#and I credit SO much to lando and oscar and sheer natural compatibility

[inchidentally]

oohhhh my... when you recall how much physical affection Andrea made sure to show Oscar from the very earliest days (especially the one special hug in Australia 2023) when Oscar was clearly still feeling so new and dealing with the fact that he'd never be able to do what Daniel did and just slip into the void created by his predecessor - that he both wanted and needed to create a space for himself in the team bc he'd never be gregarious guy or have that easy physical and verbal affection with Lando (and not bc he can't when we saw in Prema he can! but kinda awkward when he's been this much of a fan of Lando's since they were both kids) but he also had an extra uphill battle in his predecessor being arguably one of the most popular and beloved drivers in modern F1 history… and that the many times Lando has soared while Oscar has quietly swallowed down his own disappointment (the added twist of both drivers being almost identical in age but with a huge gap of experience between them !) Andrea has taken special care to go to the boy and make sure he isn't alone and knows he's appreciated… (and that he makes sure to do on the occasions Lando is in that position as well !! bc no matter what certain fans and the media try to say, those are HIS sweet boys who he's raising and who adore him !!)

and then ^this photo^ from Melbourne where Oscar has clearly already taken moment to feel the disappointment and/or cry but then done his customary shower and a change into the team kit - not even the driver hat, he's wearing the all black that the rest of the team is - because if he hasn't gotten a podium, his favorite place is to blend in with everyone else on the team and Be There For Lando… and Andrea notices. he could be riding high with the rest of the team on what that race has proven for McLaren for the upcoming season and Lando sitting atop the WDC. it would be very easy to know that Oscar has his whole support system there and he'll be okay. but Andrea's eyes drop to Oscar, who's extended his contract at the first opportunity every time and who shows up for the team no matter what, and his big celebratory smile softens bc his big Italian heart is so proud of both his boys at that moment in two different ways, and for Oscar it's a quiet deep pride because where Lando sparkles, Oscar glows and jfc I'm a fucking mess sorry !!!