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fangirl-dot-com · 5 months

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🍾Track 5 - Don't Blame Me

*sorry for the delay folks! I made this chapter a little bit longer because you all have been so patient with me! I got my paper done and my teacher looked over it before I turned it in and she liked it! so I hope you all like this chapter! for Logan I am using Kimi during Lotus for his body claim and then for reader I am using Nico during Renault. the cars are going to be switching*

TAG LIST IS CLOSED

“And that is pole mate. Good job!”

Logan was shaking as he took his cooldown lap around the track to get back to the pits. He was wondering if his radio was working correctly.

“Did you say pole?” his voice shakily responded.

“Yep! Great pace and congrats are in order.”

He didn’t respond to that, still in disbelief. As he pulled the yellow and black car into Parc Ferme at the number 1 spot, his head whipped around. He let out a sigh in relief as his eyes landed on your own yellow car pulling into the number 2 spot.

The blond went through his routine of turning off the engine and undoing the steering wheel before standing up and putting it back on. As he was bending down, he felt a slap to his back. Once the wheel had finally been placed in correctly, he turned in the direction of the hand.

He could see your eyes crinkled through the opening of your visor as your hand clasped his. When he felt your glove, he finally recognized that this was not a dream and Logan was on pole for the first time in his career at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

A flash of red also came up beside him and scrunched green eyes followed.

“Mate, you were flying! Your time is so close to almost a one second gap!” he heard Charles say as the three of them took their helmets off so that they could be weighed.

Logan let out a small laugh. “I was just driving.”

You shook your head. “Just driving my ass. Lo, this is unbelievable.”

The American turned his head to look at the other cars slowly pulling in. Max’s car was first in the line, signifying his P4 spot for tomorrow’s race. His face did not look happy as he took his own helmet off and glared at the stewards. Logan shrank in a bit at the sight of the angry Dutchman. When blue eyes met gray, Logan quickly turned his face to the side.

“I think Max might be mad at me,” he muttered to you as you and Charles lined up for pictures. Charles sighed.

“He’s not mad at you mate. He’s mad because they messed up their quali strategies. He was supposed to do three laps but they only let him do one.”

Logan nodded his head and smiled for the flashing cameras. Once they were done and Charles went to be interviewed, Logan looked back at where the Dutchman had been. Only this time, Max was smiling wide as he looked at the two Lamborghini drivers. His hand waved them over. Logan nodded before making his way over to be interviewed after you were done.

You had already found yourself conversing with Charles while Logan went over to Max. Logan was still a bit weary, but his fears melted once he was brought into a giant hug from the Red Bull driver. He sighed a bit and visibly deflated in hug.

Once he pulled away, his eyes landed on some other familiar drivers that made his blood run cold. Alex and Oscar were looking at him like he just ran over their family dog and Lando had a murderous look in his eyes.

Max saw the moment that Logan tensed. His gray eyes followed Logan’s line of sight and he sighed once he saw who he was looking at. He looked back to Logan.

“He, dat is niet nodig. Negeer ze gewoon. Jij staat op pole en zij niet.” (Hey, there’s no need for that. Just ignore them. You’re on pole and they’re not.)

Logan sighed. “Waarschijnlijk eindig ik niet zoals altijd.” (I’ll probably just end up not finishing like always.)

The Dutchman rolled his eyes. “Zeg dat niet. Je heb teen betere auto dan de meeste mensen op de baan. Laat ze niet bij je komen. Je bent een goede chauffeur.” (Don’t say that. You have a better car than most of the people on track. Don’t let them get to you. You’re a good driver.)

Logan felt a bit better at the words being spoken to him. He was glad that he had begun to brush up on his Dutch so he wasn’t as rusty as he thought. He snorted as he looked at the other drivers’ wide eyes as they tried to look like they weren’t listening on their conversation.

He looked over back at you and saw that you were pretending to tap a watch on your wrist. His eyes widened as the noticed the time. He turned to Max.

“I got to go back to the garage. I think Y/n and I were going out to dinner tonight and you’re welcome to join if you want to. George and Lewis are also joining and she was supposed to ask Charles.”

Logan’s head turned back to you as he mentioned your name. Max smiled fondly at how he observed Logan looking at you. Hopefully, for Logan’s sake and mental health, you weren’t as oblivious as someone that was on the receiving end of his own glances.

The American turned back to Max as he waited for the answer. The older man nodded.

“Yeah, just text me the address and I’ll be there.”

Max wished he would have said yes sooner, because the smile on Logan’s face practically rivaled the sun at the acceptance of a dinner invitation.

“Great! I will see you there.”

Logan gave the man a half hug before lightly jogging over to you. You saw the smile on Logan’s face as he got closer.

“Max said he can come to dinner,” Logan mentioned as the two of you began to walk to the garage.

You smiled up at him. “Great because Charles also said that he can come as well. George and Lewis already have the address, and I made sure that the restaurant had vegan options before I gave them the location just in case we needed to change it or something.”

Logan watched as you rattled on about the menu before he suddenly stopped as the two of you were in the hallway. Your brows pinched as you turned to your friend.

“You ok Logs?”

Logan’s face suddenly brightened as he pulled you into a hug. Although you were confused, your arms wrapped around his waist. He dug his face into the top of your head.

“We’re P1 and P2 for tomorrow’s race,” he muttered. You let out a sigh of relief, thankful that his sudden stop wasn’t anything too serious.

You pulled back just a bit to look him in the face. As you studied him a bit, you realized how close the two of you were.

Had he always had those green flecks in his blue eyes?

And had you always had that freckle near your top lip?

Logan’s head was a bit bent as he stared down at you. He glanced around as he lightly licked his lips as they had gotten dry in the desert air. His eyes eventually met yours again. His forehead moved down to rest against yours and you were just enveloped in him.

Logan. Logan. Logan.

He took up too much space in your soul, but you didn’t want him to ever leave.

Y/n. Y/n. Y/n.

You had moved into Logan’s heart years ago and still didn’t pay rent. Good thing Logan wanted to keep you there as long as possible.

“We’re late to debrief.”

A groan escaped his lips as Logan finally let you go. The two of you entered the conference room still wrapped in each other’s arms. Marissa gave Michael a knowing smirk as the two of you sat down next to each other.

The two of you were listening intently at the chosen strategies for tomorrow’s race. It would be a two-stopper with Logan being pitted first to keep the lead. However, if it seemed as though you were faster, you’d be granted the opportunity to race against him.

You truly hope that you were slower. You wanted Logan to show everyone what he could truly do.

Michael knew that the two of you wanted hotel rooms next to each other and that is exactly what he got. However, he warned that Williams was also going to be in the same hotel and to look out for Alex and James. You jokingly said that you probably wouldn’t see them, it was a big hotel.

But now that you were in an awkward elevator ride with Logan, Alex, and James, you weren’t laughing.

Alex had sighed as he pressed a button, keeping his eyes low. He didn’t even want to see what floor the two of you were going to. But, his curiosity got the best of him and his eyes widened when he saw the penthouse buttons pressed. He fought the urge to roll his eyes.

Once Alex and James stepped off the elevator and the doors closed, you and Logan burst into a fit of giggles. You actually had to hold onto Logan to keep standing up straight.

“Did you see Alex’s eyes when he noticed what floor we were going to?” you could hardly get out with all the giggles.

“James looked like he wanted to die!” Logan helped you out of the elevator since you were still gasping for breath.

“I can’t wait for the press conference when James and Michael are in the same one,” you giggled. “It might not be for a few races though. I think the FIA wants little to no drama.”

Logan sighed as he jumped on the giant bed once he entered the room. It was so nice going from an itchy single bed to a bed that had sheets probably worth more than his first salary. And the smell was so much more fresh. The environment of the room just helped him relax. He’d be lying though if he said he wasn’t nervous about tomorrow.

But that’s why they were going out to dinner tonight, just to get the edge of just a bit before going to bed. It always hurt Logan when he had to go to sleep after a full night of isolation and his own thoughts.

His breath hitched in his throat when you showed him the dress you were wearing for the night. It was tight in all the right places, showing off your strong body. He was glad that you were so comfortable in your own skin, seeing as you were a bit more muscular and wider. But you had to be to do your job. And Logan would pick you any day over anyone.

He let out a low whistle which made you blush under his gaze. You took one of the pillows and threw it at his head.

“We’re going to be late if you don’t get ready now.”

You only got an eye roll in response, but Logan rolled over and got off the bed. You knew he didn’t need a lot of time to get ready, but you wanted to get there early. It was your turn to whistle when Logan walked out in a button up and some slacks.

Logan may have turned a shade of pink as he rolled his sleeves up and sprayed some cologne. He somewhat knew that he was attractive. But, he still couldn’t help but compare himself to people like Lando or Charles.

You grabbed your purse as Logan put his phone and wallet into his pockets. You turned to pout at him.

“Can you drive?”

And how could Logan ever say no to your puppy eyes. He even opened the door for you at the hotel and at the restaurant. You rolled your eyes as you took his hand, slinging your legs over the door frame of the Urus.

“And they say chivalry is dead.”

Logan snorted as he led you to the front of the restaurant. It wasn’t anything fancy, but real wealth was silent, or whatever the filthy rich people said.

The man shot a smile at the hostess, and you could see her visibly swoon. You may have felt some jealousy bubble inside your chest, but it went away when Logan’s hand slithered across your lower waist, pulling you into his side.

If it were just the two of you, you would have molded yourself against him. But this was a public place and the main floor was filled. Logan knew this was a possibility and booked a private room, out of sight from any unwanted eyes. (Mainly, he heard that McLaren might host a dinner here and he did not want Oscar or Lando to ruin anything.)

Funnily enough, the two of you were the first ones there. You took a look at your phone and read the messages from the four different guys that they were almost there.

Logan and you took the liberty to get some wine for the table. He almost wanted to be petty and order the most expensive wine possible, just to flaunt a bit, since now he had a salary that rivaled Charles’s or even George’s. Eight figures would do that to a person. But he knew that you liked a more simpler wine when eating food. You claimed it helped the dishes taste better, since your tongue wouldn’t be doused with thick wine.

The waiter had just come back with the bottle, when the same hostess opened the sliding doors, revealing Max, Charles, Lewis, and George. You smiled at them.

“Did you four all drive together?”

Max looked a bit sheepish. “Apparently we’re staying at the same hotel, so we just carpooled.”

“Ah.”

Since you and Logan were already sitting next to each other (definitely for moral support), the rest filled in the round five seater. Charles took a place by you, followed by George and Lewis. Max sat on the other side of Logan.

Charles immediately looked at the menu. “I’ve never been here, but the dishes look fantastic.”

It also helped that there was a plethora of Italian dishes.

“I’ve been here once, like two years ago,” you said before taking a sip of wine. “We, uh Arrow, came to watch the opener since Pato was wanting to start training to be a reserve. I was told that there was a price limit. The limit they gave me didn’t even cover one dish. To my surprise, everyone was able to get what they wanted.”

Lewis looked at you with a pity smile. You waved your hand.

“It was fine in the end. I eventually left, took one of their new Mercedes, and drove to I think Burger King.”

George almost spit his drink out at the story. Lewis smirked.

“Sounds like something my teammate would do. And it would probably be my car he would steal.”

“Hey!”

It wasn’t long before the same waiter came to take the numerous orders. Knowing that everyone had a race the next morning, the dishes were light and protein packed. Lewis was delighted to see that there were many options for vegan dishes.

Towards the end of the meal, the guys asked for the check, not seeing that Logan had already asked for it ahead. He smirked as he quietly slipped his card into the booklet and handed it back. The hostess was nice as she explained that it had already been paid for.

“Mate,” Charles started before Logan held his hand up.

“It’s fine. Not like it’ll do anything to the checking account you know?”

You smirked behind your cup.

Max also had a grin. “You have big boy money now? How much were they paying you at Williams compared to Lamborghini?”

Logan’s eyes looked up slightly as he mentally did the math.

“So Williams ended my salary at 1 million, so,” he winced a bit, “Andretti upped it to 30 million, give or take.”

You huffed. “At least you made it into the millions with Williams. Arrow was paying me around nine-hundred-thousand dollars.”

George asked, “How much were the other drivers making?”

“O’Ward was paid around 4 million.”

Logan’s head whipped to you. “They were paying you that little?”

You only shrugged, really not wanting to talk about your time with Arrow. “It’s fine. I’m getting paid the same amount at Logan so I’m good.”

Around 9 p.m., Max mentioned that they should head back to the hotel. You and Logan agreed. However, as you walked out, your eyes caught familiar people. You scoffed and kept walking. Everyone looked in the direction that your head had been and also saw the big table full of the McLaren team, including Pato and David.

Seeing your reaction, they just kept on walking.

You’d show them tomorrow at the race how much they fumbled.

Arrow and Williams needed to realize that they lost the best things that they.

The next morning, you and Logan were there bright and early to go over last minute things. Logan also definitely found out that he has a staring problem, because his eyes could not leave you as you talked to one of your mechanics.

It was nice to see you in your environment. Logan was also very happy with mechanics and a team that actually listened to what he said and suggested. Williams never did that.

Logan felt peace as he sat in the car, waiting to get on the track. He had never felt like this at Williams. He always felt on edge, like one mess up and he’d be replaced midseason. Maybe if they didn’t put so much pressure on him, he wouldn’t have messed up so many times.

He knew that he could drive well.

“Just remember Logan, Y/n is going to help create a gap. No pressure, just smooth and clear driving,” his engineer Elio said over the radio. He had been thankful for the older man. He kind of reminded him of kind uncle. Not too old to be a grandpa, but older than Logan by almost 20 years.

“Copy. Are we ready to go?”

“Lights out in 5.”

Logan inhaled deeply as he flexed his fingers on the steering wheel.

“And it’s lights out and away we go for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix! Logan Sargeant maintains the lead at turn 1, his teammate right behind him. Max Verstappen gets ahead of Charles Leclerc but Leclerc is not going to give up. Oh! What is going on in the back!

It looks like both McLarens have taken each other out at turn 2! Alex Albon has dropped two places and now resides in P17 with teammate Theo in P18.

Sargeant is going into turn 3 and is still ahead with his teammate out of the DRS zone.”

“Ok Logan, it’s a virtual safety car. Keep pace nice and steady.”

“Who was it?”

Elio sighed before responding. “Both McLarens are out, debris is being cleared. Safety car ending in 1 lap.”

Logan wanted to laugh so much on the radio. What were the odds of both McLarens getting out before the first lap of the race.

Karma was Logan’s bitch.

The race remained pretty uneventful after the virtual safety car was lifted. You did an amazing job maintaining pace with Charles gaining and then falling back. It seemed like he was toying with you, but your car was slower on the corners and his car was slower on the straights. It balanced out perfectly.

It was nerve wracking when your engineers decided to call both you and Logan into the pits at the same time for a double stack.

However, people should have never doubted at you and Logan both had pit stops under 2.5 seconds each, letting the two of you keep the lead that you built. You had come out behind some drivers, but they hadn’t pitted at all.

The Lamborghini garage erupted with cheers as you and Logan got closer to the end, still in a respectable 1-2.

“LOGAN SARGEANT WINS THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX, FIRST OF HIS CAREER! AND Y/N L/N BRINGS IT HOME WITH A 1-2 FOR THE LAMBORGHINI-ANDRETTI RACING TEAM!

“I know that Michael and Tonino are very happy with this driver set up.

“Charles Leclerc crosses the line with the checker flag in P3 after an intense battle of his own with Verstappen who finishes in P4.”

Logan stood on the nose of his car and just screamed as he hunched over. Every emotion was piling on him and this was the only way of escape. When he was finished, he was pulled down into your waiting arms. The two of you couldn’t help but jump up and down and just congratulate each other.

Charles and Max watched with fond eyes (and maybe cringed when the two of you wouldn’t break eye contact – because they were thinking Is that how we look?).

The smile on Logan’s face could not be wiped off as he stood in the middle of you and Charles for pictures. It never left as he was being interviewed by Nico Rosberg.

“Logan how are you feeling right now?”

He was a bit speechless, but he was able to formulate a sentence.

“Well, it’s just phenomenal, what the team did. I knew I was breaking some hearts of the fans when I couldn’t give them the results that I wanted to give them. Last year, I kind of felt like a play thing for everyone to use, because I just kept being let down.”

Nico put a hand on his shoulder. “Well, I certainly hope that is not the case for this year?”

Logan shook his head. “Not at all. Andretti came to me like some paradise in the darkest part of my life. It just took me a minute to realize that I just needed them, a good team. I’d cross the line for them, figuratively and literally. Just hoping that if I do, my lap times won’t be deleted.”

The German through his head back and laughed at the metaphor. Logan was able to chuckle as well. You quickly switched with Logan after he was done.

This year, they did interviews a bit different and let the race winner go first, followed by runner up and P3.

“Y/n, my my my, that was outstanding with how you built the gap. Mind telling us how you did that?”

You brought the microphone to your lips.

“Well, Nico, it felt like I was wasting my time a bit, and losing my mind, just because it was just me in my little space. Charles and Max really kept me on my toes for the first half, but after the pit stop the gap just kept increasing.”

The blond man smiled at your confession. “You definitely look like you had a good race though.”

You nodded. “Of course. I’ve been told that I get this wild look in my eyes, but racing is just fun for me to do and I love it. I think with some of my initial moves, they were a bit more defensive than what I would like. I know some people are going to be like ‘she’s gone too far this time.’ But in the end, it’s just racing. Charles and I had a great time and Max at the beginning. It was perfect.”

The podium was also the symbol of perfection. For the first time in decades, you got to hear the Star Spangled Banner play before the Italian anthem followed. You saw as Charles swayed back and forth and sang with it, a big smile on his face.

Who doesn’t like the Italian national anthem?

When the champagne came, it was a mess. Charles decided to go after you, and you went after Logan, who tried his best to spray the two of you back. While Charles went to spray his team below, Logan stopped right next to you.

His blue eyes met yours and quickly darted to your lips that were sticky with the bubbly.

He leaned down and whispered, “Don’t blame me, I’m about to do something crazy.”

Logan didn’t wait for your reply and cut the distance between the two of you. You were shocked but quickly registered the feeling of his lips on yours. Your eyes immediately closed as you kissed back.

Michael, who had gone up to receive the constructor’s trophy, quickly leaned over the rail.

“Marissa, you owe me!” he shouted, making the Lamborghini team laugh. Many of them knew of the bet between the two siblings.

Everyone else was shocked as the two of you were lost in your own little world. Well, you were lost until Charles came back over and dumped the rest of his champagne bottle on your heads. You quickly parted to spray him back. This time, the Ferrari driver was soaked as you and Logan attacked him.

When the three of you stood for the picture, you on Logan’s left, Michael on his right, with Charles the other side of Michael. Your head got closer to Logan’s ear as you all smiled.

“You’re crazy Logan Sargeant,” you whispered.

Logan turned to face you, his bright smile back on his lips.

“I’m not doing love right if it doesn’t make me crazy.”

At the top, Logan missed the dark and pained looks of three drivers. Two in orange and one in blue. They all looked lonely in the sea of yellow and black.

At the top, however, it wasn’t lonely. Logan had all that he needed.

lamborghini_racing has posted

lamborghini_racing happy drivers, happy boss, happy 1-2 🥳

liked by dior, lewishamilton, logangirlie, and 5,204,295 others

lambo_duo AYO THAT'S MY TEAM

papa_tonino grazie a tutti! grande gara! 💛🖤

venus2 grazie mr. tonino! glad we could bring it home first for you!

logangirlie when I say slay, I mean SLAYYYYY 💅

lambo&co GUYS ARE WE JUST GOING TO SKIP THE PODIUM KISS???????

y/n_95 I think I cried a bit when I watched it - they really said childhood friends to lovers

formulala_delulu ngl that 1-2 was sexy. Logan leading by 15+ seconds with y/n in her own untouchable little world

lestappenlove Charles looked like he was going through a crisis when y/n and long wouldn't stop looking at each other in Parc Ferme

verstappenleclerc ikr - he was probably wondering if that's what he and Max look like

bee_lamborghini I just need every race to be like this one

venus2 has posted

venus2 if you aren't crazy then you ain't doin it right 🖤🍾

liked by charles_leclerc, logangirlie, logang2, and 2,048,175 others

American_f1 IT HAD BEEN TOO LONG SINCE THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER WAS PLAYED 🇺🇸

Logan.nation guys, I'm so proud of him. he really defied all the odds and showed them what they gave away! happy driver of the day as well Logan!

lambo_duo the pics go hard 🔥

phoenix95 proud of youuuuuuu 🥳❤️

venus2 i see you've taken Charles's class on instagram comments

charles_leclerc I taught my child well ☺️

lewishamilton your child 🤨

charles_leclerc *our child

loscar_no_more this was amazing (especially after you know who dnf-ed)

my_goat_logan the group picture on the podium was so wholesome

bennys_back DID ANYONE NOTICE BENNY CRYING WHILE HE WATCHED LOGAN?????

phoenix95 has posted

phoenix95 I'll be usin for the rest of my lifeeeee 🐝

liked by armani, georgerussell63, y/n.nation, and 2,105,893 others

y/ns_world the helmet is peak (the inverted) >>>>>

charlie&y/n she really is Charles's daughter

leclerc_line so we have y/n, the oldest, ollie the middle brother, and Leo as the youngest

shark_leclerk except y/n is also Lewis's kid, Ollie and Leo are Max's

venus2 again with the caption?

phoenix95 yes, and?

venus2 ☹️

maxverstappen1 @.charles_leclerc and @.lewishamilton - your kid made mine and George's kid sad

georgerussell63 put her in timeout 🫵

phoenix95 we're good now (I gave him another kiss)

maxverstappen1 DIDN'T NEED TO KNOW

y/n.nation expert masterclass from y/n today!

lambo_duo her driving is a symbol of perfection!

venus&phoenix the duo we didn't know we needed

landonorris has posted

landonorris definitely not what we wanted today, but we'll keep pushing 👊

liked by oscarpiastri, lando4norris, lannoLN4, and 1,204,295 others

lando_no_rizz you'll get back to it in Jeddah

loscar_no_more hmmmm maybe you're just not fit for f1?

logan2sargeant BYE 💀

ln4 next race is where it's at 👊

logangirlie karma at its finest

mclarengoldenboy head up lando, that win is coming!! 🏆

verstappen33 don't worry about lambo, they'll fall apart soon

bee_lamborghini make sure your drivers finish the race before you say something ☺️

norris4ever let's go lando!

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cazzyf1 · 3 months

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An Article about Lella Lombardi - Nobody makes jokes about women drivers around Lella Lombardi

The sleek Lola T-332 racing car crossed the starting line at the river side, Calif, Grand Prix, hurtled ahead of three cars, and swooped back inside with split-second timings.

"You mean that's really a girl?" Muttered three times indianapolis 500 winner A. J. Foyt, looking on in incredulously from the side liners.

For Lella Lombardi, the first woman in 17 years (and the second ever) to compete on high performance Formula One circut - the big leagues of professionals auto racing - the question is all but invetable. What in the world is a nice Italian girl like Lella doing in overalls and a crash helmet, risking her life at speeds close to 200 miles an hour?

"That's what mama keeps asking me," says the tomboyish 31-year-old Lella, "I guess she thinks I should be home with a good husband and a houseful of bambini."

It was obvious from the beginning, to Lella at least, that she was cut from different cloth compared to most girls. Born in the little Piedmontese village of Furgarolo, she was hooked on auto racing before she was out of diapers.

"The first I remember, I am perhaps 4 or 5 years old," she recalls, "I was making little cars from things I found in my mum's sewing box. When I was 8 I decided I shall be a racing driver. I didn't say anything but I made up my mind."

As a teenager Lella raced motorcycles with boys in her village. The boys were scandalized she beat them - their mothers that she was racing at all. Eventually the village priest came to call.

"He explained why I should be like a girl and what a girl must do," she remembers. "So I told him, 'yes father' but all the time I am thinking why am I not allowed to do as I want."

Nothing if not persistent, Lella saw her first race at 18. Five years later she brought a car of her own, secondhand, Formula Monza 500 that she tinkered with and drove in races herself. Last year, nearly after a decade of coming up through the ranks, she was approached by March Racing Ltd, of England which was looking for a driver for its two-man Grand Prix team.

"Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula 5000 - I raced in them all," says Lella, "I win a lot in Italy - six times women's champion. So when March comes to ask me to try out for them, I say to myself, 'Why not?'"

March's decision to hire her was hardly made lightly. A single Grand Prix car costs $100,000 and putting it through a season of racing costs several hundred thousand dollars more.

"Putting a woman into a Grand Prix cockpit means shattering a lot of tradition," acknowledges March team manager, Max Mosley. "Of course, my wild told me, the only reason I was hesitating was because of Lella's sex, no doubt about her skill, in the end, I guess my wife was right."

Now prepping for this Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, Lella is given little chance of winning a race this season (although she finished a respectable sixth in last week's accident-shorter Spanish Grand Prix) since March is designing its cars. Some drivers perhaps disturbed by Lella's invasion of their male peserve, doubt the chunky, 5"2, Lombardi has the stamina for long-distance racing. But March chief Roy Wardell, was watching her during a gruelling test of the company's racers, disagrees.

"Thrasing a car about it bloody hard work," he says, "most male drivers would have been bitching and complaining but she drove more than 300 miles flat out without a whimper." Her main fault, says Wardell, is a rookie's understandable caution. "Lella is still a bit afraid that if she spins out everyone will say, 'see a woman driver'" he says, "but her confidence is building. Pretty soon she'll be mixing it up with the best of them."

#when i saw this on ebay I knew I had to grab the photo and write out the article #even if I don't like some of the language and terms they use #but still lovely to read about lella #classic f1 #f1 #formula one #formula 1 #vintage f1 #lella lombardi

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youkissedareaderinthedark · 1 year

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Nothing is Easy

Synopsis: Y/n gets into a crash in Mexico, and it keeps her from finishing the 2023 season. It’s a long road of recovery, but it pays off in the end

female driver reader x F1 2023 grid

(reader is 24 in this one, and she drives for aston martin)

“And here she is now! Y/n L/n, we were just talking about you, how are you feeling about Mexico?” Martin Brundle approaches you while you’re walking through the paddock.

“Oh, hi Martin!” You greet the commentator with a smile.

“I’m feeling good, it’s nice out, there’s a lot of fans here, and the team is looking good today” You shrug.

“So, we can expect big things from Aston Martin?”

“Yeah, me and Lance and the team are all confident in the car and we’re hoping for a good finish in the points” You speak for your teammate, Lance Stroll, and the rest of the Aston Martin garage.

“Alright Y/n, thank you for talking with me and good luck on the race” He nods and places a hand on your shoulder before walking off to his next interview-ee.

All of what you said was true; you were just coming off a P6 finish at the Austin Grand Prix, it was a calm, sunny day in Mexico City, the stands were packed with eager fans, and everyone in Aston Martin had confidence in their driver lineup.

You and Lance first became teammates in 2021 when Racing Point became Aston Martin and as a part of their rebranding, they named you, the 2020 F2 World Champion, as a part of their 2021 Driver Lineup.

It took a bit for you to get used to the car, frequenting P10 and P9, but was fairly successful in 2022, getting used to taking P7 and P6. You and Lance worked together quite well, being the same age and having the same goals in Formula 1.

You felt less nerves and more anticipation as you completed your usual race day routine. It was the 20th/23rd race of the year and you’ve completed the same routine for three years, so your body is on auto pilot all morning.

A tap on your shoulder from your race engineer, Ben Michael, brings you out of your daze. “30-minute warning, Y/n. We have the get the cars out and onto the grid” The older man says to you.

You nod and pull off your headphones before replacing them with your helmet and balaclava. When you turn, you’re surprised to see your teammate mirroring you. “Good luck, we’re going to do great, yeah?” Lance sticks out his hand in a fist bump and you raise your arm to meet it.

“Yeah, of course. Good luck” You both move to get into your respective cars and wait for the signal to exit the garage.

“Alright ladies and gentlemen, we’re about thirty seconds away from light’s out now. All twenty cars are out and completing the formation lap, here’s what our top 10 of the starting grid looks like;

“Lance Stroll, P10. Y/n L/n, P9. Oscar Piastri, P8. Lando Norris, P7. George Russell, P6. Sergio Perez, P5. Lewis Hamilton, P4. Charles Leclerc, P3. Carlos Sainz, P2, and starting at pole position is Max Verstappen” David Croft commentates for the viewers.

“71 Laps ahead of us, let’s see what unfolds, it’s light’s out and away we go! Verstappen and the Ferrari’s get away with no problems. Hamilton is off, trying to get away from Perez behind him”

“Russell is scrambling away in attempt to bring a gap between him and the two McLarens. Both Aston Martin’s start flawlessly, DRS isn’t available until Sector 2, but it looks like L/n is already trying to get a bit closer to Piastri in front of her”

“Okay Y/n, once DRS is available, push to catch up to Piastri and try to overtake him. We’re looking to advance early so Lance can get some overtakes done as well” Ben becomes audible through your radio.

“Understood” You reply before refocusing on the orange car in front of you.

“Lap 4, no changes in the lineup so far, but I wouldn’t speak too soon. Y/n L/n is gaining on Oscar Pisatri in front of her. Just leaving Turn 7, she’s going down the inside, wheel to wheel as they go into Turn 8, leaving Turn 9 does she have a lead?

Yes, she does! Y/n L/n has a McLaren beat, and I don’t think she’s going to hesitate in moving onto Lando Norris”

“Lap 12, now. Verstappen is, predictably, still leading, both Ferrari’s persistent behind him. Lewis Hamilton in P4 with his teammate behind him, trying to get away from the Aston Martin’s of L/n and Stroll, both just overtook the two McLarens of Norris and Piastri”

“Lap 20 and tension is starting to rise here. Most of the race today has been between Y/n L/n and whoever is in front of her. Right now, George Russell has his foot against the gas, taking every opportunity to try to extend the gap between him and the Aston Martin”

You’re trailing Russell as you approach Turn 2. Turn 3 is the last corner before the long straight and if you want to get up into P5, you have to catch up with him before the next bend.

“Y/n, you have more pace. You are faster than Russell, push and you’ll beat him” Ben speaks. “Understood, I’m trying” You reply shortly.

“Here we go, DRS is enabled. She’s gaining on him, trying to at least go wheel-to-wheel before the long straight. L/n’s moving aside from behind Russell and going around the outside”

The front of your car is aligned with the middle of his and you move to the right to avoid contact.

“They’re almost wheel-to-wheel! L/n’s front left tire is right behind Russell’s front right tire, George is not backing away from this”

You try to move closer to finish the move and before you can shift to the right again, your front left makes contact with George’s front right tire.

“There’s some contact in the tires and Y/n is spinning! She makes contact with George Russell and spins across the track!”

You see a blur of dark green and a mess of orange pass you, probably cars swerving around your collision.

“George Russell continues fine, moving ahead. Martin, I don’t even think he’s realized what happened” Croft speaks to the man next to him while staring at the track in front of him with worry.

You’ve managed to stop your car, but you’re in the middle of the track, so just as you’re about to turn your head around to look for the perfect opportunity to set yourself right, you feel a world of pain on the left side of you.

“Esteban Ocon did not see Y/n L/n’s car in front of him! He’s hit into the side of her Aston Martin! I think he tried to swerve to avoid her, but he was going too fast!” Crofty shouts.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Esteban Ocon’s Alpine has T-boned Y/n L/n’s Aston Martin and it’s a red flag”

Your eyes are closed both in fear and pain, causing you to miss all the other cars weave around the collision in the middle of the straight. The other 18 cars were guided into the pits by the safety car, so when Esteban climbs out of his car and runs towards yours, he doesn’t have to worry about other cars on track.

Your five senses are scrambled. All you feel is the pain in your hip, the only scent you smell is fuel, and while usually the scent will remind you of your karting days, it now just clouds your brain’s attempts to figure out what the hell happened.

A metallic taste fills your mouth, and you assume you’ve bit your lip so hard in pain, it started bleeding. Your eyes are closed and all you can hear is the combination of a voice in your ears, someone shouting near you, and the buzz of the crowd around you.

You force your eyes to meet the harsh Mexican sun and the distressed frame of Esteban Ocon hovering above you. You realize the voice in your ear is Ben through your radio, and it takes you a worrying amount of time to refocus your attention on the steering wheel your hands still clutch and answer the question your race engineer has been asking non-stop.

“Yeah, I’m okay. For the most part. I think” You radio back to the Aston Martin garage. You realize that that buzzing in your ear is only half because of the crowd, and it takes a moment for the humming to calm down so that the Alpine driver is audible.

“Y/n! Can you hear me? Are you okay?” He shouts and you quickly lift your hand to meet his resting on the side of your car in hopes he will stop yelling. “I’m okay, Esteban” You shift uncomfortably.

“Actually, I think I hurt my hip. I can’t move my left leg at all”

The Frenchman looks slightly relieved. “Do you need help getting out? I can-” You interrupt quickly.

“No! Please don’t do anything, I’ll just wait for the marshals” You weren’t very good friends with Esteban, but you appreciated his care for a fellow driver.

The marshals you spoke of arrived a few minutes later in another safety car and an ambulance. You told Ben that you couldn’t move, and the medics arrived prepared to lift you out of your crash car and onto a gurney. Once the marshals assured Esteban you would be okay, he was escorted into the safety car and back into the paddock.

The radio messages in team garages were confidential, so viewers and drivers only knew your status because of David Croft’s commentary.

“After a few minutes of uncertainty, it’s clear that Y/n L/n is okay and out of her car. According to the Aston Martin race engineer, Ben Micheal, she is off to the medical center and in good hands” Crofty says with clear traces of relief in his voice.

You ride in the elevator clutching tightly onto your race suit. Now that the shock of the crash is gone, the only thing you can feel is pain in the left side of your hip. It’s a searing pain that has spread across your body, but it burns the most above your thigh.

The medics inside the ambulance do the work of pulling your race suit down your body to make your hip visible and you try your best not to wince every time a hand touches the left side of your body, but you do it so much it becomes subconscious.

You get wheeled through the medical center and into a room where two doctors immediately start working around you. You hear one talking about x-rays and having a proper ambulance being called to take you to the closest hospital once they examined your hip.

Your eyes are shut in pain, but you look up when you hear the voice of your PR officer and best friend in the paddock, Addison, asking the doctors for an update on you. “We can’t be 100% sure but from the looks of it, it might be a fractured hip” The female doctor says. Addison sighs and frows before going to your side to replace your clinched race suit with her hand.

“Are you okay?” The British woman asks. “No” You grimace “Am I going to the hospital?”

“Yeah, the ambulance is on its way, should be here in a few minutes”

You’ve never been in an ambulance before, and the underwhelming expirience does nothing to cheer you up. You enter the hospital through the ER entryway, but it doesn’t stop everyone in the waiting room from staring at a woman they find familiar.

You get x-rays done first and then a different doctor comes into your room to update you on the results about an hour later. Apparently, you have a femoral neck fracture in the left side of your hip, meaning you broke the top of your femur bone.

In order to prevent further injuries, you needed surgery as soon as possible. You’re 24, so you’re beyond eligible to deal with your own medical incidents, but that didn’t mean it was easy. Addison helped you figure it all out and within three hours, you were being wheeled into the operating room.

You were put to sleep while surgeons placed three steel screws through the top of your femur and into your pelvis. It took three hours, but it was successful; you were still in a daze once they took you for another round of x-rays.

It freaked you out a bit, seeing and knowing steel was screwed into your body but your hip didn’t hurt nearly as bad as it did before, so you count it as a plus.

While you’re sitting in your hospital bed after your surgery, your doctor and surgeon knock on your door. “Hey Y/n, how’re you feeling?” The surgeon says.

“Eh, I’m okay. The anesthesia has mostly worn off but I’m still kinda tired. My hip doesn’t hurt as bad, though”

“That’s good. So, we’ve printed out all the necessary information for taking care of your fracture in here” The surgeon holds up a packet of papers. “But I’ll give you the gist of it now” He continues.

“You’ll have to stay in the hospital until Tuesday night and because you still need to get home, but because you can’t travel normally with your fracture, you’ll need to leave in a scheduled airliner. That means that you’ll fly on a stretcher installed in the plane with a medical flight attendant looking after you”

“When you get home, you’ll have to book a follow-up appointment to follow bone healing. All the wound care and pain medication information are in here” He pauses to hold up the packet as the man next to him continues

“You’ll be able to walk and sit and lay down just fine, you’re just going to experience some pain when you do. Physical therapy is recommended, and it will take about 3 months of training to regain total range of motion and strength”

“Now, I know you are a Formula 1 driver, but for the sake of your hip, I instruct you don’t drive for six weeks at least”

In all the information he gave you, that was the one sentence that stuck out to you. Six weeks means you won’t be able to race for the rest of the season.

Shit

Addison squeezed your hand and sent you a sympathetic look. You think the two doctors said a few more things but the only thing you noticed was when they left. “I-I can’t drive?” You said in disbelief.

“Y/n, there’s only three races left, you won’t be missing much-” Your PR officer said but you interrupted.

“It’s still three races! I was doing great; I was scoring points for us and now I’m just out?”

“Y/n, maybe this is a good thing” She shrugged and picked up the packet on your night stand.

“It says that after these types of car crashes, your reaction time will be slow, and we don’t want you out there when you’re not ready”

You were about to continue your argument, but instead you just sighed and threw your head back into the pillow, grumbling, “Fine”

Your two days in the hospital were filled with answering messages and daily checkups. A lot of people had contacted you with worry, and you had a few discussions with the engineers at Aston Martin.

Expectedly, they were as frustrated as you once they heard of your condition and set up a time with your PR team to announce it. You talked to your family and friends first, ensuring you were okay and would be heading home soon.

Most drivers on the grid heard that you were going into surgery and texted to make sure you were alright, and once you replied to them, you went on social media to see what everyone was saying.

On Tuesday night, you packed up all your things and changed into the clothes Addison brought you in preparation to leave for the airport. All the excitement from the Grand Prix was gone from Mexico City, so you had no trouble navigating through the airport.

The flight was a bit strange; having to lay down the entire time and have an attendant checking up on you every hour, but you managed.

It was relieving to finally get home after an exhausting week away, and you realized you should get used to being at home. Like the doctor advised, you made a follow up appointment and scheduled physical therapy appointments to fill two months.

The doctors you met at the follow up appointment removed the staples used to close up your wound and a few days later, you were going to your first therapy appointment.

The worst part about being bed ridden was the fact you could not watch the races in person. Along with not driving, you weren’t supposed to travel for 6 weeks.

From your couch you watched Felipe Drugovich race your car in Brazil, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. You watched Max win the 2023 Championship and Lance finish 9th in the driver’s standings.

As soon as you could, you were on a flight to the Aston Martin Headquarters in Silverstone and included in many meetings regarding your injury and how to advance. You spend a few days in England on the simulator and being analyzed by race engineers.

You do the same once you arrive home, and your off-season schedule becomes fairly structured. You wake up, do the most amount physical training you can with your fitness trainer, go to physical therapy, race on your simulator, and go to sleep to do it all again tomorrow.

You travel to the Aston Martin headquarters a few more times but you don’t see anybody outside of your team until the pre-season testing session in February. You’re walking, without any pain, to the Aston Martin garage with Addison by your side when you feel two hands on your shoulder.

“Y/n!” A French voice exclaims. “Hey Esteban!” You turn to find the Alpine driver grinning. Since your crash, Esteban has checked in regularly asking about health updates and it became the beginning of a friendship between you two.

“It is so nice to see you in the paddock again. You are feeling better, yes?” He brings you into a hug as you walk together.

“Yeah, I’m feeling a lot better. I finished physical therapy last month and I was cleared to drive a few weeks ago”

“That’s great, I’m so happy you’re okay. I will see you later, Y/n” Your friend bids you goodbye and turns to walk to his own garage.

“You say hello to Esteban and not me?”

A voice comes from behind you, and you wheel around to see your teammate. “Hi Lance” You bring your teammate into a hug with a smile.

You’ve seen Lance a few times at Aston Martin HQ and it’s common for you two to train on your simulators at home together.

“How’s your hip, metal man?” He teases as you laugh. “It’s steel, actually, and it’s okay. Doesn’t really hurt anymore” You nod.

“Good. Be careful today, I want my actual teammate with me this year” Felipe adjusted well to your car and sudden promotion, but your contract was solid, and the Brazilian remains as your reserve driver.

“Don’t worry, I will be. See you later, Lance” You waved as he said goodbye and you both entered your garage then to your drivers' rooms.

The testing session proved to be successful, as both Aston Martin’s traded taking fastest laps. Both of the new cars had several upgrades done on them over the winter break and you’re glad to see they’ve paid off.

Pre-season testing is fairly low-key, so after finishing your run, there was no media for you to complete and you were free to go back to your hotel to prepare for tomorrow.

Both green cars performed strongly on Friday and Saturday, and you left Sakhir Track confident.

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the first race of 2024. After a few months of winter break and three days of pre-season testing, we have all twenty drivers in their new cars, 30 seconds away from lights out.”

“And, for the first time since Mexico 2023, Y/n L/n rejoins the grid after a hip fracture. She’s healed splendidly after her surgery in the beginning of November and with the Aston Martin’s looking fast, she’s expected to do well here in Bahrain” Martin Brundle introduces today’s race.

“Here’s our top 10 on the grid today; Max Verstappen, P1. Charles Leclerc, P2. Sergio Perez, P3. Y/n L/n, P4. Carlos Sainz, P5, Lewis Hamilton, P6. Lance Stroll, P7. George Russel, P8. Lando Norris, P9. Pierre Gasly, P10. It’s going to be an interesting race, the light’s come on, and its light’s out and away we go!”

You’ve waited five months to get back in your car and you’re not about to waste the opportunity. Instead, you win.

“1st race of the year, her first race in five months, her first race win, Y/n L/n goes P1! She went through a Ferrari and two Red Bull’s, and now she goes through the checkered flag first!”

And you win again.

“For the second time, Y/n L/n wins the Grand Prix! She started P5 and worked her way up to P1! What a battle between her and Verstappen! Ladies and gentlemen, we’re only in Saudi Arabia, but it’s safe to safe I would follow those two cars wherever Formula 1 takes them if we get more races like that!”

And again.

“She does it in Miami! As her fourth race win, Y/n L/n beats Max Verstappen to the checkered flag with her teammate behind her in P3!”

And again.

“Martin, I can’t believe it. Y/n L/n wins her fifth Grand Prix in Monaco! It’s only the 8th race of 2024 but we are looking into a very exciting racing season ahead of us”

“So, Y/n” A reporter asks you during a press conference in June. “Max has won six races” She gestures to the Red Bull driver next to you. “And you’ve won five, looking to make it six this weekend in Austria. Is it safe to say that it’s going to be between you two for the 2024 Driver’s Championship?”

“Well, I mean it’s never good to speak too early, but we’ve both been looking promising this year and according to our stats, that’s where we’re headed”

“It’s Max Verstappen’s home race here in the Netherlands, but it’s not going to be easy to win. Y/n L/n has been right on his tail all race, her teammate Lance Stroll behind her in his own fight with the other Red Bull. My, if you asked me if this year’s rivalry would be between Aston Martin and Red Bull, I would not have believed you”

“And it’s the first 1-2 for Aston Martin! Lance Stroll goes P1 with his teammate right behind him! Great day in Singapore for the Canadian, outstanding day for everyone wearing green!”

“We are back in Mexico today, the very race she crashed at last year, but if she’s nervous she doesn’t show it. It’s Y/n L/n for her 9th win in Formula 1 and in the 2023 season! Verstappen in P2, Stroll takes P3, Perez, P4, and Sainz, P5”

“In the November air, Daniel Ricciardo goes P1 in Las Vegas after Max Verstappen and Y/n L/n collided and retired! An amazing day for the Australian, a frustrating one for the Red Bull and Aston Martin drivers”

“After Verstappen took his ninth win in Quatar, he and L/n are now tied with wins and very close in points for the Driver’s Championship. Max starts P1 today in Abu Dhabi, and if Y/n can get in front of him, Formula 1 will have its first female World Champion”

You’ve come way too far to lose like this. It’s been probably the most stressful season you’ve driven in ever, there’s no way you’re going to lose after it all.

“Y/n, relax” Your teammate places his hands on your shoulders.

“You’re going to do great. You’re going P1, trust me. You don’t need it but good luck, we’re all rooting for you” Lance sends you a smile and you’re struck with gratitude for your teammate.

“Thanks Lance, you’re going to do great too”You hug your friend before pulling your balaclava and helmet on.

“It’s an anxious day in Abu Dhabi, this race could go either way, it’s lights out and away we go!”

You remember Daniel comparing the 2021 Abu Dhabi race to a flip of a coin, and you think history has repeated itself. All 58 laps, you and Max take turns overtaking each other.

This time, it’s not just Sergio playing a team’s game; Lance helps in whatever way he can, whether it’s taking your spot when you’re in the pitlane or defending against Max so you can pass him.

“Ladies and gentlemen, after the most exciting season yet, Y/n L/n overtakes Max Verstappen and becomes the world champion! It took a long road of recovery, but the reward is sweet! L/n takes the checkered flag first and the arena is booming with noise! The coin has landed on her side today, and she accepts it happily”

The Aston Martin Garage is just as happy as you are, bringing you into hugs and jumping up and down, grins never leaving their faces. Lance joins you on the podium in P3 and you two soak each other in champagne. You shake Max’s hand politely but continue to beam as you wrap your home country’s flag around your shoulders and wave at the crowd.

With steel screwed into your hip, you stand on the podium with your trophy held above your head, looking down at everyone who has waited for this moment as long as you have.

#formula 1 #reader insert #driver reader #f1 grid x reader #platonic f1 grid #f1 imagine #female driver reader #recovery #aston martin #aston martin driver reader #platonic lance stroll

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coimbrabertone · 14 days

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Star Wars and Motorsports - A Surprisingly Intertwined History.

I actually had this blogpost planned out for a rainy day - I thought about maybe doing it for May 4th, 2025 as a Star Wars Day thingie - however, today, James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93. I knew him as Darth Vader and Mufasa, but he played a lot of roles and provided a lot of iconic voices, others may know him from the Sandlot, Coming to America, or dozens of other roles over the years.

Rest in peace.

In his honor, I'd like to do my little part, so...a discussion of the long and intertwined history of Star Wars and motorsports.

The first relates to Darth Vader himself, as a dark and imposing figure, was associated with Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR. Yup, known as the Intimidator and as the Man in Black already for his iconic black and gray GM Goodwrench #3 Chevy, Dale Earnhardt was also nicknamed the Darth Vader of motorsports a few times in the 1980s and 1990s.

The black helmet and sunglasses played into that.

Somewhat more substantively, there is also the world of Star Wars sponsorships in racing, with Pepsi and Lucasfilm teaming up to sponsor Jeff Gordon at the 1999 CarQuest Auto Parts 400 Busch Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, promoting Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Gordon would suffer a mechanical failure...which is probably for the best because it had Jar-Jar on the left rear quarter panel.

Fast forward to the 2002 Coke 600, also at Charlotte, and Lucasfilm tried again, this time teaming up with Cheerios to sponsor John Andretti in the #43 car in the Cup series. This was the big leagues, and with them backing a midpack car, fifteenth was actually a respectable finish.

For Revenge of the Sith in 2005, the marketing campaign was back in force. First things first, there were four NASCARs that year, starting with both Yates Racing cars at the 2005 Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix. Elliott Sadler drove the M&Ms #38 with a Dark Chocolate themed Dark Side paint scheme, while his teammate Dale Jarrett had a UPS/Milk Chocolate M&Ms Light Side car. The Dark Side car had Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and a Stormtrooper on it. The Light Side car had Anakin Skywalker, the green M&M with Princess Leia hair, and a C3PO M&M.

Pretty odd character choices for Revenge of the Sith but eh, it's all for fun. Anyway, Sadler finished 11th and Jarrett finished 23rd, so I guess the Dark Side won...which I suppose is appropriate, given the movie they're tying into.

So, at the very next race, Star Wars tried again. Teaming up with Jeff Gordon and Pepsi again, this time it was in the Cup Series, sponsoring the Hendrick Motorsports #24 at the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. This car, with Yoda on the hood, would go on to win the race in dominant fashion, leading 139 laps.

Jeff Gordon would also pose with Darth Vader and some stormtroopers ahead of the race, which seems like a conflict of interest given the Yoda car.

Fallen to the Dark Side, Jeff Gordon has.

Finally, Hendrick Motorsports got another Star Wars car, with Episode III sponsoring Kyle Busch's #5 at the amazingly named Chevy American Revolution 400 at Richmond. This Kellogg's car was Mustafar themed with a lava theme on a black base. It has Darth Vader and Mace Windu on it, which...neither is exactly a great fit for Mustafar, what with Windu being dead and Vader only gaining the iconic armor and red lightsaber because of the events of Mustafar.

Kyle finished fourth, another good result for Star Wars.

This wasn't all though, because at the 2005 Monaco Grand Prix in Formula One, Star Wars teamed up with Red Bull Racing to sponsor a car. Much like the Kyle Busch car, it was their regular livery with some orange-yellow Star Wars lettering and a lava/fire theme along the bottom.

Drivers David Coulthard and Vitantonio Liuzzi also got a Star Wars photo op to go with it, this time taking pictures with Darth Vader, two stormtroopers, Chewbacca, C3PO, and also George Lucas himself.

A few years later, at the 2008 Peak Antifreeze Indy Grand Prix at Sonoma, the third to last round of the 2008 Indycar Series, Lucasfilm and Blockbuster (lol) teamed up to sponsor Marco Andretti's #26 car. He would finish fourteenth on that occasion.

This was actually the second collaboration between Marco Andretti, Blockbuster, and Lucasfilm that year, as he actually drove an Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull car at the 2008 Indianapolis 500, finishing third.

More recently, at the 2023 NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix, Star Wars and Columbia Sportswear teamed up to sponsor the 23XI cars. Bubba Wallace in the #23 ran an X-Wing car and even had Mark Hamill appear in the unveiling commercial, while Tyler Reddick in the #45 ran a TIE Fighter car.

Bubba Wallace finished 10th, and Tyler Reddick finished 22nd.

Two Light Side versus Dark Side races at Phoenix, the Dark Side drew first blood but then the Light Side won most recently. We're gonna need a tiebreaker.

So, that's what I got in terms of Star Wars sponsorships, but that's always been Star Wars going into motorsports. How about motorsports going into Star Wars?

Well, believe it or not, there is an example.

Podracing.

Yup, and not just in the "hey look, it's racing!" way, nope. At the 1998 Miller Lite 200 at Mid-Ohio, George Lucas and his crew recorded the sounds of the CART race to use as part of the sound mix for the podracing scenes in Episode I.

In fact - and unfortunately, I haven't seen the film so I can't confirm - I've seen the claim that the podracing sequence in Episode I mirrors the Monza race from the classic Formula One movie Grand Prix, which George Lucas is actually credited on as an assistant camera operator - which would lend some credence to the theory.

So yeah, I know I've kept this blog motorsports focused but I am a big Star Wars fan and have been for most of my life. To hear about James Earl Jones passing it's...it's just like...wow. It's unthinkable in a way. Obviously, he was getting older and all that, and there was that story a few years ago about him selling his voice rights to Disney, but like...to think that Darth Vader's voice actor is dead? That's crazy to me.

It's one of the biggest losses in recent media history, I think.

There will never be another voice quite that famous.

#motorsports #racing #f1 #formula 1 #indycar #formula one #indy 500 #dale earnhardt #nascar cup #nascar #james earl jones #star wars

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spark-my-nature · 2 years

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Baby You Can Drive My Car - DRW

Hi friends! The boy's posting that picture earlier of them at the racetrack, ironically, nearly caused me to drive into a pole. This is entirely unedited and typed in a rush, but I absolutely could not stop myself, because... good god, Danny could run me over and I'd thank him.

Anybody notice the zipper sticking out of Danny's suit at the bottom? Implying it can unzip from there? I'm so normal about that little fun fact.

Words: 3.4K

Summary: Danny looks ridiculously good in the racing suit, and you show him just how good.

Warnings: Language, oral sex (m receiving), semi-public, Danny being unfairly gorgeous, that's about it

Cars were never of much interest to you. You could appreciate a cute old fashioned Volkswagen, and you loved car rides with your boyfriend, but that had more to do with his hand on your thigh as the wind tussled your hair, and the abandoned dirt roads outside Nashville that you went for some fun in his backseat. But the moment any of the men in your life started rambling about models and motors, you were tuned out faster than a radio playing pop music at Sam’s house. You weren’t necessarily ignorant to the subject, not when you’d grown up surrounded with auto enthusiasts like your granddad and father, but cars just never sparked your interest.

Daniel Wagner, however, singlehandedly may very well change your mind.

The boys’ time in Bahrain was just as magical as you’d hoped and expected it to be. Such amazing people showing the very love and community that made you so proud of the guys for inspiring. And Danny made every moment offstage with you just as incredibly magical, as he always managed to do. Even something you found as dull as racecar driving.

One of the things you loved about Danny was that he was the perfect balance of masculine and boyish, without being too much of a douchey bro-type guy. You knew he liked cars, and he spoke about his interest in a way that made your heart rush with affection. And who were you to complain that your sweet boy wanted to take you driving in his porsche? Especially when he looked so ridiculously delicious leaning his toned arm against the sleek black door of the car, eyeing you up so hungrily. Cars didn’t interest you, but Danny driving them certainly did.

You hummed to yourself as you came back down the steps between the bleachers of the racetrack after a trip to the bathroom. You’d left your sweet drummer in the management office area when you’d escaped for a bathroom break, drawing out a sweet goodbye kiss as long as was socially acceptable. His eyes crinkled with playful affection, and he murmured softly to you, “Hurry back, babe,” as he gave your ass a playful swat. You’d giggled and spun around, leaving him to sign waivers and listen to details about racing that, frankly, bored you to tears.

But as you returned now, you nearly dropped your phone as your eyes looked up, landing on your boyfriend. The four guys posed against the railing that separated the seats from the track, Josh hopped up of course, and Jake posing suavely as he leaned back beside him. You giggled slightly at Sam, the only one sporting a pink version of the suits they sported.

Your eyes kept coming back to Danny though, like a magnet. His large, callused hand easily gripping the globe of the helmet, the other hanging as he leaned an elbow on the rail beside his best friend. His heavenly mane of curls draped effortlessly down his shoulders, and his eyes dark and mysterious as he stood still, the boy’s photographer snapping away. You stood frozen for several minutes, drinking him in shamelessly. Hell, he was yours to ogle, you may as well.

Finally, the camera returned to it’s travel bag and the guys broke into laughter and jokes once more. Danny’s bright smile returned, lightly backhanding Sam as he no doubt teased him for the colour of his suit. Sam’s eyes found you before Danny’s did, and you would have noticed the smirk on his face if your own weren’t glued to your boyfriend’s. He tapped Danny’s shoulder with his fist, nodding behind him toward you, and Danny turned to look over his shoulder, finally noticing you.

Realizing you’d been caught drooling, you blushed and swallowed, all of a sudden noticing how flustered you were. Danny’s pleased smile could’ve brought you to your knees, and you nearly folded as he bit his lip, suggestively raising his brows at you, a silent “Yeah? You like this?”

You smiled bashfully, approaching him with your wrists held behind your back, a light skip in your step. You cleared your throat softly, looking up at him once he was in front of you, “Hi.”

He smirked wider, and his hands came to rest on your hips, his eyes raking up your body. “Hey,” he playfully returned. “Somebody got a staring problem?”

You giggled shyly, resting your hands on the material covering his chest. “I’m not allowed to appreciate my boyfriend?” You batted your eyelashes up at him.

He quickly glanced behind him, making sure nobody was still listening to your exchange, before turning back to face you with that naughty twinkle in his eye.

“I think you’re appreciating a little more than usual,” he observed coyly, letting his hands slip slightly down over the curve of your ass, stepping closer to your body.

You simply shrugged, letting out a flustered giggle. “You look good,” you said softly, rubbing his chest through the suit.

He raised a brow at you, his eyes lifting nonchalantly to gaze around the room as he quietly said, “And you look like you wanna eat me alive.”

As his eyes landed back down on yours, he looked far too smug for your comfort. You blushed, stepping closer, if only to hide your flushed cheeks. “Maybe I do,” you mumbled.

He hummed deeply in his chest, squeezing your ass quickly, his reply rumbling near your ear, “Be a good girl, and I might let you.”

Your breath hitched, and you could feel his lips twisting into an amused smirk, but he simply smacked your ass lightly, gave the apple of your cheek a playful bite and pulled away, winking at you before turning and following the rest of the guys towards the track.

That fucker.

*************

You took a seat right up against the barrier, ensuring a front row seat as they readied up. You snorted, watching Jake and Sam’s slapstick comedy-like interactions, bickering over helmets and such. As the guys approached their assigned cars, Sam put an end to the argument with a skillful wet willy in Jake’s ear, tearing off to take cover behind Danny. You snickered, quickly filming the interaction to laugh with Danny later in the hotel, but you ended up focusing the camera on your boyfriend long after Sam had moved on. The screen magnified the mouthwatering sight of Danny shaking out his curls, then pulling the helmet over his head. He tugged at the racing gloves, opening the door of the car and slipping in.

You swalloed, shaking your head at yourself. Yeah, Danny was gorgeous, but why were you thirsting so hard over this?

You decided he might like some cool footage of himself whipping around the track, and so you started a new video as you watched the guys have their fun.

After the best part of an hour, they’d pulled to a stop in front of the barricade, hopping out as the whooped and hollered excitedly. You giggled at their adrenaline buzz, always finding them all so cute when they were all excited like this. Four puppies, honestly.

Then you caught Danny’s eye, as he sat in the drivers seat, having merely opened the door but not moving out. He was already watching you with a dangerous smirk crossing his face. Your heart fluttered, and you bit your lip as he nodded towards him, silently beckoning you down there. You took a breath and quickly hopped the barricade, descending the stairs and strolling towards him with an extra sway in your hips.

If Danny thought you looked like you wanted to eat him alive, he should see the look on his own face.

His eyes, dark and wild, lasered in on your body as you approached him, and as soon as you reached the car, he growled softly, “Get in and shut the door.”

Your eyes widened and you checked around you, seeing the Kiszka’s backs as they retreated into the office area of the facility, the door closing behind them. Danny and yourself the only people left in the track, you looked back at Danny questioningly but sat in the seat beside him, pulling the door closed behind you.

The second you turned to face him, he leaned over the console and his lips met yours in a rush. You whimpered quietly, your hand coming to cup his sharp jawline, instantly melting into his frenzied kisses. His lips were rough against yours, his hands reaching to grip and paw at your thighs and hips. His lips curled into a dark smirk against yours, and his tongue slipped between both pairs of parted lips to brush against yours. He moaned quietly through your open mouths, his hand sliding up under your shirt and scraping those rough fingers you adored along your belly and up your side. You shivered under his touch, breaking away from his searching mouth for a gasp of air, fluttering your eyes open.

“Danny,” you panted, a teasing lilt to your tone, “What’s gotten into you?” You ran your thumb across his smooth cheek, feeling another rush of heat in your belly as he shamelessly undressed you with his dark eyes.

He bit his lip, muffling a needy whimper, “Dunno,” he confessed, “Guess the adrenaline, and then I kept thinking about the way you were lookin’ at me before.” Your nose brushed against his as he teased his face close to yours, your brow furrowing with growing desire as he spoke. “Just wanna make a fucking mess of you… right here, in this car.”

You whined softly, your eyes darting all over his face. “God, baby,” you breathed, kissing him quickly, “I want that too, but… we can’t, the car… the guys,” you looked over your shoulder, double checking you were still alone. He grabbed your jaw, forcing your gaze back on him.

His voice deeper and breathier, he looked directly into your eyes. “Windows are tinted, and they’re getting a drink in the casino.” He licked his lips, brushing them against yours as though he couldn’t get close enough to you. You felt his hips shift in the driver’s seat, his thighs brushing and squeezing his growing erection. “Need you so bad, please babe,” he breathed.

You tugged his lips to yours by his hair, your hand at the back of his head. He kissed you frantically and you moaned against his lips, barely breaking away as you nodded quickly, whimpering, “M’kay.”

He let out a sigh of relief, quickly running his hand up your shirt and cupping your breast through your unlined bralette. His thumb rolled over your nipple as you kissed, moving his lips down your jawline at your quiet whine. Your free hand that wasn’t tangled in his silky curls ran down his chest slowly, your nails making the meshy material of the racing suit whine as they dragged downwards. It came to rest over the hard bulge in his crotch, earning a growl from deep in his chest. You squeezed it needily, moaning rather pathetically as Danny pinched your nipple and sucked at your neck in teasing retaliation. He chuckled darkly at your reaction, his dark eyes finding your as he pulled away from your neck.

Wordlessly, he held eyecontact as he guided your hand on his crotch slightly over, where he smirked as you found the zipper with a shaky breath.

Your eyes dipped downwards then back up to his. “It… it zips from there too?” you whispered. He nodded, simply smirking so smugly at you. You bit your lip, your brows knitting together as you breathed, “…fuck…”

You wasted no time, quickly pulling that zipper upwards, abandoning it at his abs in favor of slipping your hand inside. His sweats blocked your access though, and he snickered at your frustrated huff, lifting his hips for you as you wiggled them down slightly. “So many fucking layers,” you grumbled, then finally, pulling his cock out over the waistband and spreading open the hole you’d made with the zipper. He shuddered slightly as your hand wrapped around his base, so achingly hard and hot. You ran your fist up and down his length slowly, your lips parted in a shaky breath.

“Fuck sweetheart,” he sighed, shifting and slumping down in his seat a little. His hand reached down and pulled the small adjustment lever, moving the seat back a few inches for more room. You let out a breathy giggle, looking up at him. “What? You want something?” you nodded to the extra space between him and the steering wheel.

He smirked, giving you a playful eyeroll. “You want it just as bad as I do,” he smugly teased.

You blinked innocently, squeezing him tighter before swiping your thumb over his little slit at the tip. “Want what?”

His eyes watched your hand’s movements for a moment, biting his lip hard as you teased at his tip. Then he looked up at your face through his lashes, “To suck my cock.”

You closed your eyes before he could see them roll back.

Focusing back on his lustful face, you licked your lips. “Wanted to get on my knees for you the second I saw you earlier,” you confessed.

He groaned, leaning back into the seat further, as though in invitation. “Fuck babe,” he rasped, “go ahead, then. Make me feel good, make me cum in that sweet mouth.”

You whimpered softly, brushing your hair to one side and leaning forward across the console. His abs tightened and he gasped softly as you licked at his tip. His hand gathered up your hair, holding it back out of the way. He would tell you it was for your sake, but you knew he loved to watch himself sliding in and out of your throat.

You hummed softly, taking the head into your mouth, letting your tongue slide over his sensitive underside as you sucked gently on him. He groaned softly, shifting impatiently. “Oh fuck yes…”

You giggled around him, making him jerk slightly, letting your fist pump him as you suckled teasingly on his velvety head. Releasing him with a wet noise, you peered at him through your lashes. “Feel good baby?” you said darkly.

He hissed, watching you squeeze and twist your fist the way he’d trained you. “Yes, so fucking good for me,” he breathed, pushing your head back down. You moaned at his forcefulness, that aggressive side of him that rarely made an appearance but was oh so fucking hot when it did. You took as much of him as you could in your mouth, beginning to work up a rhythm. Up and down, slicking up his length with your spit and the accumulating precum leaking from his tip.

Danny’s jaw fell slack, his head falling backwards against the headrest as his hand followed your bobbing head, your hair his leash on you, controlling your speed. You moaned against him, feeling his head nudging your uvula, triggering your gag reflex. The wet cough you let out egged him on even more, as he grit his teeth and stared darkly at you as you descended even further around him. “Good girl, fucking choking on my cock,” he growled, shifting around slightly as he rolled his hips into your mouth with your movements. Not quite fucking your mouth, just toeing that line.

You nodded around him, filthy wet slurps echoing in the otherwise silent car. You let your hand that was resting on his knee slide up and down his thigh, squeezing at the muscle as you held your head down, swallowing around him. You gagged and pulled off him, jerking him quickly in your mouth’s absence.

Finally getting a good look at him, you panted softly. His eyes glazed over and dark as night, watching you through hooded eyelids, and his curls slightly frizzed from tossing his head against the headrest. He focused on your swollen lips, his jaw clenching in time with his fist tightening in your hair.

“Did I say stop? Fucking suck me,” he growled through gritted teeth.

With a shove that would have been easy to resist if you wanted to, you moaned as his hot, slick cock slipped back into your mouth. His words sent a rush of heat straight to your core, and your thighs shifted together for friction.

He chuckled, although it sounded shaky in his current state. “Wish I could watch you grind that pretty pussy against the seat.”

You whined pathetically, sloppily bobbing your mouth around him as you rhythmically squeezed and jerked his base. He groaned, biting his lip before sighing. “Mmm, you like that idea, huh?”

You nodded around him, resulting in a filthy slurping noise, pulling off him momentarily with a broad lick up his length. You gasped out, “I could cum just from this, I swear.”

He let out a feral sounding grunt, looking down at you hungrily. “You could cum just from sucking my cock? Fuck baby that’s so hot,” he whined, his panting getting heavier.

You groaned into him, angling him so his tip pushed into your cheek with each movement. He watched with his jaw hanging open as his cock stretched your cheek, his brows knitting tightly together in the centre of his forehead. “Oh fuck,” he gasped, his eyes squeezing shut as his head fell back.

You pulled back, jerking his cock frantically, filthy wet fapping noises sounding everytime your fist met his pubic hair. “Fuck my throat Danny,” you begged breathlessly, a whine coloring your words.

He grunted, nodding his acquiescence. With a tightened fist in your hair, his other hand held your jaw and he began thrusting his hips up into your face.

“You’re gonna have to swallow, baby,” he reminded you, sounding delicious fucked out. “Can’t get cum in this car.” He managed a breathless chuckle. You moaned softly against him, nodding your understanding. No problem at all. As if you’d waste a drop anyway.

His hips sped up, fucking into you desperately now, chasing his peak. “Ohh… Uh-“ He cried, holding your head in place as your tongue worked him while he thrusted. “Fuck… ohhh my God, fuck, I’m cu- OH fuck, I’m cumming,” he whined loudly, bucking into your mouth with reckless abandon, shallow quick thrusts filling your mouth as you moaned into his thick length. Then with a final, animalistically growled cry, he pushed deep into your throat, holding you there and spasming slightly with the intensity of his orgasm, spurting into your mouth as you swallowed and gagged around him.

You pulled off as soon as he was through the peak of it, stroking him to work him through it as he came down from his high, both of you panting heavily. He let out a feeble whimper as he jerked away from your hand, becoming sensitive in his afterglow. You released him gently, pressing a kiss to his softening cock. Straightening out, you stretched your back, then smiled lovingly as you leaned into your boyfriend. He smiled lazily, pulling you into his chest and kissing your hair sweetly.

Once he caught his breath, you pressed a kiss to his warm neck, nuzzling into him affectionately. He hummed contentedly, whispering into your hair, “Thank you baby…” He kissed your temple, “you’re so good to me.”

You giggled softly, lifting your face to look at him. His eyes had gone back to that soft, affectionate glow, his soft smile absolutely melting your heart all over again. “I love you so much,” you told him softly, gently cupping his jaw and running your thumb over his cheek.

He turned his head so his lips were under your hand, and he kissed your palm while holding eye contact from the corner of his eye. Facing you straight on again, he smiled brightly, mischief dancing in his eyes. “So should I buy one of these suits?”

You groaned dramatically, playfully holding your hands over your heart. “I don’t think I could handle it.”

He giggled, tucking himself back into his pants and zipping up. “Have I changed your mind about cars then?”

You bit your lip, eyeing him up. With a teasing finger tracing down his chest, you cocked your head thoughtfully.

“Mmm… not yet, I’m gonna need more convincing.”

#greta van fleet fic #greta van fleet smut #greta van fleet fan fiction #gretavanfleet #greta van fic #greta van smut #danny x reader #danny wagner smut #danny gvf fic #danny gvf #danny wagner #daniel wagner #daniel wagner fic #daniel wagner smut #danny gvf smut #danny wagner fic #danny wagner gvf

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chickedy1 · 1 year

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A little comic to introduce kou to the au 🫶 also the racer’s helmet designs.

I really think I might write a fic for this but for now I’ll share some context, Japan is hosting their first Auto Racing Competition and has open try outs! Kaito has always been a big drag racer, even bringing Kei along for some rides until his mom found out. Now he has a chance to win big, though there is a limited number of spots so the event coordinators hold a few mock-races and have practice tracks. Kaito shows huge promise, getting a lot of attention as a rookie. Renowned American racer Samuel Owens retired to Japan, but now decides to take on an apprentice, Tanaka! The two become instant rivals, though after they both qualify Kaito suddenly gets injured while practicing!! Kei suspects foul play, but can’t prove it, and since Kai never officially withdrew and is still an anonymous face, Kei decides to take his place in the race (also intending to use the prize money for eriko lol). + Kou becomes a big fan and wants to work with Kaito on his pit crew. Izumi is a racer too, Tosaki being her manager with the goal of profiting off her public marketing.

#ajin #ajin demi human #ajin fanart #kei nagai #kou nakano #izumi shimomura #izumi ajin kinda #tanaka ajin kinda #koukei #keikou

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kytamericas · 3 months

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Best Race Helmets For Sale

Ready to upgrade your race gear? Kyt Americas has a wide range of race helmets for sale that are perfect for any track. With advanced safety features and sleek designs, our helmets will enhance your racing experience. Explore our collection now!

#race helmets for sale #auto racing helmets #kythelmets #kytamericas

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tank-head · 2 years

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#f1 #autos #racing #people #helmet #ayrton senna #mclaren racing #mclaren #vintage #donington park #england #@daz_jack

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totallynormalalec · 15 days

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When a smeet hatches, they are giving a PAK designated to a random class, or whatever class is in demand. Each class is represented by a color and each PAK is specialized to the tools and information needed for that class. There has been multiple instances throughout Irken history that an Irken has transferred to a different class from which they were born into, but the PAK is still a way of designating what kind of tools and info they possess.

PAK Tools

•Four mechanical, spider like legs which can be used as

• A quick and versatile mode of transportation

• Laser cutters/laser blast

• Shield generator

• Laser gun

•Audio and Video commucator

•Portible container

•Levitation system

•Jet pack

•Invisible bubble helmet (space travel)

•Binocular helmet with night vision

•Small robotic arm

•Organ harvesting device

•Ray gun

The PAK contains all of the Irkens knowledge, effectively serving as an auxiliary brain, and holds a great array of wepons/tools. It also contains the hosts personality, charging cell, atmospheric prosesr and a handy auto reset button that will reactivate an Irken if they suffer a fetal injury. It also seems to be able to heal the host more quickly then it would naturally.

If a PAK is separated from its host, it will soon begin to seek out another, though it will at first attempt to reconnect with its original Irken owner

If the PAK attaches to another organism it will slowly kill the organism and take over if the organism can't remove it in 10 minutes.

Combat Division

Invader Class

Trained in covert ops, Invaders are tasked with going undercover to enemy planets and blending in with the native inhabitants in order to prepare it for conquest by the Irken Armada.

Milliary Class

The Irkens programmed for the military make up the majority of the Irken Armada. They are trained to be the soldiers on the front line in battle wether that be on land sea or space

Wepon Class

Battle seems to be a hobby to the Irken race. And working in close correspondence with the Innovations Class, the Wepons Class specializes in the building and development of the technology of the Irken military offense. If the Military Class uses it in battle, the Weapons Class built it

Research & Analysis Devision

Life Sciences Class

They specialize in all the non mechanical factors of Irken life like biology,systematics and agriculture

Physical Sciences Class

Irkens of the Physical Science Class are the ones that crunch the numbers of life and the math of how things work. Their specialists include the studies of space, sound, motion and best of all quantum physics

Explorer Class

The Irkens programmed into the Explorer Class don't see Irk much after their initial training. Their job is braving the frontiers of space, mapping and scoping out the far universe and reporting their findings back to the tallest

Engineering Division

Medical Class

Seeing how the PAK is the Irken life force, highly trained medical technicians are needed to maintain and repair them. They work in close correspondence with the Life Sciences Class, but those in the Medical Class truly know the ins, outs, and facets of the PAK and how it works. They're the primary class in production of every new PAK.

Innovations Class

Those in the Innovations Class are essentially the inverters and artists of the Irken race. They design and build everything from cruisers to robo technics to the structure capsules used by the Invader Class to establish their secret bases.

Communications Class

They are the Irkens behind every visual and aural form of communication used by the Irken Empire. Not only do they build the equipment they also operate the Communication Center on both Irk and the Massive alike.

All information was taken from different sources on the internet. I just compiled it into a list -Alec

#invader zim #iz irken #i dont have a problem #irken empire #if you read all this be my friend

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phebess · 1 year

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hii, I don't know if you're still taking requests for the carlando picture prompt, but, if you are then something based on this picture?:

i love your works a lot!! they're amazing , i hope you have a great day <333.

Yes absolutely!!! this pic got me in my feels.

Lando feels his fireproofs stick to him uncomfortably as he makes his way through the garage, helmet in hand as he smiles at the mechanics who clap his shoulder at a solid race.

He sighs as he places his helmet on the bench, reaching his hand out for Jon to hand him his jewelry before Jon wanders off to give Lando a few moments to himself.

It's habit, at this point, muscle memory as each piece of jewelry anchors him back to reality - it's an odd little ritual, but it helps him decompress, helps him remember who he is once he gets out of the car.

First is always the handmade bracelets, to remind himself of the joy of it all, that he gets to do what he loves every day, that there are little versions of himself out there watching him do it.

Then the silver bracelet from Luisa, a reminder that love comes in all different forms, even if it's not how you expect. The metal is always cool and refreshing as he slides it on his wrist, perfectly sized to it's counter part that's likely halfway across the world.

And finally the ring on the thin, silver chain. It's tiny, not even really a ring, but it's the last piece of Lando that slots into place before he heads to the media pen every night. It's from Carlos, another reminder that love comes from where you'd least expect.

After every race, even if it was the worst race of his life and he had to pit every 10 laps, he puts the necklace on and remembers sand between his toes, the warm waves lapping at his skin as Carlos slid his hands around Lando's waist.

He remembers Carlos mumbling something about "it's not a ring, its- its the idea of it" as he thrust a small little box into Lando's lap later that night, Landos sunburnt cheeks turning even pinker as he looked inside.

He remembers the feeling of total surety, of complete, comforting confidence that came along with finding something - someone - that mattered more than racing.

Lando smiles to himself as he fastens the necklace, hearing a soft click behind him. He turns to see Carlos holding Lando's new film camera, glaring at it in his hand.

"I think it was blurry. Doesn't this thing have auto focus?"

#carlando #carlando fanfiction #carlando prompt

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multifandomgirl08 · 1 year

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Kat's Max Verstappen Primer

Note: I'm posting this privately because I am an active member of the fandom, and although I want people to have this information. I don't want this listed on my blog where my own fictional works reside. This also may turn into multiple parts, I don't know if I plan on covering everything that's gone on with Max in recent years.

2024: Will keep updating as the 2024 season unfolds.

Let's start with some basic facts.

Max was born in Hasselt, Belgium on September 30, 1997 (making him a Libra) to parents Sophie Kumpen and Jos Verstappen.

He has four younger siblings, Victoria (full sister), Blue Jaye, Jason, and Mila (who are all fathered by Jos). I'm not going to list any of their ages.

Max started karting at the age of 4. He asked Jos if he could pursue karting, and Jos let him. Max also played Football (Soccer) when he was younger, but gave it up to keep karting.

Jos and Sophie divorced in 2008 when Max was 10 and Jos' career in Formula 1 had come to an end. From what I can find, Max started living with Jos full-time after Jos and Sophie divorced (Sophie did have a restraining order against Jos filed given that he had hit her). While Jos was coaching Max in karting, Jos would work during the week while Max was at school, and on weekends Max and Jos would travel around Europe to compete in karting competitions.

Jos Verstappen

Jos' treatment of Max is pretty well documented by auto-biographies, sound bites, interviews from people in the Verstappen camp, and even by Max himself.

From an early age, when Max made it first known to Jos that he wanted to start karting, Jos did what he thought was right and pushed Max to succeed to the point where most people (even some in the Verstappen camp) viewed Jos' coaching as if he was being too hard on Max (ie. abuse). Jos himself had a similar upbringing to Max, but unlike Jos, Max was able to overcome what he was put through as a child (his father hitting him with his helmet on when he didn't do well, Max not taking off his helmet being afraid he would get hit, leaving Max at a gas station after losing a race is a notable incident given that it happened twice, and Jos not talking to Max for a full week after losing a race). Max would become a champion three times over despite Jos always telling him that he wouldn't amount to anything.

Jos Verstappen is an interesting figure in the world of Formula 1, from his 2 podiums to fathering a now 3-time world champion. He is not a well-liked person in the sport, Jos is known for talking to the media about his son, with the knowledge that he and his son don't share opinions when it comes to the sport. (see the rumors about Max possibly leaving Red Bull, and Jos commenting on it.) Max always has to rebuff Jos' statements to the media even though Jos no longer races in F1, or had a particularly successful career during his 8-years in the sport. Jos was also teammates with 7-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacker, who is considered to be one of the greatest of all time in the sport.

Despite Jos' treatment of Max, Max seems greatful for the pressure that Jos put on him when he was growing up. It resulted in the winning mentality that Max has now, going in with a mindset to win each race that Max and his ex-trainer/physiotherapist Bradley Scanes had helped him with.

Sophie Kumpen

Max’s mom, Sophie Kumpen, began karting at age 11. Some of the people that she raced against were Jenson Button, Christian Horner (Redbull CEO and Team Principal), Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella. She was a two-time Formula A series champion, but had stopped racing in 1995 at the age of 20 right before she would marry her now ex-husband Jos Verstappen in 1996.

After that Sophie spent her years being a mother to Max and Victoria until her and Jos ending getting divorced later on. In 2015, when Max was 17 and Victoria was 15, Sophie ended up coming back to racing before retiring after breaking a vertebra.

In the Viaplay documentary series, Max Verstappen: Anatomy of a Champion, we end up finding out that the Thursday before a race weekend would start, Sophie would go to the church near her house, and she would light a candle for Max, to her it’s meant to be a symbol of protection for Max and that he ends up driving well. It’s become her pre-race routine.

Before Formula 1

When Max was coming up in karting, one of Max's strongest rivals was now Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. In 2012, Max and Charles had a collision while they were racing in the second round of the WSK Euro Series, which resulted in the, "Nothing just an inchident." comment from Leclerc. You can find the cut version with both of Max and Charles' answers here. They would both end up getting disqualified from that race.

Max would also race against another eventual F1 driver; Lando Norris who is currently driving for McLaren. Lando was 13 in the photos and Max was 15.

Max had quite a prolific karting career, placing first in 23 championships in the 9 years he was racing in karts. He would place 2nd in 5 championships in those 9 years, and 3rd once in his last year before starting in Formula 3. Max competed in a total of 45 Championships during his karting career.

After competing in Formula 3, and winning a championship. He skipped Formula 2 and went straight to Formula 1.

Coming to F1

When Max first made it to Formula 1, he was given the nickname Mad Max by some of the media given his temper when he wouldn't perform well, or the car ended up having issues like an engine failure.

Max joined F1 in 2015 driving for Toro Rosso (now VCARB), making him the youngest driver to ever compete in Formula 1, because of this the FIA has a rule that a driver needs to be 18 to compete in the sport. In 2016, he ended up being called up by Red Bull, taking Daniil Kyvet's seat after the first four races that year, and Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo would become his teammate.

Daniel and Max became good friends off the track, despite what the first season of Netflix's Drive to Survive would have some fans think. Daniel was the first person to welcome Max into the sport and wish him luck when Max was testing for his superlicence. They originally met in 2011 for the RTL GP Masters of Formula 3 when Max was 13, and Daniel was 22.

gifs by: @arturleclerc

In recent years, Max has been given the nickname Super Max given how fast he is on the track, and the way he can utilize the car to its full potential with the help of Red Bull's engineers.

World Championship(s):

2021

In 2021, Max would go on to win his first championship. Max and Lewis Hamilton were equal in points in the Drivers' Championship before the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Max qualified on Pole Position, and had a slow start off the line, and ended up dropping into second place. Max was trailing after Lewis by over ten seconds until a late safety car was called due to a crash involving (then) Williams driver Nicholas Letifi on lap 53. Max was on fresher tires when Letifi crashed.

And this was where the confusion started. There was a safety car called, and Max went to get fresh tires (softs). Lewis complained about not pitting for fresh tires on team radio while the safety car was out. This was a big advantage for Max, pitting while the safety car was first called out. Red Bull had a clear strategy that they utilizing in that moment.

There were cars that were out of position given the numbers of laps that they had completed, and they wanted to give those cars a chance to unlap themselves.

With two laps left in the race, race control announce that the lapped cars were not allowed to unlap themselves. The safety car came in before lap 57. Then at the start of lap 57, race control made another announcement that the lapped cars could unlap themselves. The only cars that unlapped themselves were in between Lewis and Max. On the last lap of the race, with 3.2 miles left. Max was able to overtake Lewis in turn 5, and finished the race in first.

2022

In 2022, Formula 1 had a change of regulations, from the aerodynamics of the car, the size of the tyers, a change in sporting regulations, and financial regulations which were introducing the year before.

There was reports stirring about a Cost Cap breech in Singapore. The day after Max won the drivers' championship in Japan, the FIA announced that two teams had also breached the financial regulations, it was Red Bull and Aston Martin (and Williams which came out in May 31st.)

Red Bull ended up paying the FIA $7 million and the team would have a 10% reduction in allocated Restricted Wind tunnel Testing. The 7 million was for Red Bull going over with their catering costs. As is seen on Drive to Survive.

Red Bull and Max would end up keeping both their Constructors and Drivers Championships.

2023

Max and Red Bull pretty much ran away with the drivers and constructors championship in 2023.

Max won 19 out of 22 races, Max won his third championship during the Sprint Race in Qatar. Sergio "Checo" Perez, his teammate won 2 races, and Carlos Sainz Jr., driver for Ferrari won the Singapore Grand Prix.

There is a crazy stat that I've seen online countless times that says even if Max wasn't 20 seconds ahead of the rest of the field, he still would have won the Drivers Championship.

Random Max fact(s):

Max's favorite food is Tomato soup, Beef Carpaccio, and his mom's cooking. Max can't cook. Max doesn't like shellfish, but he likes fish as he'll eat sushi.

Max Sim races in his free time when he's not working, he finds it's a great way to destress from F1. Max will only stream on the official Team Redline Twitch channel, and even then it's not as often as he used to. On Team Redline streams they will always list when Max is going to be on stream.

Max has two Bangal cats; Jimmy and Sassy (They're siblings), who are named after nightclubs (Jimmy'z and Sass Café) in Monaco where he lives.

Links to other Max Meta posts:

Max Lore by @33max

The Verstappen Dachshunds Guide by @33max

In Honor of Pride Month Post (without confirmation) by @scuderiafemboy

excerpts about Max from Lee McKenzie’s book Inside F1 by @tyrannosaurus-maxy

My Son, The World Champion and Me (Source for information on Sophie) from @maxarchive

FIA Rule Changes Because of Max Verstappen by @countingstars-17

#max verstappen #meta post

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girlsngossip · 1 year

Text

starter: @theeglitch

location: the autobody shop

tiffany took her bike into the auto shop almost as often as she she changed the tires on her race car during a race; constantly. keeping her rides as pristine as possible was ALL part of her image, as there was nothing marketable about a racer who didn't care about what they raced in. rolling up to the shop and nudging down the kick stand, tiffany pulled her helmet off her head and shook out long blonde tendrils before sliding off her bike with ease, heels landing on the asphalt. collecting her wallet from the compartment up front, she swung her keyring around a manicured finger as she walked into the shop like she was the only reason they stayed in business (which, to be fair, tiffany spent an unfathomable amount of money there. she should get a god damn tax write-off). helmet now propped on her hip, smiling at the familiar faces in the shop, tiffany surveyed the shop until her eyes met a face that made her smile a bit different. a bit more...sinister.

"vanellope!" tiffany greeted with a sing-song lull to her voice, tilting her head to the side. "god, it's always so good to see you." she then held up the keys to her bike, continuing to swing them around her finger- almost taunting her, literally dangling something vanellope couldn't have right in front of her. "some asshole decided to touch something that didn't belong to them... and now my baby needs a face lift."

#& vanellope #i hope this is ok #surprise

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detroit-grand-prix · 2 years

Text

Wildest Dreams Chapter 23 - Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince

Chapter summary: A dramatic doubleheader in the desert. Bee runs two races in Bahrain, and considers what her future is in the sport.

Content warning: Mentions of Romain Grosjean's crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. There is no graphic description, but it is mentioned.

Chapter word count: 4,498

Author's Notes:

Just a reminder that the italic text indicates spoken German! I know, it's been a while since I've actually used it.

This was a dramatic pair of races, so I felt like I'd be remiss not to give them their own chapter. I think this will be the last chapter that has to do with the 2020 season, though, so we are getting closer to the end? Maybe? You'll find out. And again, the timeline deviates here a bit - the Williams family is staying on for one more year, despite the buyout. After both this race and the 2022 British Grand Prix, I will absolutely die on the hill that the Halo is one of the greatest safety innovations in auto racing. It saved Grosjean in 2020, too.

Here is a video with all of the details of the crash then. I'm not going to post an actual video of it, you can find that on your own if you so choose.

And here is an article detailing how the tire mix-up happened in the Sakhir Grand Prix. I kind of wish Netflix had spent more time on this whole thing for Drive to Survive, but it didn't really fit in with their narrative for the Sakhir episode that mostly focused on the Racing Point/McLaren rivalry. Oh well. But I do enjoy this humorous fan edit of the George plotline that turns it into a Star Wars movie.

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Southern Governorate, Kingdom of Bahrain November 29th, 2020

There came a point in the season where Bee asked herself if she really wanted to do this anymore. If it was all worth it.

That point was after the opening scramble in the Bahrain Grand Prix, when Romain Grosjean clipped Daniil Kyvat on the straight after the third turn of the first lap. His car left the track, wedged itself into a metal barrier, and immediately burst into flames.

For twenty-eight agonizing seconds, Bee thought she had just witnessed the death of one of her competitors. The fireball from the crash lit up the entire track, like a split-second of daylight. Bee thought there would be any way he could be okay. Nobody did.

Against the odds and any common sense, Romain emerged from the inferno alive and only a little worse for the wear with some burns on his hands. The relief that seeing him walking to the ambulance from the medical car brought Bee was short-lived. She had the same thought that likely all 18 of her compatriots had - what if that had been me?

Instead of the numbness she’d felt when Anthoine Hubert died, she was gripped with raw terror as she pulled into the pit lane for the red flag. It was worse this time. It felt more visceral, even though the driver had survived. She saw it happen this time. She was driving by Grosjean going into that turn, Anthoine’s crash was on the opposite side of the track from her position. She couldn’t remember the last time a Formula 1 car had burst into flames like that.

She felt her hands shaking a little bit as she detached the steering wheel. She pulled herself up out of her seat with the halo and clambered out of the car. She had been sitting in it in the pitlane for a few minutes, trying to steady her emotions before having to go back to the garage. She wanted to look brave in front of the crew, she didn’t want to let them see how shaken she was. She wanted to keep her helmet on so nobody could see her face, but she felt like it was suffocating her. She kept it on.

Emilia was standing by the entrance door, and wordlessly grabbed Bee by the arm, leading her out of the back door of the garage area, across the paddock, into the motorhome, and straight up to her driver’s room. Emilia opened the door and practically pushed Bee onto the small futon inside. Bee pulled her helmet and her balaclava off, now that she was in the privacy of her driver’s room. It didn’t matter if Emilia saw how ill-at-ease she was, because she’d already seen Bee at her best and at her worst over the last year.

“I -” Bee stammered, taking her earbuds for the radio out of her ears.

“I figured you would need some time to yourself, somewhere quiet. I messaged Natalie already. You can call her if you need to. I will go get you a towel and some cold water, and then I’ll be outside your door to make sure nobody bothers you, and I can come in if you want to talk. I have my radio on me, too, so I will tell you if there are any updates with the session stoppage.” Emilia spoke quickly before she turned on her heel and left the room.

Bee sat on the futon for a few moments, staring at the floor between her feet. She felt a lump forming in her throat and tried to swallow it down. She knew that she would somehow need to get back in that car once the red flag ended, unless they canceled the rest of the race. It was a possibility, she supposed, but it didn’t feel very likely. She was trying to beat the fear back, trying to compartmentalize it. She could worry about it later. She couldn’t worry about it now - fear was of no use to a racing driver - it had a way of compounding itself to make things more dangerous. Bee felt it gnawing at the edges of her mind, and heard something that Susie told her a long time ago - “the day you become afraid of what you’re doing is the day you need to stop”. Paradoxically, she didn’t want to stop. She’d already gotten this far. Her thoughts swirled, an angry maelstrom that was only interrupted by the click of the latch of the door.

Emilia let herself back into the room, closing the door quietly behind her. She handed Bee a clean towel and a bottle of water and opened the door to leave again.

“Wait - please stay -”

Emilia shut the door again, sitting down on the couch next to Bee, not saying anything until Bee did. Bee was leaning over, elbows on her knees, her face covered by the towel that Emilia had brought her, scrubbing the sweat off of her face. Emilia heard her making soft, muffled sniffling noises, her face in the towel. She rested her hand on Bee’s back to comfort her. Emilia’s touch seemed to dissolve the wall that Bee was trying to build in vain, as the sniffling turned into crying.

Emilia started rubbing Bee’s back to soothe her, but Bee leaned into Emilia’s body, burying her face into Emilia’s shoulder. Emilia simply wrapped her arms around Bee and let her cry.

“I’m sorry,” Bee said, her voice quavering.

“Hey… it’s okay. I got you. I know, it’s scary.” Emilia said softly, continuing to stroke Bee’s back with one hand. “I’m right here as long as you need me.”

Bee had told her a long time ago that she generally didn’t show a lot of strong emotion around someone unless she trusted them, especially emotions like anxiety and sadness, so it felt good for Emilia to know that Bee trusted her - it was essential to them having a good working relationship. It was a holdover from her karting days, apparently, when she was afraid of seeming like she was weak. Bee had explained all of this when she said that Emilia would need to be okay with working in tandem with the sports psychologist that Bee had started seeing after her accident in Formula 3.

“Do you want to give Natalie a call? She said she was ready if you needed her.”

Bee shook her head. She still had it in Emilia’s shoulder. “I will in a few minutes.” It already seemed like she was starting to calm down a little after being able to cry for a few minutes, like a dam holding back a river had burst and the flood was starting to settle. Emilia let her stay there as long as she needed to.

Eventually, she picked her head up and said, “Okay. I’m… okay. How long do we have?”

“Just about an hour. We’ll get you warmed back up about 20 minutes beforehand.”

“Okay.” Bee said. “I’m going to give Natalie a call, then.”

Emilia nodded. “I’ll wait outside your door. I’ll come get you when it’s time.” She got up and closed the door behind her, and went to sit at a table in the hospitality area.

Claire came back to the hospitality tent while Bee was still talking to Natalie.

“Is… she okay? You brought her back here in a hurry.” Claire said, tipping her head towards the motorhome.

“She will be.” Emilia said. “She was pretty close to the accident when it happened and I knew she’d get anxious about it. I brought her back here to give her some quiet. I thought that the crew in the garage would just be talking about it during the entire red flag, and I don’t think that’s good for anyone to hear if they have to go back out in the car again.”

Claire sighed. “Yes, that’s true. I really don’t think we should be restarting after… that, but it’s not up to me. If it were any worse, I’d be breaking down the FIA’s door to get them to stop. You’re a good egg, Emilia Kalbach.”

Bee emerged from the motorhome a few minutes later, having finished up her conversation with Natalie.

“Oh… Hi, Claire.” She said. It was obvious that she hasnt expected Claire to be there.

Emilia stood up. “Are you okay? Did you talk to Natalie?”

“Yes. I think I just needed to cry, or something. I feel a lot better after I did. And Natalie was a big help. I thought about withdrawing, but… I can’t do it. I came here to race. I love racing, even if it scares the shit out of me sometimes. And I can’t let everyone working their asses off in the garage and the factory down, all of them are so passionate and give it their all. I can’t let her down,” she said, pointing at Claire.

Clare looked surprised, not being able to understand German. She knew Bee was talking about her, but not what she was saying.

“Okay, then.” Emilia said, smiling. “Let’s go get you warmed up. ”

The rest of the race didn’t help Bee’s nerves. Immediately following the restart, Lance Stroll’s car flipped because of a collision, but thankfully he was not hurt - the second time that night someone’s life had been saved by the halo. Sergio Perez had an engine failure on one of the later laps, and his car caught fire.

Thankfully it was in a much less dramatic fashion than Romain’s. He was able to get out safely as well.

George and Bee finished in 12th and 14th. Nothing to write home about, but Bee was just happy she was able to finish the race. She cried again afterward, in her hotel room, but she got to sleep in the next day, which helped her feel a bit better. She had long phone conversations with Natalie and Susie about the race, about how she felt about it. It was important to sort these things out over the week, because they would be racing again at this same circuit a week later, on a different layout.

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Southern Governorate, Kingdom of Bahrain December 3rd, 2020

Late Wednesday night, Bee got a WhatsApp message from George.

“Lewis has COVID,” it said. “Toto called and asked me to sub for him this weekend. Jack is going to sub for me with you.”

Bee was thrilled for her friend. “That’s amazing!” She replied. “I’m going to miss you this weekend :( But I’m really happy for you, you deserve it.” She wasn’t surprised that Jack Aitken would be his sub - he was the current reserve driver for Williams, having taken over for her last year when Bee was signed to a full-time seat, and he was in Bahrain for Formula 2 anyway.

Bee was happy for George, but not everyone was so thrilled.

“I don’t know why Toto didn’t ask you,” Emilia told her, while they were doing a workout in the hotel’s health club on Thursday morning.

“I mean,” Bee grunted, finishing up her set of upright rows. “He can’t have both of us do it, and George is the first reserve, so it makes sense to me. Plus -” She stood up from the weight bench and took a long drink from her water bottle. “He has different goals and is on a different path than I am, and it just makes more sense for him. He very well could be driving for Mercedes in a year or so.”

Emilia looked visibly annoyed. “And you couldn’t be? You’ve been one of their juniors just as long as he has, and you’re not even that far behind him in the standings. I think you’re every bit as capable of a driver as he is!”

“I know, but, he’s going to be competing for championships in a few years, I don’t think I -”

“And why couldn’t you?” Emilia snapped. “I know you get anxiety about things like this, but I really just wish you’d stop selling yourself short!” It was the first time Bee had ever seen Emilia like this - it wasn’t necessarily anger, just passion, maybe frustration. “You don’t think you could be at the front of the pack in a decent car?”

“I’m not selling myself short! I’m just… trying to be realistic about what my goals are!”

“And your goal isn’t to win the championship?” Emilia said, flabbergasted. “Isn’t that everyone’s goal?”

Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom October 5th, 2020

Bee was at the Wolff’s Oxfordshire home on the Monday between Russia and Germany. With such a condensed season, there hadn’t been much time for pleasantries like stopping over for lunch on a free weekend, but that’s not what this was.

The silly season of driver trades and contracts was upon Formula 1, albeit a bit later this year because of the initial upheaval of the delayed season. For a while, it wasn’t even a guarantee that an independent team like Williams would be able to survive the effects of the pandemic, but they’d pulled through. However, it wasn’t clear until recently that Williams were interested in re-signing Bee for another year. Claire affirmed that they would be doing that, so now it was time for Bee and Toto to meet ahead of negotiations to discuss what they each wanted out of Bee’s new contract.

Toto had ordered lunch for them. Susie, unfortunately, was not there - she was in Monaco, busy with work for the Formula E team she was team principal of.

“So, you’re almost a year into your first season in Formula 1, you have the…” he paused, trying to think of the English expression for what he wanted to say. “...lay of the land, even though it has been a strange season. Have you thought about your goals for the next season? Maybe for your career?”

Bee leaned back, crossing her arms. “For next season? I’m not sure. It’s hard to say. I’d like to be making points consistently, and be fighting for podiums. I think the progress on next year’s car is good. If I’m honest, I think it’s my goal to be on the podium next season.”

“That’s a good goal, of course. What about beyond that?”

“I’m not sure. Would it sound bad if I say that… I don’t think I’m really ever going to be seriously in contention for a championship? I mean, I don’t want to sound like I’m not competitive, that I don’t want to do the best I can, but -” Bee sighed.

“The group of guys I came into the sport with - like George, Charles, Lando - they’re just all incredibly talented, and I only ever wanted to just get here. I guess I never really considered what I wanted beyond that. The world was finally ready for a female driver, but I think… a female champion is a few years off, yet. I’m glad I’m in this position so I can bring some visibility to the sport for other women, too, but I don’t think I’m going to be the one to break the championship barrier.”

Toto smirked. “I think you are one of the few drivers I know of that can be that realistic about things. I’ve been in this sport for quite a while. I have seen so many drivers destroy their careers, relationships, reputations - in the pursuit of a Championship, when in reality, only one person gets it a year. So, no, I don’t think you sound uncompetitive, just more pragmatic. It’s funny, it sounds like something Susie said when she was considering retirement. You and your mentor are absolutely cut from the same cloth.”

Toto also told her something Bee had already known - that Williams would be selling the team to a venture capital firm from the US, and Claire and Sir Frank would be stepping down at the end of next season, after a transition period between the new management and old management.

For now, Bee told Toto that she only wanted another one-year agreement, because she was not sure how the team would change under new leadership. She liked the team, and the Williams family. It was a shame they were selling, but it was understandable - they’d weathered rough waters this year, and even though George and Bee had managed to turn the team’s fortunes a bit, it had still taken its toll on the family. Plus, Sir Frank wasn't in the greatest of health these days.

“We’ll decide what I’ll do from there, if there’s another drive that opens up, if I stay with Williams… I don’t know. But I know my goal is to give the Williams family at least one podium finish before they’re done.”

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Southern Governorate, Kingdom of Bahrain December 3rd, 2020

Emilia calmed down once Bee explained that, actually, it was not her goal to win a championship, and why that was.

“I’m sorry, I just didn’t want you to start doubting yourself now, especially when you’ve just re-signed, and we’re so close to the end of the season, and after the race you just had -” Emilia said. They’d finished their workout and they were in Bee’s hotel room. Emilia had brought her portable massage table and was working on Bee’s back to reduce post-workout soreness ahead of free practice tomorrow.

“I appreciate it. I know, sometimes I am very hard on myself, but I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon.”

It was strange, not having George in the garage with her. It was even stranger still in a pair of black Mercedes overalls, driving the black W11. “I’m surprised they managed to get your gear together so fast.” Bee said, as they drove back to the hotel after free practice. They weren’t teammates today, but they still carpooled to the track together.

“I know, Puma apparently had to overnight the suit with the current sponsors, and I’m wearing a smaller shoe size because my feet won’t fit on the pedals otherwise. And I had to have a new seat made and all of that. It’s been a busy two days.”

For George, qualifying was spectacular. It was truly inspiring to Bee to see how quick George was when not constrained by the car. They both outperformed their car every week, and it just made Bee want post-season testing to come faster so she would be able to try putting the W11 through its paces, as Toto had already promised her a test session with it. George qualified second, just fractions of fractions of a second behind Valtteri. Bee managed to wring out a Q2 placement by the skin of her teeth.

Bee didn’t really like this outer circuit track - it was too short of a lap, the shortest in the F1 calendar. Even too small for 20 cars - it was creating a lot of issues with traffic and during qualifying, drivers trying to set lap times were constantly having to lift in the middle sector for drivers who were backing off between runs to cool their tires. It would also be a long race as far as lap count went - 87 laps. It was no longer than any other race by distance, but the circuit was so short that it had to be a lot of laps instead.

When it came time for the race, Bee couldn’t believe what she saw going into the first turn - the W11 with the fluro-yellow marker on its airbox was behind, meaning George had made an excellent start and broke away fast. However, an incident happened almost immediately, causing the retirement of Verstappen and Leclerc, and leading to a safety car. On the 7th lap, the safety car was withdrawn and George started widening his lead ahead of Bottas.

“Gaetan, can you keep me updated on George’s position if there’s no chatter? Just curious.” Bee said. It wasn’t really normal operating procedure to get updates on the race leader’s pace if you were at the back of the pack, but she wanted her friend to do well.

She was doing her best to fight in the back with the Haas cars and the Alfa Romeos. Nick Latifi was in the Haas, making his F1 debut, covering for Grosjean after his accident. Around lap 51, though, she felt something strange happening with the revs.

“Something feels weird, feels like I'm losing power.” She told Gaetan. She was in 13th, and was aiming to end up in the points.

“Yes, it’s the radiator, Phoebe. Possibly a leak. We will need to box and retire.”

“Fuck,” Bee said to herself. She was able to limp back to the pit, but it triggered a very brief virtual safety car.

She took a seat at the engineering station once she got back to the garage to watch the rest of the race with a communications headset on. Jack was doing well, and George was still clear in the lead. Bee was thrilled for him, but Jack spun out on the next lap, triggering another Virtual Safety Car as his wing was knocked off. The VSC changed to a full safety car, and Mercedes brought both George and Valtteri in for fresh tyres.

“Bad luck for us tonight,” Bee thought, watching Jack pit for a new wing.

She watched George go into the pits, and then Valtteri - an extremely long stop for Valtteri, almost 30 seconds, and for some reason they didn’t even change his tires - he was sent back out on the same set of hard tyres he’d come in on.

Just as Bee was wondering why they’d do that, she heard a message through her headset from their strategist that chilled her to the bone.

“Mercedes is pitting George again. Apparently sent him out with a mixed set of tires.”

“Oh, no.” Phoebe thought.

They’d given him two of Valtteri’s tires. No wonder Valtteri had such a long stop and went out on the same tires he’d come in on.

Still, George came out of the pits and rallied, the only driver on fresh tires, driving like a man possessed. By lap 73, he’d managed to claw his way back up into second, and was chasing down a Racing Point to get his lead back. He had the pace to get it, too.

Until…

The strategist came back on the radio. “George has a puncture. They have to pit him again.”

The mood in the Williams garage was palpably downcast after that. He may not have been driving for them this weekend, but everyone wanted George to do well. He managed to get back up into 9th after emerging from the pit in 14th, but it was still heartbreaking.

Bee saw George sitting on the ground near the press pen. He was by himself and looked absolutely dejected. Bee wanted to go talk to him, to try and offer him some comfort, but Emma stopped her. “Come on, we have to go talk to Sky Germany. He’ll be okay. He probably just wants to be alone anyway.”

Later that night, Bee ordered a pizza and a bottle of sparkling white grape juice from the hotel's room service (while a lot of hotels in Bahrain offered alcohol for non-Muslim guests, this apparently wasn’t one of them) and marched down to George’s room, pounding on the door until he answered. Thankfully, he had some clothes on.

“Blimey, do you know what time it - Oh, Phoebe.” He said as he opened the door. Bee shoved right past him and put the pizza box on a table.

“I thought you could use some company tonight, and some junk food. I don’t care if Aleix kills me later on, you’re going to eat some and enjoy it. And I know it’s not a bottle of victory champagne, and I’m not going to spray you with it, but… you deserve it after that drive tonight.” She said, handing him the bottle of juice.

He smirked as he looked at the bottle in his hands. “Well, I appreciate the thought, but -”

“Nope. I don��t want to hear it.” Bee said, handing him an enormous, greasy slice of pizza on one of the paper plates she’d brought with her. "You were amazing and I was so excited watching you after I had to retire. I just… can’t believe that they shat the bed like that in that pit stop. What even happened?”

“Radio failure, apparently. The call didn’t come through on my side of the garage so the wrong crew came out with the wrong tires and put them on the wrong car. And then I got a slow puncture later from having to run off the line so many times to overtake. It wasn’t the crew’s fault, shit just… happens, I guess. And it’s funny, you know - if I got ninth in our car, I’d be absolutely ecstatic. Shows you that it’s all about perspective, I guess. Toto and Bono came to tell me how much I have to be proud of after the race. It helped, a little. But… I could have had my first win, and that’s what hurts.”

“They’re right. You ran a hell of a race. I bet you’ll definitely get the Mercedes seat after next year, after that performance. I feel bad for Valtteri, but… anyway, maybe by then I’ll be able to get on a podium with you. Though maybe not, if I’m still at Williams at that point, or even still racing.” Bee said, a little sadly.

“What do you mean? I think you’re good enough to be with Mercedes too, or maybe another team -”

“Eh,” Bee said. “Of the teams that are in podium contention most of the time, I wouldn’t join Ferrari, and I definitely wouldn’t join Red Bull even if they asked me, and given my history with Doctor Helmut Marko, it’ll be a cold day in hell before that happens. And I don’t really want to leave the Mercedes program, so that limits my options. I don’t know, maybe Toto will have a seat for me someday, if Lewis retires or something, but I don’t see that happening any time soon.”

She poured the sparkling juice into two plastic cups - the courtesy cups that were in the suite’s kitchenette, handing one of them to George. “It’s okay, though, I’ve made my peace with it - the fact that I’m not likely to ever be fighting for championships, or if I even want to. You will be, though. I know it.”

She raised her glass to toast with George.

“To one more race in this fucked-up season, and on to the next. Hopefully it’s a bit more normal.”

They were both already confirmed and signed to Williams already. They had been announced to be staying a while ago, keeping them out of driver market-related headlines.

George raised his glass, tapping Bee’s with it, making a quiet plastic crinkling noise.

“To next season."

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