evaporates in a searing wave of incredulous rage.

Before you can so much as draw breath to respond, however, the reporter has already pressed on with the ruthless zeal of a jackal going for the kill.

“Furthermore, with all the perceived advantages provided to you by your … esteemed heritage ...” He sneers the words with no small hint of derision. “How can we be certain you aren’t simply some vanity pet project for your father to amuse himself with? That this isn’t merely an attempt by Emirati royalty to assert itself in yet another arena in a flamboyant display of ego and excess?”

Dead silence. Not even the sound of a pen scratching or camera shutter cutting across the vacuum of noise as the entire room seems to be holding its collective breath.

You can feel your heart pounding once more, though this time it thunders in furious sync with the scorching rapids of your own rising temper. How dare this absolute jackass reduce your life’s work and sacrifice to some sexist, patronizing narrative about Daddy writing checks?

“How dare you ...” you begin in a low, menacing tone — only to be smoothly interrupted by the one voice you’d never expect.

“Oh, on the contrary,” Charles Leclerc speaks up from your right, smooth and controlled until now. “How can any of us be so fortunate?”

Every head pivots to regard the Ferrari driver, astounded by his interjection on your behalf. Up until now, Leclerc has maintained his signature cool, borderline impassive demeanor during interviews and pressers.

But now the Monegasque racer leans forward, forearms resting on the table as he fixes the hapless reporter with a look of genuine, cutting disdain.

“Here we have the first woman to race in F1 in decades, shattering years of patriarchal norms to achieve her lifelong ambition on the single most demanding stage of our sport,” he continues in a deliberate, measured tone. “And your very first instinct is to make tired, sexist implications about the frailty of her gender and body? And then to have the audacity to insult her even further by suggesting she couldn’t possibly be here on her own merits?”

Leclerc pauses, allowing his stinging rebuke to hang in the air. You glance around to see the matching expressions of discomfort and secondhand embarrassment painted on the features of your fellow drivers.

“For someone meant to be among the world’s most informed observers of our sport, your remarks are about as offensively misguided and stunted as I could possibly imagine,” Charles finishes with an unmistakable air of finality, folding his arms across his chest. He looks utterly disgusted, but there is an undercurrent of protective ice in his voice that raises the tiny hairs on your arms.

Before the flailing reporter can attempt to concoct some garbled justification for his outrageously inappropriate line of questioning, another voice pipes up — this one bearing the bright, airy lilt of an American accent.

“So, Y/N,” the younger woman interjects, clearly hoping to spare you all any further ugliness, “To pivot away from all that noise for a second … what was your initial reaction when it was announced you had secured the Aston seat? Did you do, like a big celebration or anything?”

You blink a few times, as if rebooting from Leclerc’s unexpected defense. When your mind finally reconnects, you offer the American reporter a grateful smile and a pointed glance towards Charles before speaking.

“You know, we didn’t go too over-the-top or anything,” you reply, welcoming the chance to shift to a fresh topic and get this presser back on track. “I’ll save that for the podium come race day.”

A smattering of relieved laughter ripples through the room, the tension level lowering incrementally as the debacle proceeds. You catch Charles’ subtle nod of acknowledgment across the table, his jaw marginally less taut now that the conversation has regained its footing.

From there, the presser proceeds relatively smoothly — more questions about favorite circuits and tactical approaches for the season, obligatory banter about inter-team rivalries and the usual window dressing. All through it, you feel a profound sense of gratitude for Leclerc’s willingness to essentially co-sign on your abilities and condemn the subversive misogyny lurking in that reporter’s pointed questions.

By the time the closing remarks and thank yous commence, you’ve already made up your mind to seek Charles out on your own to voice your appreciation and admiration.

You are among the first to rise and exit the media bullpen, practically speed-walking around the side of the building in hopes of catching Leclerc before he can retreat into Ferrari’s impenetrable bubble of flunkies and handlers.

“Charles! Hey, Charles — wait up a sec!”

The lean figure pauses and turns as you trot up, tilting his head inquisitively as you draw up short just in front of him.

“Sorry, hope you don’t mind me ambushing you like this,” you begin, barely suppressing the warm flush already creeping into your cheeks under his focused attention. “I just wanted to say … thank you for that. In there, I mean. What you said — how you handled that asshole’s ignorance before I could even begin responding.”

Charles’ expression flits momentarily through surprise before settling into its customary affable warmth. “Oh, that? Don’t mention it, Y/N. God knows we’ve all had to deal with our fair share of insufferable pricks on the media circuit at one point or another.”

He shrugs, as if his public solidarity with a fellow competitor were the most trivial, obvious hill to plant himself on. You feel a sudden swell of respect and admiration for the Ferrari star rise within you.

“Besides,” he continues with a casual, “How could I not defend the up-and-coming driver who gets to experience insane misogyny and ridiculous societal restraints while also knowing what it’s like to eat gold flake sundaes daily?” He shoots you a playful wink, dimples creasing his cheeks. “The duality of a princess is a heavy burden indeed ...”

You let out a peal of laughter, genuinely caught off-guard by the cheeky charm behind the dig at your privileged lineage. Far from offense, you find his irreverent humor utterly refreshing in the face of excessive nobility.

“It is a tragic affliction, I must admit,” you retort, placing one hand over your heart in mock solemnity. “But one I shall bear with dignity and poise. For my people.”

Your laughter fades into a more pensive expression, honeyed eyes finding his in an unspoken exchange of sincere emotions.

“But truly, Charles, thank you. I meant what I said in there — about wanting to inspire other women to fight for their dreams. To have someone like you leap to defend those ambitions right out of the gate … it means more than you can possibly know.”

He regards you with a speculative sort of new interest for a stretched moment before nodding slowly.

“I meant what I said too, Y/N,” he replies, utterly sincere. “If having to dress down a few assholes in public is what it takes to further that inspiration … well, that’s a pretty easy charge for me to take up.”

A fresh surge of resolve and determination irons out your features into that same unmovable resolve you inherited from your father. In that instant, you see the man Charles will hopefully become — a true legend and respected custodian of the sport, unwavering in his principles.

“Regardless, I’d love to find some way to properly thank you once we get back to Monaco,” you venture, wondering how far you can stretch this newfound rapport with the Ferrari star. “Maybe I could take you out for dinner or something next week? My treat, obviously.”

A faint flicker of surprise ghosts across Charles’ expression before that patented dimpled half-smile returns.

“Monaco? Oh, I’d love to, but I’m actually not sure if-”

He trails off, shaking his head in a rueful sort of resignation.

“Ah, merde — what I mean is that I just got word this morning that my flight back has been canceled due to some raised travel advisory or other. Classic airline nonsense.”

Your brows wing upwards as your sharp mind cycles immediately to the obvious solution.

“Well, in that case, why don’t you just come back on my plane?”

The words are out of your mouth before you can properly consider the context of your own casual statement. Leclerc blinks — Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he processes your incredibly nonchalant reference to having your own personal aircraft.

“... your plane?” He echoes, a new glint entering his stare as he studies you with fresh gravity.

You wave one hand in a dismissive little flourish, your practiced regal upbringing suddenly very apparent in the effortless hauteur radiating from you.

“Well of course, Charles — you didn’t think I flew commercial, did you?” Your nose wrinkles in feigned distaste as you grin up at him. “No, no — my family maintains a full fleet. I’m scheduled to return to Monaco via the 747 after the weekend wraps.”

Now it is the Ferrari star’s turn to look utterly gobsmacked, any veneer of media-trained poise utterly dissolving at your casual reference to owning a jumbo jet as if it were something as trivial as a sedan or motorcycle. His eyes bore into you with sudden intensity, as if seeing you in an entirely new light.

You can practically see the mental math exploding across his expression — the private security details, the designer casualwear on your lithe frame, the stunning and no doubt priceless jewelry glittering at your throat and wrists. All the tell-tale signs of absurd, eighth-continent-money levels of wealth.

And here you are, acting as if maintaining your own plane is just another given amenity ...

“Wait ...” he begins slowly, still processing the full scope of what you’ve so dismissively unveiled. “You’re telling me you have an actual, like … a 747 just sitting around that you use to fly wherever the hell you want?”

You blink owlishly up at him, momentarily bewildered by the sheer shock on his face. Surely the finer nuances of just how rich your family is couldn’t have escaped him completely up to now, could it?

So you simply shrug, offering him a playful smirk in a bid to diffuse any perceived arrogance or condescension on your part.

“More or less, yes,” you confirm breezily, pointedly ignoring his incredulity. “So what say you, Monsieur Leclerc? Shall we share a ride back to the riviera? I promise the in-flight movies are decent, at least.”

For a long moment, Charles can only stare at you, astounded at the bottomless depths of absurdity that is your birthright and lineage. Just when you think he may have simply short-circuited into a vegetative state, however, his mouth abruptly curves upwards into a devilish grin of epiphany.

“You know what?” He chuckles, shaking his head in disbelieving amusement. “In that case, you’re on. A nice flight back to Monaco sounds … perfect for a little post-race pick-me-up.”

You can’t help but smirk triumphantly as Charles extends one hand, which you accept in a firm shake.

Some rigid societal expectations among the royalty and aristocracy may be slow to evolve, but others? They’ve prepared you for the political game that is Formula 1.

***

The late afternoon sunlight slants through the floor-to-ceiling windows of your Monaco apartment, casting warm geometric patterns across the plush marble tile. You lie draped over one of the oversized couches, aimlessly scrolling on your phone in a rare moment of quiet downtime.

Or rather, you’re hanging completely upside down on the couch, bare feet kicked up over the back cushions as you flick through a few inane social media feeds. The blood is just starting to rush towards your head in an oddly calming wash when the soft snick of the entryway lock disengaging catches your attention.

“Mon amour?” Charles’ familiar, lightly-accented voice rings out from the foyer. “You home?”

“In here!” You call back, not bothering to right yourself as your boyfriend’s lean silhouette appears in the archway, shrugging out of his leather jacket.

He spots your inverted form sprawled across the sitting area and shakes his head with a bemused chuckle, all tousled chestnut curls and devilish dimples.

“Must you always hang about like an overgrown cat?” He chides playfully, moving to settle onto the adjacent sofa. Even after nearly five months of dating, Charles still seems perpetually amused by your tendency to shirk regal posture and poise whenever afforded the opportunity. “Is gravity simply too much effort for royalty these days … "

“Your mockery wounds my very soul, kind sir,” you drone in a monotone false-lament, never breaking eye contact with the Ferrari star as your arms dangle limply towards the floor. “Should I have the servants fetch you a fainting couch to make up for my uncouth posture?”

Charles snorts, watching you with undisguised affection as he stretches out on the other sofa. “And they say chivalry is dead ...”

One callused hand comes up to gently brush an errant lock of hair away from your face, fingers trailing across your cheek in a simple caress. After so many months of sneaking heated looks across press conference panels and fielding ruthless speculation over your rumored involvement, moments like this still spark a bewildered sort of giddy thrill within you.

Here is Il Predestinato himself, someone blessed with every imaginable advantage — talent, wealth, fame, charisma. Yet it is you, the comparative newcomer raised worlds away, who seems to hold his singular focus even in the quiet stillness.

“Is this some new fitness fad the rest of us ignorant plebeians should be made aware of?” Charles inquires after a pregnant pause, arching one brow at your upended state.

He knows you too well by now, you muse — knows how prone you are to defying expectation or traditional high society conventions whenever the mood strikes. So rather than offer any excuse or justification, you simply shrug airily.

“Just experimenting with different … perspectives for the time being,” you retort, sticking your tongue out at him and reveling in the simple, teasing intimacy of the moment. “The world tends to look rather different when you turn everything on its head.”

“Isn’t that the truth ...” Charles hums, shifting ever-so-slightly closer before changing tacts. “Well, on that note … I’ve found myself with a rather unique perspective to share this evening.”

Your interest is instantly piqued, head lolling to one side as you regard the Ferrari star with renewed focus. One hand leaves its resting place on your abdomen, fingers wiggling inquisitively.

“Oh? Do tell, Monsieur Leclerc ...”

Charles chuckles again, low and genuine, before his emerald gaze turns pointedly opaque. Even now, after sharing countless impromptu evenings watching mind melting reality television and indulgent private vacations, he still retains the ability to utterly captivate your attention.

“Well, this particular news is rather more ...” He pauses for dramatic effect, pursing those perpetually kiss-plumped lips as if savoring the impending reveal. "... interesting.”

You exhale a petulant little huff, fighting the urge to stick your foot in his face or throw one of the decorative cushions at him.

“Charles, if this is meant to build suspense over you finally buying that fancy vacuum you won’t shut up about, I swear by the — mmph!”

Your playful griping is cut off as Charles suddenly lunges across the short distance separating your couches, capturing your lips in a fierce, silencing kiss. You squirm slightly at the abrupt shift in dynamics, the world seeming to spin and right itself as muscular forearms slide beneath you to gather you up into his lap.

By the time he finally pulls back, leaving you both breathless and slightly disheveled, you find yourself settled firmly in Charles’ sturdy embrace. Two sets of lidded eyes glaze over one another, reveling in the familiar intoxicating rush of chemistry.

“Easy there, mon ange,” he murmurs once you’ve both caught your respective breaths, one palm smoothing up and down your spine in an idle caress. “I promise this is a rather more agreeable surprise than debating vacuums.”

You watch, bemused, as his free hand dips into the inner pocket of his hoodie, withdrawing a familiar red envelope sealed with the unmistakable prancing horse emblem of Ferrari. Your heart rate instantly kicks up another notch at the mere sight of it, that infernal curiosity burning hotter than ever.

“The team initially planned to hand this off through proper channels,” Charles continues, expression inscrutable as he toys with the envelope, thumb tracing its embossed crest. “But given the … personal opportunity it presented, I thought it only appropriate to circumvent protocol this once.”

With that, he extends the envelope towards you, a silent offer for you to take up whatever life-altering missive lies within. You swallow hard against the sudden lump of anticipation welling in your throat, looking from the envelope, to Charles, and back again.

“What … what is this?” You croak, hating how fragile and uncertain your voice sounds.

Charles’ smile is soft as warm brandy, suffused with unguarded affection and pride. A pride not for himself, but for the very caliber of opportunity before you.

“For you,” he murmurs simply. “For your boundless determination to achieve in the face of adversity. This is the ultimate reward for outrunning not just your competitors, but the very expectations of an entire sport.”

The breath leaves your body in a dizzying rush as sudden realization crystallizes in your mind. How many nights have the two of you stayed up into the wee hours, idly discussing dream teams and potential openings across the grid? Debating which partnerships could provide the optimal platform for success?

This envelope bears no stamp or mailing address. But its rich, unmistakable crimson design and gleaming logo render such mundane addressing unnecessary. There is only one organization with the status to deliver their most sensitive communications in such an iconic manner.

With trembling hands, you accept the envelope, taking care not to smudge or crinkle its embossed insignia as you turn it over. Slowly, reverentially, you peel open the wax seal and slide out the sheaf of papers tucked within, eyes hungrily scanning the blocky sans-serif text:

SUBJECT: Ferrari Driver Offer, 2026 Season

Your breath catches in your throat, the words seeming to blur in a shimmering haze as hot tears instantly prick the corners of your eyes.

This isn’t merely a summons from Scuderia Ferrari. This isn’t a polite inquiry or negotiation tactic meant to bolster future value or status.

This is a formal contract, stamped with all the hallmarks of managerial approval ...

An invitation to join the most legendary name in all of motorsport as one of its drivers.

You shake your head in stunned disbelief, hardly daring to blink as your scrutinize every word, every assurance and term of agreement laid out in stark black ink.

It’s there, immaculate and absolute — a seat beside Charles for the 2026 season, to be finalized pending your confirmation and the exit of one former world champion.

Lewis Hamilton’s retirement.

The news had broken last month over the Ferrari driver’s surprise announcement that he would be exiting Formula 1 at the conclusion of the 2025 calendar year. Just one championship shy of his stated goal of eclipsing Michael Schumacher’s record for most drivers’ titles, the British superstar shocked the sporting world by revealing he was finally ready to step away from the cockpit and move on to other endeavors.

Speculation had run rampant, of course, over who within the sport’s glittering ranks of young up-and-comers had the talent and mettle to fill such an impossible void. You’d jokingly thrown about a host of names whenever the discussion arose with Charles, more content to fantasize and daydream rather than entertain any serious expectations.

Yet here it lies in your hands, in unblemished print. Proof that you’ve smashed through yet another carbon fiber-coated glass ceiling specifically by shattering every limitation placed upon your ambitions.

You glance up to find Charles gauging your reaction with a tender intensity akin to a besotted schoolboy, as if readying himself to sweep you off your feet all over again should you swoon from the news. Suddenly his every gesture from the moment he walked through your front door this evening makes perfect sense — the dramatics, the playful banter, and maddening evasiveness.

This was his way of showing you he’d listened, absorbed every idle comment or perceived slight you’d ever murmured over the proving grounds of your respective talents. That he saw and cherished every spark of hunger in your honeyed gaze, evident in your determination to continue defying odds not only as a woman — but as a pioneer hoping to be immortalized within motorsport.

The tears spill over at last, streaking unchecked down your cheeks as a tremulous laugh bubbles up unbidden from your chest. You lift one hand to shakily wipe at the dampness, willing yourself not to become an incoherent, hiccuping mess on the precipice of such a monumental achievement.

“I … I don’t even...” You begin, shaking your head slowly. For once, the woman raised to carry herself with poise and dignity in any station finds herself utterly bereft of words.

Charles merely watches and waits, soft sleeve brushing away the fresh tears tracking across your cheeks before cradling your jaw in one warm palm. Those mesmerizing eyes bore into yours with aching sincerity, seeing straight through you down to the deliriously euphoric riot of emotions swirling in your chest.

“Ferrari recognizes your spirit, your passion for this life, because it is the same fire that has forever stoked the heart of the Scuderia,” he murmurs, thumb smoothing an idle arc over the plump swell of your lower lip.

“They chose you not because you are a symbol — a pretty flag for them to rally under and wave as some achievement in name only. They see you as the next tireless warrior to pour their full belief into achieving victory.” A soft, affectionate breath of laughter escapes him, warm and adoring. “Which I know for a fact is the only ambition you’ve ever given a single damn about.”

You release a watery giggle at that, nodding in fervent agreement as you reach up to cradle the back of his neck, anchoring yourself in the tender solidity of his touch. Weeks and months of dogged speculation over prospects and vacancies, endlessly weighing the potential upshots and pitfalls of every career trajectory before you ...

… and here it waits, bold and singular as the sun itself — your chance to immortalize yourself among the hallowed ranks of Formula 1 royalty.

“You were made for this, mon cœur,” Charles continues, fingers trailing down the side of your neck in a gentle graze. “Your spirit, your sheer determination to shatter every obstacle placed in your way — Ferrari sees that fire blazing in you. It’s why they want you.”

He leans in, resting his forehead against your own as his lips curve into a devastatingly handsome smile, dimples peeking through.

“And not because of any family name or billions or royal pedigree you carry … but precisely because of how hard you’ve fought to strip all that away on the track. To make your own name and legacy that matters.”

The words strike you like the sweetest, most poignant arrow straight through your heart. And isn’t that what you’ve craved since the earliest dawning flickers of your obsession with this beautiful, brutal sport — recognition and triumph earned purely on your own merits?

You are no longer a Sheikha first, racing driver second. You are Y/N Y/L/N, Scuderia Ferrari driver in the making.

Before you can even find the words to respond — and what words could ever suffice at a moment like this — you are surging forward to capture Charles’ plush mouth with your own. The contract flutters forgotten to the floor as you pour every ounce of exhilarated gratitude and ardor into the fevered kiss, hands mapping the broad sloping planes of his shoulders and back with trembling urgency.

Charles responds in kind, all velvet heat and insistent possession as his arms sweep you impossibly closer, fingers tangling in the loose curtain of your hair. You allow yourself to succumb fully to the dizzying euphoria of his passion and the all-encompassing ambition now flowering in your breast unfurled, crashing over you in intoxicating waves.

This is no mere contract, no insignificant changing of pitlane scenery. This is the definitive moment where you have eclipsed every last shadow of self-doubt and exceeded even the lofty expectations bequeathed to you since girlhood.

You will become a legend.

Only when the need for air finally parts you does the fervent heat of the moment ebb enough for rational thought to pierce the moonlit haze of emotion. Your lips are swollen and tingling, senses heightened to every whisper and shift of muscle under Charles’ shirt as his chest expands in deep, measured breaths.

When you finally find the strength to lift your gaze and meet his hooded stare, he is the one rendered momentarily speechless by the intensity and elation blazing in your expression. Something he sees reflected back at him now from the woman nestled so securely in his arms.

“Oh, mon amour ...” Charles rasps at last, a sinfully indulgent smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. He shakes his head as if beholding some ascending deity, utterly transfixed.

“This is only the beginning ...”

***

The camera flashes turn the plush Ferrari hospitality suite into a makeshift photo studio. You try not to blink as the bright lights sparkle off the deep red lipstick you’re wearing.

“Okay, bellissima, one more,” the photographer calls out. You tilt your head slightly and smile wide. Charles squeezes your hand. The shutter clicks.

“Perfetto! I think we got it,” the photographer says, lowering his camera with a grin. “Grazie mille, you two.”

“Thank you,” you reply in your lightly accented English. Charles plants a kiss on your cheek, leaving the faintest imprint of his lips in lightly tinted lip balm on your skin. The makeup artist rushes over to touch it up before the next part of the shoot.

This is your first joint promotional event as Ferrari’s new driver pairing for 2026. Well, sort of new — Charles is a proven superstar entering his seventh season with the team. You, on the other hand, are the fresh face and the source of international intrigue.

“Next up, we’re filming a little Q&A section,” the producer explains, adjusting his headset. “Just a fun, casual way for the fans to get to know you both better before the season starts.”

You and Charles take your seats, situating yourselves comfortably on the curved scarlet sofa. An array of cameras surrounds you on robotic arms, remotely controlled to capture every angle.

“Whenever you’re ready,” the producer calls out from behind the lights. An energetic young woman with a microphone appears on camera, greeting you both enthusiastically.

“Bonjour Charles, Salaam Y/N! So great to have Ferrari’s exciting new line-up with us today. Let’s get to know you guys a little better — there are notecards with rapid-fire questions right here and you just banter away, okay?”

Charles leans forward, grabbing a stack of notecards from the table beside him. “Here’s an easy one to start — who is the most famous person in your contacts?”

“Mine is Seb, of course! Sebastian Vettel. Used to be my teammate, now he’s basically a world-famous hermit.”

You roll your eyes playfully. “Oh come on, you can do better than that.”

“Your turn then, Your Highness,” Charles counters with a teasing lilt. “Who’s the biggest celebrity in that royal contacts list of yours?”

You tap a manicured fingernail against your plump lips, pretending to ponder the question. In truth, you know exactly who it is, and Charles is going to be stunned. A sly grin tugs at the corners of your mouth. “Does my father count?”

Charles barks out a laugh. “I don’t think so, Y/N. Pick someone a bit more … interesting.”

“Oh? You want interesting?” You tease, unable to resist dragging this out. “How about … Taylor Swift?”

Whatever Charles was expecting, it clearly wasn’t that. His eyes go comically wide, jaw dropping slightly. “You … Taylor Swift? As in, the international popstar?”

“The one and only,” you confirm with a serene nod.

“How in the world do you have Taylor Swift’s phone number?” He sputters.

You shrug, admiring the gemstone-encrusted rings glittering on your fingers. “It was my 18th birthday party. Baba knew how much I loved her music, so he got her to perform.”

“He got … your father got Taylor Swift … to perform at your birthday?” Charles is still gaping at you like you’ve grown a second head.

“Well yes, what else would you expect?” You laugh at his dumbfounded expression. “It wasn’t that big a deal, habibi.”

Charles opens his mouth, then closes it, seemingly at a loss for words. You lean over the side of the couch, draping one hand over the armrest as you gaze up at him with false innocence.

“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”

“I …” he finally manages. “Y/N, you never cease to amaze me.”

“Is that so?” You bat your eyelashes coyly. “Good thing you’re stuck with me then.”

Charles shakes his head in disbelief, but his expression melts into a fond one, dimples showing as he grins down at you.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, mon amour.”

You sit up slightly at the pet name, spoken so tenderly. That warm, bubbly feeling fills your chest like always when Charles looks at you like that — like you’re the most precious thing in the world to him.

“Alright, alright,” you murmur, trying to ignore the blush you can feel heating your cheeks. “Ask another question before I get too distracted by that irresistible smile of yours.”

Charles chuckles darkly. “Oh, trust me. I’m very distracting.”

You giggle at his faux arrogance. “Very distracting indeed. Now come on, ask me something good.”

He glances down at the cards again. “Let’s see … what’s the most extravagant gift you’ve ever received?”

You don’t even have to think about that one. “My baby.”

There’s a pause, then- “Did you just refer to me as a gift?”

“Not you,” you laugh. “My gorgeous F2002.”

Recognition dawns on Charles’ face as he remembers your long tangents about the iconic race car. “Ah, of course. Your prized possession.”

“It was a present for my 15th birthday,” you explain, unable to keep the pride from your voice. “From Baba. I nearly fainted when I saw it.”

“I’ll bet,” Charles murmurs. “She’s a beauty, that’s for sure.”

“That she is,” you agree softly. Your eyes linger on Charles, watching the way the harsh factory lights play against the sculpted lines of his face, catching in his dark eyes. Beautiful, just like your car.

You tear your eyes away before you get too carried away, clearing your throat. “Next question?”

Charles blinks, seeming to shake himself from his own reverie before consulting the cards again. His brow furrows slightly as he reads the next one.

“Well this is … certainly a question.” He looks up at you with mild bewilderment. “What’s the most embarrassing thing your family has ever done?”

You grimace slightly at that. Your parents certainly haven’t been immune to embarrassing their only daughter over the years. After a moment’s hesitation, you launch into the story.

“Okay, so when I was sixteen, I had this dreadful crush on one of Baba’s racehorse jockeys …”

Charles listens attentively, dimples showing again as you regale the tale of your young lovesick self hopelessly pining after the older, objectively very attractive jockey. How your parents, in their infinite wisdom and total lack of subtlety, had gotten it into their heads that the best way to cheer you up over your unrequited crush was to invite said jockey over for a family dinner at the palace ...

“... and of course, in front of this painstakingly handsome man, my parents could not resist mercilessly teasing and embarrassing me the entire night!” You throw your hands up in exasperation, but you’re laughing too at the ridiculousness of the memory. “I thought I would simply perish from mortification right there at the table.”

“No, no, no,” Charles shakes his head, grinning widely. “Please, tell me more about how devilishly handsome this jockey was.”

“You’re ridiculous,” you snort, reaching out to shove his shoulder lightly. But you oblige him anyway. “Okay, fine, you want details? He was … oh, I don’t know, maybe 6 feet tall, tanned and muscular from all that riding, perfectly tousled dark hair-”

“Tousled dark hair, hmm?” Charles arches an eyebrow at you, smile turning sly. “Should I be jealous?”

“Oh hush, that was years ago,” you wave a hand dismissively. “Though I suppose if we want to talk about petty jealousies and crushes …”

When he seems confused, you smirk up at him mischievously.

“Word on the street is a certain Monegasque driver had quite the thing for Valentino Rossi back in the day.”

It’s Charles’ turn to snort at that, shaking his head ruefully. “You’re one to talk. Everyone knows how obsessed you were with Fernando Alonso for years.”

“I was a child!” You protest with dignity, trying not to laugh. “It was an innocent celebrity crush and nothing more.”

“Uh huh, sure,” he teases. “Which is why you still have that massive lifesize poster of him in your bedroom at the palace-”

“How do you know about that?” You halt him, utterly mortified all over again. Your face flames scarlet as Charles dissolves into helpless laughter beside you.

“I’m only joking, ma belle,” he finally gasps out. “I’ve never seen this supposed poster.” Charles reaches out, looping an arm around your waist to pull you snug against his side. You go easily, butting your forehead lightly against his shoulder with a huff.

“You’re the worst, you know that?”

“And yet, you keep me around,” he murmurs warmly. His fingers trace idle patterns against your hip, making you shiver. “Something about me must be tolerable.”

You tilt your head back to meet his intense gaze, your lips curving despite yourself.

“I suppose you’ll do,” you murmur. Then you lean up on your tiptoes to press your mouth against his.

Charles melts into the soft, lingering kiss, the arm around your waist tightening to bring you even closer against him. This close, you can feel the lean muscle and warmth of his body, your own tingling with awareness. One of his hands slips into your hair, cradling the back of your head and angling your lips for better access.

A quiet noise of pleasure escapes your throat as the kiss deepens, growing more heated. You part your lips eagerly to grant his questing tongue entrance, tasting the hint of coffee and addictive scent that always makes your head spin dizzily. His other hand smoothes down your side, over the dip of your waist and the curve of your hip, burning through the thin fabric of your team polo-

“Ahem … aaaand cut! Fantastic you two, that’s a wrap on this portion,” the director says, his amused tone breaking the trance. “Why don’t we take a short break before setting up for next segment?”

Cheeks flushed, you and Charles reluctantly pull apart, remembering there’s a whole bustle of crew surrounding you at the moment. Tucking a glossy lock of hair behind your ear, you lean in to whisper conspiratorially in his ear.

“Raincheck on that kiss, habibi? I have a few more surprises in store for you later.” You graze his earlobe with your teeth, delighting in the way his breath catches. “If you think we already know everything about each other … you haven’t seen anything yet.”

With a saucy wink, you extract yourself from his embrace and saunter off to refresh your makeup, leaving your dazed boyfriend gaping after your retreating form.

***

Two Years Later

You wake with a start to the sound of your alarm blaring at 4:38 am. Groaning, you reach over to silence it, blinking blearily in the dark. It’s the start of another day of fasting for Ramadan — the first your now husband will be participating in to support you.

A soft snore comes from beside you and you can’t help but smile fondly. There he is, heartthrob of Formula 1 fans everywhere, drool trailing down his chin onto the 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton pillowcase. How attractive.

“Charles,” you whisper, gently shaking his shoulder. “Time to wake up for suhoor.”

He merely grunts and rolls over, pulling the covers up over his head. You sigh in exasperation. For an elite professional athlete, he can be stubborn as a mule when it comes to early mornings.

Giving up for now, you slip out of bed and pad across the plush carpet of your sprawling bedroom quarters in the palace. You flick on the ornate brass lamps, bathing the room in a warm glow that glints off the gold accents everywhere.

A jaw-cracking yawn escapes you as you make your way over to the bathroom, hoping a splash of cool water on your face will help wake you. Your bare feet slap against the intricate tile mosaics as you go.

“What time is it?” A sleepy voice calls out behind you.

“Early,” you call back. “We have forty minutes before the fast begins.”

You emerge from the bathroom a few minutes later, slightly more alert, to find Charles blinking confusedly around the room, mussed hair sticking up every which way. He looks utterly lost without his morning coffee.

“Come along, habibi,” you say, grabbing his hand and tugging him out of bed with a grunt. “Let’s go see what the kitchen staff has prepared.”

Charles just nods obediently, Ferrari red pajama pants hanging low on his hips in a way that makes your cheeks flush. Even barely conscious, he’s unfairly good-looking.

The two of you make your way down the torch-lit hallways of the palace toward the private dining room reserved for the royal family members. You can’t resist threading your fingers through his and giving his hand a squeeze.

“I’m proud of you for doing this,” you murmur. “It means everything to me.”

Charles halts, tugging you into his arms. His embrace is warm and comforting and familiar. You let your eyes drift shut as he brushes his lips across your forehead.

“Of course,” he rumbles in that delicious accent of his. “Anything for you, mon cœur.”

A throat clears behind you and you jump apart, heat flooding your cheeks. Whirling around, you spot your father regarding you sternly, lips twitching like he’s trying not to smile.

“Good mor-er, night? Apologies, Charles,” he says gruffly. “I’m still getting used to this schedule.”

Charles gives a awkward little bow. “No need to apologize, Your Highness.”

You roll your eyes fondly at the two most important men in your life. For cultures on opposite sides of the world, sometimes they’re more alike than either would admit.

“Have you two eaten yet?” Your father continues. “The cooks have prepared a feast as usual.”

Shaking your head, you tug Charles’s hand to follow as you make your way into the lavish dining room. It’s deserted at this hour save for the kitchen staff milling about, setting out enormous platters of food.

Arabian coffee in delicate gemmed cups. Chickpea stew and crisp flatbreads fresh from the tandoor oven. Heaping mounds of creamy balaleet vermicelli sweetened with rosewater and cardamom. Succulent medjool dates and purees of every fruit imaginable to kick off the fast as healthfully as possible. It all smells utterly divine and makes your mouth water.

You glance sidelong at Charles to see him staring around with an utterly gobsmacked look. His adorably bewildered expression makes you stifle a giggle — you always forget this is the first time he’s experiencing the elaborate palace rituals.

“Dig in,” your father says gruffly, already loading up his plate.

And dig in you do, shoveling food into your mouths as quickly as your etiquette training will allow. All too soon, the muezzin’s call to prayer rings out over the grounds, signaling the official start of the day’s fasting.

You sit back with a contented sigh, hands resting atop your pleasantly full belly. Beside you, Charles looks pleasantly stuffed as well in that gorgeous way where his shirt rides up just a hint. The old you might’ve flushed scarlet and averted your eyes like a proper modest lady. This emboldened you lets your gaze linger ...

“Enjoying the sights?” Your father’s wry voice cuts through your daze.

You startle, snapping your attention back to see his eyes twinkling with amusement. Of course the man misses nothing when it comes to his only daughter. The tips of your ears burn.

“If you’ll excuse me,” he continues, rising to his feet. “I have matters of state to attend to as usual despite the hour. Do try to behave, you two.”

You open your mouth to protest the teasing, indignant, but he silences you with a look and a raised brow. With great restraint, you merely nod instead. Soon as the door swings shut behind him, you blow out an exasperated breath, rolling your eyes heavenward.

“I love him dearly,” you start. “But sometimes-”

Whatever sarcastic rejoinder you were going to make dies on your lips when you catch sight of Charles again. He’s leaned back in his chair, long legs stretched out before him, looking utterly at ease amid the heart of Arabian luxury. A tiny, fond smile plays about his lips.

“What?” You ask self-consciously.

“Nothing,” he says at once, shaking his head. “I just … you look beautiful here. Content. Like you were born to it.”

It’s your turn to blink in surprise at the unexpected compliment. Of course you were raised amid affluence and trained in regal bearing from birth. And yet ...

“Flatterer,” you say at last, trying to brush off the warm curl of pleasure blooming in your chest.

Charles sits up straight, expression turning earnest in that intense way of his that never fails to rob you of breath.

“I’m serious,” he insists. “You’re so at home here. The way your face lights up at all the little traditions, how you banter with your father like you rule the place …” His eyes roam over you adoringly. “You’re magnificent.”

Your cheeks heat furiously, but you can’t look away, caught in his smoldering gaze. How is it possible for this man to make you feel so flustered and treasured after all this time? He reaches across to take your hand, calloused fingers stroking over your knuckles.

“Thank you,” you whisper at last. “For doing this with me. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Of course,” Charles echoes his earlier sentiment simply.

There’s a brief, electrically charged moment where you’re both just gazing at each other like nobody else exists. And then … a low rumbling growl shatters the stillness. You blink as Charles flushes bright red.

“I, ah, seem to be hungry again already with the early schedule,” he admits sheepishly.

You throw back your head with a peal of laughter, loud and unbridled and utterly unconcerned with propriety for once. Leave it to your man to break the tension in the most delightfully awkward way. “Easy there, habibi. You’ll need to save room for iftar later tonight.”

Realizing you’ve caught him looking undignified, Charles has the good grace to look a bit sheepish. “You’re right, mon ange. Got a bit carried away with my last chance to eat for awhile.” He licks his lips slowly, watching you with heated eyes. “I’ll be counting the seconds until I can taste you agai-”

“Charles, not during fasting hours!” You cut him off with a scandalized giggle, heat flooding your cheeks at his shameless innuendo. Even after all this time, he can still fluster you with a single heated look.

He just throws back his head with a full-throated laugh, utterly unrepentant.

You shake your head at his antics, trying in vain to suppress your grin. “Incorrigible,” you mutter fondly.

Leaning back in your chair, you settle in to watch him contently. Heat simmers low in your belly, anticipating the moment you can finally break your fast tonight and enjoy some … dessert.

The little eight-year-old girl attending her first race could never have imagined that this would be her life one day. Alhamdulillah for the blessings that Allah saw to bestow upon you. With your husband by your side and the ink drying on a long-term contract with Ferrari, you have everything you could have asked for.

[csainzoperator]

"let's break up" ☆

summary: you text your f1 boyfriend "let's break up" as a prank.

trigger warnings: fem pronouns, mentions of seperated parents, mentions of killing (as a joke), nicknames, idk if there are more (?)

charles, carlos, lewis, george, max

lando, oscar, alex, logan, daniel

an: omg pls i need such responses. especially logan's cos that's literally me. but hope you had fun reading this, my loves!

[cutieln4]

Pure Chaos Pt. 5 | F1 smau

f1 grid x driver!reader

summary: you already know

fc: lia block

a/n: holy shit 1,000 followers is insane thank you all so much for the support and feedback it means so much to me! 🥹

also i move into my dorm today ahh im so scared

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4

taglist: @evasmlp @partnerincrime0 @r0nnsblog @raizelchrysanderoctavius @daniiiboo @wisestarfishbouquet @noodleysalad @thatgirlwholikescars @jxnellat @blakebearsblog @heavy-vettel @ilivbullyingjeongin @theblueblub @tremendousstarlighttragedy @scenesofobx @agiscool @rxouxcesss @d3kstar @ln8118 @checoracing @destinyg237 @formula1-motogpfan @tellybearryyyy @mayusaatma @1800-love-me @annabellelee @reeltreble @alldaysdreamer @eykismyfav @magixpracticality @hannah44444-blog @reesemon @coriyaps @faeriepigeons @ravisinghs-wife @plotpal @mastermindbaby @loveparkersblog @tvdtw4ever @danielricswife @bellatrix-lestrange5 @idontknowanythingsblog @ririyulife @gigigreens @the-long-gone-souls @dwarfwithstyle @loganmay19 @eywas-heir @papaya-twinks

Add yourself to my taglist here!

[nichmeddar]

charles leclerc

Homecoming SMAU - C. Leclerc

summary: have you ever had a massive crush on your team rival? (smau edition)

pairing: Charles Leclerc x Red Bull driver!reader

fc: various, just pretend they're all the same person

a/n: i kinda love this fic wayyy too much to let it go so soon, so I decided to make a smau version for your enjoyment!

written

masterlist

liked by redbullracing, charles_leclerc, and 737,602 others

tagged: charles_leclerc

yourusername: Didn't go how we planned, but grateful to snatch a point. Congrats to Charles for the home race win!

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charles_leclerc: thank you!! can't wait to celebrate later!

yourusername: lmk when and where and i'll be there!!

user1: wdym my two fav drivers are definitely about to get plastered together??

user2: they've been friends since she broke into f1, only makes sense they would user3: yeah "friends" he's been in love with her since he saw her for the first time

user2: no.

maxverstappen1: over/under on how long it takes for her to get ready? line is at 2.5 hours

logansargeant: over

landonorris: over

oscarpiastri: over

redbullracing: over

user4: there's no way she really takes THAT long

logansargeant: you'd be surprised

twitter & max's texts

liked by user1, user2, and 36,583 others

f1gossip: some of the drivers out and about in Monaco celebrating Charles' home win!

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user5: whoever let lando dj needs a RAISE

user6: i heard logan and oscar were also there!

user7: is it just me or do charles and y/n look weirdly close together??

user3: im telling you guys there's got to be SOMETHING going on between them

user2: again, guys and girls can be just friends.

user6: it's also a club. they're gonna be packed together

user8: i don't even want to know how much money they spent

monza media day

liked by: logansargeant, francolapinto and 673,842 others

tagged: logansargeant, francolapinto

yourusername: wdym i'm now the only one here repping the red, white n blue?? but in all reality, it's been an honor getting to know you Logan, you'll always be my best friend & I can't wait to see what you do in the future!!

but welcome to the grid Franco! you've got some tough shoes to fill

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logansargeant: thank you y/n. gonna miss you <3

yourusername: at least now you wont have to spend the 4th in the UK... again...

francolapinto: gracias y/n! No puedo esperar a ver qué trae el resto de la temporada!

yourusername: i have no idea what you just said but yes!!

user9: oh she's just like us

user10: girl is down bad

user2: @/user3 no like from Charles... how are you feeling after this?

user3: by the end of this season i'll be yelling i told you so from the rooftops

liked by yourusername, charles_leclerc and 987,325 others

tagged: yourusername

redbullracing: The queen of COTA has arrived! 🇺🇸

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user11: ugh she's glowing

user12: her austin looks always slay

user3: CHARLES IS BACK IN THE LIKES! I REPEAT CHARLES IS BACK!!

user2: you weren't kidding when you said you didn't give up hope

maxverstappen1: you guys better not be plotting to get me in a cowboy hat

yourusername: pffffft why would we do that??

redbullracing: fine, we'll go put it away...again...

charles_leclerc: if you need someone to dress up, i know a guy

user13: omg stand up king, this isn't even y/n's insta

yourusername: @/charles_leclerc wdym "you know a guy" you couldn't even wear your hat properly

liked by charles_leclerc, kimi.antonelli and 985,432 others

tagged: charles_leclerc, kimi.antonelli, jackdoohan, texasfootball

yourusername: hook 'em 🤘

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texaslonghorns: it was a pleasure to have you! same time next year?

yourusername: you know it! 🫡

texasfootball: thanks for the support! we'll have to get you suited up next year

yourusername: as long as i don't get tackled im yours

user14: awh y/n and charles are already starting to adopt the 2025 rookies

oscarpiastri: i do not need any more siblings

charles_leclerc: thx for showing me the joys of college football 🧡

yourusername: anytime charlie!!!

user15: CHARLIE?? girl WHAT?

user3: GUYS ITS HAPPENING!!

liked by maxverstappen1, charles_leclerc, and 985,920 others

yourusername: P1 baby!! It's always special to race at home and being able to win it means even more! A weekend I'll forever remember ❤️🤍💙

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redbullracing: congrats y/n!! a win well deserved!

liked by yourusername

maxverstappen1: honor to be on that podium with you! let's run it back in vegas

yourusername: only in vegas??

maxverstappen: your ego is gonna get too big if you win everything else

user16: RAH RAHHHH AMERICA 🦅💥🦅💥🇺🇸

user17: U! S! A! 🇺🇸 U! S! A! 🇺🇸

charles_leclerc: congrats on the win!! now, drinks on me tonight?

user18: oh charles grew a pair

yourusername: @/charles_leclerc actually, i think i still owe you for monaco 😊

user3: 👀👀👀

liked by user3, user2, and 45,832 others

tagged: charles_leclerc, yourusername

f1gossip: newest wag(s)?? charles and y/n were caught making out in a club in Austin. The two, along with the rest of the grid were there celebrating y/n's homecoming win. Cheers were heard from the other drivers as the two shared their moment.

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user19: oh. my. god.

user20: what in the romeo and juliet with a happy ending??

user2: @/user3 go ahead. say it.

user3: @/user2 I TOLD YOU SO. I TOLD YOU ALLLLL SO

user3: I DON'T LOOK CRAZY NOW. I KNEW IT

user21: what does @/redbullracing have to say about this

redbullracing: i'm just glad it isn't one of the mclaren boys mclaren: we wouldn't date you either its fine

want more? @coco-loco-nut wrote a sister story. Check it out!

[23victoria]

“can you watch my boyfriend for a sec?” ❁

f1 grid x fem!reader

summary: TikTok trend with the grid!!

authors note: saw the carlos one and knew i had to write about it!! his reaction made me laugh!! i also just saw mclaren do it to oscar!! i hope the other teams do it to their drivers as well!! also first time writing for seb, jenson, and daniel, i had the time so i said why not?!any feedback is appreciated and please like, comment, and reblog!! hope you enjoy!!

f1 masterlist

Lewis

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to grab something from the car."

You head out, leaving Lewis alone in front of your phone's camera. He looks around, slightly bewildered.

"What? Y/N who’s on the phone? Uh, hey there. I guess I'm being watched. So... how's everyone doing? Good? Cool. Uh, any Mercedes fans here?" He starts talking about his day and how Roscoe is doing, trying to entertain the 'audience'. "Alright, she'll be back any minute now... right?"

Max

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to take out the trash."

Max raises an eyebrow as you walk away. He looks at the phone, unsure of what to say.

"Huh? Um, okay. This is weird. Hi, everyone….I guess…..Y/N what is this?! Who’s on the phone? So…what do we do now? Should I... talk about racing? Or... maybe I could just sit here…?" He awkwardly shuffles in his seat, checking his watch. "How long does it take to throw out the trash? Y/N come back! I don’t know what to say or do!"

Lando

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to get a drink from the kitchen."

Lando grins as you walk away, immediately knowing the TikTok trend. He leans in closer to the camera.

"Hey, TikTok! I was wondering when Y/N was going to do this trend on me! What have you guys been up to? Should I prank her back? Give me some ideas in the comments!" He starts to look around, trying to find something to do. "Should I play some games on my computer or maybe I'll hide and jump out when she gets back?"

Oscar

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to get my food."

Oscar blinks, looking at the phone and then at the door you just walked towards. He frowns slightly.

"Huh? What….okay? Uh, hi? I guess you guys are going to watch me eat my breakfast…Not sure what I'm supposed to do here. Should I be saying something interesting?" He scratches his head, and moves his food around, clearly uncomfortable. "So, did you guys have breakfast yet? I hope you did, breakfast is important….uhhh yea. Y/N!! Babe!! Come back!! I don’t know what to do!!"

Charles

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to take a call."

Charles watches you leave, then looks at the phone, confused but trying to be polite.

"Uh? Wait what? Hello, everyone. I guess your...on watch duty?" He laughs nervously. "This feels strange. Maybe I should sing a song? Or talk about Ferrari? Oh, I know, I'll play some music on my piano!" He moves towards the piano, but then hesitates. "Wait, how long is this call going to be? Y/N! Baby!!"

Carlos

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to make a smoothie."

Carlos looks at the camera, then at the direction you went, raising an eyebrow.

“What is this? Hello? Anyone there? Who were you talking to? Y/N?! Uhhhh hi… Wait, a smoothie? Bebe make me one too please! Okay, hi everyone. This is Carlos, just here... being watched?" He starts looking around, picking up random items on the table. "So, let me show you my favorite things on this table. This is a cool pen, and this is... a coaster. Fascinating, right?" He chuckles, shaking his head. "This is so weird. How long does making a smoothie take anyway?"

Sebastian

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to water the plants."

Sebastian gives you a puzzled look as you leave and then turns to the camera, smiling politely.

"What?! Y/N what is this? Hello? Hello? Anywhere there? I’m confused… Y/N!! Who were you talking too? Honey? … Um, hello everyone… I guess I'm under surveillance now." He chuckles. "So, while she's watering the plants, let's talk about... sustainability! Did you know you can make your own compost at home? It's really simple and great for your garden." He starts explaining the process, gesturing enthusiastically. "I hope she comes back soon because I might run out of eco-friendly tips! Oh wait!! I know! Let me show you my bees!!"

Jenson

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to grab the mail."

Jenson watches you leave with a bemused smile, then looks at the phone.

"Ummm what?! Babe? Y/N? Hello? Uhhh..hey there. So, I guess I need to be watched for a minute. You guys are in babysitting duty? Let’s see... what can I do to entertain you?" He glances around and spots his dogs. "Hey, meet my dogs! Come here babies!." He tries to get their attention but Bentley and Rouge ignore him, while Storm walks up to him, just to sit and stare at him. "Well, that didn’t go as planned. I guess they’re tired from playing this morning. Oh well, maybe next time! Isn’t that right Storm." he says putting down the camera.

Daniel

You: "Hey guys, can you watch my boyfriend for a sec? I need to fix something in the bathroom."

Daniel immediately grins and laughs as you walk away, sensing a prank.

“Huh? Babe? What? Oh wait! It’s that TikTok trend!! Alright, what’s up TikTok, what's going on? He starts making funny faces at the camera and then leans in closer. "I have no idea what to talk about. This is so stupid and awkward.” He says bursting out laughing. He keeps glancing towards the bathroom, barely containing his laughter. "Babe come back!!"

© 23victoria 2024 I all rights reserved. do not republish, steal repost, modify, translate, or claim my work as your own.

[ari-ana-bel-la]

Imagine Carlos Sainz's daughter as a girl (4/5 years old), she first met Lando and loved him but then Carlos went to Ferrari and her daughter runs away just to go see Lando at McLaren (the engineers already know her) At first she didn't like Ferrari but then Carlos's daughter became fond of Ferrari and now McLaren and Ferrari in an eternal war to see who could give Carlos's daughter more merchandise (Lando arguing his right of seniority😭)

Rosso Corsa or Papaya?

The paddock had always been a second home to Yn. Ever since she could remember, she'd been in the middle of the F1 world, running through garages, charming engineers, and curling up in her Papá’s arms during press conferences. But for most of her life—well, the three and a half years that truly mattered—her home had been the McLaren garage.

That was where her Tío Lando always had time to play, where his funny friend Max would pull faces to make her giggle, and where Zak, the nice boss, would let her sit on his desk and pretend to make very important decisions. The McLaren people adored her. They called her Mini Sainz, let her play with the wheel guns, and even gave her tiny ear protectors in papaya colors.

But now, Papá was with Ferrari.

And Yn did not understand.

Ferrari was red. Ferrari was loud. Ferrari had lots of serious people who spoke fast in a language she didn’t fully understand yet. And worst of all—Ferrari was not McLaren.

So naturally, the moment she arrived at the paddock for the new season, she ran straight past the red garage and straight into the open arms of her real home.

“TÍO LANDO!” she squealed, launching herself at the British driver.

Lando caught her mid-air, spinning her around dramatically before setting her on his hip. “My darling! What are you doing here? I thought you belonged to the red people now.”

Yn pouted, resting her head on his shoulder. “No. I don’t like the red people. I like you.”

Daniel, who had been watching with an amused grin, clutched his chest. “Oh, I might cry. That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Zak approached, his ever-present grin widening. “Mini Sainz, welcome home. Have the red people treated you poorly? Do we need to steal you back?”

Yn nodded seriously. “They have no ice cream.”

A collective gasp echoed through the garage.

“No ice cream?” Daniel repeated, eyes wide with exaggerated horror. “Lando, this is unacceptable.”

Lando nodded solemnly. “We have to fix this.”

And that was how Yn ended up perched on Lando’s lap, being hand-fed ice cream like a tiny princess while Daniel performed an over-the-top puppet show with two papaya-colored stuffed animals.

Meanwhile, in the Ferrari garage, Carlos was rubbing his temples.

“Where’s Yn?” Charles asked, glancing around.

Carlos sighed, pointing toward the McLaren garage, where his daughter was currently kicking her legs happily while Lando wiped a smudge of ice cream off her cheek. “Where do you think?”

Charles frowned. “Why does she keep going there? We’re her team.”

“Not yet,” Carlos corrected. “She’s still used to McLaren.”

“Well, we can’t have that.” Charles set his jaw, determined. “We’ll just have to make her love Ferrari more.”

Mattia, who had been listening from his office, walked over with a smirk. “Then we better start winning her over.”

And so, the war for Yn began.

It started small.

The Ferrari mechanics let Yn sit in Carlos’ car, letting her touch all the buttons (except the important ones) while they explained how fast her Papá could go. She was hesitant at first, but soon her tiny hands were gripping the wheel, a serious expression on her face as she pretended to drive.

Charles, the master strategist, took a different approach. He treated her like a princess, carrying her everywhere on his hip and giving her dramatic twirls when she least expected it. Yn adored it, giggling and clapping her hands whenever he spun her around.

The mechanics started playing dolls and cards with her, even going as far as painting Ferrari logos on her drawings. Mattia sealed the deal by giving her Ferrari caps, jackets, and—most importantly—sweet treats.

By the third race of the season, Yn was still running to McLaren, but now she was also allowing Charles to scoop her up and parade her around in Ferrari red.

Lando and Daniel were not pleased.

When McLaren found out about Ferrari’s tactics, they escalated.

Zak made sure she had enough papaya-colored outfits to last her a lifetime. The engineers built her a miniature steering wheel to play with. Daniel started doing magic tricks just to hear her laugh.

But it was Lando who went the furthest.

“Yn,” he said one afternoon, pulling her onto his lap, “you know I’m your godfather, right?”

Yn nodded. “Sí.”

“And you know godfathers are always right?”

Another nod.

“So if I say McLaren is the best, then that means it’s true.”

Yn frowned, considering this. “But Charles said Ferrari is the best.”

Lando gasped. “He lied to you? Yn, I can’t believe this. You have to listen to your godfather.”

Yn tilted her head. “But Charles gives me twirls.”

Lando hesitated, then whispered, “I’ll give you two twirls.”

And so the war raged on.

Each week, the teams tried to outdo each other. McLaren had toys, games, and Lando’s undivided attention. Ferrari had Charles’ affection, sweet treats, and endless fun in the garage.

Carlos, meanwhile, stayed out of it entirely, watching with amusement as his daughter collected gifts and attention from both teams.

“Are you seriously just letting this happen?” Lewis asked one day as they watched the chaos unfold.

Carlos shrugged. “She’s happy. Why would I stop it?”

It all came to a head one afternoon when Lando and Charles were mid-argument over which team Yn loved more.

“She loves McLaren more,” Lando insisted, arms crossed. “She’s literally wearing a papaya hoodie right now.”

Charles huffed. “She has a Ferrari cap on. That proves she loves Ferrari more.”

“She likes McLaren more.”

“She likes Ferrari more.”

The McLaren and Ferrari garages were backing up their drivers, throwing in their own arguments, when suddenly, Carlos, who had been watching silently, let out a sharp whistle.

Everyone turned to see what had caught his attention.

Yn was walking toward them, holding someone’s hand.

It wasn’t Lando. It wasn’t Charles.

It was Toto.

And on her head sat a Mercedes cap.

The paddock went silent.

“Papá, Toto says Mercedes has a dog,” Yn announced happily. “His name is Roscoe.”

Toto, ever the businessman, smirked. “And I told her she could meet him.”

Carlos, struggling not to laugh, just nodded. “Well, that’s it then. We all lose.”

Yn, oblivious to the existential crisis happening around her, looked up at Toto. “Can we go see Roscoe now?”

Toto chuckled. “Of course, Schatz.”

And just like that, the war was over.

Mercedes had won.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♥︎♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Authors Note: Hey loves. A little plot twist at the end. I hope you enjoyed reading this story. My requests are always open for you.

-💙🦋

[bon2bonn]

Y/N : come on ! How many times do I have to apologize to you ?!

Charles : once!!!

Y/N : ......

Charles : .....

Y/N : NO!