#but the f1 world moves in mysterious ways

[wisteriagoesvroom]

thinking about nico rosberg and how happy he seems in retirement. and how much bravery it actually took to retire on that high, to say "i'm happy, i don't need more", and refuse to get bogged down in all the discourse and the hate. about his random exploits making a youtube channel and openly figuring out who he was away from the sport. how unstressed he is now compared to 2016. i'm thinking about how the f1 circuit chews people up and spits them out even if you go in with all the tools and money in the world, because money and resource is very insulating, but you're still always paying and paying in different ways - and at what cost. how he's now thriving and hydrated and his hairline is safe and he's able to stay on the sidelines of a sport that he's loved so much. able to enjoy his winnings and his nepo baby money and his family time. the way he's hilarious on camera, and says things that sometimes are outrageous (all things about lewis - like he's soooo lewis biased he's basically running a stan account but on sky tv actually... drop the burner twt @, nico). but sometimes he says things that are also really needed (being loud on camera about lando being a great driver who will have his time and his win). like, maybe we have to stan actually.

plus look at this stance:

[sweeterlovers]

HIS LOSS / LANDO NORRIS + JACOB ELORDI

lando norris x piastri reader + reader x jacob elordi / SMAU

SUMMARY / lando cheating on oscar’s younger sister? who better to heal your heart than the australian heartthrob

FACE CLAIM / hadar lavy

WARNINGS / cheating!

-

INSTAGRAM

liked by gossipf1, f1lover, and 36,751 others

f1gossip F1 GOSSIP: Lando Norris caught cheating on Y/N Piastri??? Lando Norris has been spotted with a mysterious blonde woman!

view all comments

user6 WHAT WHAT

user78 holy shit bro

user0 no more papaya rules….

user2 LMFAOOOO

user613 mclaren garage bout to be real awkward

user8 the DRAMAAA

user03 SINCE WHEN WAS LANDO DATING SOMEONE???

user836 where have u been????????

user5 bro i don’t know.. i didn’t even know oscar had a sister 😭😭

user6782 you’ve been living under a rock

user111 what the actual hell

user3 his loss i guess

user521 i don’t even know anymore

user778 landoscar 😭💔

user89 well that’s over with

user2000 anyways Y/N deserves better

user58 welp!

-

INSTAGRAM

liked by oscarpiastri, landonorris, and 135,726 others

y/n.piastri well it’s just me and my stuffed animals against the world 🙂

view all comments

user2 girl you deserve better

user57 wait the stuffed animals are so cute

user05 i know 🥹 what are their names???

y/n.piastri well the octopus is named mimi and the kitty is named princess mellow!

user267 awww

yourbsf anyways your so hot wtf

y/n.piastri 😘😘😘😘 ilyyyyyyyyy

user9 stop she looks so sad :(((

user2 i wonder why….

user88 i wish i looked that good after getting cheated on

user892 the fact that he’s still liking her posts….

user0 ugh he’s so icky

user83 i hope she can still come to the paddock and support oscar!!!

user543 me too!!! we may have to wait a bit for that tho

user452 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁

user362 your so pretty!!!

oscarpiastri why are mimi and princess mellow so far apart?

y/n.piastri idk they need space

-

MESSAGES

yourbsf

ok y/n you’ve been sitting in your room for the past week, you need to get out and go party!!!

y/n

i’m not in the mood

yourbsf

ok well i don’t really care!

y/n

?????

yourbsf

go get ready! i’m picking you up and we are going to the club!!!!!!!

-

INSTAGRAM

liked by oscarpiastri and 265,727 others

y/n.piastri 🍾🪩⚡️

view all comments

yourbsf HOTTIE

y/n.piastri LOVE U CUTIE

user3 okkkk i see youu

user0 you look soooo good

user67 revenge outfit 🔥🔥🔥

user1 party girl era?????

user56 imagine she goes to a party and sees lando as the dj

user9 i would die

user267 this post is chaotic and put together at the same time

user78 you look amazing!!!!!!

user566 😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

user6 i want to party with y/n piastri

-

MESSAGES

my dear brother 🤧🤧

how was the club?

y/n

it was alright

my dear brother 🤧🤧

did you meet anyone?

y/n

nope!

my dear brother 🤧🤧

i’m sorry, if it makes you feel better i can run him over!

y/n

it’s whatever, but i wouldn’t be made if you “accidentally” crashed into him

my dear brother 🤧🤧

noted

-

INSTAGRAM

liked by oscarpiastri, jacobelordi, and 73,624 others

y/n.piastri i was going to wear this to the club but i changed 👍

comments on this post have been limited!

user9 jacob elordi in the likes????

user0 oooooo!!!!

oscarpiastri 👌👌👌

yourbsf you look good either way!!!!!

-

INSTAGRAM

jacobelordi

hey! i know this might seem weird but i’m in australia visiting my family and i’m free and i was wondering if i could take you out on a date?

y/n.piastri

are you being for real?

jacobelordi

yes?

y/n.piastri

sorry this was just unexpected! but i would love to go out with you!

jacobelordi

great! i’ll dm you the details

-

INSTAGRAM

liked by jacobelordi, oscarpiastri, and 164,263 others

y/n.piastri date night 🤍

view all comments

user6 WHAT

user78 ok girl!!!!

user10 looking gorgeous!

user2 i’m glad your moving on from lando <33

user9 yeah he’s a 🚩🚩🚩

user34 most of the drivers are 😭

user16 true

user57 gorg!!!

yourbsf i see you!!!!! 👀

y/n.piastri LMFAO

yourbsf well text me the details…

y/n.piastri yes ma’am 🫡

-

INSTAGRAM (PRIVATE)

liked by yourbsf, jacobelordi, and 12 others

y/n.private lately with me 😘😘

view all comments

yourbsf cuties!!!!

jacobelordi what is that second picture?

y/n.private it’s a picture of you with a bow edited on you! 🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀

jacobelordi did you do that?

y/n.private yes!!!!

-

INSTAGRAM

liked by jacobelordi, oscarpiastri, and 167,282 others

y/n.piastri 🤍🤍

view all comments

user3 SOFT LAUNCH??

user88 i know!!!

user00 anyone know who the guy is?

user2 i think it’s jacob elordi cause he’s been liking her posts

user7 idk but @oscarpiastri & @yourbsf may!

oscarpiastri maybe 🤷

yourbsf i can’t disclose such information

user675 😻😻😻😻

user013 the last photo 👀👀👀

user4 and the first one! they seem so cute together 😊

user37 ok but she looks sooo pretty in the second pic

-

INSTAGRAM

liked by y/n.piastri, oscarpiastri, and 568,926 others

jacobelordi me and my girl @y/n.piastri

view all comments

user56 my husband 😖😖😖😖

user78 i can’t have anything 🪦

user0034 😍😍😍😍😍

user4 she kinda reminds me of rapunzel in the second photo!

user00 ok but they’re kinda cute together

user3 i guess…. i’m kinda salty about it

user6 like you had a chance??? side eye 😒

user002 who even is she?

user23 she’s the sister of a Australian f1 driver (oscar piastr)

user22 ok i see him!

user46 love to see a fellow aussie

user378 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

user402 and the kangaroos 🦘 🦘

y/n.piastri you beat me to the hard launch ☹️☹️

jacobelordi i’ll make it up to you :)

user4002 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

oscarpiastri i swear if you hurt her…

jacobelordi you’ll run me over with your race car

oscarpiastri bingo!

-

INSTAGRAM

liked by jacobelordi, yourbsf, and 306,372 others

y/n.piastri me and my mans 🤍💙

view all comments

user3 cute!!!

jacobelordi love you baby

y/n.piastri yeah yeah i love u too

user03 🤗🤗🤗

user77 an upgrade!!!!

user49 damn…..

user00 🇦🇺 🦘

user622 the flowers 😻😊

user08 i know!!! so cute!

oscarpiastri cute.

yourbsf CUTIES I LOVE LOVE 💗💗

y/n.piastri THANK YEWWW

-

SWEETERLOVERS - sorry that took my so long to write 😭

[maxtermind]

SCENE 1 :: YOU TORE ME RIGHT APART ↳ you were never not mine — carlos sainz ༉‧₊˚✧

★ : pairing :: carlos sainz x reader ★ : genre :: angst; fluff separated by a hidden emotional turmoil, carlos and y/n navigate the complexities of co-parenting their twins amidst the high-stakes f1 world. amidst paddock visits and personal healing, will they go further apart or find their way back to each other? ★ : a/n :: oh fuck okay here we go! let me know what you guys think so far <3 what are the theories!! ahhhhhh this is more introductory? but lots of drama nevertheless <3 please don't mention the diff twin pics, i'll start crying!

( series masterlist \ main masterlist \ drop a request )

yn.user 41 mins ago

yn.user boys are here to support their papa!

username OMG THE IT BABIES ARE BACK ON TRACK charlesleclerc I know they were rooting for me in red🏎 I loved the bracelet btw❤️‍🩹 ⤷ carlossainz dress up leo in red and leave my kids alone username I WOULD KILL TO HAVE Y/N AND CARLOS AS MY PARENTS carlossainz papa won this for his family👍 ⤷ username it's so cute that even though they are separated, carlos never leaves out y/n ⤷ username I think it's his loss, he wants them back so he's playing a persona w words like 'family' lol ⤷ username please get a life, touch some grass🙏 username THE BABIES MADE A BRACELET FOR CARLOS ⤷ landonorris I got one toooooo

carlos is typing... (y/n's pov)

instagram stories

lily is typing... (y/n's pov)

twitter

carlossainz 20 mins ago

carlossainz who said weekends with papa are a bore?

landonorris whoring on main papa sainz? ⤷ carlossainz please unfollow❤️ username DILFFFFF username carlos can I also be your baby mama???? y/n.user MUMMA MISSES HER BABIES ⤷ carlossainz we miss you too ⤷ username pretty sure she was talking about the kids carlos lmao username it's so strange that now we get the updates from separate accounts I miss the og paddock fam ⤷ username well people move on so🤷‍♀️ ⤷ username only the real ones rmb the sainz x y/n post spams lmao

yn.user just now

yn.user stole my tortured heart💫

username who plays cards alone on a beach? 👀 username y/n’s cryptic post has me guessing mhmmm a new love interest maybe?! ⤷ username cards on the beach when alone? definitely not alone. who’s the mystery company hehe carlossainz looks like a peaceful day. glad you're finding time for yourself! ⤷ yn.user hope the boys are still up! returning the call soon🥰 lilymhe finally enjoying some well-deserved relaxation💖 ⤷ yn.user love youuu username i see cards but no players. who's with you y/n username we need more context omg is this a date ⤷ username probably with lily lol username at first i thought you were with carlos but he's in the comments soooo does that mean a new romance

carlos is typing... (y/n's pov)

f1.wags 2 mins ago

f1.wags Our sources have spotted Y/N, ex-partner of F1 driver Carlos Sainz, enjoying a cozy dinner with an unidentified man. The two were seen sharing intimate moments, sparking rumors of a new romance. Could this be the start of a new chapter for Y/N? Stay tuned for more updates as we dig deeper into this developing story.

username wow, moving on already? poor carlos username she couldn't wait a little longer before flaunting her new man username guess she never really loved carlos. just saying ⤷ username carlos deserves better than someone who moves on so fast ⤷ username its been almost half a year? username poor kids. this is why you should never have kids out of wedlock ⤷ username hey good morning, i think you time traveled to 200 years forward. please go back username she’s just trying to make carlos jealous. grow up, y/n username so much for being a loving mother? priorities lol ⤷ username boys were with carlos for one weekend and this is how she spends it ⤷ username from a perfect family to this? disappointing username carlos is better off without her. clearly, she didn’t care about him ⤷ username fr y/n's true colors are showing now. carlos dodged a bullet

carlos is typing... (y/n's pov)

©maxtermind // do not copy, rewrite or translate any of my work on any platforms.

[2handsslan]

carlos sainz // cs55 fic recs

———————————— 🏎️🏎️ ————————————

one shots

to be loved - @monzamash

“i can take care of you. you won't need anyone but me.”

farewell, rosso corsa- @goldsainz

“carlos’ journey at ferrari has come to an end, you’re not sure you’re ready to deal with the aftermath”

can i go where you go? - @goldsainz

“carlos leaving ferrari means you do too”

the world can wait - @pucksandpower

“no matter whether he’s wearing ferrari red or williams blue, standing on the top step of podiums or fighting for points, you’ll love carlos through it all”

oh, simple thing - @formulaforza

"“It’s dead,” you said, took it from him and tossed it aside. “It’s not nice to pick flowers, Carlito. It kills them.” He burst into tears and your mother scolded you the rest of the way home, even though it was her who always told you to leave the wildflowers wild. After some time and consideration (a plate of dinosaur nuggets, half of Cinderella, and a bedtime story) you’d decided maybe Carlos was right to cry about the dead flower."

madrid dreamscapes - @cashmeremars

“you’re moving to madrid to be closer to carlos and on the day he picks you up from the airport, he has a suprise for you”

camera roll series: dating carlos sainz - @cashmeremars

“photos you've taken of your boyfriend carlos”

series

love in mallorca - @sunny44

“y/n goes to mallorca intending to leave her life behind, at least for a while. then she meets a mysterious guy who makes this trip, to say the least, unforgettable”

it’s always been you - @neferaskingdom

“after a painful breakup, y/n receives an unexpected drunk phone call from carlos following the mexican grand prix, igniting a whirlwind of emotions as he grapples with his feelings for her”

smau

close to you - @afterglowsainz

“after your boyfriend starts hanging out more with his future teammate, your start catching feelings for him, not knowing that he also seems to be interested in him”

mr. big - @monzabee

“the one where there he was, wearing armani on a sunday, your boyfriend, carlos”

three is company - @goldsainz

“carlando hard launch”

brother’s rival - @sainzzreputaticn

“your brother’s rival texts you after a race and you find yourself falling for him”

*these are part of my fic rec masterlist, please note none of these are written by me and the author of each story had been tagged! check out my f1 fic rec masterlist for other drivers!*

[mediocre-shark-tales]

The Debut

Masterlist

The news hit the F1 world like a thunderclap—a 20 year old American driver, a complete unknown, was stepping into the Aston Martin seat mid-season. One of the few rookies to join halfway through the season, she was brought in to cover for Lance Stroll, sidelined potentially indefinitely by a severe injury. Speculation about his replacement had run wild, but no one expected it to be someone with almost no public history, let alone a driver no one had ever seen outside their helmet and racing suit. Yet Aston Martin was now ready to unveil her to the world—a driver who had only been known by her number, 66, and the nickname “Daredevil.”

In the week leading up to her debut, Aston Martin teased fans with cryptic photos and voice-modulated videos. Finally, they dropped a fifteen-minute video titled Welcome to AMRTC Driver 66, capturing her first day with the team. It opened with clips of the team speculating about her skill, personality, and confidence, overlaid with shots of her walking through the building without truly showing more than her shoes. Then, as a black screen lingered, the opening chords of “Real Gone” from Cars filled the silence. The video cut to the mystery driver getting suited up, each layer adding to her mystique, until she finally took to the track in the new car. A montage of high-speed laps displayed her undeniable skill and poise until the song slowly faded, revealing her standing still, helmet off, with curled hair framing her face as she turned toward the camera for the first time. This was quickly followed by a long ‘get to know me’ interview.

From the moment she arrived, the paddock buzzed with whispers. Her face was unfamiliar to the veteran drivers, but rumors hinted at her racing roots from leagues around the world. The fans, media, and even her new teammate waited with bated breath, eager to see if this newcomer could hold her own against the sport’s giants.

Y/n pov

I stepped into the Aston Martin garage with Marcus, my manager, beside me. My headphones were on, the bass of my favorite race weekend hype playlist thumping as I took in the scene. Mechanics and engineers glanced up from their tasks, eyes darting over to me before resuming their work on the cars and equipment, all in preparation for Practice Day 1. I’d skipped the usual media day—Aston Martin had somehow managed to get the FIA’s approval for me to skip it, which suited me just fine.

Marcus guided me through the bustling garage, giving me a quick rundown of everything before leading me to my driver’s room in the Aston Martin hospitality suite. As I took a seat, nerves bubbled up—I still hadn’t met Fernando Alonso. As confident as I felt in the car, the idea of meeting a living legend, someone who’d been racing since before I was even born, was something else entirely.

For as long as I could remember, Fernando Alonso had been my idol. I’d spent years studying his every move on the track, even adopting his aggressive, calculated driving style until I’d eventually developed my own. But knowing that I’d be racing alongside him—that I’d actually get to learn from him first hand—felt surreal, like stepping into a dream I’d chased my entire life.

That all changed the moment I actually met him. As I walked into the garage, fully suited up in my fireproofs with my helmet tucked under my arm, I could feel the weight of the moment settling in. After a quick weigh-in, Marcus led me over to Alonso. For a few awkward seconds, he barely glanced my way, his focus elsewhere until someone pointed me out to him. Around us, everyone was smiling and looking expectant—everyone except him. I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. I hadn’t expected him to be thrilled about my arrival, but his distant, unreadable expression stung in a way I hadn’t anticipated.

As I approached, He looked me up and down with the slightest hint of a frown.

"So, they think you're ready to jump into this mid-season?" he asked, crossing his arms. "I wonder if you actually understand what that means."

I blinked, taken aback by his bluntness. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't," I shot back, trying to keep my tone even.

He raised an eyebrow. "A lot of drivers think they’re ready," he replied, his voice cool. "But being ready means more than just showing up with confidence. Winning is a mindset, an instinct. It’s not just something you decide you have one day."

I felt my hands tighten around my helmet. "Maybe it’s not something you decide—but it is something you prove. I’m here to race, not get your approval, and I’ll show you on track that my style is nothing like what you've seen before."

A spark flashed in his eyes, though his expression remained unchanged. "We’ll see if your style is worth anything," he said, a hint of challenge in his voice. "Just remember that here, being good isn’t enough."

Without another word, I turned on my heel and headed toward my car, trying to shake off the sting of his words. As I disappeared around the corner, Fernando watched me go, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Once my car was ready, I climbed in, settling into the seat as the engineers moved in to strap me down. Glancing up at the screen, I watched past race footage from this track with this very car. They wanted me to see what I’d be up against—what I needed to match and, ideally, surpass.

A moment later, Marcus crouched down into my line of sight, flanked by two guys—one older and serious, the other younger, with a bit of a wide-eyed look.

“Y/N, this is Ben,” Marcus began, gesturing to the older man. “He’ll be running your radio. But he’s also training Landon here,” he nodded toward the younger guy, “to be your personal radio engineer. Since there’s still a good part of the season left, you’ll need someone who gets you on and off the track. Landon’s been watching your last F2 season, studying up to learn your style. Today’s practice sessions will help you both adjust to your new roles together.”

I nodded and gave them a thumbs up—they wouldn’t hear me over the helmet or the noise of the garage anyway, but my excitement was clear.

It was finally time. My doorman stepped out, giving me the signal that I was clear to go. I eased the car forward, carefully navigating my way onto the main pit road. Aston Martin’s garage was positioned right at the front of the entrance, but it also meant the longest stretch before merging onto the track. As I rolled past each team’s garage, I felt eyes following my every move, curious and assessing. They’d all heard the buzz about the new “mystery driver,” and now here I was.

Once I hit the open track, becoming the first car out on the tarmac, my radio crackled to life with Landon’s voice. “Okay, Y/N, this session is all about finding your sweet spot with the car. If anything feels even slightly off, let me know immediately. For now, just get comfortable with the track. We’ll start gathering real data in the next session.”

I pressed the radio button and replied with a quick, “Yes, sir,” a grin hidden behind my helmet as I pushed down on the accelerator, ready to make my mark.

I took a deep breath, the roar of the engine and the blur of the pit wall filling my senses as I pushed down on the accelerator. The Italian GP track spread out before me in a symphony of curves and straightaways, each turn already embedded in my mind. I’d studied this circuit obsessively—every corner, every curb, every shift in gradient. But now, with the Aston Martin beneath me, I could finally feel it for myself, each bump and nuance translating through the car with perfect clarity.

As I took on the first few turns, my instincts kicked in—a mix of smooth control and split-second aggression. Where other drivers might ease off in preparation for a hairpin, I’d mastered the art of late braking, letting the car edge just to the point of losing grip before snapping it back with a calculated shift in weight. I slid through the Variante del Rettifilo, cutting a sharp angle through the chicane, my hands steady as I kept my foot down. Each move, each turn was a test, not just for me, but for the entire team watching my data back in the garage.

The name Franco Colapinto kept flashing in my mind. I knew he’d have an impressive debut mid-season, and I could feel a competitive drive swelling within me as I attacked the track, eager to match and even exceed his potential mark. Exiting the second Lesmo, I made a mental note of how much grip the car could hold, the feeling just right as I powered down the straight toward Ascari. I couldn’t afford a single misstep. If I was going to prove myself, this was my moment to do it—full control at breakneck speed.

“Looking good, Y/N,” Landon’s voice crackled through the radio, but I was already focused on the final corner. The Parabolica curved ahead, inviting me to test my limits, and I didn’t hesitate. I took it wide before tightening on the exit, feeling the car grip to the line as I pushed the throttle to the max, the car launching down the home straight. 

“Love you, Landon, but please don’t speak before I’m accelerating out of the corner,” I said quickly over the radio, just as I straightened out and hit the next curve.

There was a pause before his voice crackled back, a bit sheepishly. “Yes, ma’am. My apologies.”

I chuckled, the corners of my mouth lifting behind my helmet. “No worries, I’ll have you perfected in no time.”

With that, I settled back into my rhythm, feeling the weight of the car and every detail of the track imprinting itself in my mind. Soon enough, the first practice session came to an end, and I guided the car back to the pits. As I parked and the engineers moved in, I took a moment to pull off my helmet, still buzzing from the thrill of my first laps. This track, this team, and this car were quickly becoming home.

Time Skip -

Race day had arrived, bringing the tension and thrill of my F1 debut, but the sting of yesterday’s qualifying disaster still lingered. I’d ended up in P18, an unfortunate consequence of a poorly timed red flag that left the five of us at the back with no real shot at setting a solid lap time. I tried to brush it off as I prepared to join the rest of the grid for the drivers' parade.

Dressed in team gear, I wore one extra item that had become a part of my ritual. A few months ago, I lost my mother to cancer, and since then, I’d made sure to honor her at every race. Something on me, whether it was my gear or my helmet, would always bear a symbol of her favorite animal: the sea turtle. She had chosen it after learning the turtle’s symbolism of wisdom, endurance, and trusting one’s path, all qualities that described her so well. On each of my helmets, a small sea turtle was etched into the design. And when I wasn’t wearing the helmet, I kept a sea turtle necklace with me, its pendant filled with a touch of her ashes, as if she were here with me, watching over this pivotal moment.

I slipped on my headphones, tuning into my “reminiscing” playlist, letting myself reflect in the few quiet moments before the chaos. “How Do I Say Goodbye” by Dean Lewis filled my ears, a song that resonated now more than ever. My F2 team had given me the remainder of the season off after my mother’s passing, telling the media I was undergoing intense training for my reserve role. Nobody outside my close circle knew the truth, and it felt like a private thread of grief I carried alone, my mother’s memory grounding me as I faced the reality of my first F1 race without her.

I followed the line of drivers, hanging back, unnoticed by most. No one had approached me—not to chat, nor to dismiss me. They’d fallen naturally into their cliques, small pockets of friendships built over countless races together. The trailer pulled up, and I was the last to step aboard, taking a quiet corner near the back. My gaze drifted over the crowd as I toyed with the sea turtle pendant around my neck, a small comfort. If there was ever a moment I needed my mom, it was now. I imagined her smiling at my awkwardness, maybe even scolding the guys to show a bit of gentlemanly grace. Her humor and warmth were all I had left to keep close in this overwhelming moment.

Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. I pulled off my headphones and turned to see a smiling Franco Colapinto standing there, his easy grin contagious. My smile mirrored his as I placed my headphones around my neck, grateful for the distraction.

“Hola! I’ve been waiting to get a chance to talk to you,” he said, his tone smooth and friendly.

“Hey! I didn’t think anyone would come over,” I replied, surprised but pleased. “It’s nice to finally meet you. How are you feeling about today?”

“Excited and a little nervous, to be honest. It’s not every day you get to race in Formula 1, right? I’m sure you feel the same way.”

I nodded, feeling a wave of camaraderie. “Definitely. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m ready to show what I can do out there.”

Franco's eyes sparkled with encouragement. “You’ve got this! I saw your lap times from practice; you really have a gift. Just stay focused and trust your instincts. We’re in this together after all.”

“Thanks! That means a lot, especially coming from you. I know you’ve been making waves already too,” I said, my confidence growing.

“Just trying to keep up!” he laughed, his energy infectious. “How about we make a pact? Let’s push each other out there and see how far we can go. We might even surprise some people!”

“Deal!” I grinned, feeling the excitement of a budding friendship. “I’d love to have someone to share this experience with. After all, it’s always more fun with friends.”

Franco nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! Let’s catch up after the race too—maybe grab a bite? I think we could both use a little downtime after all this craziness.” He blushed slightly, the nerves from the question filling him. 

“Sounds perfect,” I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. As we exchanged a few more words, the nervous weight on my shoulders lifted, replaced by the warmth of a new friendship that made this moment feel just a little less daunting.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, we were dropped back at the paddock. With no distractions, I headed straight for my garage, ready to change and get my head in the game. As I pulled on each piece of my race gear, my heart thudded louder, like it was syncing up with the pulse of the race track. I pressed play on my go-to race day anthem, letting "Real Gone" by Sheryl Crow blast through my headphones on repeat. If this song didn’t put me in the zone, nothing would—it was basically my theme song at this point.

Finally dressed, I took out my helmet. Today, I’d be wearing something special. Up until now, I’d been using my usual helmet, but today was different. This one was for my mom. The design was everything she’d loved: a watercolor sea turtle on each side, painted in her honor. And the top? Like Max’s iconic lion, but this time, it was the face of a sea turtle, wise and serene, watching over me. I could almost hear her laugh as I ran my fingers over the shell details. This one’s for you, Mom.

Leaving the driver’s room, I headed towards the garage, spotting Fernando getting weighed, his usual intense focus evident even with all the last-minute prep happening around us. I gave him a nod, but he was too busy to notice. The team was buzzing, everyone moving with that pre-race electricity.

Before long, I was strapped into the car, staring down the rows of vehicles lined up before me. Silence filled my helmet as I mentally ran through my race strategy. My goal was clear: make it into the points. It wasn’t just about my debut anymore; it was about proving that I belonged here. I’d shut up the critics, the doubters, the ones who said I didn’t have what it took. One pass at a time, I’d show them exactly why I was here.

With just minutes left before the race began, the team pulled the last of the covers from my car and gave it one final check before stepping back off the track. A calm washed over me, the nerves melting into pure focus. It was time.

As the lights went out for the formation lap, I pressed the pedal, feeling the power beneath me roar to life. One by one, the cars in front began moving, and I eased into line, the vibrations of the track buzzing through my hands and up my arms. As I made my way around the circuit, I took in the crowds, fans pressed up against the barricades, flags waving, people cheering, everyone vying for a glimpse of the action before the real race even began. Some held banners and signs with drivers’ names, a few even with my number and the sea turtle logo—my symbol.

I could feel the weight of all those eyes, every fan, every camera trained on the car, and I let it sink in. This was it. For a split second, my mind flashed back to all the hard work, the sleepless nights, and every lap it took to reach this moment. I had something to prove to the fans, to the team, to everyone who’d doubted me. But right now, the only thing on my mind was to trust my path—just like the sea turtle my mom had loved so much.

As the formation lap came to an end, the tension in the air shifted into something electric. The cars lined up on the grid, engines rumbling in anticipation, and I felt a surge of adrenaline course through me. The lights began to sequence, and I focused on the start, visualizing my strategy for the race. This was my moment, and I was ready.

The lights went out, and with a roar, I launched off the line. The initial surge was exhilarating; I was quick on the throttle, feeling the car respond to my commands as I made my way into Turn 1. I immediately positioned myself on the inside line, expertly avoiding the chaos of the cars jostling for position. I could hear the crackle of the radio as Landon encouraged me, reminding me to stay calm and focused.

By the time I reached the first series of corners, I was already gaining ground. I overtook a struggling driver on the outside, timing my move perfectly as I accelerated past him, narrowly avoiding a collision. The thrill of passing my first competitor sent a rush of confidence through me. I could see Franco up ahead, holding steady in P15, and I set my sights on catching him.

As I maneuvered through the tighter sections of the track, I began to find my rhythm. I was in the zone, my mind clear, my instincts sharp. Every corner felt like an opportunity, and I seized each one with determination. The roar of the crowd grew louder with every pass I made, and I could feel the energy fueling my drive.

By the end of the first five laps, I had already climbed up to P15. The rush of adrenaline pushed me further as I entered the sixth lap, where I saw two cars ahead battling for position. I took advantage of their fight, threading my car between them at just the right moment. It felt like a dance, fluid and precise. I could hear Landon’s voice in my ear, excitement evident as I made my way to P12.

With each lap, I continued to push, my confidence growing as I settled into the flow of the race. I navigated through the midfield, expertly carving my way around each driver that stood in my path. Before I knew it, I was in P10, and the battle for the final point was heating up. I had Franco in my sights, and he was locked in a fierce duel with a driver ahead. I took a deep breath, my focus zeroing in on the track ahead.

As we approached the DRS zone, I positioned myself perfectly behind Franco, ready to capitalize on the situation. The moment the DRS activated, I unleashed the power of my car, speeding past him as I made my way into P9. A rush of exhilaration flooded over me—I was in the points! I could hardly believe it. The realization that I had come from P18 to P9 within 2/3s of the race filled me with a sense of accomplishment and the determination to keep pushing forward. With my mother’s spirit guiding me, I 2ould fight for better positions. 

The final laps flew by in a blur, each corner, each straight a chance to cement my place in this race. I held P9 fiercely, defending against anyone who dared to challenge me, pushing the car to its limits while staying calm under pressure. As I crossed the finish line, a wave of relief and triumph washed over me, the weight of the entire race lifting in an instant. My radio crackled with life, and suddenly the cheers of the team filled my helmet, their voices a symphony of celebration.

“P9! Absolutely incredible, y/n!” Landon’s voice shouted, brimming with pride. “You did it, you’re in the points on your debut!”

I could hear Marcus chiming in, his excitement nearly drowning out the others, “You’ve made history today. Unbelievable drive—everyone here is beyond proud!”

A smile broke across my face as I took a moment to let it all sink in. The crowd’s cheers blended with the voices in my ear, my heart racing with pure exhilaration. I lifted a hand in a quiet tribute to my mom, feeling her presence there on the track. This was just the beginning—I’d proven I belonged here. 

Pulling into parc fermé, I powered down the car, feeling the silence wrap around me as the engine’s roar faded. Just as I started climbing out, I heard someone shout my name over the buzz of the paddock. I turned and saw Franco charging toward me, a huge grin plastered on his face. Before I could react, he reached me, practically tackling me in a bear hug as he lifted me off my feet and spun me around.

“You raced beautifully, hermosa!” he yelled, his excitement infectious. I couldn’t help but laugh, caught up in his energy as he set me back down.

“And you! That defense was insane—I thought I’d never get around you!” I replied, still catching my breath. We grinned at each other, peeling off our helmets and balaclavas, both flushed and exhilarated.

“Seriously,” he said, eyes bright, “for a debut race? You were unstoppable. I knew you’d make waves, but that was something else.”

“Thanks, Franco,” I said, feeling the pride and relief mix with a new rush of excitement. “And I know that won’t be the last time I’m chasing you down.”

“Can’t wait for it,” he replied with a laugh. We shared a nod, silently acknowledging the start of something bigger between us. 

As we pulled away, someone called out for us. I turned, and to my surprise, racing legend Lewis Hamilton was walking over, looking exhausted but with a warm, genuine smile. "That was spectacular from both of you," he said, nodding at Franco and me. "I can’t wait to watch the highlights later. You both defended and overtook with skill today—I’m excited to see how you both keep improving."

Franco and I exchanged a quick look of shared amazement and thanked him, both of us a bit starstruck. Just then, Alex appeared, pulling Franco aside, leaving me with Lewis.

“So, y/n,” he began, his tone more serious now, “I actually wanted to have a word with you. I didn’t want to overwhelm you earlier, so I thought now might be the best time—when your spirits are high and you’ve got a bit of space to breathe.” I nodded, curious, as he continued.

“I know it can be tough to find real allies here,” he said gently. “Especially as someone who stands out in a sport that doesn’t have many like you.” His words hit home; I’d felt the isolation creeping in, even with the excitement of today’s race. “I went through a similar thing when I started. I want you to know, if you ever need a friend or someone to talk to, I’m here. Whether it’s for advice, venting, or just someone who gets it—don’t hesitate to find me.”

A wave of gratitude washed over me, and I managed a smile, feeling the pressure I hadn’t realized I’d been carrying start to lift. “Thank you, Lewis. That really means a lot,” I said, trying to convey how much his words reassured me. He gave a small, understanding nod, like he knew exactly what I was feeling.

“Anytime,” he said with a kind smile. “You’ve got a bright future ahead. Just keep your head up.” With a reassuring nod, Lewis turned and walked back toward his team, leaving me standing there with a sense of both calm and determination. I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in, feeling a surge of confidence. 

Gathering myself, I turned and headed back to my team’s garage, the noise of the paddock buzzing around me, but somehow, I felt more focused than ever. As I walked, a few crew members caught my eye, giving me nods and pats on the back, their own excitement mirroring my own. 

I saw Marcus waiting with a grin, surrounded by engineers who all looked just as thrilled. I knew I’d made a mark today—not just on the track but on the people who believed in me. And as I joined them, I couldn’t help but smile.

[cheriladycl01]

Hey could you do Kimi Raikkonen x fem!reader where she is someone that run the events for the F1 and they just fall in love at first sight? MAJOR CUTENESS OVERLOD PLEASE!! Tag me later! Thanks :)

Please, just listen to me! - Kimi Räikkönen x F1EventOrganiser! Reader

Plot: You organise all of the events for the FIA and normally are in the fan zone, but with the FIA being short they need you organising the drivers events.

Credit to kimimraikkonen7 for the GIF

“Erm Seb, if you can stand over here please!” You ask politely, looking the older driver and directing him to his partner.

“Sure cupcake” he grins winking at you making you blush.

“Okay, Lewis Nico you guys can go next to Seb if that’s okay!” You say, you weren’t one to raise your voice so you individually went up to the drivers asking them where you needed them for the event.

Normally you organised the fan side of things when it came to events, so you didn’t have too many interactions with the drivers.

Up until now.

Currently you were organising for them to all line up for the start of season promo shot of them on a track all together in their teams.

You group had decided how you wanted to shoot it and it was down to you to co-ordinate the drivers on where they would be standing.

“Has anyone seen Kimi?” You ask looking around seeing that one driver was currently missing. Everyone proceeded to look around for the Finnish driver who seemed to not be present.

“Your gonna have to go look for him” one of your Co-workers advises, making you grunt. You didn’t want to be on the run around looking for this mystery driver.

Eventually you did leave the other drivers in the hands on your capable team, who started to do other things with them that didn’t necessarily require Kimi or you could do with him later on and individually.

You walk through the paddock, looking like you are on a mission, which you kind of are. You can’t take all day to do this, that would be ridiculous. You ask anyone you saw if they had seen Kimi lately. Most people shook there heads, others said they saw him in hospitality but that was a good few hours ago.

You eventually made your way back to the group, where you’d been rushing around looking high and low and it was extremely warm. Your hair had come partially loose from its low bun and now looked messy with some flyaways in your face and sticking on your forehead. Your face had a redness too it and a natural sheen of sweat.

“I couldn’t find him” you say loud enough that all the drivers could here, a chuckle from your left made you look over seeing Lewis and Nico pointing to the driver next to them.

He had a sort of deer caught in headlights look about him right now.

If he was being honest, he was in complete awe of your state right now. As flustered and worn down as you were, right now you looked radiant and there was something about the way you spoke that raw softness in your voice made his world temporarily stop.

It was like his brain stopped working, or was working overtime, he couldn’t actually tell. That’s how much of an impact one look of you had on him. He had no thoughts in his head but all the thoughts when looking at you.

Completely blank, but the redness of you cheeks, completely blank, but the way your hair fell around your face, completely blank but the way your eyes looked a little glassy from the strain of the day, completely blank but the way your shirt hugged around your body like a tailor had made it just for you.

“Oh you are here! Amazing!” You sigh, wiping across your head, thankful you could move on despite the effort being wasted.

“Sorry people came up to me saying I was needed here. I wasn’t aware such a beautiful search party was sent out to find me. I would have stayed tucked away if I’d know it was you coming for me” he says softly, even though he thought he was at a lose for words, every piece of literature he has read came out his mouth at that moment.

Now it was your turn to look like a deer in headlights, you hadn’t expected him to be so … bold?

“Oh erm, we’ll you are here now, so we can move forward” you awkwardly admit, trying to fix some of the hair that was in your face.

“You want me to fix that for you?” He asks and your head bolts up to him in shock. Did he just … offer to re tie your hair.

“Sorry?” You ask in shock, not believing the Kimi Räikkönen just offered to tie back your hair.

“Your holding lots of stuff and I can tell it’s getting in the way, would you like me to retie it for you?” He asks again, and you slowly nod while your team tries to busy the rest of the drivers who are also as gobsmacked as you are.

“Oh erm yes please that would be really helpful!” You smile, your gums showing and it just makes him fall for you even harder than he had before.

Kimi Räikkönen was never one to believe in love at first sight. It was so stupid, how on earth could you fall for someone by only looking at them once, having no depth and detail to that person.

But having seen you, he knew it was real. He knew what it felt like to feel like his head was spinning and his eyes could only be locked onto you. Because he feared if he were to look away, that would be it and you’d be gone.

He reached forward, his hand taking the bobble out of your hair softly making sure not to rip out any hair or get anything caught up. He then fists your hair into a ponytail before sectioning it off into 3 pieces. What surprises you is when he begins braiding it, you assumed he’d do a basic pony tail, something you’d like to think any man could do.

When you feel the light tugging sensation of him getting it tighter so it won’t fall out, you let your head roll back. Because of the high difference when you open your eyes your met with his blue hues staring almost icily back at you!

“Thank you!” You offer, nodding your head a little bit before you get back to work. However organising 20 men to do what you want them to do when they all get easily distracted by anything and everything around them proves to be more difficult.

From an outward eye it would seem Kimi is the only one paying attention to you while everyone else is having their own conversations, checking their phones or just staring off into space, HES watching you with keen eyes. However it’s actually the opposite way round. While Seb and Alonso tease one another they are actually chipping in to help you get them into the right places ever now and then.

And even though Lewis is scrolling through his feed aimlessly, he still has his ear listening out for you.

It’s actually Kimi, who is the one not paying any attention. He’s just watching everything you do almost like a puppy, holding those sweet doe eyes.

“Please just listen to me!” You beg and he snaps out of the daze you’ve got him in.

“Sorry sweetheart where do you want me?” He asks now a little red feeling rude that you’d only been doing your job.

“Erm just here please” you direct him. Finally everyone was where you wanted them and you could get the shot that you wanted too!

Later on, Kimi silently pulled you to one side, he smiled at you as you both stood there in silence. He watched and observed the way you awkwardly shuffled your weight from one foot to another as you watched him and his eyes.

“Dinner, with me tonight” he offers and you remain silent. That didn’t seem like a question, that was an order … or what the word order to harsh. A statement maybe?

“Yes” you smile, before ushering him out the office with a hotness to your cheeks as you leant against the door, forgetting completely about planning the nexts events that were on your table and thinking of the Finnish man who had just bluntly forced you out!

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @stupidandunnecessary @clayra-g @daemyratwst @honey-belden @moonypixel @lauralarsen @vader-is-hot @ironcowboycopnickel @itsjustkhaos @the-untamed-soul @beebo86 @happylittlereader @ziejustme @lou-larcher5 @thewulf @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @chillyleclerc @chanthereader @annoyingmoonballoon @summissss @evieepepi08 @havaneseoger08 @celesteblack08 @gulphulp @fandom1ruined2me @celebstories @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhh @georgeparisole @dakotatankbig @youcannotcancelquidditch @zzonsbeek @tallbrownhairsarcastic @mellowarcadefun @ourteenagetragedy @otako5811 @countingstacksandpanicattacks @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @hopexcroc @mirrorball-6 @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @lilypadlover @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @the-fem1n1ne-urge @21stcenturytaegi @dark-night-sky-99 @spideybv28 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @kapsylia @laneyspaulding19 @lazybot @malynn @cassielikereading @viennakarma @teamnovalak @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @jlb20416 @pear-1206

[f1fan1644]

Paddock Secrets

Pairing; Lando Norris x reader

Summary: Lando Norris and mysterious girl are together. (I don’t really know how to describe this one. )

Pictures; From Pinterest

landonorris just posted

📍 Silverstone Circuit

liked by y/n_l/n, oscarpiastri and others

landonorris Ready for race week. 🔥

3,549 comments

@alexandrasaintmleux: Oh, look, it’s Lando and his favorite mystery “assistant.” 👀

@danielricciardo: Does the other cup have a special meaning? Asking for the fans. @charles_leclerc: Might as well tag her if she’s always around. @papayaarmy_: THE GLASSES ARE Y/N’S!! I’M LOSING IT. @f1updates_: Can we talk about how those glasses always seem to end up near him? Romantic or just handy?

y/n_l/n just posted

📍 Silverstone Circuit

liked by alexandrasaintmleux, landonorris and others

y/n_l/n Another day at the office. 🏁✨🧡

1,870 comments

@landonorris: That laptop is just part of the job, isn’t it?

@alexandrasaintmleux: Looks like you have a new office buddy, huh?😉

@charles_leclerc: That car definitely has some ‘company’ parked next to it.

@f1fangirlsunite: “Mysterious girl” vibes—no face, but she’s always around. Who is she?

@papayaarmy_: Every time he’s near that car, there’s a shadow behind him. Coincidence? I think not.

f1_updates just posted

📍 Silverstone Circuit

liked by papayaarmy, landofan2 and others

f1_updates McLaren gears up for Silverstone with precision and focus. 💨

4,478 comments

@papayaarmy_: The jacket. HIS JACKET IS ON HER CHAIR. I’M DYING. @f1fangirls_: The team looks focused—Lando’s just chillin’ with his managers. @alexandrasaintmleux: F1 admin knows exactly what they’re doing with these photos. @leclerc_fan: He’s got headphones on—guess he’s really in the zone. @danielricf1fan3: “Precision and focus,” huh? Focus on what, though? 👀

Fan Speculation Post

f1conspiracies just posted 📍 Silverstone Circuit

liked by f1fansgirls_, mclarenfan and others

f1conspiracies Y/N and Lando: Coincidence or Couple Goals? They’re always together.... always in his orbit. Thoughts?

2,091 comments

@f1fangirls_: This is giving soft launch vibes. I refuse to believe it’s all coincidence. @papayaarmy_: THE HAIR IS THE SAME. EVERYTHING. They’re basically telling us without telling us. @mclarenfan_44: If they’re together, I’ll cry from happiness. 🧡

formula1gossip just posted

liked by mclarenfan481, f1fans1 and others

formula1gossip Lando Norris and PR Manager UNKNOWN: Are They More Than Just Colleagues?

Fans think these two are giving major couple vibes. Do we ship it?

@danielricciardo: “Do we ship it?” The fans have been shipping it for years. Get with the program. @mclarenfan4: I’m shipping it. I'm living for it. @charles_leclerc: This gossip account might actually have a point. @papayaarmy_: THE WAY HE LOOKS AT HER. HELP.

landonorris just posted a story

story 1: Long days, best team. story 2: We move

together.

y/n_l/n just posted a story

story 1: Teamwork makes the story 2: Fuel for

Dream work. The grind.

Fan Reactions (Twitter):

"Lando and Mysterious girl walking side by side everywhere?? They might as well hold hands."

"The coffee cups are becoming a trademark for them now. It’s so soft."

"It’s always her stuff next to his. They’re either the world’s best colleagues or soulmates."

"I don’t care what anyone says, the paddock photos scream ‘couple energy.’"

landonorris just posted

liked by charles_leclerc, y/n_l/n and others

landonorris Can’t stop hiding you from the world any longer. 💛

Tagged: @y/n_l/n

comments limited

y/n_l/n just posted

liked by landonorris, alexandrasaintmleux and others

y/n_l/n After 8 years, no more secrets. 💛 Tagged: @landonorris

comments limited

NOTICE:

Request are open so let me know who you want Ns to do.

Just message me.

Please do not copy or translate my work.

Hope you enjoyed my first story.

Bye. 💋

[vivwritesfics]

Keep on Rolling - MV1

Chapter Three

Summary: Lando's best friend having feelings for anyone on the grid? Impossible, right? She worked with them, sharing her friendship with the grid with the world via the FormulaY/N youtube channel.

After film a video including... spicy water (alcohol), everything changes between her and a certain world champion. Good thing she hasn't had a crush on him since his F1 debut, right?

Right?

1.3K words

Shorter one because I'm moving tomorrow (and I've only just started packing and sorting my living space). Maybe no update for a few days, but I've got things planned, don't you worry.

Series Masterlist

The drunken quiz video was a success. The fans were loving it, almost as much as they loved Paddock Pals. But Y/N still hadn't seen the video. She didn't watch it after James had edited it, couldn't bring herself to. She just had to trust him and his editing skills.

If Y/N had any embarrassing moments in the video, she didn't care. It was the drivers she was looking out for. She couldn't be seen to be sullying their image, an accusation Christian Horner liked to throw around from time to time.

If she really did have any embarrassing moments, they'd be turned into a meme and posted throughout her twitter timeline. They were laughing with her, not at her, she justified.

When the video came out, Y/N had her phone turned off. She was at dinner with Lando, a regular occurrence during grand prix weekends. She couldn't see the immediate reactions of her fans. When she turned her phone on she was flooded with positive messages and screenshots of her best moments.

Nobody saw her interactions with Max as anything but innocent. That's because it wasn't anything but innocent. She'd half hoped that James had taken that part out, had worried about the consequences of them being left in, but nothing happened.

There had always been Y/NStappen shippers and they took what they could get. But the video had no consequences for her. Just the way Y/N liked it.

***

"JUST FRIENDS? WE DON'T THINK SO!"

Y/N stared at the news article in horror. No, no, no, this could not be happening. She clicked on the headline, giving in.

"Formula One driver Charles Leclerc seen out on a coffee date with a mystery woman in Miami."

Below that was a picture of Y/N and Charles. They were innocently having coffee, nothing more, nothing less.

She kept reading.

"This mystery date of his was later revealed to Y/N L/N, the popular Formula One youtube. The two have claimed to just be friends for years, but we don't think so."

Before the Miami grand prix, Charles had taken Y/N to a cafe. It was completely innocent. She was hungover and he was looking after her. As a friend. Nothing more.

In the cafe Y/N had told Charles about her slight crush on Max. Now, she was in the tabloids and rumoured to be dating Charles. What the hell was she going to do.

The YouTube channel was a two man operation - she didn't have PR team behind her to help.

Her phone buzzed several times. Texts, Instagram DMs, emails and twitter notifications. They all went off at the same time. But Y/N ignored them. She scrolled through her messages until she got to the all important person.

That made her smile. Lando always did. It was why they were best friends. But suddenly Y/N felt bad. She hadn't told Lando about the Max situation and he was her best friend. Why does Charles have more of a right to know than he does? Because he was in the right place at the right time?

There were more pressing things she had to take care of. Opening her twitter , Y/N began to type.

She had to turn her phone off after that. The notifications were too much. Instead, she turned her attention to her notebook. Monaco was the next grand prix and she wanted to do something unexpected for her YouTube video. Something she hadn't done before.

A serious interview with the drivers.

She made plans, wrote down questions she was going to ask everyone. They'd have to be pre-race interviews. There was no way she was getting a moment with anybody once the real press swarmed in.

Her phone lit up, but she ignored it. She was working, didn't need any distractions.

When she had one page of questions finished, she checked her phone. With so many notifications, Y/N went straight to the important ones. Messages from Lando, James and Charles, emails about potential sponsorships and Formula One news.

"What the hell," she whispered to herself as she looked at the Formula One news. She skipped the articles about herself and Charles (glad to seen none about herself and Max) and scrolled down to the news articles about the one, the only, Fernando Alonso.

She skipped the headlines, just reading the article.

'Secret romance? Rumours have been swirling around the internet about a potential romance between two time Formula One world champion, Fernando Alonso, and world famous popstar, Taylor Swift.'

"No way. No fucking way."

She had to say something, right? She had to put out a tweet or something, surely. This was maybe the best rumour to come out of Formula One social media.

***

Ever since the drunken quiz video, Y/N had been trying to avoid Max. She hadn't messaged him or sent him anything on social media. After he disappeared from her room without another word, Y/N hadn't tried. She didn't want to.

If Max say it as a drunken mistake, Y/N wouldn't blame him. Even if nothing happened. But that was the problem. She didn't want it to be a drunken mistake where nothing happened. She didn't even want it to be a drunken mistake.

With the Monaco grand prix coming up, Y/N knew she couldn't avoid him. It was the biggest, most spectacular grand prix. It was such a small place and it was where Max lived. It was the one grand prix Y/N was arriving late for, plane tickets booked for Friday instead of for the Monday.

Lando wasn't happy with her for that one. Who could blame him? He wanted his best friend there for the entire week. He'd even offered her somewhere to stay for the week.

On the Wednesday before the race, Lando was sick of it. He picked up his phone and called Y/N non-stop until she picked up the phone.

"No, I can't get an earlier flight," she said as soon as she picked up the phone.

Lando let out an almost childish groan. "But why not? You can come and stay at mine for the entire week."

"Lando, no. I can't. I'm working."

"Shut up, no you're not. Beside everybody wants you here. Me, Charles, Daniel, Alex and Max."

"Max want's me there?"

"Yeah, as well as Charles, Deniel and Alex. And, most importantly, me."

“Look, Lando, I’ll see what I can do. No promises, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“Brilliant, let me know when you land and I’ll come and pick you up.”

Not giving Y/N any time to respond, Lando hung up the phone. Y/N shook her head as she went into her messages.

Ouch.

Well that told her everything she needed to know. But Max was right. What was there to tell? From his end, certainly nothing. For her, everything.

Y/N felt like crying. Why? Because some guy she spent a drunken evening with didn’t want to do it again. His focus was racing, not Y/N.

That was when she decided. She would go to Monaco early not let whatever was going on with Max ruin that for her. Well, according to him, nothing was going on. so that was it. She was going to go, she was going to have a nice time and she was going to watch some racing.

Opening her laptop she worked on changing her flight ticket for that evening, paid the fee and began packing her things.

As she packed she had Netflix open, downloading episodes of Drive to Survive. Y/N hadn't yet watched the Netflix series; she didn't need to when she was living it. Sure she'd seen things online, quotes and screenshots. When Y/N had Max in her videos, laughing and joking around, people commented about how badly the show demonized him.

As soon as her bags were packed, Y/N drove to the airport. She parked herself up, got her bags checked in and waited for her flight.

Taglist (Open): @sticksdoesart @eviethetheatrefreak @eugene-emt-roe @glai1023-blog @mqcherie @itsjustkhaos @chonkybonky @arian-directioner

[nayziiz]

Team Dynamics | LN4

Summary: To celebrate the launch of their 2024 car for the upcoming F1 season, McLaren hosts a masquerade gala event that sees two souls connect and lead to a whirlwind romance. Unfortunately, the pair realise soon after that they are to work together quite closely after they agreed it would only be a one-night thing.

Warnings: Smut, alcohol, one night stand, unprotected sex

Pairing: Gemma (I don't like writing with Y/N or reader) x Lando Norris

Series Masterlist

PART 3

In the weeks leading up to the first race of the season, Lando finds himself grappling with the persistent presence of Gemma in his thoughts. Her green eyes linger in his dreams, and the echo of her laughter plays in his mind when he's out with friends. Despite their agreement to keep things casual and without strings, Lando can't help but entertain fleeting fantasies about what it would be like if Gemma were more than just a one-night stand.

The memory of their night together lingers, the allure of her company and the connection they shared leaving an indelible mark on his psyche. He wonders about the possibility of Gemma being more than just a passing moment in his life. The prospect of having her around as a girlfriend begins to stir a longing within him, a desire for something more profound than their initial agreement.

For Gemma, the morning after their night together was marked by a quiet departure from Lando's penthouse. She slips back into the dress from the previous night, leaving his clothes neatly folded on the coffee table. In a subtle yet deliberate gesture, she folds her panties and places them on top of his clothes—a silent reminder of their shared intimacy. They part ways without exchanging numbers, and Lando realises that he didn't even catch her last name.

As Lando wakes up to an empty room, the disappointment is palpable, tempered only by the acknowledgment of the agreement they made. The absence of contact details and the mystery surrounding Gemma's identity create a void, a lingering question mark that tugs at his curiosity. Yet, he respects the unspoken terms of their encounter, acknowledging that some connections are meant to be fleeting, existing in the realm of memories rather than in the unfolding chapters of his life.

“Mate, you’re so distracted.” Max, Lando’s best friend, comments as they sit in Lando’s Monaco apartment playing video games.

“I think I’ve met the girl of my dreams.” Lando responds.

“Just because she slept with you?” Max chuckles.

“No, not because of that. You didn’t see her. She was stunning, mate. Prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. And, she’s funny, like genuinely funny without even trying. You should have seen how unimpressed she was with the penthouse, like it didn’t bother her.” Lando explains to his friend who pauses their game.

“Why don’t you just ask her out on a date?” Max suggests.

“We agreed for it to be just a one night thing.” Lando sighs as he throws his head back into the couch. “I don’t even have her number.”

“You’re so stupid.” Max comments as he pulls out his phone and opens his Instagram app. “What did you say her name was?”

“Gemma.” Lando replies.

As Max opens the McLaren Instagram feed and navigates to the following list, Lando's curiosity is piqued. The search for Gemma's name yields only two results. Max clicks on the first profile, and after a quick glance, Lando shakes his head, indicating that it's not the Gemma he's looking for.

They move on to the second profile, and as Lando inspects the screen, a subtle flicker of recognition crosses his face. Max hands over his phone, and Lando takes it in his hand, scrolling through the girl's feed. Intrigued, he clicks on a post, hoping to find more clues about the enigmatic Gemma and perhaps uncover a connection that goes beyond the one unforgettable night they shared. The screen illuminates with snippets of her life, offering a glimpse into the world that Gemma inhabits outside the confines of that memorable evening.

“This is her.” Lando breathes and keeps scrolling.

As Lando scrolls through Gemma's social media feed, he's met with a mosaic of her life. The racing gear and karting photos stand out prominently, depicting a passionate and skilled side of Gemma that resonates with his own racing world. The adrenaline-filled snapshots capture her in her element, surrounded by the machinery and thrill that defines the racing lifestyle.

Interwoven with the racing theme are numerous stand-up paddling photos, showcasing Gemma's versatility and love for outdoor activities. The images paint a picture of a dynamic and adventurous spirit, someone who embraces challenges and finds joy in the simplicity of nature.

Beyond the racetrack and the paddleboard adventures, there are glimpses of Gemma's social life. Posts with friends at bars and restaurants capture the moments of camaraderie and shared laughter. Family also holds a special place in her life, evident in the photos celebrating birthdays of loved ones. The snapshots offer a multifaceted view of Gemma—a racer, an adventurer, a socialite, and a family-oriented individual.

As Lando delves into Gemma's digital world, the distance between them seems to shrink, unveiling layers of her personality that go beyond their brief encounter. Each post becomes a fragment of a larger narrative, and Lando finds himself drawn deeper into the mystery and allure of Gemma's life, contemplating the possibility of reconnecting with her beyond the confines of a single night.

“She is quite pretty.” Max concludes as he tries to sneak a glance at the screen.

“Gemma Mayfield.” Lando adds. “I didn’t even get her last name, if I’m being honest.”

“Why don’t you follow her and see what happens?” Max suggests.

Lando nods and pulls up Gemma’s Instagram account on his own phone and clicks on the follow button.

As Gemma enjoys brunch with her girlfriends, the animated chatter and laughter fill the air. Amidst the delightful ambiance, her phone emits a soft notification sound, capturing her attention. She unlocks her phone, curious about the interruption, and opens Instagram to find a new follower notification.

To her surprise, she sees Lando's name on the screen, signalling that he has just started following her. The realisation brings a spark of intrigue to Gemma's eyes, a subtle but undeniable acknowledgment of the connection forged during that unforgettable night. The familiar features of Lando's profile picture and the digital confirmation of his interest draw her into a moment of contemplation, wondering what this unexpected digital connection might signify and where it could lead.

Her friends, oblivious to the Instagram notification, continue their lively brunch conversation as Gemma, with a hint of a smile playing on her lips, delves into the exploration of this newfound connection that bridges the gap between their worlds, even if only in the virtual realm.

“Why is Lando Norris following you?” Ashley, Gemma’s friend, asks as she peers at Gemma’s phone.

“We met last week at the gala.” Gemma explains and locks her screen again.

“A week ago and he still remembers your name?” Ashley retorts.

“Don’t be silly.” Gemma chuckles.

“Clearly you made an impression.” Her friend comments as they sip their mimosas.

“It’s probably just my panties on his dresser reminding him about me, nothing else.”

“Excuse me?” Ashley gasps. “Your panties?”

“We hooked up. Nothing special.” Gemma shrugs.

“You slept with Lando Norris, the Lando Norris.” Ashley states in disbelief.

“It’s not a big deal. We were drunk and fooling around. We said it would be a one night thing.” Gemma explains.

“Yeah, one night thing, but now he’s all up on your Instagram and probably looking at all your posts so he can see you again.” Ashley counters.

“Is that weird? For like a hook-up to follow you on Instagram?” Gemma wonders.

“It's a little weird, but maybe he likes you and is trying to get your attention.” Ashley responds. “Follow him back and see what happens.”

“Did you forget about the fact that I’ve just come out of a relationship? I can’t open myself up to someone only to get hurt again.” Gemma counters.

“Babe, Lucas never loved you the way you deserved. Maybe it’s time to acknowledge the signs that are very much there and take a leap of faith.” Ashley suggests.

Their conversation is interrupted by Gemma's phone ringing from an unknown number. Excusing herself from the table, Gemma heads to a quieter spot to answer the call, leaving Ashley with a lingering sense of curiosity about the unfolding dynamics between Gemma and the famous Formula 1 driver.

“Gemma speaking, hello.” She speaks into the phone.

“Hi, Gemma. This is Zak Brown.” Zak replies. “I hope you’re well.”

“Mr Brown. I’m doing well, thank you. I hope you are too.”

“Oh, I could be better. That’s why I’m calling.” Zak states.

“How can I assist, sir?” Gemma asks, confused and still surprised by the caller.

“One of Oscar’s trackside data analysts has unfortunately fallen ill and won’t be able to work for the foreseeable future. We’ve heard some great reviews on your work back at the factory and were wondering if you’d be up to join us in the paddock starting in Bahrain?” Zak proposes. “With all travel and accommodation costs covered. And, a salary increase, of course.”

“That’s very unexpected.” Gemma breathes.

“I thought it would be. I’ll have my assistant email you the contract and you can let us know what your decision is, but we’ll need to know by tomorrow morning so we can make the necessary arrangements.” Zak explains.

“Thank you, I’ll keep an eye out for that.” Gemma agrees.

They end the phone call and Gemma returns to her friends. Ashley shoots her a questioning look.

“They want me to work trackside.” Gemma tells Ashley.

“See, signs. Everywhere. Just signs. This is your time to shine, Gem-bug.” Ashley responds, her excitement evident.

When Gemma returns to her apartment, she grabs her laptop and easily finds the email with the contract in her inbox. She prints it out and reads through it. After pacing around her living room for a few hours reading and rereading the contract, she digitally signs the contract and emails it back to Zak’s assistant.

The following morning, she receives her plane tickets and itinerary for the Bahrain Grand Prix just a week away. She sits on the couch in her small apartment and realises that she’ll have to face Lando at some point and decides to follow him back on Instagram. She knows it was her idea for their exchange to be a one night thing only, but not even her ex-boyfriend was so kind and gentle with her like Lando was. She could still feel his fingers and his kisses on her skin when doing simple things around her apartment like washing up the dishes or doing the laundry. For the first time that night, she was looked after as opposed to being the one looking after those around her.

[littlemissmentallyunstable]

my apology

you may have noticed my requests have been closed for a little while now and that was mainly because the amount of requests I was getting were a little overwhelming and I felt as if I had no time to write them. I’m a bit of a people-pleaser in a way that I felt I wasn’t delivering these requests quickly enough or well enough then I would upset someone and I didn’t want to do that

so recently I’ve been working towards the goal of completing my list and so far it has been going well, the ideas have been flowing and I’ve been writing a lot but because I know winter holidays are coming to a close and I will be back at school, I know there may not be a lot of time for me to write.

unfortunately I’ve had to make the decision to cut some fics that I’d originally planned to write. it is mostly part 2 requests of really old fics such as ‘crazy little thing called love’ or ‘paparazzi’ and there are a few others as well. personally I think I’m moving on with my writing and developing and don’t want to keep going back to those old fics. this excludes ‘the mysterious blonde’ and ‘the dancer and the angel’ which will soon both make returns…

I do see all of your asks, about those two fics in particular, I am not ignoring you at all but I can’t really give timeframes for anything because I don’t know when I’ll have time to write and then edit everything!!

there are a few other requests that I cannot complete sadly. one was asking for quite mature content in the terms of a TW!! su!c!de based scene which I am not comfortable with writing. if the person who requested that is reading this, I don’t want you to feel bad at all because I did have the intention of writing but I have more recently decided against it for personal reasons, this is NOT because I have been affected or triggered by the request, don’t worry!!

and the second I had to give up was a request that asked for an f1 fic. I literally have no knowledge on f1 and would probably end up offending someone if I vaguely attempted to write a fic that included that, so I am very sorry to let that one go.

I didn’t just want to delete the asks and never address why your requests never got answered so I thought I’d make a post to explain it all. I know this will disappoint some people and I’m so sorry 💖💖 hopefully if you request again in the future I will be able to fulfill what you would like!! I am open to most things, but of course there are a few exceptions.

if I haven’t mentioned a request here ^^ it probably means it is still going to be written!!

I’m also looking forward to exploring new characters such as characters from the naturals series or shatter me or powerless, this is not to say I won’t be writing for the inheritance games because of course I will, it’s just to put it out there that although I am striving to meet requests, it may not be immediate.

this post is NOT to make anyone feel bad for requesting. I am so so grateful for everyone who had put in a request and thought that they would want me to create something that they would enjoy. I also want to thank everyone for their patience and support with my work, it means the world to me. when I complete the request list I have now, I will re-open the request box but as of the moment it will remain closed!!

lots and lots and lots of love,

bella 🤍

[ladcedes]

c’est la vie

charles leclerc x vlogger!reader ; insta/socmed au

summary some fans start picking up clues on charles leclerc's relationship with a popular vlogger after a big move

note this is my first f1 fic on here and im kinda nervous tbh… i made this sick and needing to kill time so make of that what you will.

yourusername

liked by charles_leclerc, yourbestie, and 230.439 others

yourusername goodbye to the tons of memories made here 🥲 gonna miss this apartment sm... but chapters are meant to be opened and closed, so cheers to the next one!

View 217 comments

yourbestie u’re bein cheeky as hell posting a man in that last slide

ivyrep the vlogs here will be missed 🥲

liliacxs THE ICONIC KITCHEN NOOO 🥹🥹🥹

dearest16 do i spot a charles like on my fav vlogger’s instagram post

⤷ c4ncerising worlds collide 🤯

yourusername

liked by charles_leclerc, pierregasly, yourbestie, and 462.067 others

yourusername loving life in monaco 💋 moving in vlog is up now!

View 483 comments

ivyrep be honest which is better... monaco or paris

⤷ yourusername paris will always have a place in my heart but monaco has the best views icl

⤷ yourbestie do u mean views or VIEWS

nightsfilm is that A MAN'S HAND in the last slide?!?!?

charles_leclerc

liked by yourusername, pierregasly, arthur_leclerc, and 1.083.762 others

charles_leclerc Enjoying life during the winter break!

View 6.043 comments

pierregasly life is not the only thing you're enjoying is it?

⤷ britcedes PIERRE????

lvrarri CHARLES WHOSE HAND ARE YOU HOLDING???

yourusername 24h • 18h • 2h

charles_leclerc

liked by yourusername, pierregasly, and 1.223.584 others

charles_leclerc c'est la vie ❤️ tl: that’s life

View 1.360 comments

pierregasly who could this mysterious woman be 🤔

liked by yourusername

sainzism CHARLES NOT SINGLE ERA??!?!?!

britcedes HE HAS A NEW GF??? OMFGDJSGEUSHHS

⤷ l3clercs WHO TF STOLE MY HUSBAND

yourusername

liked by charles_leclerc, yourbestie, and 860.036 others

yourusername j'aime la vie ❤️ tl: i love life

View 713 comments

yourbestie who is this guy the suspense is killing me!!!

liked by charles_leclerc

nightsfilm icb she's taken now my chances r ruined

⤷ menthol1llness you had chances?

yourusername & charles_leclerc

liked by yourbestie, pierregasly, carlossainz55, and 1.628.683 others

yourusername nos vies ensemble ❤️ we've actually been dating for 2 years now and got engaged several months ago. after the engagement, we decided to finally take the wraps off our relationship but we wanted to do it in a fun little way 😄 we'll be answering any questions you have on my youtube channel so feel free to leave some in the comments!

View 1.393 comments

charles_leclerc the reveal could've been faster if you didn't spend two months designing and redesigning our new home...

⤷ yourusername considering it's ours for presumably the rest of our lives, i don't think it was too much, mon amour

pierregasly congratulations on finally revealing it after literally forever!

yourbestie FINALLY we've all been waiting for this announcement

[twinkleteaparty]

Speeding Bonds: A Sainz Siblings Story

This is my first F1 fanfiction, and I'm excited to share it with you all! It's a bit short, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. Your feedback means a lot to me, so if you like what you read, let me know! If there's interest, I'll definitely add more to the story. Thanks for taking the time to check it out!

Character: Name: Ji-min Sainz Age: 23

Background: Ji-min was adopted from South Korea into the Sainz family when she was just a baby. Growing up in Spain, she was immersed in Spanish culture but always felt a connection to her Korean roots. She has a warm relationship with her adoptive family.

Ji-min discovered her passion for music at a young age and pursued it fervently. She auditioned for a talent agency in Barcelona and was selected to be a part of a five-member girl group called "Eclipse." Despite her busy schedule as a K-pop idol.

Meanwhile, her older Carlos Sainz Jr. was making a name for himself in the world of Formula 1 racing. Their paths rarely crossed due to their different careers and lifestyles, but Ji-min secretly followed Carlos's races, feeling proud of his achievements yet also envious of the attention and recognition he received.

As Ji-min's popularity as a K-pop idol soared, she kept her family background a secret, fearing that it might overshadow her own accomplishments and potentially cause unwanted attention. However, deep down, she yearned to connect with her brother.

The story:

SMS

Ji-min: Hey Carlos, it's Ji-min. Hope you're doing awesome today! 🌟

Carlos: Ji-min! What's up, little sis? 😄 Everything good on your end?

Ji-min: Yeah, all good here! Hey, I was actually wondering... would it be cool if I came to one of your races? I've been dying to see you in action, big bro! 🏎️💨

Carlos: Of course it's cool, Ji-min! I'd love to have you there cheering me on. But... are you okay with everyone knowing we're family? I mean, it's kind of a big deal to go public with this stuff.

Ji-min: Totally cool with it, Carli! I've been wanting to shout it from the rooftops for ages. 😄 Plus, I'm super proud of you, big bro! Let's show the world what the Sains siblings are made of!

Carlos: Haha, you're the best, Ji-min! Thanks for always having my back. 😊 Alright then, I'll hook you up with a pass for the race. Get ready for the full VIP treatment!

Ji-min: Woo-hoo! VIP treatment, here I come! 🌟 Thanks a million, Carli. You're the best big bro a girl could ask for!

Carlos: Anytime, Ji-min! Can't wait to see you at the race, little sis. Get ready for some serious fun!

Ji-min: Counting down the days big bro! Vamos!

The day of the race:

At the Australian Grand Prix 2024

Ji-min made her way through the bustling crowds, the sun beating down on her as she walked. She was dressed in a simple sundress, a soft pastel blue that fluttered gently in the warm breeze. The fabric flowed loosely around her figure, offering comfort and ease as she navigated through the throngs of people.

A pair of oversized sunglasses shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight, partially concealing her face and adding a touch of mystery to her appearance. She pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail, strands of dark hair framing her delicate features.

Despite the casual attire, Ji-min moved with a graceful confidence, her steps light and purposeful as she weaved her way through the crowd. She kept her head down slightly, avoiding direct eye contact to minimize attention as she made her way towards the VIP area.

Occasionally, she caught snippets of excited chatter from nearby fans discussing the upcoming race and the drivers competing in it. Ji-min couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through her veins as she neared the entrance, her heart pounding with anticipation.

As she reached the designated entrance for VIP guests, Ji-min took a deep breath, her excitement bubbling beneath the surface. With a confident smile, she presented her pass to the security personnel and stepped inside, ready to witness her big brother's momentous victory firsthand.

Her eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of her brother. She was so absorbed in her search that she didn't notice the people around her, her gaze moving to her phone screen as she typed out a message to Carlos.

"Hey Carli, just arrived. Where are you? "

Lost in her phone, Ji-min didn't notice the figure approaching until it was too late. With a sudden jolt, she collided with someone, nearly dropping her phone in the process.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, looking up to see who she had bumped into.

Standing before her was none other than Lando Norris, one of the drivers competing in the race. Ji-min's eyes widened in surprise, recognizing him instantly from his racing gear and signature smile.

Lando grinned apologetically, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "No worries! "

Ji-min nodded, feeling a blush creeping up her cheeks. Sorry for not paying attention."

Lando chuckled, waving off her apology. "Not a problem at all." giving her a friendly nod before continuing on his way.

As Ji-min watched him disappear into the crowd, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through her veins. Little did she know, her encounter with Lando was just the beginning of an unforgettable day at the races.

----

Ji-min's heart raced as she finally spotted her brother amidst the hustle and bustle of the Ferrari garage. Carlos stood surrounded by his team, his familiar smile lighting up his face as he greeted them with enthusiasm.

"Carli!" Ji-min exclaimed, weaving her way through the crowd until she reached him. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you."

Carlos turned towards her, his eyes lighting up with delight as he caught sight of his little sister. "Ji-min! I'm so glad you made it!" he exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Wrapped in her brother's arms, Ji-min felt a rush of warmth and contentment wash over her. It had been too long since they last saw each other, and she cherished every moment they spent together.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Ji-min replied, pulling back to look at Carlos with a beaming smile.

They spent the next few minutes catching up, exchanging stories and sharing laughs as they soaked in the atmosphere of the race day. Ji-min couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as she watched her brother interact with his team, his passion for racing shining through in every word and gesture.

----

[anonymousboxcar]

TTTE Headcanons: Engines’ TV Habits

This is pretty goofy, but I’m thinking about what sorts of TV the engines might watch if they had a TV or a streaming device in their sheds. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far!

—————————————

Henry loves nature shows, of course. In addition, after his fireman lamented his spilt hot cocoa, he wanted to understand why humans care so much about food. This led him to cooking shows, which he found very relaxing. He likes to watch raw, disparate ingredients become something beautiful and complete.

Edward goes for mysteries — lighter, cozier shows like Midsomer Murders, Rosemary & Thyme, and Murder, She Wrote. He’s also a fan of Granada Studios’ 1984 Sherlock Holmes. It tickles the same part of him that enjoys ghost stories, giving him a slight thrill alongside a pleasing mind-teaser.

Gordon watches the news every morning and evening. He likes to feel up-to-date on important events, expounding on them to his colleagues. Any program about opera and orchestral performances also appeals to him. There’s some snobbery involved, but he does enjoy hearing and learning about musical genres.

James likes game and talent shows, often shouting answers and opinions at the TV. He’s so attuned to these shows’ editing that he’ll guess a season winner, set up a betting pool, and rake in all the favors after the finale with a smug grin. (Gordon and Henry only keep placing bets because they want to show him up someday.)

All three big engines indulge in the guilty pleasure of soap operas. They think nobody else knows about this. Pip and Emma “obliviously” intrude on their watch parties to make them squirm.

Thomas and Percy watch ghost hunting shows together. They scoff at the idea of ghosts, accuse each other of being ‘fraidy-cats, and huddle close in fear as an episode progresses. They also watch late-night airings of schlocky films with Toby, whose sly commentary cracks them all up.

On his own, Thomas watches motorsport broadcasts. Bertie hooked him on it not long after they started racing each other. He’s a fan of some F1 drivers and their cars, often comparing notes with Bertie in serious (and sometimes heated) discussions.

Percy has a soft spot for period dramas. He’ll laugh at historical inaccuracies, get invested in all the characters, and ponder common tropes. He’s not afraid to ask about the servants who have to endure the wealthy protagonists’ dramatics.

Toby doesn’t watch much TV outside of what he sees with Thomas and Percy. However, he and Henrietta are partial to some late-night talk shows. If the show’s interviewing someone they’re interested in, or if they think the host is funny, they’ll give an episode a try.

Duck adores How It’s Made. It’s very satisfying for him to watch a bunch of moving parts at work, slotting pieces into their rightful places to assemble something. Other nights, he watches travel shows. They explore locations all around the world, scratching his itch to see what’s beyond his horizon.

Donald watches stand-up comedy specials, going for a good laugh at the end of the day to decompress. Ever since Duck “gifted” him Dilly, he also watches nature programs and shows about training/caring for pets. (He and Dilly are working on some tricks.)

Oliver picks sci-fi shows, with Star Trek and Doctor Who as his favorites. He’s drawn in by the pulpy adventures, moral dilemmas, and complex protagonists. It all makes him feel better about himself: you can mess up on an astronomical scale, but still be capable of good things. You don’t have to be a perfect hero to be a good person.

Douglas enjoys shows about antiques and vintage items — things in the vein of Antique Roadshow, or American Pickers. He’s a sucker for knickknacks that meant something to someone, for all the stories behind each one, and for their loving restorations.

Bill and Ben think fitness shows are hysterical. They’re forever amused by the odd ways the instructors contort their bodies. But they also scheme for their crews to watch these shows, hoping they’ll participate and stay healthy for years to come.

Daisy’ll watch any program about fashion or body art (tattoos, piercings, etc). Being so attentive to her swerves, she’s curious about the ways that humans adorn themselves. She’ll sometimes take inspiration from what she sees, but she’ll always argue that fashion is an art form, pointing to these shows for examples.

——————————————

What are your guys’ thoughts/headcanons? I’d love to hear them!

[lilmissnatcat24]

lilmissnatcat24 doesn't just write, she also reads too!!!! i read 72 books this year, here were my top 10 favorite and my bottom 5 least favorite of 2024!

The Blighted Stars by Megan E. O'Keefe

Two people, one an heir to a vast intergalactic empire and one an imprisoned terrorist in disguise, must discover why potential habitable worlds for humans are already dead by the time researchers arrive. Spooky creepy zombie book with intergalactic politics and a forbidden romance that makes your toes curl.

2.The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

A woman has an ability to travel in time, but has to decide whether to stay in the present or return to her past life, where she already once left behind her husband and child. Time Traveler's Wife meets Southern gothic magical realism.

3.The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Twenty years after the son of the family who owns a popular summer camp goes missing and is never found, their daughter is suddenly nowhere to be found. Dirty Dancing meets murder mystery meets Yellow Wallpaper.

4. What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

Terrifying retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's Fall of the House of Usher. Zombies and fungi and gothic manors galore-- in a year where I read seven T. Kingfisher books, this was my favorite.

5. Vengeful by V. E. Schwab

The second book in the Vicious duology, the effects of one particularly dangerous and influential woman with extra special powers. Homoerotic dark academia X-Men retelling.

6. The Will of the Many by James Islington

One boy goes undercover in a vicious university to spy for the very same family responsible for killing his own. Dark academia meets Red Rising (if Red Rising was actually good) meets high fantasy crack cocaine.

7. Happy Place by Emily Henry

Two exes have to pretend to still be together in their friends' annual summer trip to Maine. The only second-chance romance that deserves rights.

8. To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

A native girl with her dragon must learn to keep her individuality in a school that attempts to whitewash and gentrify the ancient skill of dragon taming. Historical fantasy filled with action, romance, and individuality.

9. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

The first in the Stormlight Archives series, one assassination of a king results in a war, and how the horrors of that war affect different characters around the globe. Yet another high fantasy crack cocaine.

10. A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn

The fourth installment of the Veronica Speedwell series, a manor haunted by the ghost of a runaway bride ten years later. The slow burn is no longer slow!!!

now for the worst of the worst

The Women by Kristin Hannah

One woman's experience as a war nurse during the Vietnam War, and her struggles to reacclimate back into society. The most disappointing book by one of my favorite authors-- if it comes out in ten years that Kristin Hannah used ChatGPT to write this book, I will not be surprised in the slightest.

2. That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemmings

Young maiden gets kidnapped by a demon in order to save the world. The world's most insufferable millennial unfortunately got published to write demon smut.

3. Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake

A sapphic romance of two ex-fiancees who pretend not to know each other as their cabin gets snowed in for the winter. The peak reason why second-chance romances don't work.

4. How Does It Feel? by Jeneane O'Riley

Shitty ACOTAR retelling with a demon who jizzes his pants over some random biologist. That's maybe the nicest thing I can say about it.

5. Throttled by Lauren Asher

F1 forbidden romance between a bad boy and his co-worker's sister. Seriously, who is letting these millennials publish these books? Who is editing these? Who is the audience? Why can't these fuckers just jerk off and get over it like everyone else?

[charlie-lec-stories]

Ride // CL16

Pairing: Charles Leclerc / Original Female Character

Summary: She's battling the fight of her life, he crashed into her life in the middle of the chaos and now won't leave.

Warnings: descriptions of illness and its treatment, mentions of death and a lot of existencial crisis.

Author’s Note: I keep finding old stories that fit this account and I find myself to lazy to keep editing the longer story I started, so this is another one-shot for you guys. Rate: +16 (descriptions of sickness)

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

It was her laugh, that was the first thing he heard. Charles didn't like all of that PR things he had to do, but when he was told that he was requested by Make A Wish, he didn't have the heart to say no. What did surprise him nonetheless was that the person who asked for him wasn't a kid, but a woman his age. He wasn't used to grown up women to ask for rides just so they could sit in the car, usually they were looking for other activities inside it. But his agent assured him that this woman just wanted a ride in the super car, like the celebrities got, and when they asked which driver she wanted, she asked for him. She said something along the lines of "he seems like a joy to be around" and that made it all too difficult for him to refuse the wish. So there he was, standing beside the Ferrari super car, waiting for the mystery girl.

"Remember to always grab tightly to the handle over the door". Catherine, the representative from Make A Wish, was making her way into the paddock, walking backwards and looking down as she talked. Charles couldn't see the other person, but he heard the laugh, and it was the most beautiful laugh he had ever heard.

"I know, I'll be fine, I'll be in the hands of one of the best drivers in the world. Nothing can go wrong". She said between giggles. Charles could feel his chest fill with pride at the compliment.

"This guys drive rough, I just don't want you to get hurt, your dad would kill me for that". Catherine's voice hinted a little bit of worry from her end. The last thing she wanted was for her friend to bury his daughter even earlier than he expected. As the woman moved away, Charles could finally lay eyes on the wisher. She was pale and her eyes were a little sunken, but a radian smile adorned her tired face. The wheeling chair that moved her around was quickly rolling towards them, an electric engine powering it up. Once they were facing each other, Catherine made the proper introductions. "Y/N, this is Charles Leclerc, F1 driver for Scuderia Ferrari Formula One Team". The pale girl looked up and smiled at him. "Charles, this is Y/N. She made the wish of riding a super car at full speed. We hope you can make her wish come true... And return her back to us in one piece". Catherine's warning tone made Y/N chuckle. Charles looked down at Y/N, her energetic personality already fueling him up.

"Nice to meet you Y/N". He extended his hand and she took it weakly, her hand cold and bony. "Ready for your wish to come true?"

"I was born ready". She said as she let go of his hand. For a moment, he felt sad of letting go, but he did anyways. He walked to the car and opened the passenger's door for her. Catherine helped her up from the wheeling chair and they slowly made their way to the car. Charles grabbed her hand and helped her in, fastening her seatbelt and making sure she was comfortable before shutting the door and sprinting to his side of the car.

"If you want to stop at any moment or if you feel like getting off the car, just tell me. I can also slow down if you need it". He said, concern tinting his words. His accent got strong and his breathing uneven. He was worried, but she looked at him like this was the most normal activity of her life.

"Don't worry. I'll probably ask for you to drive faster". She smirked and he shook his head and started the car.

To say that those were the funniest laps of his life would fall plain short to reality. He had the time of his life and, taking into account how loud she laughed the whole time, she did too. They spent the ride talking and laughing. She asked a few times for him to drive faster and he took the chance to do that at every straight the track had. When it was over, he felt like he needed more time. He helped her out of the car and back into the wheelchair. The goodbye felt bittersweet, but he knew that that was the deal. He was walking away when something light up inside his mind.

"Now is lunch break, isn't it?". He asked his assistant. She nodded, he had two hours to do whatever he wanted. He turned around and ran to Y/N, who was rolling down the ramp of the exit. "Y/N! Wait!". He yelled, the woman stopping in her tracks and looking around to meet his gaze. He ran up the few meters that separated them. "I have a break now, you know? Lunch break". She smiled as Charles looked at everything but her, suddenly shy and scratching the back of his neck. "I was wondering if you had any other plans? If you don't maybe you would like to grab lunch with me?". Everything came out as a question and he hated himself for how insecure he sounded. He wasn't like that.

"I'd love that, Charles". He smiled wide. "But...". His face fell before she could finish her sentence. "...It has to be quick, I have to go back to the hospital".

"Yeah, sure. Of course. I'll drive you myself". He assured her once he understood that she wasn't rejecting his invitation.

"I'm on one third of my sessions now". She explained to Charles while they were eating at a restaurant close to the hospital. He asked about her health and she explained to him that she was battling uterine cancer. She was diagnosed on a late stage and the doctors decided to do chemotherapy first before the surgery.

"So that means you could get your surgery in a few months, no?". He asked.

"Yeah, if everything goes according to the plan, then yes". She seemed hopeful and he found it a catchy feeling, since he was feeling hopeful too. "I think I'm going to be alright. But since life is... you know... unpredictable, I wanted to make my wish come true before I couldn't anymore".

"I'm glad you picked me for that".

Two weeks later, at the other side of the world, he found himself still thinking about that day. How good it felt to be around her, how much he liked to make her laugh, how peaceful she was about almost everything, even her own health. He was smitten, he couldn't deny it. That was the reason why he sent her the first gift in the first place, he liked her and he didn't know what to do about it. He brought a golden necklace with a bright red heart-shaped ruby, it was expensive, but he didn't care. He sent it with a note for her and half a dozen of red roses. Three days later, she sent him a message through Instagram, thanking him for the gift and telling him how much she loved it. They kept talking for another week, until he decided to travel back to visit her. He had a week off before another race and he didn't want to let the chance slip away from him.

When he arrived at the hospital, the reality of her life hit him in the face. There were other patients, some in rougher states than others, machines beeping and health workers running around. He looked for the room where he was told she was. It was at the end of the hallway, one that seemed to never end. He gripped the flowers tighter, his breathing hard blowing through his nose, a tingling sensation in his toes as he got closer. Was he ready to see her like that? He could picture her suffering, machines and tubes all around. He had never been in a chemotherapy room before, but he couldn't expect it to be nice. It was quite a surprise for him when he opened the door and saw people just sitting and chatting, all peacefully joking around while connected to their IVs. Y/N looked at the door and smiled wide at him. He saw that she was wearing the necklace and the red envelope of the letter he wrote for her was at the table by her side. She was resting on pretty comfortable chair, similar to a couch.

"What a surprise!". She told him excitedly. "What are you doing here, Charles?". She was notoriously paler than before, but she was still very cheerful. He walked to wards her and handed her the flowers he brought.

"I wanted to see you. See how you were doing". He could feel his cheeks burning bright. He heard the other two women in the room giggling. Y/N glared at them when she noticed the pink that covered Charles’ face and they stopped.

“That’s so sweet of you”. She was melting inside. “It’s nice to see you again”.

“How are you feeling?”. He sat on a chair - not as nice as hers - next to her and took her hand. She blushed instantly giving him some sort of new found confidence.

“Better. I think the chemo is working, Charles”. Her eyes were big and full of hope. “Think I can beat this”. She looked happier, but not better. He couldn’t stop looking at her face, slightly skinnier than the last time he saw her almost a month ago.

“You can”. He said nonetheless, because he believed in her. She squeezed his hand lightly.

He made himself the promise that he would visit her as much as he could. They exchanged phone numbers and every morning he sent her a message, wishing her a good day. She found herself receiving those ‘morning messages’ at all crazy times of the day, Charles completely forgetting about time zones, but she loved them so much that she didn’t dare to tell him to stop. She answered every one of them. His visits got closer together, just like them. They would go around the hospital, him wheeling her around, taking her on ‘adventures’ and sprinting her around to ‘feel the excitement of the speed’. He took her out to classical concerts and the theatre, evenings of art and dinner that would always end up with them shattered that they were over. He was getting better at the races too, having found a new inspiration to better himself on the track. Everything seemed to work out, everything except her health. She was weaker every time he saw her and even though he wanted to keep his hopes up, he was scared that she could be slipping away. She reassured him that even if the chemo was hard on her, that didn’t mean it wasn’t working. Still, he was afraid. In three months knowing each other, he had grown fond of her. He knew from the start that he didn’t want to be her friend, that he wanted more, but she had this wall around her, and he understood. Sometimes, he understood.

“This is crazy, Charles. We’re gonna get kicked out. I’ll have to finish my treatment in a basement”. She whisper-yelled as he wheeled her up to the roof.

“Be quiet, you’ll get us caught”. He tried to sound serious but she could hear the smile in his voice.

“You’re a madman”. She giggled and he felt his heart skip a beat. He loved her laugh, he just couldn’t help it. Once they reached the roof, he wheeled her to the north end of it, where a blanket was lying on the floor, a basket with food and drinks on top of it. He was on summer break and he thought that it would be nice to have a picnic, even if they had to stay in the hospital. He didn’t tell her, but he planned it with her doctors. She wasn’t allowed out and about anymore, her immune system weakened from the treatment, so they all planned this so she could get some air. A nurse was close by, ready to help if needed.

“You outdid yourself this time”. She said looking at the scene in front of her. He helped her on the blanket, pulling her up the chair and gently placing her on the floor. She didn’t weigh much, and Charles hated that. He wanted her heavy and healthy.

“You deserved some fresh air”. He sat next to her and pulled his phone out, an 80’s classics playlist filling the air. She leaned her head on his shoulder. She looked tired.

“Thank you, Charles”. He kissed the top of her head. They chatted and ate for at least an hour. The day was almost over, the sun going down as they rested on the floor, looking at the sky. Charles knew that they had to come down in a few minutes, so he helped her sit up and they looked at each other for a moment.

“I hope this was…” but he couldn’t find it in himself to keep talking. She was close, so close that they were practically sharing a breath. Her big eyes looking into his soul, never dropping the gaze, not even when his hand placed itself on her cheek or when his eyes went to her lips. He moved forward almost on his own, without thinking it, his lips gazing hers shyly, but his heart shattered when they never collided. Her hand rested firmly but softly on his chest, keeping him from moving forward.

“No”. She breathed it out, pain and hurt dripping from it. “Don’t do this to yourself”. He moved back, his frown showing his confusion with clarity.

“What do you mean by that?”. He sounded almost angry at her comment. And maybe he was, maybe he felt offended that she saw herself as a burden, as a problem he shouldn’t get himself into.

“You know what I mean”. Her annoyance was not hidden. She didn’t want to have to say it. “You know”.

“No”. He shook his head fervently.

“I’m sick, Charles”. His eyes shot closed at her words and she felt the pain in her chest that proved her that this was the right thing to do. He couldn’t hurt more than he was already hurting. “You shouldn’t get too attached”.

“Too late. I already like you”. He retorted looking back at her with a confident gaze. He crashed his lips on hers before she could make up another excuse, kissing her like his life depended on it. Because maybe it did, him not being able to breath without her there, next to him. She kissed back with a shared sentiment. One of his hands grabbed her face, pulling her even closer, moving her onto his lap. They just couldn’t stop, too afraid of what would happen once they did. His other hand sneaked behind her lower back, pressing her against him tightly. At some point, they needed to breath. “I like you. I want you. The good and the bad. I want to be with you. I don’t care if it’s for 4 months or 40 years. I just want you for as long as you’ll have me”. He could see the hesitation in her eyes. “Please”. She let out a long sight, but nodded her head.

“I like you too”.

Not too long after that, Charles came face to face with the worst side of her illness. He had to watch her suffer and all he could do was grab her hand. He talked to his team, explaining to them that he was taking days off from Monday to Thursday every week to go and see her. She tried to convince him not to, she had a valid point, it could affect his races badly. But contrary to what she expected, he did better like that. Charles learned to focus more in the months knowing Y/N. He learned to multitask. He could chat with her about a movie while he checked her IV and put some lotion on her hands. He could read her medical reports while helping her with her food and tucking her better in her bed. Charles put everything he had to focus on her and what she needed on those four days a week, so he did the same with the races when he traveled back. He had this new concentration on the track and out of it.

Faster than he expected, she finished chemo. Charles was there for her last session, holding her hand as always. They were talking about his last race and the rainy conditions he had to deal with when the last bit of her IV was finally done. He flickered his eyes towards it, noticing it was over, he smiled at her. She was ready for her last lab test. The treatment had been working, she was getting better, even if it was taking a toll on her. They just needed one more to be sure and she’ll get her surgery. The nurse took the sample and disconnected the IV. For a moment, they stayed quiet.

“You’re going to be in Brazil when the results are back. Do you want me to text them to you or-“.

“Yes, please. Don’t leave me hanging”. He cut her off quickly. He wanted to be there with her, but he knew that he had to race. “I wish I could be here with you”.

“I know, babe”. She squeezed his hand. “But you have a job. You’re already doing a lot, coming back for a few days”.

“It’s not enough”. He said shaking his head. “This is important and I’m going to miss it”

“I’m not gonna be alone. My parents and friends will be here and I know you’ll be thinking about me”. He kissed her hand.

“I’m always thinking about you, Cherie”. She laughed.

“I’m the one who’s not doing enough. You’re always here for me, I’m never there with you”. She said, the sadness clear in her tone. “You need support too. I’m an awful girlfriend”.

“No, mon amour, you’re not. I understand that you can’t be there”. He tried to make her feel better. “I know that you’re here, watching the races and cheering for me”.

“I’ll make you a promise”. She proposed out of nowhere. “If this works out, if I get better…”.

“And you will”. He added quickly.

“…I’ll be there for you, every race”. Charles’ eyes lit up. He could picture her, walking around the paddock, wearing a Ferrari shirt with his name and number in the back.

Charles never felt more relieved by a text message. When he heard the ringtone of his phone he was in the middle of an interview. He wasn’t supposed to have it with him, but he snuck it in to be able to see the message about the results as quickly as he could. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were there with him. They both heard the phone and waited expectantly for the news. Everyone in the paddock was aware of Charles’ girlfriend’s health and they tried to keep it away from the press. ‘I’m ready for surgery. The chemo worked. I love you, Charlie.’. He felt like he was breathing again. Not only for the news, but also for those three words that got him all fuzzy inside. He knew they still had a long way to go, but he knew they were on the right path to love each other for many, many years. He smiled wide while he texted her back. ‘I’m so happy, mon amour! I love you more’.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I think I might dedicate the page to one-shots only.

[its-all-papaya]

excuse me for coming into your askbox and yelling but FIRST!! how GOODDAMN GOOD was the prompt fill for my ask for 13 (desperately)!??!?!?!? i wasn't expecting that AT ALL like the way you have with words!?!??! i LOVED the words in different languages that you so smoothly fit in there, how you wrote them and the way it came together was just so beautiful 🥹 i was legit crying happy tears at the end!! but SECOND now WHAT THE FUCK was that prompt fill for 48?? you BROKE ME, i don't even really understand what exactly happend in that one (pls explain in short if you'd like) but the desperation seeped through my screen and my EMOTIONS are ALL OVER THE PLACE now and i am truly moved by the piece. THANK YOU but also WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME

okay there are layers here so first:

YAY SO GLAD YOU LIKED 13!! I'm so proud of desperately, I was so scared to write lestappen bc (again) I was simply not around F1 for the majority of their development, so it feels much scarier with less to pull from in my brain. But!! I loved the way it came together, and I'm glad you enjoyed <3

okay... 48... because the world is ending. I am... SO GLAD you asked bc I've actually been dying to talk about this since I wrote it. It feels like I'm unveiling some of the mystery I purposely put into it but also I am shaking crying begging to discuss this piece so uh... under the break xoxo

The thing about that prompt is I started writing it FULLY intending for it to be about the actual end of the world. My vision was like... Charles hears the world is ending and realizes that the one thing he wants to do is confess to Max blah blah etc etc. But I started typing and I wrote that first paragraph like half out of the shower bc I was afraid I was going to forget it while I finished, then I started the second paragraph and it was truly just going to be like... scene setting ahead of Charles learning the news. I got to the part about the television always being on bc I wanted him to background overhear and passively learn the news on accident. But "There’s a trophy case next to it, dusty with neglect. The top shelf is empty. It always has been." appeared out of actual literal thin air?? and from THERE I was like. No. I have something better. SO.

48 is still about the actual end of the world if you want to read it that way. BUT. 48 is also about Charles retiring from Formula 1 without ever winning a WDC. If you would like to read it that way. If you take road number one, the news comes that the world is ending and they've got days until it does, and Max calls Charles and invites him to his place and Charles goes.

IF YOU TAKE ROAD NUMBER TWO. Loosely, Charles has a contract in hand and is making his decision but taking too long so Ferrari gives him an ultimatum or whatever. In this case, the phone call could be from team principal or whoever you please. And Charles decides on his own to go see Max about it. In both options, my working concept is Max retired out of nowhere a-la Nico Rosberg after winning his eighth WDC or whatever. And he disappeared and Charles hasn't seen him since the final race of that season ("his face looks the same as it had that day in December, glowing in the reflection of another trophy"). Also they used to fuck ("He knows Max’s voice...through the thick of a pillow, around his own wrist, shoved between his teeth"). So Charles goes to Max because he needs to decide what to do except he's kind of already decided and just like. Needs Max there while he admits it to himself. And then they have their weird little standoff and makeout and have emotional sex bc Charles is letting go of the dream he's always had and he's doing it alongside (via?) his lifelong rival, who achieved everything Charles wanted. And then left Charles alone with his desperation.

I actually don't know how lestappen reaches this itchy part of my brain, but 48 is one of my favorite things I've ever written and it came together in literally an hour and a half. "'What did it feel like?' 'Which one?'" made me cry literal physical tears writing it because Charles is just desperately grieving the dream he's had his whole life and begging Max to give him anything to know whether it's worth it to keep fighting, and Max is not flippant but so... literal? about it? Which is so Max to me. I love the way it came out SO MUCH. so much.

ANYWAY that was not short, that was long, but I'm so so glad you asked, thank you genuinely for the compliment and for giving me this opening to rant about this little bby piece that I adore so deeply.

Feel free to visit my ask box again any time, anon 🫶