#charles i need you to not be p7

[norrisfilms]

watching the second practice session during my mass comm class cause priorities are taking place (i am not paying attention)

[sunrizef1]

Switch Up

Pairing: Logan Sargeant x fem!driver!reader

Warnings: cursing???

Authors note: a written fic??? Ewwww if it’s bad don’t read it pls guys. Guys pls. Not proofread cuz I didn’t feel like it. It is 2 am.

Summary: You had just grabbed a random shirt off the floor of Logan’s room, you didn’t know it was his

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“Excuse me,” Your hand comes up to push lightly against the Williams drivers back as you try your best to slide past him in the tight hallway and also not interrupt the conversation he's having with his engineer.

You actually weren't supposed to be in the Williams garage at all, your own team several rooms down and probably looking for you by now, hence the need to not make a scene in the middle of Logan Sargeants garage.

Because of your haste, you don't notice the blondes eyes following you as you dart out into the pit lane, Ferrari red racesuit hanging off your hips. You don’t notice the way his eyes trail across your skin and skim over your hair, landing on the white shirt clutched in your hand.

He knew the shirt well, it having been thrown onto the floor of his room just a few hours earlier. Confusion spreads across his face as he wonders what you could possibly need with one of his Williams t-shirts.

You, on the other hand, had no idea you had grabbed his shirt. The two of you had both coincidentally worn white shirts to the paddock that day and in your haste to exit the Williams garage after retrieving your shirt, you must’ve grabbed Logan’s instead. But you’re still none the wiser to the switch-up as you toss the shirt into your room before navigating your way back into the Ferrari garage as smoothly as possible.

Several engineers glance curiously at you, face red and breathe slightly heavier than usual. All you do is grin as someone places your helmet in your hands. The grin only increases when your teammate walks into view.

“Where have you been?” Charles rushes out, tone hushed and eyes darting around to see if anyone was eavesdropping.

You try and hold back your laugh at the stressed look on Charles’ face, “What do you mean?”

He narrows his eyes at your amusement before rolling them and crossing his arms across the black fireproof he was wearing, “Everyone’s been looking for you, didn’t know your pre-race ritual was to scare the shit out of everyone by disappearing.”

“I didn’t disappear, you knew where i was,” you point out, moving to go and zip up the race suit from its place on your hips.

Charles sighs and rolls his eyes again, annoyance clear in his stance, “Yeah, which also means I had to cover for you for the better part of an hour. The worst part is that I don’t even get any good gossip from it since you won’t tell me who it is you’re seeing.”

You laugh and start to move to where your engineers who are stood waiting for you to stop talking and actually lock in, “Where’s the fun in that?”

Charles just rolls his eyes but a smile does break out on his face as he slides out of your side of the garage to go back to his own, sliding his race suit up as he does.

You hadn’t told Charles about your non-relationship with Logan. He had accidentally found out after you had tried to sneak back into your drivers room before a race and he had found you, tousled hair and hickeys galore. But it’s not as if there was much to tell, you and Logan weren’t actually dating. You were moreso friends with benefits. If friends and benefits actually acted like a couple behind closed doors and spent most of their time together without acting on any “benefits”.

You had just told Charles you were meeting someone to which he replied “no shit” and that’s all he got to know. But he did tell you that you looked happier and he was fine not knowing who it was as long as he knew they made you happy.

Before you know it, you’re out on the track, six cars lined up in front of you. P7, not bad for only being your second season but you knew you should be higher up. Especially in a Ferrari. Your hands tense as the red lights start to tick and your foot’s on the gas the moment they flick green.

Lights out and away we go.

“Let’s go!” Your shouts echo through the radio as you cross the finish line to the checkered flag. P3, a podium finish. Just behind the familiar red of your teammates Ferarri and an expected amount behind the navy blue of Max’s Red Bull.

You park your car and weigh in before running to your team, all lined up at the barrier to great you and Charles after the double podium.

You had had podiums before but this one felt extra special since Qatar had always been such a difficult race for not only you, but everyone on the grid. One of the reasons Qatar was so hard was the best and as you embraced your team, you definitely felt it. You step back as a wave of nausea overcomes you and you unzip the racesuit, pulling your helmet off as quickly as possible right after.

As Charles finally comes up to you with a grin on his face, it falters slightly as he sees the state you're in, “You alright?”

You nod quickly, you truly were fine. Its just that any more time in the suit and long sleeves might make you not fine pretty quickly, “Yeah, I'm cool. I need to change shirts at least before interviews or I might pass out.”

Charles nods at your statement, turning to tell the team, who all have curious looks on their face, your words as you jog lightly back to your room, grabbing the first shirt you see and sliding off your fireproofs. You hold the shirt tightly as you jog back out, taking a second to let the air hit your hot skin.

As you reach your team, someone ushers you toward an interviewer and you pull the shirt over your head, placing a hat on your head that you don't remember being handed. The interviewer chuckles as you look up, microphone now in hand. You don't question it as your probably look a little strange in your random Ferarri shirt and hat, suit hanging low once again.

“Hi y/n, i have to say that was a wonderful drive today, p7 to p3. You managed to stick through the heat and overtake into third past the mclarens and a red bull. Now, ill ask you about the race in a second but first, I do have to ask about the shirt,” the interviewer seems to be hiding her laugh as she gesture towards your chest and you glance down at it.

Instead of the usual red and yellow colour scheme you'd see on your shirts, you're instead met with the blues of the Williams logo. You gape wordlessly as you stare at the shirt, a blush coming up to blend with your already heat-flushed cheeks.

“Some support for the double Williams points today?” the interviewer seems to sense your disbelief as she cuts in to help your find your words.

You nod slightly before double-taking to think about her words, “Double points? Where'd they finish.”

You don't think about about how you've one hundred percent blown the explanation she was trying to give for the shirt but you don't care, only worried about where Logan and Alex finished.

“Albon P6 and Sargeant P9,” the interviewer states after turning to check with someone behind her.

You light up at her words, “Before any penalties?”

The interviewer nods and you grin, “Let’s fucking go, Captain America representing the 305.”

The interviewer just nods, probably having no clue in the world what any part of your sentence meant. Eventually, you get back on track and start to talk about your race but, by now, that’s not the part of the interview that anyone will be talking about.

“Yeah I think it was a good race overall, really the only weakness of that Red Bull is the heat so we tried our best to take advantage of that. It did work for one of the drivers but, I mean, nothing we could do about max haha.”

“Thank you so much y/n and great race,” the interviewer smiles as you hand the microphone back to her, stepping back slightly to start to go back out to your team, “I’ll see you back here next time.”

You laugh, “hopefully! Have a great weekend.”

You walk away from the interviewer, thoughts on the podium ceremony ahead of you. As you exit the media pen and someone starts to usher you away for the ceremony, your eyes catch on a certain blond man in a white shirt and a Williams race suit. You pull away from the man guiding you who protests but you walk quickly to where Logan’s standing, patting him on the back as you walk up to his interview.

Maybe the Qatar heat had melted your brain but you truly didn’t put together how quickly people would connect you and Logan if you walked up to him with a shirt from his team on it and inserted yourself into his personal bubble.

As Logan turns toward you, you realize that that part didn’t matter since Logan was practically advertising your little relationship to the world himself. The heat must’ve gotten to him as well since he was also missing his fireproofs. Instead, he was wearing a white t-shirt that would’ve been pretty oversized on you but fit him fine. In the middle of the shirt was a giant Ferrari logo emblazoned across the chest.

You stare blankly at the shirt for a second, blinking absently before turning your gaze to the camera and then glancing back to Logan.

“Nice shirt,” you mutter, a slight smirk gracing your lips as you glance between him and the shirt.

“Thanks, you too,” he tries his best to hide his laugh, “In my defense, I only put this on after I saw you wear yours.”

You hum, unamused, as he wraps an arm around your shoulder, your eyes locked forward onto the camera and arms crossed over your chest.

You can’t help the blush that forms over your cheeks though, having cooled off from the heat but now the red was back in full force, displaying your embarrassment for all to see.

Logan has zero embarrassment about the situation though, a proud grin adorning his face. This combined with the points finish might’ve made for his favorite race of all two seasons he’d been on the grid.

You glance over and see someone gesturing for you to leave the interview and go up for the podium celebration. You lean away from the microphone in Logan’s hand as you slide out of his grasp.

“See you later, yeah?” You ask the man in front of you, walking backwards out of the frame of the camera.

“Yeah, yeah,” Logan replies, pulling the microphone away from his mouth to respond, “I’ll see you after, congrats.”

You’d already turned around when the congratulations had left his mouth but you grin widely after he says it, turning your head to throw a quick peace sign in his general direction. You hear him laugh slightly as you quickly rush to follow the impatient employee that had been waiting for you.

The podium is exactly how you expected it to be. The only downside being that you’ve not gotten champagne all over Logan’s shirt and more than a couple Ferrari employees weren’t thrilled about you wearing another team’s merch on a podium. You couldn’t have cared less.

Once you’ve gotten down from the podium, bottle of champagne in hand, you’re met with a certain Miami native waiting for you. You laugh and skip over to where he’s standing, a grin on his face as he watches you approach.

“Here,” you raise the champagne bottle as you reach toward his face, “open your mouth.”

Logan laughs but bends his knees slightly to be below the bottle and closes his eyes while you pour the liquid in his open mouth. You laugh as he shoots straight up to swallow the alcohol, wiping a hand over his mouth.

“Mmm, good,” Logan hums slightly, taking another swig of the bottle before handing it back to you, you taking a swig right after him.

“Yeah?” You ask, licking the leftover champagne off your lips.

Logan just nods in response, a grin settled on his features. After a few seconds he pulls you in for a hug, “Congrats by the way, amazing drive.”

You pull back from him and your eyes close slightly from the strength of your smile, “And you! P9! I’m so proud of you!”

Logan’s cheeks go slightly red but he takes another sip from the bottle, “p7 actually, Pierre and Daniel got penalties.”

“P7! Even better! Gonna be challenging me for podiums soon,” you exclaim and Logan laughs, glancing away from you as he does.

You notice a slight shift in Logan’s demeanor but you don’t have a chance to say anything before Logan’s piping up, “Do you wanna go to dinner with me? As a celebration?”

“Like a date?” You blushed, eyes locked on Logan’s wandering ones, currently looking at anything but you.

Logan fumbles over his words for a moment, hand coming up to run through his hair, “Y-yeah I mean, if you don’t want to, we can just get dinner as friends I don’t really mind.”

The only response you have is to pull the driver down by his neck, your lips meeting in a slow kiss. The taste of champagne spreads between you and the Qatar heat simply aids to the blush covering both of your cheeks. You only pull away at the sound of a yell and you glance away to see Charles stood, champagne in hand, cheering loudly.

You laugh and look back toward Logan, ignoring your teammate for a moment, “I would love to go on a date with you, Logan.”

Logan smiles softly at your response, reaching up to brush a strand of hair behind your ear, “Great, I’ll text you.”

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Taglist: @casperlikej @evie-119

[charles-leclerc-official]

2024 Japan Grand Prix Race Analysis

My analysis of the 2024 Japan Grand Prix. Table of contents below detailing the order of the post. We have a lot to cover as this was an eventful race so I am not going to waste time making introductions.

Table of Contents  Ferrari – Race strategy: qualifying and tyre management – Charles: his qualifying and his race – Carlos: his race – In depth data and pace analysis Mclaren – Race strategy – Tyre management/Charles – Pace VCARB – Yuki: his race – Daniel: his crash with Alex Red Bull Mercedes Williams – Logan: his race – Team car problems Stake Concluding Thoughts

Ferrari

Ferrari had Carlos start in P4 and finish P3. Charles started P8 and finished P4. They both further secured Ferrari's lead for second in the constructors as well as keeping the WDC and WCC still competitive against Red Bull.

This race highlighted some areas that need to be improved on the SF-24 but more importantly it also showed some of the massive improvements that Ferrari has made in development and that is what made this race very exciting for Ferrari fans.

Once again the Ferrari strategy was great. It would have actually been good to mid if it were not for Charles having the skill and confidence to go for the one-stop strategy. But this is another race where I don't think they could have done anything better.

As it was with the starting grid positions Charles was looking at maybe getting P7 or P6 with a 2 stop strategy. And that strategy was most likely given the track and how much deg there usually is at Suzuka.

The reason Charles made it to P4 was because of his superior driving and tyre management, and Ferrari listening to him when he said he wanted to go for the one-stop strategy. They listened and it was 100% the right call on Charles’ part. 

Charles outperformed what should have been possible. If you don’t believe me just look at what Max, Lando, Oscar, Checo, Mclaren, and Red Bull are saying about his tyre management. Charles in the SF-24 was the only one who could have pulled that one-stop off. Seriously, the fact that Max didn’t think he could have done it is really all you need to know. They saw that and were genuinely impressed not only by the car but by Charles, because we saw that with Carlos he was struggling more with tyre deg and that was with a two-stop approach. 

So not only was this the best strategy to maximize points for Charles this race given his starting grid position, it was also just a truly phenomenal drive from Charles himself. 

And once again we are seeing incredible strides being made at the Ferrari pit wall in terms of timing and strategy. The pit stops for both drivers were on point. They listened to Charles and went with the strategy he wanted and it worked! 

Everything I saw this race was so promising for the trajectory of Ferrari and Charles’ season, and beyond into 2025 and 2026.

Charles: Race, Qualifying, and Free Practice

Charles ran a truly insane race. The only reason he gained all of the positions he did was because of his choice to do the one-stop and not only that but making it work! He gained every position it was possible for him to take and then some. His tyre management on this high degredation track was borderline supernatural.

Charles pulled off zero to negative tyre degradation on both sets of his tyres. (Negative deg is when faster laps are set as the tyres age) This was without question the best tyre management performance we have seen from a driver in 2024. It is something that no other driver could pull off (either due to skill, driving style, or machinery) and that is why Charles is Ferrari. 

Have I waxed on long enough about Charles and his tyres? Just wait till you get to the Mclaren section.

I also have a lot more to say about his pace and tyres in the data section.

For now let's move on to some of the questions people might have about what happened to Charles in qualifying and FP3.

Charles qualifying position was decided in free practice. I want to try to be brief, so here is a quick timeline of why Charles’ didn’t have the optimal setup for qualifying (this also applies to Carlos because both Ferrari’s underperformed in qualifying, there was a difference of 1/10th between them so it really was just a matter of the field being so tight)

Suzuka is colder during the day than any race we’ve had so far this year. With the SF-24 being so good with tyre deg that is actually a problem because it means that getting the tyres to warm up takes longer. 

The loss of all of FP2 due to rain was a big blow to Ferrari and especially Charles.

Charles has been having more issues getting his qualifying settings right to manage the tyre warming issue. This is due to his personal setup choices and driving style. Being gentler on the tyres in a car with less deg is leading to him underperforming in qualifying. 

So we lost valuable time when Ferrari really needed to understand the SF-24 behavior in the colder Suzuka temps. 

FP3: Charles and Carlos both got in some race sim laps, but only got to squeeze in 1 or 2 flying lap tests at the very end. Charles especially was frustrated by this. I believe that this came from not having the time to complete all of the program they had outlined to prep for qualifying and the race. 

Going into qualifying Charles didn’t have enough data to guide his settings for Q1. They went with a certain setup they hadn’t gotten to fully test and it didn’t work. Which led to them having to send Charles out again in Q1 with a different setup on another set of softs to try to set a better lap in Q1.

In Q3 Charles only had 1 set of softs remaining to set his best lap. It was okay but not enough. I do think that over qualifying he did get settings better on the car and if he’d had another set of softs he might have made it up to P6 (possibly P5) the middle of the field was very close so I don’t think this qualifying placement and time was as bad as it looks. It certainly isn’t great, but compared to his teammate and the rest of the top teams it wasn’t so concerning. 

So the lack of enough free practice to figure out the best qualifying setup for Charles in the colder temps is really what cost them here. I think this is why we saw Charles very frustrated at not having the time to do more flying laps during FP3 and Fred also not happy with the program they ran during all free practice sessions.

All of this does apply to Carlos as well. We’ve seen him qualify better in 2024 too so this was just a matter of the SF-24 settings on flying laps given the colder temps and the track. 

This is a current issue for the SF-24, but it is something that can be developed and I think there are certain upgrades that will address this. It is better to have a car base that is too gentle on the tyres than the other way around. The SF-24 tyre treatment is a good base to work with. This weekend just highlighted areas where improvements need to be made. The unfortunate part was the loss of FP2 because that was going to be important for colder temp data gathering.

I want to once again now take the time to shut down some narratives about Ferrari's race specifically relating to Carlos' lap 46 pass on Charles:

The reason Charles and Ferrari let Carlos pass was because Carlos was on newer tyres and thus had overall faster lap times.

It’s insane to expect a team to keep the car that has faster pace behind. I could see it if it was a difference of 1/10th or something or if it was the last lap of the race, then it’s up for debate. That wasn’t the case here, Carlos with the tyres that were 10 laps newer was almost 1 second faster. Keeping him behind would have not only compromised his race but also possibly Charles’. We don’t want a car just hovering behind the other. As we heard on the radio the main concern was keeping Lando behind. As far as gaining significant placement this race goes we always knew Lando was going to be Charles' competition. If the cars were fighting over pace with this big of a discrepancy in the pace we would have seen disastrous results. 

Charles knew this and this is why he let Carlos by. He was never intending to race Carlos(he literally said this in interviews after). With the way they started on the grid it was not going to be in the cards this race. Charles said as much and he isn’t upset about it. 

“Carlos overtook Charles”: No, Charles let him pass because that was strategically optimal for both Ferrari drivers. 

“Carlos’ pace was better”: No, he was on a completely different tyre strategy, the only reason he was faster is because he did two stints on mediums and then finished on newer hards. Charles overall race pace and tyre management was better. This is just a result of 1. Different starting positions and 2. Different tyre strategies. It’s very hard to do a driver-to driver comparison with blanket statements when they are on different strategies.

“Ferrari gave the order to switch with Sainz”: No, they just didn’t do that, I don’t know what race you were watching.

“They should have told Carlos to defend”: That would have been a bad strategy choice for both drivers. There is a lot more than current track position that goes into strategy calls.

"Ferrari strategy screwed Charles over again": No, Charles chose his strategy(and it was the right call). Ferrari did great in supporting him.

I don't understand why people want to run this narrative that we keep getting Silverstone 22' level strategy calls when that is just not happening.

Now Charles radio after the race may have sounded disappointed and in the heat of the moment he probably was. However in interviews after the race he was very happy with the car (I think he realized just what a good performance he put in) but also I think his big takeaway from this race was that Ferrari have given him a strong base to work with(finally) and he has been only saying more positive things since then.

Ferrari did amazing supporting both drivers. Especially Charles because it was his call to do the one-stop and they listened to him and supported him perfectly throughout running that strategy.

Carlos

Carlos ran a clean race. He gained the one position which is about what we'd expect from the car he was in and his starting position. His performance also gave us really good baseline data for the SF-24.

His race was mostly decided in qualifying and also the fact that Mclaren struggled far more than expected on this track. Ferrari initially thought he might have to fight Lando more for that position but Mclaren's struggle was Carlos' gain.

I also think that just this race in general from him and his driving style was really good data for the SF-24 to inform development and that is awesome!

I don't have a ton to add, it was good, got those WCC points for Ferrari and that's exactly what we want to see from him.

In Depth Data Analysis

The name of the game here is tyre wear. The SF-24 (especially in Charles' hands) has had phenomenal race pace and that is due to the fact that this car is so easy on the tyres. However Charles is the driver who has been able to pull this feature out of the car due to his driving style and tyre management skills.

We are going to look at a comparison of Charles' and Carlos' data to highlight exactly what was so interesting about Charles' pace. And then also adding in Max, because as the driver to beat he is a good benchmark(as well as showing the top performance of the RB-20)

Here is a comparison of lap times between Charles and Carlos, corrected for tyre age(because they were on different strategies)

For the medium tyre I used both their first medium stints. Carlos did two stints on mediums, I used his first stint for comparison because it means both tyres were subject to the same time of day and track temps and conditions. 

Now the lap times themselves here aren’t as important. Carlos and Charles were in different spots on the track and Carlos was in much cleaner air even on that first stint. The real thing to look at is the way Charles lap time stays consistent, and even gets faster as the age of the tyres progresses, while Carlos starts off with his best speed and then gradually gets slower. Carlos’ pace here is an example of what we expect to see - as tyres age they get slower so his pace on these tyres is perfectly normal, by the time he got to lap 14 before he pitted he’d lost more than a second of pace on those tyres (which is normal and expected). Then we can then look at Charles who is getting almost the exact same lap time out of his 11 lap old mediums as the first lap. Where Carlos has lost more than a second, Charles has lost nothing. Furthermore you can see multiple instances of an increased speed on his previous laps, which indicates negative tyre degradation. This goes against general tyre wear behavior and can only be attributed to Charles’ skill in extending the pace of his tyres.

I want to add that both driver’s pace was excellent and that both their performances would not have been possible without the massive leap Ferrari has made with the SF-24 and race pace tyre degradation. 

Again looking at the hards the actual lap time is not important here, Charles and Carlos were running very different strategies at this point. Charles was racing to extend the life of the tyres to pull off a one-stop and Carlos was trying to regain position near the front. What we are looking at is once again the way the lap times increase for Carlos steadily, and just don’t for Charles. 

Charles once again was pulling essentially the same lap time on 11 lap old hards, while Carlos had lost a full second. The sheer consistency here is what is scaring the other teams. 

I want to note here that none of this is meant to make Carlos look bad. I think his runs and tyre treatment were pretty good overall, but when your teammate is defying the laws of physics in the same car it can even make a good drive look not as great. But I have no issues with how Carlos managed, he gave a good example of what I would say is the base deg for the SF-24.

Now I want to compare Charles’ pace to Max’s, again correcting for tyre age. 

This is helpful because this is where we can get a look at match-ups for the future, the strengths of the SF-24 compared to the RB20. 

Here is where it gets interesting. Max on the hards was managing degradation amazingly, right on par with Charles. 

The big difference is on the mediums. After 11 laps Max had lost over a full second of pace on the mediums and Charles had not. 

This gap is where we are going to see big results come in from the SF-24 in the future. If I were Red Bull I’d be worried about this. And this is why they are also specifically worried about Charles, because we see that the SF-24 in Carlos hands is behaving as expected as far as tyre deg goes, the real threat based on the data is the combination of Charles Leclerc and the SF-24. 

Deltas Δ

Now let's take a look at what the change in pace lap to lap looks like for Charles, Max and Carlos. Again using those first 11 laps on the mediums.

Lap deltas are the change in lap time lap-to-lap, and this is a metric that shows if a driver is keeping pace, gaining pace or losing pace. Positive numbers mean a loss of pace, negative numbers are a gain. This is calculated by the equation of (Lap time B - Lap time A = change in pace or the delta Δ) So it's just the time difference lap to lap. This is how we can take a look at the actual pace and correct for lap times (which are not important here)

On it's own this doesn't look like much, yes Charles is managing best, but Carlos is also ahead of Max. This is showing where the SF-24 is better than the RB-20. The fact that of these three drivers Max is the worst on this metric is notable.

However the impressive part of Charles' tyre deg is not in these first 11 laps. Because after these laps Max and Carlos had to pit because they were losing time and their tyres were done.

Charles kept going.

Here is what Charles' full stint on the mediums looked like.

Charles continued to achieve faster laps and negative deltas well into the life of the tyres, and that is what is setting him apart from Carlos and Max.

Not only was Charles achieving negative deltas, he was doing it more consistently as the tyres aged.

For comparison here is Carlos' and Max's data overlayed on Charles full medium stint.

While the first graph on the mediums shows that both Ferrari's were outperforming the RB20 in terms of deg(or at the very least Carlos was on a very similar delta to Max), this is where you see the difference in the drivers. Because Max and Carlos had to pit because they were rapidly losing performance on those tyres(see above time sheets) Charles was not, and he only improved. He more than doubled the life of his tyres in comparison to the other two.

This is the graph that really matters because it shows what each driver was able to do with one set of mediums. And as you can see it's not even close.

This is where you can see the impact of the negative deg over time. Compared to the normal deg we see with Max and Carlos it serves to highlight exactly how outside of the norm Charles was operating.

Charles only continued to improve well beyond the other two. That's what was insane about his tyre management.

Neither Carlos or Max were going to be able to continue their pace (hence the pit)

I feel like the data really speaks for itself. Max and Carlos are good comparisons here, Carlos is a good driver in the same car as Charles, and Max is the current top driver on the grid and is known for his tyre management.

I want to finish this section with the sentence that is chilling the blood of every other driver and TP on the grid: Charles set his fastest lap of his race on 25 lap old hards.

Mclaren

So what happened to Mclaren?

A lot of people were expecting Mclaren to be the second strongest team on this track. And qualifying certainly made it look like that might be the case. With Lando being ahead of Carlos in P3 and Oscar being ahead of Charles in P6 on the starting grid.

So why did both Mclarens get easily defeated by the Ferraris?

I think there are 2 main reasons.

The Mclaren car is not even close to the SF-24 when it comes to tyre deg, that car loses pace much faster so it just cannot fight when a Ferrari comes up behind it.

Charles 1 stop strategy really messed up the team's pit strategy with Lando. 

In Mclaren’s defense no one thought anyone would be crazy enough to try a 1 stop around Suzuka, let alone have zero tyre deg on a high deg track. 

They seemed to be managing their pit strategy with Lando under the assumption that Charles was going to pit twice, and I think they were very worried about an undercut in the pits (after they didn’t get away with it in Australia I think they were very keen to make sure they kept their position)

But Charles didn’t do a 2 stop strategy. He stayed out and his pace on the hards was unbelievable. 

There was really no way for them to see that coming. It’s kind of hard when your main competition decides this is the weekend he’s going to challenge the laws of physics.

(And you thought I was done talking about Charles’ tyre strategy)

Here is a graph of Lando vs Carlos. That was the spot he lost, and you can see that the pit strategy is really what cost Lando the spot. Carlos came behind him on much fresher tyres and by then he'd lost the pace. He pitted too early, and that was due to Mclaren not understanding that Charles is on another level.

His pace was okay on newer tyres, but once they age the drop off was pretty bad. So the Mclaren car needs to improve in the tyre deg department if they want to see either of their drivers beat a Ferrari any time this year.

Furthermore Oscar once again struggled more because he is still the weaker of the two Mclarens when it comes to tyre deg, and on this track that really showed. 

But I think the fact that Mclaren kept trying to figure out when Charles was going to pit for his second stint and then he just didn’t really threw them off and had them making some weird pit calls. 

VCARB

Yuki

Yuki ran what was in my opinion the second most impressive drive of the race. He qualified P10 and finished P10. However to keep that position he pulled of some truly perfect overtakes. He was fighting to finally get that home race point. I was so excited seeing him put on that good of a show for his home fans.

In this race he became the first Japanese driver to score home race points since 2012, and that is just so exciting for Yuki and his fans. It really made that single point mean a lot. I don't think I have ever been more excited for a P10!

Yuki has really been showing what the VCARB car is capable of and it looks really promising. He seems comfortable and I think we will be seeing a lot more points from him this season.

Daniel: Crash with Albon and DNF

Going to be covering Alex and Daniel's crash this section.

On lap 1, Daniel and Alex made contact going into turn 3, resulting in both cars going off the track and ending up in the barriers. Both drivers had to retire from the race.

To me this looked like a result of crowding into that turn in the mid field with neither driver at significant fault. I don't think Daniel was trying to push Alex wide, and I also don't think that Alex mistook that corner. The FIA and stewards agree and Alex and Daniel's story of what happened make sense.

Going into the turn Daniel had the outside line, and he was trying to give room to the Aston Martin(Lance) on his inside. He didn't see Alex on his outside and his wheel made contact with Alex's front wing, causing his car to spin and pushing Alex of the line and into the gravel.

Alex thought he had the outside line to overtake and was in the process of attempting that when Daniel went to give space on the inside, this resulted in the contact and Daniel forcing him wide.

This crash really just was a result of crowding in that corner, Daniel was trying to give space to one driver and inadvertently crowded out another. There wasn't space so he was kind of in a lose-lose situation there.

I agree with the stewards that no penalty for either driver was warranted and that this was the result of midfield crowding, and some bad luck for both drivers. It wasn't a result of bad driving on either Daniel or Alex's part. Even if Daniel had seen Alex I am not sure what he could have done if he also needed to give room to Lance.

Ultimately I am glad both drivers are uninjured. Hopefully they have some better luck in future races.

Red Bull

I don't have a ton to say about Red Bull. My comparison in the Ferrari data section is what was most interesting about this race from the data standpoint.

They didn't do much, the Red Bulls started ahead and finished ahead as expected. Max and Checo both ran a really clean race. Again showing the power of the RB-20.

I will add that this was a really good race for Checo(probably his best this year), and it was nice to see him have redemption after Suzuka 2023.

Nothing terribly exciting to add. Max won again, well done Max!

Mercedes

Mercedes didn't have a great race, but considering that both their drivers DNFed in Australia it was good for the team to get some points. Lewis started in P7 and finished P9, while George started P9 and finished P7. So they swapped positions.

It seems that the Mercedes car might be better on those qualifying laps than the race pace (and even then it's qualifying has been inconsistent)

The most notable thing about Mercedes' race was when Lewis asked if he should let George pass when George came up behind him, and George did in fact make the pass. This was done simply because George's pace was better. Lewis knew this so it was best for the team.

I think that so far we have seen that the W15 is struggling in a lot of areas, and as far as drivers go George has been more comfortable in the car(could be driving style, setup, a combo of the two) than Lewis.

Both are solid drivers, and hopefully they can guide Mercedes into making improvements to the car to get them closer to top points. At this point the car Mercedes has made seems to have fallen short of expectations. Make no mistake though, Lewis and George are both drivers who are much better than the car they are in at the moment.

Williams

I covered Alex's crash with Daniel already so we are going to talk about Logan.

Logan honestly did about the best he could do in the car he had. After damaging both his front and rear wing in free practice and still using the repaired chassis from Australia his car was not in the best shape already going into the race. Additionally the Williams really struggled with grip in the rears and has been all over the place. Suzuka especially seems to have not been suited to it.

Yes on lap 41 Logan went off track into a gravel trap, but that was on a corner that had given more skilled and experienced drivers trouble this weekend so I am not going to fault him too much for that in the car he had. Better cars were having problems there too.

He did have a really strong first stint and was pulling some overtakes. Most of his positions were lost when he did get undercut by some pit stops, and then of course losing time to the gravel trap.

The win is that he finished the race and the car is intact. That may not seem like much, but given the state of things at Williams it's important.

There were some highlights for his race and I will say in terms of raw performance he has not been far off Alex this year. That car of Williams is really hindering both drivers.

Stake

Stake actually had pretty good pace overall. The car is not as bad as it has looked on paper. The main issues has been their slow pit stops (caused by incompatibility between the bolters and the tyre covers apparently) Zhou and Valtteri both showed some pretty good pace and were in positions for overtakes.

Zhou unfortunately had to retire his car due to gearbox issues.

Stake has really been a mess and we have not seen what that car can actually do in terms of performance overall, or what what their drivers are capable of in that car.

They are making attempts to address the pit stop issue and I think if they do that, then we will see both drivers picking up some P10 points at the very least.

Final Thoughts

I think we can all agree that Suzuka was the best race of the year so far from a pure racing standpoint!

Whew, that’s all I got on this race, so I will leave you with this final thought. 

This race was a warning shot from Ferrari.

[saintescuderia]

pancakes (pt. 7)

AKA - the story of how the naive australian rookie befriended the gym junkie F1 hospitality worker with the shoe collection - and inadvertently broke the grid's most treasured and unspoken rule: you don't go for y/n.

series masterlist here :) // the pancakes recipe here :)

A/N: here we are! and CHARLES WON MONACO! (also sorry for the lance slander RPM influences me far too much)

P7 - 2.5L water bottle

"Oh for fuck's sake."

The lyrics rapping over the Metro Boomin beat were cut off as you turned off your engine. You huffed spotting the asshole in green getting out of the Aston Martin in front of you.

Mother fucking Lance Stroll.

Stroll got on your every nerve from the fact that he, as a paid driver, was the epitome of what you hated about F1 and the cash is king nature of the sport. It didn't help your opinion of him that his treatment of the Hospitality workers was very telling of his personality (i.e a spoiled little bitch) - but he also treated the rest of Aston Martin like that.

His engineers he bossed around. His PR team he bossed around. His fucking team principle he bossed around. You had never ever seen a driver be able to literally pick and choose what Media they wanted to do until Lance Stroll. Not even Räikkönen had gotten away with things that way Stroll did.

The worst part of it all, though, was that Lance's attitude of I can do whatever I want meant that he really thought he could get any girl he wanted.

Namely - you.

Your Supra wasn't exactly inconspicuous and Lance had (unfortunately) been in F1 long enough to make the connection that the flash JDM car parked in the lot tended to belong to you. And even though your windows were tinted a few shades darker than legal limit, Lance was getting out of the car right next to you. There was no chance he didn't know that it was you.

If anything, he likely made his driver park next to your Supra on purpose.

"Lord give me strength." You muttered seeing him come up to your window.

But then Lance Stroll had the fucking audacity to tap on your window.

You immediately reached for the handle and opened the door which caused him to stumble for the lack of space as you did so. "Oh, woah! Hey!" The Canadian accent pissed you off for no other reason than it reminded you of Drake. Someone else you fucking despised.

"Don't touch my car." You said, voice flat.

"Oh, er. My bad. Nice looking ride."

"Thanks." You said curtly, internally cringing at how he said 'ride' like that. You went around and grabbed the vast array of things you always hauled with you. Said items for today consisted of your gym bag, your workbag, your lunch bag and your comically large 2.5L water bottle. You always were carrying a lot.

"Need help?"

"No."

"I insist."

"Don't."

"Why you always gotta play hard to get?"

You said nothing, forcefully biting your tongue. You were out of practice with Lance Stroll's shit since Domenicali had finally relented and cut the amount of shifts you would be rostered on Aston Martin. Which had been a shame since the crew were quite nice and you really taking the piss with Nando.

Still, Lance Stroll was insufferable - and you were evidently out of practice dealing with his spoiled delusions. You were just glad his father wasn't around. God help you when it came to the European races.

"I have to get to work." You said and locked your car. There was a call from behind where some Aston Martin people were waiting Lance but he ignored them. Instead, falling into step with you.

"I don't see you around Aston Martin anymore." He said, trying to make conversation.

You kept ignoring him, hoping he'd get the hint. Pulling out your phone, you started to compose a to text to Oscar. He would coming here with Lily and had said something about finally introducing the two of you. Your eyes checked the time at the top of your phone screen. Based on what time it was, Oscar should've been here by now - and could save you from Lance Stroll.

to: piazzas 👼

where the fuck are u ?? lance stroll is trying to talk to me send help

"I don't know." Was all you said, typing away with one hand as the other held a bag, hoodie, bottle and lanyard. You lifted the arm to tap in through the gate and then continued to ignore Lance - who continued to walk beside you and speak.

"That wouldn't be because you're working for McLaren." Lance said. This made you fingers pause as the blatant comment caught you off-guard. You sucked your teeth and took a deep breath. You adjusted your grip on your bags and continued to type another message.

to: piazzas 👼

srsly im gonna fucking rage at this point

"I don't know what you're on about." You said and felt relief seeing the Read time-stamp arrive below your sent message and three dots finally pop up as Oscar typed a response.

Lance made that irritating sound - his laugh. "You know my dad will pay you double what they're paying."

from: piazzas 👼

I'm at the McLaren motorhome. In a meeting with some PR. Can you come?

You huffed and pocketed your phone. Your shift was at Ferrari today and so there was no logical reason for you to walk into McLaren. Then again, it was early and you were yet to get dressed. It should be okay. People rarely noticed you since you looked like some random trainer with the amount of stuff you always carried.

Except, right now, Lance Stroll was not getting the hint and pissing off. Meaning you couldn't exactly freely walk into McLaren no questions asked.

Especially after that comment about you working for McLaren.

"What do you say?" The annoying idiot stood there, still waiting on you apparently.

"What?" You asked, shifting the items in your hand and pausing in your steps. You were in front of Ferrari right now and considered going in to dump your stuff before sneaking off to McLaren. That would at least get rid of Lance.

"Just say the number. How much. Dad wants you onboard and so do I. And all that legal stuff we can sort out." Lance said with a nonchalant shrug that pissed you off more than it should've. "My trainer isn't really working for me anyway."

You stared at him. Was he being serious right now? Your mouth fell open at the audacity and you glanced at his manager behind him who was looking up at the sky, clearly uncomfortable.

But, of course, unable to say anything.

"Ah, Stroll! Mademoiselle is with us today!" You turned your head to the French accent of your other favourite Team Principle. Fred Vasseur arrived with one half of the Scuderia drivers beside him. Your eyes widened on the sight of Carlos there, sunglasses pushed up in the head of hair that had its own fan-accounts and was the star of many, many Tiktok thirst edits.

Fuck.

Last night, your uncle had thrown you for a loop. Carlos Sainz had somehow infiltrated your uncle's sphere with a video of him refusing to sign a Barcelona jersey.

This, your uncle took as a good omen and a worth his approval.

"Approval for what?"

"None of these drivers are worth your time. But this one seems good." Your uncle's voice had sounded through the speaker function of your phone as you balanced a ball on your head. Last night you had present for his usual call to his sister and Dia was adamant you cop it.

And cop it you did. His newest idea was not Jude or Vinicius - but apparently Carlos Sainz.

"What? Because Carlos didn't sign a Messi jersey?"

"His name is Carlos?" Your uncle had asked and you had, in turn, just groaned. You half expected him to make some ridiculous comment about the similar names being a good omen or something.

"Yeah. Carlos Sainz."

"Sainz? Hm." There was a short pause from your uncle. "Is his father a rally driver?"

"Yes." You had frowned, not expecting that.

"Ah! I know him. Good family."

"What?" You said, still stuck on how your uncle knew the Sainz family. "How do you know him?"

"Why didn't you tell me about him before?"

"Because... I never noticed Carlos." The football you had been kicking slowed as you found yourself frowning at the phone on the kitchen table. "It's... I don't know. It's just Carlos."

"I want you to talk to him. To 'Just Carlos' as you say." Your uncle was not relenting. "Go have dinner together. He has a good face."

Your uncle's attempts to get you married to what he deemed was a 'respectable man' and not, in his opinion, 'some limpy Frenchman' (you would often remind him Charles was from Monaco nor was it was like that between you two) or 'some tatted up Australian wanna be Italian' (you would also remind that Daniel barely identified as Italian). However, all of your uncle Carlo's options had always been footballers which, you and Dia knew, was just a ploy to move you from car circuits to football pitches.

But last night, you found, Carlos Sainz apparently had the Ancelotti tick of approval and he was adamant you and Carlos apparently go out for dinner.

You took your uncle's comments to be why you suddenly found yourself feeling a little awkward seeing the driver in the flesh. The on you admittedly never paid much attention to before.

"Maybe next race you can have her." The Spanish driver - who apparently had your uncle's approval - said. Carlos took a sip from the small coffee cup in hand. He was on his piccolo, you noted.

Carlos came up to you and you felt yourself caught out and taken aback by him openly reaching for the strap of your gym bag and your bottle, prying them for your hands. The surprise had you letting go and once Carlos had a grip on them, he nodded at everyone in green. "See you guys on track." And put a hand on your back to guide you into the home. His clear dismissal towards Lance made you smile and it made your face warm up even more.

Your smile dropped.

What the fuck?

"Um. Thank you." You said, once you were out of earshot.

"He's an idiot." Carlos said, with a tired sigh. This made you laugh.

"You're telling me."

It was then that you realised your laugh was nervous. You cleared your throat. You were going to rip into your uncle. And then yourself for being so stupid. Because this was stupid. You barely ever noticed Carlos. What? You find out he really hates Barcelona and has really, really great hair and suddenly you're tongue-tied around him?

"Ha. Yeah. I get that. And I can hold that." You went to reach for the strap of your bag on his shoulder. Carlos moved away.

"Don't insult me." He said, tsking you with a grin on his face. "Let's go. Fred spoke all morning about your pizzas."

"Yes! I did." Fred said, reappearing with his assistant who was handing him a paper he was half reading as he spoke. "Guenther didn't let me have any last time."

You couldn't but smile, remembering Guenther's loud curses echoing throughout all of Haas when he found you plating some aside for Fred. You gave Fred a salute. "I'll get right to it. Let me just dump my things in the backroom."

"I'll take them there." Carlos said, evidently not relenting. You sighed and let him carry them for you as you both made your way to the backroom.

Unfortunately, this meant walking through the entire motorhome in which case many Ferrari staff did a double take seeing you walk with Carlos. Whilst it wasn't uncommon to see you around, nor for you to have any interactions with drivers - you literally made their food and coffee - but Carlos was holding all your many, many belongings and walking to the small backroom that were reserved for Hospitality.

"Thank you." You said, appreciating the chivalry. What you didn't appreciate, however, was how your body was reacting to Carlos.

You didn't get why you were suddenly so... hyperaware around Carlos. Seeing driver content wasn't something new to you. Why did it affect you like this? Maybe addressing it would just help.

And so your mouth just came out with it.

"My uncle likes you."

"What?"

You quickly elaborated. "He saw a video of you refusing to sign a Barca jersey."

Your uncle had even sent you said video of Carlos, the driver windswept in his Ferrari, driving off when a fan passed him a pen and the jersey. You had to admit he did look good in the video and the way he drove off like that had made your eyebrows shoot up, impressed.

"Your uncle... Don Ancelotti?"

"Yeah." You said with a laugh at the name. The Don. You were proud of your uncle and what he achieved, earning him such a nickname. Dia always said her brother's intimidating Don cigar smoking aura had been passed down to you - and not his own children/your cousins.

You weren't surprised Carlos knew about who your uncle was. It wasn't exactly a secret. And considering the world of Formula 1, that wasn't even the craziest connection for someone working in the Paddock. An Alpine techie was distant cousins with Mbappé, a Haas mechanic was close cousins with LeBron, and Valentino Rossi's babysister's best friend's brother was a PR manager for George Russell.

So, no. No one really paid much attention to you and your uncle. The most it had ever come up was the odd few comments of the Paddock's EPL fans coming to you lamenting Carlo Ancelotti moving from Everton to Real Madrid.

"Woah, that's pretty cool." Carlos said, his eyes widening. "I definitely need to let my dad know."

"Apparently they know each other?" You asked, hoping he might shed more light on the connection your uncle somehow had to Sainz Sr. Your uncle hadn't managed to explain that curious bit.

"Do they? He never said." He said and you blew a raspberry. You really were going to give your uncle a piece of your mind. You shook your head and Carlos laughed, saying something that went to deaf ears as he took his sunglasses off his head - causing some strands to fall across his forehead as he was looking down at you.

Fuck.

He used the other hand to run through said black locks.

Double fuck.

The man seriously could've made it as a hair model.

You looked down from his hair to meet his eyes and felt yourself flush even more knowing he'd caught you staring at his hair. You cleared your throat again - when had it gotten so dry? - and spoke. "You um, you could really make bank doing hair endorsements, you know?"

"Bank?" Carlos asked, not picking up the slang.

"Money." You explained the slang and then thought of the Spanish translation. "El dinero."

"Ah, so was it the Don who taught you Spanish?" Carlos asked, lips turning up to grin.

"Nah I don't really speak Spanish." You shook your head and explained. "I just know that word from some from lyrics and stuff."

"Stuff? From living in Los Angeles?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. You blinked, surprised he knew that tidbit about you. "I remember you telling Max about it back in Torro Rosso."

Carlos' observational skills evidently had you in surprise. First it was him remembering your Egyptian heritage and now this?

"I, uh. Yeah for a year and a bit. I worked in a garage." You explained, feeling more awkward and, well, something else that you refused to acknowledge as nervousness.

You didn't get nervous. You had literally served countless celebrities and prided yourself on not getting starstruck or fucking nervous.

And yet, here was Carlos running a hand through his hair catching you off guard with how hyperaware you were of him.

"Ah." Carlos laughed and you stared at the way a thin gold chain glittered around his wrist. "Well, if you know any hair sponsors you'd recommend, let me know."

"Oh, yeah. Done." You said, going back to the previous conversation. "But I'm expecting a cut, then." You said, opening up a locker and beginning to stuff the bags into it. "Hoy por ti - "

" - mañana por mi." Carlos finished the phrase, amused. "It's different in Spanish, though, you know?"

"What is?"

"English you say scratch my back or something. In Spanish it's more about generosity. You take care of me so I will take care of you next."

"Oh." You said, taking in the mini Spanish lesson. Admittedly all your Spanish came from working with Tyler in the garage on Fairfax Ave and, of course, song lyrics. There had been a few funny conversations with Fernando - but nothing intimate such as I will take care of you.

You didn't really know what to say next. Your face was already flushed and you'd probably be able to cook something on your cheek from how hot it was.

You were going to kill your uncle. Real Madrid could win Champions League without him. And even if they didn't - well, Guenther would be happy to see another team finally have a chance.

"Also," Carlos casually continued, unfazed - or not noticing - your lull, "there's going to be a game tomorrow night. I'm not sure if you were planning to watch it."

Thankfully, his words momentarily did distract you from the inner monologue. Real Madrid wasn't playing this weekend. Atletico Madrid was.

Maybe it was Carlos being from Madrid or following the Spanish league religiously but, either way, it wasn't a game you had intended to watch.

"Oh, I mean I like Griezmann." You said, referring to the famed Atletico player, "but I don't watch La Liga games unless Real Madrid is playing." Besides, if you showed any interest in any other team, The Don would have your head. Your uncle still didn't know you owned a jersey of another team. Even if it was only for Mo Salah.

"No, the Liverpool game." Carlos corrected. "They're playing Manchester United, are they not?"

This was surprising. There had been no indication in the past of Carlos ever caring about any other team besides Real Madrid - let alone being that interested a whole other league. If you ever were going to talk EPL with a driver, it was probably a passing conversation with Lewis. Maybe George if the Wolves were involved. And that was when the drivers themselves initiated the conversation.

Max, and his love for your team's biggest rival Barcelona, was who you used to talk to about football, who you used to stay up and watch games or play Fifa with.

And since that was no more, you sort of lost any passion for it.

So this was very much news to you.

Carlos Sainz. Talking to you about EPL.

More than that - asking you if you were going to watch an EPL game.

"Uh, yeah maybe." You finally spoke. During your drive to work, you had vaguely thought about changing your schedule so as to be able to watch the game. You had played around with the idea of doing a workout after your shift tomorrow so you could stay up after qualifying and watch the match.

The only issue was that this would you mean you wouldn't be able to work out before the race on Sunday - and you were definitely going to be stressed working a whole weekend at Ferrari.

But if you watched it you could stream it on one of the TVs in the driver's gym - that way Oscar could workout with you also.

Suffice to say, you hadn't yet made up your mind.

"Lando and I were going to watch it. He's a fan of Manchester United." Carlos said, looking at you expectantly. "Don't worry, I won't tell the Don."

It was that look which made your eyes widen slightly, the thought suddenly dawning on you: was Carlos asking to watch the game together?

Something erupted in your stomach.

However, your reflex to any driver interaction had immediately kicked in.

"Oh, nice. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to watch it with the schedule. You guys enjoy, though."

Carlos opened his mouth but thankfully someone, a man dressed in the red uniform, appeared in the doorway calling for Carlos. The interruption was very much welcomed as the driver nodded and was resolved to leave you before your body gave you any more confusing signals.

You took a second, a steading second, before you slammed your locked shut and went out to look for Oscar.

“And there’s the young rookie, Oscar Piastri. Looking really good after his amazing win in Jeddah. 9th, outperforming everyone’s expectations!"

“Yes! He’s just arrived with his - is that his trainer?”

“She looks tough enough to be one. Wait is that — “

The commentators immediately realise and change the subject to something else to do with Fernando’s winning streak and Aston Martin’s upgrades. You sigh at the clip that had been playing on the TV in front of you where you could be seen handing him the Antinal Dia had been adamant Oscar have.

Zak had informed Oscar who had informed you about the conversations had between all the TPs about, well, you.

It was startling to say the least. 

"I'm afraid people are starting to catch on." Oscar's PR Manager said with a stern look as she stared at both you and Oscar. Her name was Sophie and despite her young age putting her in the same ball-park as you and Oscar... it still felt like you both were students in trouble, being told off by your teacher.

Oscar had asked you about a Sophie Wright a few months ago. You briefly knew of the girl from her interning days, following other PR members around the McLaren motorhome over the years. She was a little on the shorter side, the chubbier side and, unfortunately, these two appearance traits meant she was excluded from the other PR girls who definitely already had a group chat going.

However, you also knew this meant she would be good at her job. Sophie could blend in the background quietly, unnoticed and do her job well. You also doubted she would easily jump around for a better opportunity and do Oscar dirty. Then there was the fact that when you served her a skinny latte one time, she made sure to read your name badge and thank you with a genuine smile.

And so you had given Oscar the thumbs up.

Never, in a million years, did you think you would be here though. Getting a debrief from her as Sophie tapped on her iPad. You risked a glance at Oscar who looked indifferent and nonplussed.

"Sorry Soph," he said, "but I'm not exactly aware what this means exactly."

There was some noise at the door and in walked Zak Brown himself. He was still talking to someone outside in the hall and said a 'yep, bye!' and then finally turned to address the room he was halfway in. "Ah, here we are. Just the people I need to see." His eyes fell on you and you shifted uncomfortably in your seat.

"No trouble at all. I know you're friends with Oscar and just wanting to help him out." Zak said, coming to sit down. "Ah, so you've seen the clips." He looked at the TV where Sophie's iPad was still screensharing the clip from yesterday.

Thursday's media days was always the least loved day for everyone - save for the bloodthirsty journalists. Drivers hated all the mundane questions and the paranoia of microphones and cameras everywhere. And you hated media day because it meant extra long barista shifts.

"Yes, Sophie showed me before but I thought Tezza should see it." Oscar explained, using your nickname. Your heart warmed at how considerate that was. You met his eyes and smiled softly at him. Your love for the kid grew daily.

"Good thinking!" Zak said, nodding agreeably to his driver. You fought to keep your face passive as you regarded the McLaren CEO.

Your opinion of Zak Brown was that he got further than he ever dreamt to get from starring on Wheel of Fortune. And whilst you did admire him for not being brought up in the snobbery and pretentiousness of the generational wealth that F1 tends to circulate through... you did note how he sucked up to the those snobs and their pretentious generational wealth.

Namely, how he did anything and everything for to make Lando Norris happy. In your opinion, it was a lil cringe at times.

"Well, the problem is that it's getting harder and harder for me to just make it out to the rest of the Paddock that you and Oscar are just friends spotting one another at the gym." Zak said. "Christian Horner is running rampant, scared you'll turn Oscar into the next Max Verstappen."

You snorted at this. Unfortunately this drew everyone's attention to you and you knew you would need to explain. "Max and Oscar are polar opposites."

Oscar could very easily become a World Champion without you. He was smart, dedicated and very talented. And whilst Max was all those things, he didn't need someone to train him up so much as tame him down after all that Jos did to him. You guys had just as much sessions on anger management as you had sessions on endurance training.

"Either way, it's coming to be viewed as a breach." Zak said. "And if you breach your contract then - "

"I know." You interrupted him. He didn't need to explain that to you.

"There's also the issue that people think you two are dating." Sophie spoke up from the front. She tapped on her iPad a few times and up came up a few screenshots of Twitter threads hypothesising about the two of you. "Your Twitter had a followed increase of 150% since Oscar followed you. Which didn't help."

"And whose fault was that?" You said, looking at Oscar with an unimpressed look. "You're lucky I deleted that shit so quickly."

"Yeah look, my bad. The timing was off." He said, accepting responsibility. You still remember all the notifications of the Twitter shit-storm Oscar set off. You literally had to delete your account because of it.

"Yes, Christian did bring that up." Zak said. "And it's a good thing Oscar's lovely Lauren is here - "

"Lily, sir." Sophie quickly corrected her boss. You wanted to groan. Oscar just looked down to hide his smile. Under the table, you kicked at his legs.

"Lily! Sorry." He gave a sheepish look to Oscar. "Yes, you and Lily this morning was a good idea."

"Unfortunately, Daniel did like a few of these Tweets." Sophie added, bringing up the screenshots of a Tweet about you and Oscar that was liked by none other than @danielricciardo.

You clenched your fist, your nails digging into your palm as you thought of how fucking petty that was. Daniel wasn't a fucking idiot. Aside from the fact that he knew your type - (admittedly, the tall/dark features combination always got you) Oscar was so young.

If anything, you thought of Oscar, genuinely, as a younger brother. As you had Max. Daniel knew that. So he knew exactly what he was doing by liking those kind of fucking Tweets. Tweets you wouldn't put past Red Bull to send out themselves.

Because, if anything, they would be praying it wouldn't be true about you and Oscar. Otherwise Christian Horner wouldn't have any leg to stand on. That was how you got around being connected to Charles, anyway. Family was the exception.

"I know your contract has you tied to only working for Red Bull and Ferrari's drivers but--"

"Red Bull and Charles Leclerc." You corrected in a tight voice, your eyes falling down to the table in front of you. "I was only granted exemption to work with Charles as he was considered family."

This caused him to frown as he pulled out his phone and began typing at it. "I thought you were allowed to work for Red Bull or Ferrari. No new teams."

"Yeah, no." You said, making Oscar chuckle at the Australianism. "No new teams outside of Red Bull and Torro Rosso." You specified.

"Christian didn't say that." Zak said.

"It was kept really quiet." You explained. "Charles was, um, he granted exemption from my Red Bull contract because he - well, he was considered family." You cleared your throat, not able to even look at Oscar. "I was signed for Torro Rosso and Red Bull. Never Ferrari."

"That's not what Toto said at the meeting." Zak said, shaking his head. "He made it seem that you could work for Ferrari."

You said nothing. Toto Wolff had approached you once or twice but your answer had always been the same, no matter what he offered. Eventually, he dropped it. You just didn't realise he dropped it because Toto had sought out the fine print.

"Wait so why aren't you Charles' trainer?" Zak asked, looking up from his phone. "He'd be insane to not have you!"

You froze. How were you supposed to answer that? For once, you had hoped the F1 rumour mill had properly run its course and Zak would know better than to ask that obvious question.

"Eh, Leclerc's loss." Oscar interjected with a casual shrug. "Let's be glad we don't need to worry about that."

The hidden meaning behind his smooth words were clear and you felt your love for the boy increase tenfold at his save.

"What - if I may," Sophie started, trying to be sensitive with her wording and her eyes darted between you and Oscar, "what were the grounds for family?"

You took a moment to think of how you might answer. You really didn't want to but if this might help the boy beside you, you would. "Charles - and I, like, I dunno. We grew up together? Everyone just knew." You pulled at your hoodie sleeve, feeling every bit uncomfortable with the question.

"You didn't date?" Sophie asked. Your face must've shown something very unpleasant because she was quick to amend. "I'm only saying because the grounds for family are always a grey area."

You pressed your lips together and went back to staring at the table. "There was nothing romantic between Charles and I." You said. The room fell silent for a moment as Zak tapped on his screen a few times and then he spoke up.

"You also trained Daniel. He told me in 2021." Zak said and put the phone down and you wanted to roll you eyes. Of course Daniel would say that. "And I don't want to get into all the drama but you were dating him back when you were training Verstappen."

Zak did have a point.

A key point that you had forgotten.

You paused and watched the screen in front of you and the liked by @danielricciardo Tweet. "Christian's always had a soft spot for Daniel so..." You trailed off. "But yeah, you're right. It was fine even though I was contracted to Max under Torro Rosso then Red Bull."

"Hm." Zak said, bringing a hand to his chin as he leaned back, pensive, in his chair. "I can see how romantic grounds could be argued." He said it with a laugh, looking between you and Oscar.

You raised an eyebrow at the comment. You honestly weren't sure if this was just Zak Brown being Zak Brown - i.e saying dumb things to suck up since he was out of his element - or if he actually meant that. Either way, it pissed you off.

Because there was no fucking way you'd let that happen to Oscar.

"No it can't. Contracts aside, I'm not forcing someone I think of as my younger brother into a PR relationship with me." You said.

"It could work, though." Sophie said, taking a professional tone as you turned your glare to her. "This is what I was trying to say before. The Twitter comments about you and Oscar are not necessarily negative. If anything you've helped increased Oscar's public image and Red Bull wouldn't able to say anything about you two on romantic family grounds."

You were seething.

Thankfully, Oscar was more level-headed than you.

"Yeah, look guys. Tezza's pretty but not my type." He finally chimed in, lighthearted. "Besides, I think we should focus more on the car and that way it's a fair advantage to both me and Lando."

You looked back at him and took a deep breath. Oscar smiled at you, chill as always, and you took another breath. You wanted to give the boy a big hug.

"Look, Zak," you said, looking back at the TP, calming down a little more, "I'm sorry. I'm causing you all this shit."

"You got Oscar into the points." Zak waved off. "Don't worry about it. I just want to find a way that works for everyone." You sucked on your teeth. Whilst it was nice to know that Zak Brown was willing to take risks on you also wanted to know how this conversation would've gone if Oscar hadn't finished 9th in Jeddah last weekend.

Such was the way of F1.

Sophie then tapped on her iPad and the TV showed a picture taken by Ky Millman. It was of Oscar hugging you after the win in Jeddah. Some comments were displayed and you found your lips turning up as you read them. They were, as Sophie said, sort of positive.

kymillman

liked by mclaren, saintescuderia and 15'483 others

kymillman SUPPORT FOR SUCCESS! Oscar surprised many with his amazing performance in Jeddah and goes to celebrate with a F1 Hospitality worker and friend @ynusername!

view all 76 comments

halaaaamadrid girl help his shoe game pls

ln44girlieee @mclaren we need content from this duo plssss u have them right there

logansversion as if mclaren is going to post a couple?

f1fanforever they're friends?

ln44girlieee idc the level of sarcasm between them would be SO GOOD

oscarpastries i love THIS! 😫😫😫

justanotherinchident omg charles finna be RIOTING!

team44roscoes wait why would charles be upset ?? i thought @ynusername was with dannyric?

maxiel4eva_16 yeh 😒 jumping on all them aussies

You rolled your eyes at the last comment. Maybe it was a good thing you were off Twitter and barely used Instagram anymore.

"It'll be hard to argue that Oscar is family since you haven't known him as long as you did with Charles," Sophie spoke up, bringing your attention back to her, "but we can maybe try to build it up from a PR point a view."

"That Oscar and I are family and not dating?" You asked. Sophie nodded. You looked at Oscar, wanting his confirmation.

"Yeah, sure thing Vin Diesel." He laughed.

"Hey, hey. Fuck you." The grin on your face was contagious and he broke out laughing also. You liked this new idea and turned back to look at Sophie a lot more positively. You were glad McLaren gave Oscar the girl.

"Okay, so what do we do to show the world I've adopted Oscar?" You asked.

"I think you'll find my dad's already half adopted you." Oscar corrected. "He wants to see your Supra."

"That's perfect!" Sophie said, excited. "Maybe Oscar can post a story of the interaction sometime this weekend? Make sure Lily is there. Maybe you can play the tired third wheel of them!" Sophie looked at you as ranted off her ideas. You nodded, suddenly less excited.

Whilst it was nice to know there was a plan in place to help you and Oscar continue to work together, you didn't like the way Sophie said for you 'play' a role. The one, sole consolation you had going for you these past few years was the lack of needing to play any PR role. Hearing Sophie speak was giving you flashbacks to times long gone.

"Happy with that gang?" Zak said, placing his palms on the table. "We'll work on building the PR and hopefully that will get Red Bull off our back as we also improve the car!" He stood up and left, not joining Sophie and Oscar as they said goodbye to the boss.

"Wait, does this mean I need to actually start using Instagram?" You asked.

"Yes." Sophie said. Then she looked up from her iPad. "Don't you? You were tagged in it?"

"Like, I have an account but I stopped using it. I'm pretty sure I deleted the app." You said, pulling out your phone to see that yes, there was no pink app downloaded. You pressed the download button, knowing what was in store for you.

"Download it. You're already at 2.4k followers." She said, bringing up your profile on the TV screen.

"The fuck? I had like three hundred last time I checked."

"Five." Sophie corrected. "Your growth has increased since you started training the F2 winner who follower Y/N Tessio after the most controversial Formula 1 Tweet that ever was Tweeted." Sophie said, eyeing Oscar with a raised eyebrow.

"I already said sorry about that."

"Do you know how stressful you made my first day? Helen scared me!" Sophie asked, humour on her face. "Though, nothing like jumping in the deep end."

The Instagram app had finishing downloading and you logged onto it - thank you pre-saved passwords - to be met with a fucking plethora of notifications that suddenly had you overwhelmed. As such, you immediately went out of the app and put your phone in your pocket. You could deal with that all later.

"I'm not using Twitter again." You said, thinking back to the Tweets Daniel had liked. "Fuck that."

"Yes, only Tumblr or Reddit over here." Oscar said, pointing to you.

"Tumblr?" Sophie looked at you, surprised.

"Yeah? What of it?" You asked, defensive.

"Nothing. Just surprised. I would ask to follow you but Tumblr is the safe haven of anonymity. I get it." She nodded. "Alright, perfect. I'll draft up a PR plan. In the mean time, do you mind if I review your profile and send you some tips?" Looking at you for the last bit.

"By all means." You said, half wishing you could give her control of it like Oscar and be done with it. You just wanted to be able to work with Oscar without causing him any trouble and not having to worry about this PR bullshit.

"Perfect!" She said, beaming.

Your phone buzzed. It was a text reminder about you needing to go back to check on some dough you'd prepared. Back at Ferrari. You sighed and stood up.

"Alright, sounds good. I gotta get back to work. Take your supplements and electrolytes. The green one." The last bit was aimed at Oscar as you met his eyes and then turned to leave the room and walk, head down, out of the McLaren motorhome.

You took a deep breath as soon as you made it into the open air. With how things were going, it was likely that you would be having another gym session today. You arrived at Ferrari and saw the back of Carlos' head. You felt yourself gulp and turned to hide behind the coffee machine. Maybe you would watch Liverpool play.

The mention of your connection to soccer was also pointed out in the room you had just rushed out of. Sophie made a small sound and rounded on Oscar, shoving something in his face.

"Did you know that half of Real Madrid are following her? Jude Bellingham just commented on the post!"

She stared at Oscar, hoping he might provide an answer. The young driver just shrugged. "She did say something about her uncle coaching a team." Sophie stared at him, incredulous. "How was I to know? I don't watch soccer."

< prev ch [6] | next ch [8] >

taglist:

@eugene-emt-roe @spookystitchery @vicurious28 @taytaylala12 @c-losur3

@hiireadstuff @samantha-chicago @fionaschicken @casperlikej @bookstore-of-dreams

@itsjustkhaos @sam-is-lost @laneyspaulding19 @formula1mount @bokutos-babyowl

@stampiej @alilcloudy @bingussthirdtoe @sisinever @lilymurphy03

@inlovewmarlenemckinnon @charllleclerc @richardniixon @sp1rl @nikfigueiredo

[bebebelll]

Pretty girls and flowers | lando norris smau

pairing: lando norris x student!reader warning: cursing, unrealistic if lando did this in real life the girl would absolutely get doxxed

yn_phd good morning by best pals! this month's episode will be out this tuesday. my lovely amazing talented so pretty best friend got two tickets to silverstone so if you're there come say hello👋! the podcast guest will be my old professor from freshman year so put down any questions you have about mary i of england! stay healthy and hydrated ❤️❤️

liked by bestie_n and 8 475

bestie_n omg dont praise me like that im blushing

username can you ask why henry 8 never made a marriage for mary?

username god i dont even like history that much but fuck are vlogs calming and sweet and pretty af

scuderiaferrari it's been a lovely weekend with charles_leclerc and carlossaiz55! P4 and P7 💪 Here is the first taste of the silverstone photo dump!

liked by charles_leclerc, landonorris and 193 847 others

username CHARLES IN P4 CHARLES IN P4 CHARLES IN P4 I REPEAT CHARLIE CHUCK IS IN P4

landonorris whos that?

carlossainz55 its me landonorris no the pretty one charles_leclerc me? landonorris ew no the PRETTY one charles_leclerc ew? i will drive you to the wall

username not charles threatening to send lando into the wall in the comments

username you just fucking know he'd do it too just ask max

username is lando trying to hook up with the girl in the photo?

yn_phd i put on a little bow so i could be the prettiest girl at the bookstore ❤️today i wrote a page, went on a reading binge about chariot racing in ancient rome, had a breakdown and ate pasta.

liked by bestie_n, carlossainz55 and 11 264 others

username is this the girl @ landonorris

username lando the pretty girl is here

username cmon lando shoot your shot

username i mean he'll miss but its gonna be funny username no one trusts the rizz of this man with a shit beard

bestie_n who is lando? where have you people come from?

carlossainz55 i think this is the girl we were with

carlossainz55 she got lost around the track so we took a photo and got a staff member to help her. she was prettier in real life. good luck mr no rizz you need it username NOT CARLOS COMING FOR LANDO

username LANDO NORRIS

username this is the girl? not really seeing it doesnt feel like landos type you know

landonorris haha okay people lets not do this haha its not that funny it is a bit embarrasing hah (my dms are open for pretty girls always)

alex_albon well youre talented in the car at least

landonorris my dad scolded me for getting drunk on twitter so i went to eat their fridge empty. love being home

liked by carlossainz55, yn_phd and 385 749 others

username is he trying to look extra cute and soft to seduce the pretty girl?

username you just googled boyfriend material and tried your best huh

georgerussel63 i though youd chosen to go with the shirtless gym photos?

alex_albon you sent like fifteen different gym pics to the groupchat and then dont choose even one? fuck our help then i guess landonorris shut up shut up shut up

username i can see the pretty girl in the likes though 👀

yn_phd me and the gang went to a lecture about lord byron's sex life on thursday. i had a pretty cute visitor this weekend and even our lord and king aragorn the cat liked him!!

liked by landonorris, bestie_n and 9 736 others

bestie_n it was a lecture about lord byron's reputation and fame and how it effected the romance genre?

yn_phd exactly!

username are we gonna get an episode about THE george gordon byron please say yes

yn_phd my best pal i will rant about the whole geneva squad

username did lando norris actually do it

username did landonorris attend the lecture too?

landonorris ive never been happier that i chose karting and skipped school

yn_phd i have discovered hidden depths in myself. i can cry about essay structures and then drive bumper cars an hour later

liked by landonorris, alex_albon and 11 379 others

landonorris it was just karting babe they were not bumper cars

yn_phd but i crashed so much? landonorris you were great!! i was so proud!! 🧡

username okay but how does this relationship even work? if she doesnt know anything about racing?

yn_phd i tell him everything about the tudor dynasty and he explains to me how the drs works

landonorris use date night to play uno and see whos more competitive (me, i won)

liked by yn_phd, alex_albon and 385 739 others

yn_phd the way i screamed after you gave me those cards

username lando really be gambling with a new relationship

alex_albon poor girl

georgerussell63 remember when we played uno and lando got a +4 card from all of us and he got a mental breakdown alex_albon yeahh we had to take 10min break cause he left for a drive around the block maxverstappen1 the neighbours made a noise complaint too

yn_phd i got him flowers and later we both crash landed on the bowling alley floor

liked by landonorris, bestie_n and 13 847 others

alex_albon oh so this why you called me crying your tits off

maxverstappen1 he called you too?

landonorris pretty girl🧡🧡

yn_phd pretty guy❤️❤️

[spicyclover]

In a haze

Summary : In the car, there are millions of thoughts that pass one after the other. The brain accumulates and releases at hundredths of a second all the information we need to be good drivers. However, sometimes it happens that the information never comes back and we are lost in this infinite mist.

Request

Hope you’ll enjoy it. Let me know in the comment section.

Thank you! :)

Lots of love, xxx Spicy Clover

WARNING : mention of crash | lose of consciousness

The humidity is at its peak. Singapore is really one of the most physical races. The overwhelming and stifling heat prevents the brain from accumulating air properly. I already regret leaving the refrigerated hospitality to join the garage. I meet some fans on my way and I stop to take some pictures.

I am quickly escorted out of the crowd. I run to join the others to start the parade. I regroup with the two Ferraris and Max who discuss qualifications. I am P8. I could have had more, but a moment of distraction made me lose seconds in a corner. I smile at Charles and shake Carlos’s hand. I'm sweating in my team gear, it's really the worst. The Ferraris boys are not better, Charles is red as a tomato and Carlos look like he's going faint any second.

In the distance, I see Daniel. He is in a corner, his headphones on his ears. He has his face of concentration. He's cute, makes him look more serious. Since the beginning of the year, he hasn’t smiled as much. He’s not the same as before. He gradually realizes that his days are numbered in this sport and it scares him. I understand that feeling. I am the only woman on the grid and at my first mistake, I have a horde of men wanting to replace me with their macho and sexist criticism. Daniel raises his head and crosses my eyes. A smile expands on my lips and he seems to relax.

With the parade over, I return to the garage for the final preparations. I visualize the race in my head. I review the turns, the areas of acceleration, the areas of deceleration. I calculate the pressure of my tires and I look at the temperature one last time during the race. Filling my brain with all this information helps me not to be overwhelmed by pressure. I relativize and focus on the fact by what can happen.

It’s already time to get in the car. As always, the pressure goes up and I feel like my head is going to explode. I get in the car. I put my helmet on. When the helmet goes on my head, I no longer calculate what’s around me. Everything around me gets foggy and only my car counts. I hear my engineer in my ear and listen to the instructions.

The journalists and the teams leave the track. The crowd is on fire. I allow myself to look around. Oscar is on my right at P7. Lando is P6 ahead of me. Behind me is Daniel P10. The light turns red and the formation round begins. Max starts the pace. I warm up my tires and check my brakes one last time. I barely have time to think that the finish line is in front of me again. I install the single-seater in my starting lines and I prepare myself.

One. My pulse begin to quicken. Two. I'll move faster and faster, the fan roaring beside me. Three. My thoughts begin to wash away in a cloud of wind and dust. Four. The crowd thunders. Five.

My hands release the brake and I press the accelerator. The first corner comes quickly. I find my line among all the cars and I concentrate. The first few cars slow down and I’m right behind. I start turning the wheel. The next few seconds freeze in time. My brain tries to interpret what is happening before my eyes, but I can’t. I feel the back of my car rising in the air. In a straight perpendicular line, all I see is black and white asphalt. I let go of the steering wheel and the barrels start. My body is wandered from left to right in the car and I try to maintain myself. All this happens in seconds before I crash into the security fence.

I hear his laugh. I look up and he is in front of me, his smile bigger than the sun. I chuckle before I tongue him. I get up and start running to the ocean. He rushes after me. I peek behind me and he’s already behind.

"It’s not fair," I said, with a sulky pout. "You’re faster than me." He grabs my face in his gigantic hands and kisses me. I try to resist, but these kisses are magical that I can’t keep acting. I surrender to these lips.

"I am a high performance athlete, athletes speed." I laugh and I push him away a little. He loses balance and leads me to his fall. The fine sand is quickly encountered and my eyes get lost in his. I remove some rebellious streaks from his face. He meddles his fingers between my hair and he passes them behind my ears. "You’re beautiful." I pouffe before I kiss his lips again to silence him.

I’m back in the car. I fainted. Oh no, I lost consciousness. My vision is blurry and my ears are ringing. I try to straighten my head to look around, but I can’t. I feel like my heart is in my brain. It’s pounding and I can barely breathe. I feel a hand on my shoulder, but I can’t react. Gradually my vision darkened again.

"I don’t want us to hide anymore," whispers Daniel.

The night is cool and we’re in our hotel room in Los Angeles. This is the first time that we meet after weeks of meeting at the bend of an evening or a race. We have been living in this secret relationship for a few months now and I must admit that it is happiness. I like to find it even for a few moments, but it is true that with each separation, they become harder. I smile as I relax my head.

"We have no choice." I say, slowly fading away in my sleep.

And it’s true, we are stuck in this spiral of PR. Being the only woman on the track, I have to be attractive to the male fans. A girl in a relationship is not interesting. I hate every day since this phrase came out of my manager’s mouth. What do I give a shit about male fans? I’m not there for them, or thanks to them. I long to make a big finger in all this, but the more I think about the consequence and the more it scares me.

I am transported out of my car, I distinguish the lights of paramedics who check the dilation of my pupils. I blink and red and white flashes pass in front of my eyes. The ambulance. My helmet was removed. I don’t remember much. They talk to me, but I can’t tell the words. Everything is confusing. Yet, this hand I know. It’s his. Daniel. My eyes are frantically searching around me and I finally see him. He too has crashed. I don’t have time to think more than the paramedic pulls it out of my hand and takes me in the ambulance to the nearest hospital.

The hours that follow are a perpetual blur. I get lost in the dozens of exams and questions I am asked. I answer as best I can, but I get tired and I ask him to be beside me. I whisper his name between my lips. Many hours have passed. My senses come back little by little and I hear again the noises that surround me. I hear the beep of the machines, I hear the nurses who pass by the door of my room. I hear the television on, but I can’t understand the words. Most importantly, I hear his voice. He’s there with me. I painfully open my eyes. In the first place, everything is blurred. I can only see the light, but very quickly my vision clears and I can look at his face.

"I am so sorry, my love. I am terribly sorry." He whispers repeatedly, my hand in his.

"Hey, stranger." I say in a hoarse voice. I feel like I’ve been smoking for forty years with that voice.

"Y/n!" He cries while looking up. "You are awake."

"You didn’t think you’d get rid of me like that." I said with a laugh. I try to move to get up, but my body hurts. I moan and Daniel looks at me worried. "What happened?"

"We crashed into each other… I ran into you by accident. The car behind me didn’t brake and I was right in your corner. You rolled, I thought I’d lose you." He chokes a sob before he takes over." You landed in the safety gate and the race was paused for a long time. I… I couldn’t… I couldn’t go on without knowing if you were okay." He caresses my hair tenderly. I feel the pain in his voice and it hurts me.

"You disqualified yourself for me?"

"For you? Always." I smile and reach for him. I grab the top of his neck and our lips meet. Our kiss lasts a few minutes. We enjoy the present moment and the presence of the other. "Just to let you know, but I may have told everyone about our relationship and the media is crazy about it."

"What?" I write to myself as I step aside. What did he do? He didn’t… Oh no!

"We’ll talk later." He kisses me again with a smile. "You need to rest and heal."

"Dan…" I try to argue, but he won’t let me continue.

[lokideservesahug]

A not so Unexpected Crossover

Notes: This is a second part to this fic and I'm glad people liked it. :) And I anyone asks, this came out a month and a half ago. Cheers (I haven't written in weeks).

Warnings: None that I can see

Summary: Despite what they may try and claim, next to no one is convinced that tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz and F1 rookie Y/N Y/L/N aren't dating.

-°•°•°•°•--•°•°•°•°--°•°•°•°•--•°•°•°•°-

Ynupdates

Ynupdates: Not going to comment on the rumours until anything is confirmed but I have a load of new followers so here is a quick intro to Y/N for those of you that have only just come across her!

Liked by carlitosalcarazz and 1,425 others

View all 234 comments

User1: Oh Carlos Alcaraz, I get you now😫

↳ User2: No fr because I too would act up if I knew a woman like THAT

↳User3: You only see it now!?!?!?

↳User1: Sorry😔

User4: When was that radio message omd!?!?

↳User5: I think in Canada before he DNFed...

User6: Carlos in the likes thinking he's sneaky...🤨

↳User7: I thought I was the only one that noticed lmao

↳User8: Let him be. He needs to check in with his gf somehow😔

User9: That radio message, that gorgeous photo of Y/N, Carlos liking. Gosh this is the gift that keeps on giving!

Liked by creator

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

Following the unfortunate result of the competition of stars and stripes that begins with a U (that you've vowed not to mention for the sake of your boyfriend's mental health), you've been fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time together recently. However, it also means he's had a lot of free time, enough to finally come and watch an F1 race in person.

You see him pre-race, looking truly delectable in that white shirt, Unsurprisingly looking at Fernando's car (you're half convinced you're only dating because of your ties to Fernando). You and the older Spaniard both Qualified P6 and P7 respectably and you're felling pretty happy with the result. You pretend not to notice Carlos' gaze as he looks at you, a few metres behind next to Nando's car. Goodness knows if you started looking you wouldn't be able to stop and you don't need another media frenzy at the moment. You shake your head in an attempt to clear your thoughts and instead focus on your engineer's words. Pretending that your boyfriend isn't a few metres away, looking like he's ogling at you.

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

Not that anyone cared to notice, but Carlos Alcaraz was perfectly content to follow his girlfriend anywhere. Even if it meant he ended up slightly lost in a sea of people during the grid walk but oh well. And even if no one knew his was following his girlfriend...

Fortunately enough for him, he had watched Formula 1 for long enough to recognise the telltale greeny-blue of the shimmering Aston Martins making up the 3rd row (and his tik tok feed was flooded with edits and videos of you, leading to him making a hefty folder of every one he found).

Despite the fact that the pit lane had opened a minute or so again, you hadn't quite reached your grid spot. Fernando however had. Carlos catches Fernando's eyes and he gives the younger man a nod. They'd met over Summer when the two of you were visiting his family. A short text exchange with Fernando led you to surprising him with meeting one of his childhood heros.

He's cut from his thoughts by the sound of another engine pulling up not far behind him. He turns only to watch you emerge from your car, pulling off your helmet and balaclava. Carlos' jaw drops and he watches as you walk off to the side (looking so incredibly good in his humble opinion).

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

You step out of your car, grinning under your helmet. A P2. Not bad in the tractor that you're driving at the moment. You can barely hear yourself as the Fia representative shows you to the scale. You look around and it finally sinks in who you lost to. And gosh, you can be upset at coming second to Charles Leclerc in Imola?

You take your helmet of and pull your balaclava off. You give Charles a pat on the back and a big grin as you both get ready for the post race interviews. He whispers a small "Well done." Before walking off.

You can't help it but your attention is drawn to your team. Not that you'll admit it but your eyes scan the masses in an attempt to search for the faces there (or more particularly, one specific face). You don't have much time to linger though before Oscar is gently urging you to go and fill out your post race duties. You oblige because heck, you'll have a better view of your boyfriend's presumably smiling face on the podium regardless.

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

You pull him into your drivers room. "Do you not care if someone sees?" You kiss down Carlos' neck. His words make you pause and pull away to meet his familiar brown eyes. "Carlos Alcaraz Garfia. Please don't tell me that you saw someone see us and didn't think to tell me." He just smirks and shakes his head. You mumble out a small curse and pull his lips to yours. "Gosh you're so infuriating."

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

☆-☆-☆-☆-☆

You have a cunning plan. One that might make your boyfriend a bit stressed just for your entertainment but at least it would be amusing. You walk info the bedroom, finding him lying down, scrolling through his phone. He looks up at the cluck if the door and you try your hardest to paint an expression of seriousness. He instantly picks up on your 'mood' and sits up straighter. "Is something wrong mi vida?" Rhe sympathy in your tone almost makes you feel guilty for what you're about to do...

Key word: almost.

You shake your head and let in a false anxious sigh. You let your voice quiver as if yoh were overwhelmed with emotion. "Jane..." You sniffle and Carlos' brows furrow as he steps out of bed to come to your side. He puts his arm around your waist and rubs your shoulder in a comforting gesture. He waits paitently to finish. "Jane said that someone saw us yesterday... and." You drop your head forward as if you qrrr going to cry but instead try to fight back giggles.

Carlos golds you tighter and you can all but her his confused expression. "mi amor, are you ok?" His tone becomes even more concerned and that's that's it takes for you to start giggling. Carlos, however mistakes your shaking figure as sobbing and goes to comfort you even more before he's stopped by a particularly loud laugh. He steps back slightly, leaving you to bend over in laughter. "Wait a minute..."

You try and speak through your laughs. "I'm sorry. I just-" "You scared the life out of me mujer descarada." (cheeky woman). You apologise yet again and just pass your phone wordlessly to him as your laughter finally dies down. He skims the screen for a moment only to lower your phone and meet your eyes with a massive grin. "Are you serious?" You just nod to which Carlos waraps you in a big hug. You Leck give lips slightly as tou pull away and Carlos smirks. You tilt your head at his peculiar behaviour. "I just have to excited which photos I'll post for the occasion." Your eyes widen. "Carlos, no..." You need to be sensible. This time, Carlos laughs and walks away from you. You chase after him with a string of "Carlos, don't you dare." and similar sentiments.

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Carlitosalcarazz

Carlitosalcarazz: Dos años de relación con esta mujer. A pesar de que a veces me dé un susto de muerte, no la cambiaría por nada del mundo. Te amo, mi amor.

(Two years strong with this woman. Depsite the fact that she may scare me half to death sometimes. I wouldn't change her for the world. I love you my darling.)

Liked by yourusername, Janiksinner, Fernandoalonso and 1,878,097 others

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User1: Told you, I told you

↳User2: Your honour can I milly rock?

User3: "Finally, we all say in celebration."

↳User4: "Finally", U think we might be 2 years too late.

User5: Didn't believe this until the last photo and that really is Carlos!!!

↳User6: Fr. Their constant denying has given me trust issues. 😭

Yourusername: Who knew you were such a sap?

↳Carlitosalcarazz: Meee🥰

↳User7: Oh gosh, simp Carlos. What are we going to do?

↳User8: You're all acting like he wasn't a simp before they even came clean about their relationship lol.

Liked by creator

Fernandoalonso: Well done to the both of you, more happy times to come in the future💪

↳Yourusername: Thank you Nando :)

↳User9: Peepaw agrees ladies and gents so all is alright!

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Yourusername

Yourusername: I've never done this before but here we go. Carlos, the past few years with you have been a blast. Its been the most incredible time of my life and I can't wait to spend the rest of my days with you (even if you do half expose our relationship at Wimbledon...

Liked by: Carlitosalcarazz, Fernandoalonso, Astonmartinf1 and 1,876,986 others

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User1: Y/N... What is that first photo?😭

↳Yourusername: Payback for the main that revealed our relationship 🥰

↳Carlitosalcarazz: Mi vida, I've already apologised 😔

↳Yourusername: 😤 (It gave us an excuse to hardlaunch so it's fine...not that I can stay mad at you for long).

User2: They've been public for 2 minutes and my parents are already fighting😔

↳User3: At least it's in jest. It clearly comes from a place of love... at least I think it does

↳Yourusername: Of course it does!

User4: Ooomf on twitter being right about this was not on my bingo card

↳User5: SUCKS. IT WA SON MINE AND WE FINALLY GOT Y/LCARAZ!!!!!!

↳User6: You could at least try to sound excited 🙄

User5: 😐

User7: This before GTA 6 is wild

↳User8: No one cares about gta. This is much more culturally significant!!!!

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Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed!

As always, likes, reblogs and especially feedback is always welcome!

Taglist: @nikfigueiredo @mysoulispainted @leclercings @d3kstar @hiireadstuff @a-beaverhausen @nichmeddar @lozzamez3 @stinkyjax @marymustdie @littlesatanicassholebitch @mehrmonga @insanedeathwish @ems-alexandra @a-disturbing-self-reflection @cherry-piee @thatgirlmj and of course, a special tag for @yungbludz

[cheriladycl01]

Better than me - Charles Leclerc x Reader P7

Plot: You are a rookie in your first f1 season, adding to the ever-growing amount of Brits performing in the grid

You left Japan as quickly as you could, you wanted to completely forget about the race.

You'd gone home as there was a pretty large break between Japan and Australia, you spoke to your family about whether they thought getting more of these therapy sessions was a good thing.

Everyone thought it was a good idea, they could tell you'd been struggling for the last few weeks as you looked nervous and pressured during media duties and even though your driving was good, they knew you were made of more you were just scared to push.

So you had started to pay Chris, he made himself available 24/7 to you over text message and you were set to have weekly calls with him. You'd had one before Australia stressing some of you minor concerns about the race.

But all in all, Australia was one of your more confident tracks. You'd spent al lot of time on the sims going round Albert Park, you'd started to test out new racing lines because you were that confident.

When you got to the paddock, entering in a blazer and trousers with a nice pair of stilettos. You always liked dressing up when walking through the paddock for the first time, there was a certain level of power you felt when you did. You had a lot of cameras on you, as you walked through with Chris, who agreed to come to this race weekend with you and your PR manager.

You saw some fans waving you over so you hastily walked over to them.

"Y/N! Y/N!" they cry making you smile and start to take pens and caps and your mini helmets signing as much as you could while taking pictures with all the phones being offered to you.

A little boy shyly comes up to you, holding a little Audi car all boxed up, one that you promoted.

"I-I don't have a pen! Some-one stole it from me" he sniffles and you squat down to his height seeing the tears in his eyes.

"Can i borrow that please?" you ask a girl whose cap you just signed and she nods politely, squealing a little when you touch her hand as you reach up from your lower position to take it.

You sign the little boy's car for him and he pulls you into a big hug, thanking you. The parents further the thanks before you look at the paddock lanyards round their necks. You take the little boys hand and start to take him with you.

The parents follow behind happily talking to Chris and one of the Audi Mechanics that had seen you signing stuff.

You walk him to where you can buy merch. You get him an Audi Hat, Audi top and you get a little driver's poster. You sign it all there on the desk and hand it to the parents in the bag while placing the hat on his head.

"Thank you" he grins at you, the parents thank you as well before leaving. You leave towards the Audi garage, waving at the few people who you still trusted.

Alex had eventually caught up to you and walked side by side with you.

More people took pictures of the pair of you as you walked down the large and open stretch. Martin Bundle had come up to you both during his media day grid walk asking you both questions that you simultaneously answered questions too.

Eventually, you found yourself getting bored. Your PR team wanted to give you a cool down after the accusations from last week and not force your image back so soon. So they mainly focused on Alex.

You eventually left Audi hospitality where you'd been doing some private work on a laptop. You needed to get some fresh air and go for a walk. There was also only an hour before the F1 Academy Qualifying started and you wanted to be there for that.

You were walking down the strip when you see the two Ferrari boys walking towards you.

"Y/N? Can we talk?" Charles asks and you cross you arms looking down at him. Usually you felt quite small around Charles, not just because of his personality but because he was naturally taller than you. Now you were in these heels he was the one looking up at you, and if he was about to apologize you'd find that kind of funny.

"Depends what you want to talk about!" you admit to him.

"About how I acted about what I said!" he offers looking down meekly making you scoff.

"Look Charles, the fact that you ignored me all last weekend when I tried to reach out to you and then went as far as to not believe me when I'd be accused of drug use... which is a really serious accusation which was pulled into investigation because of your team and Red Bull... I don't really feel like I owe you a conversation! So no, we cant talk" you say, before walking off and towards the Mclaren garage in hopes of finding Lando.

You walk up to the entrance finding two workers outside who wave at you.

"Hey Y/N!" one of them smiles at you.

"Hey guys, how are you?" you smile at them and they nod talking to you about their stressful day trying to get content for Mclaren. You nod along with them as they rant until Lando comes trotting down the steps.

"Y/N! You wanna go for a track walk?" he asks and you nod, pit walks were always really good. It gave drivers the change to see it up-close and take it in while you walk around it.

"So, Charles text me" Lando starts as you both walk out of the pit lane and onto the track.

"Mmmm" you mumble quietly not really meeting his eyes.

"Said you weren't ready to talk to him?" he almost asks as if he's seeing if you thought you made the right call in not talking to him.

"All last week i tried to talk to him, tried to be his friend but tell me why he ignores me and pushes me away at every opportunity he gets. You don't do that, not when he spent the whole time between Japan and South Korea with me" you admit, rubbing your hands together.

"Maybe if you let him explain?" Lando suggest with a shrug.

"You meddling little bitch" you say lightly making his shoulder.

"Hey, hey! Ease up or i'll report you for trying to sabotage another team!" he jokes rubbing his shoulder a little.

"Seriously though, I agreed to this walk to talk with you, not talk about Charles, it's not just the fact he ignored me anyway" you sigh holding a hand up to block the lowering sun.

"Anyway, how are you feeling about the race?" you ask trying to steer the conversation away.

"Yeah pretty good, this year could be our year!" he smiles looking over at you.

Australia went alright, considering you not only had a lot on your mind but had car troubles you managed to finish P10, in the points Alex just above you in P8.

Team debrief was longer. talking about the car troubles you experienced before you were let go.

You met with Daniel, both he and Oscar wanted to take you out for food where they were both in their home country. Of course this meant you guys picked up Lando as a default. You guys went out for a meal, everyone online was excited to see the four of you out together.

Next weekend up was Jeddah, you performed really well there, your team thought it was time to use you for media again as much as Alex, and you ended up coming P4, Carlos just ahead of you taking that podium alone with Lando and Max.

After that came your most feared circuit... Spa. It was sort of a meme, when you were working your way up through feeder series and driving in other motorsport championships before you came to F1 that you never finished a race in Spa, there was either car problems or it rained and strategy was awful and you'd crash out or you would just have a problem driving.

You were hopeful to end that streak, the Curse of Y/N in SPA.

And it looked like that throughout all the free practices you completed and coming in P3, having set the fastest lap in Q1 on top of that.

You were nervous, but everyone was telling you that it looked like clear skies for the whole day and that it should be fine.

"Y/N?" a voice said behind you as you were about to hop into your car. You turn round spotting Charles there looking at you.

"Oh, Charles! You okay?" you ask looking over him.

"I know you struggle here, but I just wanted to say that I believe in you and what you can achieve today" he says in a small voice. The words, they were just words but it was the way he said them that you could tell that there was a different meaning behind them. And you appreciated it.

So you went into the car with a clear head.

"Radio check Y/N?" your engineer asks.

"Loud and clear, lets make this a good one" you reply before heading out for the formation lap. You do it and everything feels normal with the car.

You then wait for the lights out, you get an incredible start managing to go between Carlos Lando.

"OH WOAH, INCREDIBLE RACING FROM Y/N. She's managed to go between the Mclaren and Ferrari and SHE'S IN P1 Y/N Y/L/N LEADS THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX" Crofty exclaims as he watched you on the screen in the commentators box.

You lead for the next few laps defending exceptionally from both Lando and Sainz who had managed to keep pretty close to you. After that it was a complete shit show. You had a really long pitstop, it was around 15 seconds and you were asking your engineer what was going on but they just said they were looking into it. It sent you down from P1 all the way to P18.

"Fuck sake!" you complain.

"I'm sorry for that Y/N, but lets pick up the pace and try get back up there" you have a spectacular drive. Your car was a rocket ship and you managed to get all the way back up to P4 and was about to overtake Leclerc when the rain report came through.

2 laps later and it was really raining, you'd pitted after a safety car was deployed changing tires and you managed to get the overtake on Leclerc. Into P3.

The rain only got heavier and that was when the race went tits up. The rain somehow interfered with your radio and it was only static you were receiving.

For the next laps you were relying on the pit board.

"What an interesting race this has been. Y/N has driven phenomenally and this is to date with out a doubt her best race in Spa, even through all the bad luck she's managed to pull through and she is currently in P1, defending her ass off from Lando and Lewis who are close behind her. This is just immense racing here today. She really came here with the mindset of a winner!" he explains looking at your on-board.

"Yeah, i mean she'd been without radio communications for 20 laps of this race, and the rains fading now, most crews are preparing to pit and make a final tyre change but its seems like nothing has been communicated to her"

As the track started to dry up you loose grip on the tyres more and more. There was no communication from your team and you were debating what to do. If you eased up now, you'd let Lando, Lewis and Carlos all past and risk your first win.

The last peice of communication you saw going past the pits was that you were leading and there was only 3 laps to go.

Lando was very close behind you, constantly in your wing mirror. He had tried some moves in an attempt to overtake but you'd kept defending like your life depended on it.

You go round one corner at the same speed you had been for the whole wet part of the race not realizing how quickly this corner had dried out. You attempt to break a little quicker, Lando doesn't antisipate and rear ends the back of your car, flipping you over.

"OH MY LORD THAT A MASSIVE CRASH FOR Y/N DOWN ON TURN 6. She broke early being on those intermediates where the tracks starting to dry out and Lando hasn't reacted quick enough. In the process he's busted his front wing!"

Lando Radio: Is she okay? I didn't mean that! I was it bad i went past to quickly to see where she went

Engineer: Red flag Lando, Red Flag

Lando Radio: Please tell me she's okay?

Lewis Radio: Holy shit, is she okay man. Why is she still on the inter's?

Engineer: Lewis that a Red Flag

Lewis Radio: This was a bad one.

And it was, you flipped multiple times before your car slammed into the barrier. You felt like an elephant was sitting on your chest right now and your head was dizzy.

"That's a really bad crash, and we don't even know if she's alright because the radio isn't working, the look of all the audi workers right now is really a sight to see" he says panning to all your colleagues with jaw's dropped and hands covering there mouths as their eyes water.

Some of them are actually crying, as no-body could detect movement and the car was barely visible from the damage caused.

You tried to keep your mind open with the adrenaline, but slowly your vision blacks out.

A/N: Oop i feel like this is my first proper cliff hanger!

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 @yourbane @teamnovalak @nikfigueiredo @fionaschicken @0picels0 @seomako @urdad-hot @formula1mount @tinydeskwriter @butterfly-lover @ironmaiden1313

[billybob598]

Scary Crashes (Katie McCabe x Reader)

2 fics in 1 day I'm literally so awesome. Also, sorry for the shit title I couldn't think of anything else sooo, just ignore that bit. Remember, any feedback good or bad is welcomed! As always, have fun reading!

Word Count: 1K (Kinda short but who cares)

“This is gonna be so much fun!” Katie exclaims as she walks alongside you in the paddock. You chuckle at her excitement.

“Yeah, it’s going to be great babe,” you say before stopping to take some photos with fans. You were a driver with Ferrari and while it had been a tough season, you were confident heading into Silverstone this weekend. What made it even better is that Katie, your girlfriend, was attending. She had come to a couple of races, but it always made you feel better to have her there.

The weekend had been tough, free practice had been okay and you were out-qualified by your teammate, Charles. Katie watched excitedly from the garage as the race got underway. The race had been terrible, Ferrari in complete Ferrari style had fucked up your strategy,

“No! Guys, we can’t keep doing this. Fuck! Mate, this has gone from bad to an absolute shithole of a race,” you say over the radio.

As it gets closer and closer to the chequered flag, you try your very best to make some places back up. After your pit stop you came out P13, but you were able to crawl back up to P8. You tried multiple times to get past Pierre Gasly’s Alpine in P7 but to no avail. You were starting to get frustrated,

“He’s driving a bit dangerously, no? Did you see him do the double move on the straight?”

“Yep, we saw it. Just keep focused Y/N, you’ll get him,” your engineer says back to you.

On the next lap, you get a good exit out of Woodcote and use the slipstream to your advantage as you guys head into Copse. Gasly defends the inside so, you decide to try around the outside. Katie holds her breath as she watches on the TV. One second you’re thinking you’ve got him on the outside, the next you’re spinning around as gravel spills into the cockpit. At first, you think you’ve just span out and that you’re probably beached in the gravel trap. That is until you smash into the tyre barrier at over 200km/h. All the air gets pressed out of your lungs when you hit the wall with over 50G’s. Immediately after you hit, you black out.

Everyone inside the Ferrari garage is scrambling, trying to see if you’re okay or not. Your engineer is getting no response over the radio. All the cameras on the car had been broken. Katie was full-on panicking. As the team tried to see if you were okay, Katie couldn’t help but fear for the worst, especially when the ambulance had to come. 

You wake up when someone starts to shake your shoulders. Your eyes adjust to the light and when you look up you see a marshal standing over you asking if you’re okay. You give him a nod and thumbs up, before switching on the radio,

“You okay? Y/N, are you okay?” The engineer keeps repeating.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Ahhhhh fuck, everything kinda hurts though,” you answer.

“Yeah, just stay where you are, marshals are coming and so are some paramedics,”

“Okay, copy,”

It takes a couple of minutes for the marshals to get you out, but when they do you are met with thunderous applause from the crowds. Waving a hand to let them know you’re okay, Katie breathes a sigh of relief. She gets informed by your assistant that you are heading to the hospital for a check-up because it was quite the impact. Katie drives to the hospital as quickly as possible. She knows you’re more or less okay considering you were able to walk out of the car, but she needed to see you with her own eyes. The Irish woman asks the receptionist where you are quite urgently, maybe a little rudely, but she’s Katie McCabe what do you expect from her? When she’s shown to your room she’s informed that you are sleeping. So, she quietly tip-toes into the room and sees you laying there with a couple of machines hooked up to you. Deciding you should keep sleeping, she goes and asks the doctor about how you are. The doctor says that for the most part, you’re okay, your only injury being bruised ribs. He tells her that you're only going to be hooked up to the oxygen machine for a little bit, they just didn’t want to take any chances.

It’s a couple hours before you wake up and when you do you’re met with your girlfriend looking anxious. She has no idea you’re awake yet, so you slowly reach out for her hand and slip her fingers in between yours. Her head jerks up.

“Oh my God, Y/N. Jesus Christ you had me so scared there,” she says quickly. You point in the direction of the door, silently asking for her to go get the doctor so he could take the oxygen mask off. “Oh yeah, right of course. I’ll go get him.”

The doctor does a quick check-up on you before ultimately deciding that you were good to go. He releases you from the hospital, much to your happiness and Katie’s worry. When you guys get back to the hotel, Katie carries all your bags inside, even though you did offer multiple times. All night, Katie won’t let you do anything. Water? Brings multiple glasses of it. Hungry? Don’t worry, she’s got a plate stacked sky-high with food. In pain? She’ll force multiple painkillers down your throat. Some might find it overbearing, but you on the other hand found it endearing. Katie usually acted tough, but it was in moments like these that she shows just how caring and thoughtful she can be. 

“Are you good? Do you need anything else?” Katie asks.

“Nah, babe. I think I’m all good. Thank you for everything today,” you say gratefully.

“Of course, you scared me there Y/N,” she says the last part quietly. You drag her beside you on the bed.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” you say scratching the back of your neck.

“Never again Y/N, never again,” she says sternly. She grins at you before kissing you. 

As you fall asleep you can’t believe how lucky you are to have a girlfriend as awesome as yours.

[changetyre]

Not like this (P7) II Charles Leclerc x Reader (Mafia AU)

SUMMARY: After losing everything you seek out your biggest and longest-standing enemy to finish it all.

WARNING: Violence, blood, mentions of death

A/N: Still accepting suggestions for this story btw ;)

Charles stood in front of his full-length mirror adjusting his tie, his suit was perfectly neat, clean, and spotless. He used his most expensive cologne, adorned his hands and wrist with his favorite rings and bracelets, and spent a little more time on his hair, ensuring it was tidy enough to last the evening. 

He wasn't sure why he was so nervous not only having been to countless balls before but also having used these scenes to scope out information probably in most. Were you going to like the dress he picked out for you? What if they'd given him the wrong size? Did he pick the right shape and size of heels? 

He was snapped out of his thoughts by a knock on his door. It had to be you. Taking one last glance at himself in the mirror he opened the door, his breath immediately catching in his throat as his eyes landed on you. 

"Uhm, I can't zip up the dress alone." You shyly admitted as you turned around completely oblivious to the effect you were having on the man. 

Charles was speechless, he could see your bear back having been forced to wear this dress without a bra, and the zipper just ended before the curve of your ass making him imagine things he should've felt ashamed of. 

Clearing his throat Charles tried his best to regain composure as he grabbed the zipper of your dress and pulled it up appreciating every small detail he'd been allowed to see of your body, the small freckles adorning your back and a small scar that peaked out your side he could just about make out. 

"Thank you." You turned back around and once again Charles found himself struggling to steady his breathing as he appreciated how the dress perfectly hugged your body. The red fabric wrapped tightly around your waist, and the wrap details gave it a snatched look, the slit reached just above your thigh making the look so...mesmerizing. 

"You look...beautiful." Charles would be a fool not to admit it and liked that he could see a small tint on your cheeks at the compliment. 

"Oh...Well, you picked the dress well." you shied away. 

It was weird for the both of you, unsure of how to react to the compliments being so used to the constant rude remarks thrown at each other normally. But it felt nice, even if they'd never admit it. 

"I'm not sure anyone could wear this as good as you," Charles muttered quietly under his breath but it was loud enough for you to hear it. 

You turned around to face him as you tied the mask around your eyes preparing yourself to head out, to Charles it was a crime to have your face covered as your features truly complimented the attire so perfectly but a weird side of him was glad no one would be able to appreciate you in your entirety aside from him tonight. 

_________

"Okay just remember you're my girlfriend, Luna Monroe, no one's heard of you because you belonged to Circle 55 before they expanded to Monaco, I've spoken to the leader he's ready to back us up if needed," Charles explained just as you were pulling up to the valet outside Avolire Palace. 

"I know I've been memorizing all morning and afternoon." You reassured him. "And I've got plan B if necessary," you smirked hiking your dress up, your covered leg displaying a tight strap that hid several sheats.

Charles cleared his throat trying to regain composure at the sight surprised at how much the sight had affected him. He wasn't sure what to say also afraid his voice would sound weak if he spoke now so he simply nodded before getting out of the car. 

"Men." You laughed to yourself noticing the effect you had on him this time. 

Walking inside your arm was tightly wrapped around Charles ready to keep up appearances, it was clear that as soon as you walked in you drew attention as several conversations died down and you felt the piercing gaze of several sets of eyes. You felt Charles's hand slide down your body before wrapping tightly around your waist drawing you closer to him. 

"Keep your head low darling," Charles whispered against your temple before placing a kiss on it using it as a cover as you continued walking further into the ballroom. 

"Seems like it'll be harder than expected to go unnoticed." You turned around to face Charles wrapping your arms around his shoulders as both his hands came to grip your waist now and you started swaying to the music. 

"I thought you were the best at that?" Charles smirked, you could see the glint of mischief in his eyes even through the mask as he pulled you closer your chest touching his. 

"I didn't say I couldn't do it, did I?" You bit back earning a laugh from the man. "Might just need a drink before." You added. 

"Why don't I go get us a drink then?" He suggested, giving you a wink before gently detaching himself from you and walking away. 

You stood to the side avoiding the collision with the dancing bodies as you scoped out the place discretely. You recognized a few people and watched carefully at the people deep in conversations, your eyes landing on two men who looked to be in a heated discussion across the room, you recognized one as Patrick Mosley son of Max Mosley a powerful leader in his time although his circle had struggled to recover after his death, it was odd to see Patrick around events as big as this but it was unmistakably him, his hand tattoo only bringing further confirmation. The second man was harder to identify as his back was turned to the dance floor.

You tried moving around the room in attempts to catch a glance at the man only to be interrupted by a body colliding against yours. "Oh I'm sorry." you quickly apologized to the man in front of you. 

"Oh please excuse me I wasn't looking." His hand rested on your waist where it had landed in an attempt to stabilize you after the hit. 

"Oh it's all forgiven from my side" You quickly added using your best attempts at charm to quickly move past the interaction. 

"I'm Esteban Ocon." The man extended his hand obviously eager to keep chatting.

"Luna." You shook his hand noticing you'd lost sight of the man you were looking for already. 

"Excuse my forwardness but you look absolutely ravishing tonight Luna." The man smiled widely, trying to cut the distance between the both of you. 

"Oh...thank you I'm actually looking for someone if you'll excuse me." You stepped back, offering him a kind smile but ready to move on but were stopped once again by Esteban. 

"Mosley?" He asked catching your attention, you hadn't been careful enough. "Yeah I was wondering what he could be arguing about, after everything I've heard." he piqued your interest further. 

You weighed your options and although the last thing you wanted was to shake off a man tonight you needed the information. "Care for a dance." You extended your hand to him. 

"It would be my pleasure." He smirked cockily taking your hand in his before leading you to the center of the room. You let him place his hands on your waist while you placed your arms on your shoulder still maintaining an odd amount of distance. 

"So do you know Mosely?" You began. 

"Hmm not much, he's been MIA for a couple of years, a few sightings here and there but ever since the attack on that circle he's been reappearing again...wonder if he's behind it." He laughed oblivious to the anger that coursed through your veins. 

"Attack on a circle?" You had to act oblivious "What happened?" 

"All I know is Mosley and other circle members who were thought to be dead started reappearing days before a circle just outside the city was attacked, everyone dead except the leader who escaped, she hasn't been seen since. I think she's dead." Your grip tightened on the man involuntarily. "eager are we?" He took it as a sign of affection which you had to play along with drawing closer to his body to distract him. 

"Why were they attacked?" You continued asking as you felt his hand lowering reaching close to the curve of your ass, you sure as hell would've broken his arm already if you didn't need him to keep talking.

"I heard something but it's impossible. I think it's all bullsh*t." He spoke, his tone a little more serious. 

"What is it?" You laughed trying to act unserious. 

He met your eyes, you could tell he was weighing his options, should he tell you or not? Just as he was about to open his mouth you felt a familiar arm wrap tightly around your waist, your back coming in contact with someone's chest. 

[mysteriouslyjovialcolor]

Germany 2019

-Oh the last German GP?

-Lewis and Max first row! Pierre in Red Bull. Lando and Sebastian last row?!

-Look at that, they’re racing in the rain. Albeit, starting under safety car

-“Safety car needs to come in already. Come on let’s go” Lewis’ beef against the safety car will never not be funny

-They’ve done like three formation laps or as they’re calling it: “exploration laps”

-“How are conditions Max?” “Yeah, perfect to go, I don’t understand why we are not racing”

Lewis 🤝 Max: wanting to go race

-Haha all of the cars glitched for a second before the start

-And now Max has somehow dropped five places, wth

-Kimi p3 🙌

-Sebastian too, making up many places! P20 to p14!

-Oh Max back to p3!

-Kevin and Checo squabbling…Checo’s in the wall

-This is giving Brazil 2016 with the multiple safety cars

(Try not to compare every wet race to Brazil 2016 challenge failed)

-Sebastian and Alex falling back to p18 and p19 after stopping for tires :/

-Almost every driver pitting now

-Mercedes double stack!

-Holy shit Kevin is p2 (That’s a rare sight to see)

-All of those pit stops shuffled up the lineup so much. Lance is p5, Nico p7, George p9!

-I don’t think the Williams pit because they’re somehow both in the points

-Yeah, George pit now

-Sebastian finally in the points

-Oh shit Danny p17?

-Aah Charles, Kevin, and Nico fighting for p4

-Pierre running wide! he’s fallen to p19 :((

-Kimi’s still as formidable as ever in that Alpha Romeo

-“Raikkonen turned a threat into an opportunity” yesss Kimi!

-“The three at the front are traveling much faster than anyone else”

-Aw I forgot this was Nico’s home race too

-Engine problem for Daniel :/

-Another safety car? Virtual safety car?

-More pit stop games

-“Just be patient Max” GP has got to be the calmest man ever

-“So you are the fastest car on track” Let’s go Charles!

-Carlos slipping off the track??

-“Sorry guys, that was unfortunate” Yeah, top ten to p14

-“Leclerc is now 7 laps off leading this race” Oh?? Are we about to get Max vs Charles??

-Ferrari trying a gamble with Sebastian’s tires

-“They’re in the clouds of the gods now” Sometimes these commentators go unnecessarily hard

-Red Bull playing a gamble too

-“Lando Norris power slide out of the pit” That looked very cool actually

-Max doing an involuntary donut. I’m not sure if that gamble played off

-Oh shit Lando’s lost power. VSC once again

-Charles p2! At least one driver’s strategies are somewhat working

-Ohmygodd he’s out!! I actually gasped out loud! That was so unexpected!!!

-Aaah that sucks so bad

-The actual safety car is back

-I’m still in shock

-Ohmygod this is all so chaotic!

-Lewis almost went into the wall and damaged his front wing!

-The pit crew weren’t ready for him!! They’re scrambling! He’s lost so many places!!

-Nico’s p3 now ohmygod

-This is still lap 30 of 64. We’re not even halfway through

-Valterri pitting as well, Max leading now

-Everyone’s on inters

-Nico p2 at his home race😭 (I’m going to cry when he loses that) (What do I have to do for him to just stay there???)

-I can’t believe Lewis got a 5s time penalty for going on the “wrong side of the bollard at the pit entry”

-How does that even make sense? It’s not like it affected any other car but his

-Alex though! In p4, holding Lewis back in that Toro Rosso

-??? Lewis under investigation again???

-Valterriiiii stay away from Hulkenburggggg

-Noooooo Valterri whyyyy

-Can’t even hope for p3 now because it’s Lewis who’s behind him

-At this point let him just finish the race please

-“Rare to see Kimi Raikkonen making a mistake” Yes, it was devastating (at least he recovered still in the points)

-Someone kill me, Nico’s out

-“That’s so terrible for him! I was just about to say what a phenomenal run he’s having. He would so have deserved to finally maybe have a chance even for a podium because we still don’t know what penalties Lewis is gonna have. Ohmygod, that’s heartbreaking. Poor guy” Me and Nico Roseberg commiserating together

-“I’m still looking forward to Lewis coming up to Bottas now though. That’s going to really really cause internal team battle there; coming up” And Nico R is now hoping for inter-team drama. He moved on pretty fast. I’m still here (crying over Hulkenburg and his dream slipping away right through his fingers)

-“Right call, right tire, right time” Max: the only one carrying me through this race now

-“Nico Hulkenburg never retired from his home race at the German Grand Prix before” Why must they keep rubbing it in??

-“Verstappen’s pitted 4 times in this race so far” This race is actually insane

-I’m actually still sad about Nico. He was so close! God, why does he have such bad luck!

-None of these commentators talking about how Alex casually made up 12 places and has stayed in p4?? In a Toro Rosso?!

-Ohmygod I should just shut up, why’d he loose a place…two places…and he’s gone wide and dropped down to p8; someone kill me.

-Max pitting again????

-Where did Sebastian randomly gain speed from? Ohmygodd Kimi too? They’re p3 and p2?! What is going on???

-Somehow Lance is in p5 all the way from p15. I did not see that coming. He was the only car who pit for slick tires with the safety car earlier and now with everyone pitting again, this has worked out great for him

-Holy shit Lance is leading the race

-Lewis, Kimi, and Sebastian all pit and now Lance is leading and Max is back up to p2 and somehow Daniil Kvyat is p3 and just set the fastest lap

-Wet races always bring so many surprises. This is all so insane. I feel like I’ve just hallucinated half of this

-Max leading again

-I forgot about Lewis’ penalty 😭 The grid positions changed so drastically, it almost feels like it got reversed

-“How has it got this bad?” Honestly Lewis I actually don’t know

-Aww kinda wanted Lance to stay p2, he missed out on it so narrowly last time he was on the podium

-Haha Valterri about to take p3 from him now, he’s the one who took p2 from his last time I think, if I remember correctly

-Checo looking on from the pit box>>

-Oh shit Valterri is out! God, Mercedes are not having a good race are they? Lewis in p14 (last) pitting again (his sixth time) and Valterri out

-This safety car probably not going to help Lance keep podium position, what with Carlos and Sebastian right behind him at the restart

-“Good for the smaller teams. This is their kinda day” Don’t I know it (maybe it’s something about pink teams?)

-Aah Sebastian right behind Lance now! If he makes podium now he’d have gone from p20 to p3!

-And he’s done it!!

-Oh bloody hell, Pierre’s gone off. He’s not having a fun day either

-Ohmygod Sebastian p2!!! Imagine if he wins?!!

-“And you’re either wearing orange this weekend or red” yesss, the orange army going wild!!

-It is so insane to me that seven cars are out

-Honestly, Lance p4 is cool too, his race did not start out well (and Carlos p5 🙌)

-I wish Sebastian was still racing 😢

-Genuinely didn’t ever expect to see a Daniil Kyvyat podium; when I was watching the races from the past few seasons he barely finished a race

-This podium is kind of a Red Bull family reunion if you think about it

-‘Tis very cute

(Would be better if Nico had finished the race but I’ll take my wins where I can get them)

(Also! I just looked up the race results again cause I forgot if Kimi placed 6th or 7th and he hasn’t placed either??! Apparently he got a post race penalty for some infringement!? That’s so annoying)

(Oh however, that means Lewis did end up in the points after all)

(The more you know)

(Ohmygod, I just noticed that Fernando is not here?!?? How did I miss that when I watched Brazil 2019?!)

(I’m crashing out. I need sleep)

[livelaughghoul]

2024 Singapore GP tarot predictions

Disclaimer: This is for entertainment purposes only, nothing observed or taken away from this should be considered fact. As a reminder, I know fuck all about Formula 1, I just like fast cars and have a dumb amount of knowledge of astrology and tarot.

This is not my best work by any means, and will probably be the most I’m able to do for the rest of the week. My hand is incredibly swollen and sore (don’t be like me and get massive black and gray tattoos on your hands, it hurts a lot and turns out you kind of need hand functionality for everting).

Here are the cards that I pulled for tomorrow. No matter what it’s going to be an incredibly interesting race, especially given the lead up to it. We’ve got fines, community service, lizards, and vague threats. We love it.

P1 - 7 of Cups for Lando Norris

Well it’s not the best news, its a card of wishful thinking, so I have a feeling he’ll drop position within the first lap and end up on a lower step on the podium. Unless he manages to get lucky with a safety car, I don’t think we’ll be seeing a victory tomorrow.

P2 - Justice, reversed for Max Verstappen

They gave him community service, and he said okay I’ll get the Dutch national anthem to play as community service then. I’m taking this as the cause and effect aspect of the card, and I truly believe that he’s going to end on the podium tomorrow. If he can overtake Lando within the first lap, and they don’t totally dick around with strategy, he could easily win it.

P3 - 10 of Pentacles for Lewis Hamilton

It’s a card of permanence, so in my delusional mind this clearly means he is going to win it. My actual mind tells me that it’s just going to be a masterclass drive tomorrow, but there won’t be much change in position.

P4 - Knight of Swords for George Russell

It’s a challenging card, honestly I have a feeling that George may cause a flag tomorrow. It’s one of those unfeeling and incredibly difficult to read cards, but I’m taking this as he’s going to be challenged tomorrow.

P5 - Two of Swords for Oscar Piastri

Oscar is may be stuck in this position, Brouwer the two or swords is a stalemate and avoidance. I’m thinking that he is going to need something huge to happen with those ahead of him to really make any forward progress. He needs to avoid those risky overtakes he’s a fan of, because I don’t think it’ll go well tomorrow if he tries.

P6 - The empress, reversed for Nico Hulkenberg

I stand with my Haasbands, and I love this for Nico because it’s a card of abundance. This man is getting points tomorrow and that’s all that matters. Much like Kevin, I would also commit crimes if it benefited Nico.

P7 - The high priestess, reversed for Fernando Alonso

Its a card of potential, so it’s possible that we see improvements. I’m not necessarily seeing them for this specific race, but in the next few races we may see him in higher positionings. If he can maintain pace and drive tomorrow, I could see him possibly moving up one position, but that’s it.

P8 - Page of Wands, reversed for Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki is gonna have a wild drive tomorrow. It’s going to be creative. It’s gonna be like if you taught a golden retriever to drive. They got passion, and enthusiasm! I’m hopeful that this means Yuki will not be retiring, and will actually finish a race!

P9 - 10 of Wands for Charles Leclerc

Besties, I’m gonna hold your hand while say this, but he’s gonna struggle. I have a feeling with the mounting frustration, he’s going to take unnecessary risks.

P10 - Three of Swords, reversed for Carlos Sainz

He’s going to learn from this race, but he’s not going to have much improvement, if any tomorrow. I have a feeling this is just an obligation at this point and it’s going to be used to test strategy for future races.

[charles-leclerc-official]

China 2024 Sprint Race Analysis

I wasn't planning on doing a sprint analysis. However this sprint actually gave us a lot to talk about, and also finally gave an idea of what racing on this track will look like.

I have pretty strong thoughts on what happened between Carlos and Charles, that is at the end if you are less interested in the op ed reporting element.

Table of Contents

Sprint Start Max and Lewis DRS train: Perez Ferrari: Charles and Carlos - Ferrari Data/footage Analysis Fernando retirement Charles vs Carlos opinion Concluding Thoughts

Sprint Start

The only thing I want to note at the sprint start was Lewis' amazing start to take the lead almost immediately from Lando. Lando then lost grip going into turn 1 which cost him 6 places while he recovered the car. I think the reason he lost grip had more to do with the lack of traction on that turn(we saw many others have issues here) and Lewis taking the better line got the section with the best grip. His inability to defend against Lewis in that first turn cost him the track line and thus the grip and resulted in that big drop in the order. We saw Lewis lose grip in the same turn later in the race so I really think the margin of accuracy for grip on that corner is narrow.

Without the lost of placement so early Lando might have seen a better result, but that loss of grip was very costly.

If anyone knows how to defend a front row start it's Lewis, Lewis' skill really shone into that first turn.

Max and Lewis

Lewis had the lead of the sprint after overtaking Lando until the final corner of lap 9 when Max overtook him.

Max was lagging in the pack at the start of his race, part of the issue was with his battery power setting. Once he fixed that he was moving up the pack very quickly, it was only a matter of time before he was out front.

Max won the sprint with Lewis finishing P2.

Lewis' drive overall was the most impressive this sprint. The WB15 has had a lot of problems and he's been having issues finding the right balance in the car. It's the best result we've seen from this car all season and that is simply due to Lewis' skill on track. Great to see him near the top again. Hopefully this result will have informed a positive direction for Lewis and Merc as far as his car setup goes.

DRS train

The most interesting part of this sprint was the DRS train that went on for essentially 16 laps between Fernando, Carlos, Checo, and Charles.

I have my thoughts on Ferrari's part in this situation below, for now I want to point out that Checo had some really impressive driving here.

While Carlos and Fernando were battling, Checo slid past both of them on the inside of turn 9 on lap 16. This was probably the most impressive move the entire race, just a clean double pass on his part. Checo has been performing great in the RB20 but that was probably the best bit of driving we've seen from him so far this year. That was simply put some solid racing on his part.

Fernando also was not going to be able to battle two Ferraris and a Red Bull. All are faster cars than his own, but he did not give that position up easy to Carlos. He did concede to Checo though, which fair enough, I don't think that Aston could fight the RB20 as it stands.

Fernando unfortunately had to retire his car after a tyre puncture on lap 16.

Ferrari

Charles started P7 and finished P4, while Carlos started P4 and finished P5.

This is the first time this season we've seen what it will look like when Charles and Carlos race wheel to wheel, and it's not looking good(on Carlos' side)

I have more thoughts in the opinion section but having a teammate defend so aggressively against another teammate to the point of causing contact between the cars is unacceptable. Risking damaging both cars is not what any team wants or needs. And the footage makes it abundantly clear that Carlos was the one in the wrong and the cause of the contact.

Carlos had the center line going into 9 on lap 16. Fernando was on the inside but clearly behind. Charles took the outside for the overtake. Carlos then swerved more to the outside crowding Charles off the track. I want to be clear that Carlos had already given Fernando room, and then he moved to push Charles off. This contradicts his statement to the press that they were all fighting and it wasn't his intent. The driving tells a different story.

Charles overtook Carlos on lap 17 going into turn 1. Once he was clear of Carlos his faster pace became clear as he created an immediate gap that Carlos was not going to be able to close.

One thing we saw is that Charles' tyre management gives him the pace advantage over Carlos. If he is within range to overtake that is going to likely come up again in future races. Carlos was not even close at the end there. This overtake did give us a glimpse at what the real difference in pace between them means for the rest of the season.

After a few back and forth's between them Carlos should have conceded. It was clear Charles had the pace and it was just a matter of time before he'd overtake.

I want to point out that Carlos fighting Charles so much might have cost Ferrari a real chance to battle Checo. If he had let Charles pass Charles might have been able to stay within range of Checo and be within DRS. Because Carlos fought Checo was able to create a wide gap so by the time Charles did pass there wasn't a real chance to catch him. So this was not strategically optimal and it can be pinned 100% on Carlos' choices in that turn.

In fact you can see that Charles actually did have the pace necessary to stay closer to Checo. If he would have been able to pass is up in the air, but Carlos did cost Ferrari the chance to at least try to battle Checo for P3. If Charles had been able to get ahead of Checo he had the pace to keep him behind, or at least have a chance at doing so.

Also this serves to highlight that Charles' tyre management is on par with the RB20 or at least not far off, Carlos' tyre management is much further off the pace.

Charles finished P4 in the sprint with Carlos finishing P5.

Data and Footage Analysis

So the data is pretty clear on this. I wanted to show because it supports my argument later and it also demonstrates the difference in tyre management between the two drivers.

Charles' pace was better even in lap 16 when he was stuck behind Carlos. Once he is clear of Carlos after his pass on the first turn of lap 17 the real difference in pace between them becomes clear. Charles had more than a second on Carlos in all remaining laps. This is very likely due to his tyre management. The large difference here also highlights why Carlos should have let Charles pass because this pace difference is not something to fight over. Strategically Carlos should have let Charles pass smoothly, but Charles overtook anyway because his pace was not something Carlos could fight for long.

Note: DRS Charles got from Carlos at the beginning of lap 17 accounted for about 1 - 2 tenths of pace, the rest was all Charles increasing that gap himself.

Now I want to just look at the move from Sainz going into turn 9 on lap 16. He claimed he needed to give Fernando space. Charles said he was being too aggressive and forced him wide. Let's see who's version of events the actual footage supports.

Leading into the turn we can clearly see that Fernando is behind. Carlos has the inside line, Charles has the outside.

Here they are entering turn 9. There is clearly enough space on Carlos' inside for Fernando already. Charles clearly has the outside line.

Here you can see that Carlos has moved further outside. Now since he'd already given room to Fernando the only reason for this would be to fight Charles. And once again Fernando clearly behind. And I will say that some battling between teammates is acceptable. But what happened next did not fall into that category of acceptability.

Here is where Carlos continued to force Charles wide. Also where they got way too close and made some contact.

And here is the final result going into that turn. Carlos has forced Charles completely off the track, and he even has two wheels off the track. This was not about leaving space for Fernando. Does Fernando need the entire track? No. This was Carlos forcing a teammate who had better pace off the track because he could not actually fight his pace.

Either Carlos did this on purpose, which is unacceptable. Or he is telling the truth and didn't realize what he was doing, in which case he is admitting to extremely poor driving on his part.

Either version of events is not a good look for Carlos.

He was overtaken by Charles easily in the next lap. He just did not have the pace and should not have defended this aggressively against his own teammate.

Next I will be sharing my more opinionated thoughts on things relating to Ferrari.

Charles VS Carlos

I want to get into some of my thoughts on this whole battle we saw between Carlos and Charles because I think it was emblematic of the way thing shave been going at Ferrari and with their teammate dynamic on track.

This was unacceptable on Carlos' part. It's that simple.

I have listened to what both drivers have said about the overtake, and the battle we saw between them. I have looked at the footage from many different angles. And Carlos is in the wrong here. Not only that but I do not see how this kind of "racing" from him is going to be good for his career considering he still does not have a seat lined up for 2025.

The fact is Charles was faster. And that wasn't something Carlos was willing to accept.

And this level of battling a teammate, especially to the extent you cause contact and force that teammate off the track(to the extent that lap time had to be deleted) is not acceptable.

I will say that a little back and forth between teammates on track is fine. That wasn't what we saw. This was not only too much fighting of a teammate it was also poor sportsmanship(touching, and pushing off track)

Charles let Carlos pass because he was faster in Japan. Carlos does not do the same. It is this kind of thing coming from Carlos that is a prime example of why Ferrari did not re-new his contract.

Fighting to the point of causing contact between teammates is too far, you can see him move further to the outside even when it's clear he's given Alonso enough space. He was fighting Charles and caused contact. A driver who does not have the pace should not be fighting their teammate so extensively that they cause contact. They are on the same team, risking damage to both cars is again, unacceptable.

As seen above in the data Charles' pace at this point was significantly better than Carlos, he was really showing the difference between them in tyre management. If Carlos had the pace given he was in front after Perez passed then he would have had a larger gap to Charles and Charles would not have been able to catch him. Even fighting "dirty" he was unable to stop the inevitable.

When there is this great of a difference in pace between teammates, a pass is what should happen. Carlos would have been able to tell by the second time Charles caught him that Charles' pace was much better. That should have been his signal to move. He didn't.

Furthermore we hear on team radio exactly how frustrated Charles was over this. He wouldn't have been anywhere near as mad if this was a first time thing, it isn't, and again this display from Carlos is a reason that Ferrari are not keeping him.

I hope Ferrari make it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be allowed to happen in the future. Risking damage to both cars is not something any team can afford, especially a top team when they are trying to seriously compete with Red Bull.

Charles did everything he should have done. He had the line, but was forced wide. He had the pace and was aggressively fought with.

Final Sprint Thoughts

This was actually one of the best sprints. Lots of action and we saw some really solid racing from a lot of top drivers.

I hadn't planned on doing regular sprint analysis, but if they are all packed like this I might have to. If enough noteworthy things happen in a sprint I'll do it again.

Thank you for reading and I'll be back with my China GP analysis soon!

[bluegalaxygirl]

Celestial Wedding (ZoLu X Reader) P9

Plot: Reader gets taken as revenge for Luffy and Zoro's defiance against the Celestial Dragons, they were just going to kill her to make an example but now theres a wedding????.

Warning: Bad language, Violence, blood, kidnapping, forced marriage and salivary.

Thank you to @herwritingartcowboy for the suggestion. Reader is Female and a gunslinger, Zoro X Luffy X Reader, Poly relationship, established relationship.

P1 - P2 - P3 - P4 - P5 - P6 - P7 - P8 - P10 - P11 - P12 - P13 - P14 - P15 - P16 - P17 - P18

Charles's eyes widen at the sudden entrance of Luffy and Zoro, the guards easily being taken out by the two as they step closer making their way down the aisle. The other Dragons stand up to get away from the men but Rosward stands his ground glaring at the two with his daughter standing beside him her hand on her gun in case she needs to step in. "Charlos, it's time to deal with these two" Rosward looks at his son who nods taking a fist full of your hair while your distracted and pulling you into him and pressing his gun at your temple. You groan in pain as he holds it tight to the point you think he might rip the hair out of your scalp. "Don't get any closer or I will shoot her" The dragon smiles as the two stop in their tracks knowing he will do it, he may be a bad shot but there's no way he'll miss with the gun presses to your head. Despite the pain you keep your hands close to you not wanting to let go of what's in your hands, not yet anyway. Zoro growls as he grips the two swords in his hands his eyes scanning the room trying to see what would work best and how to go about things while Luffy stares straight at Charlos, his hands clenches at his sides. "Let her go now" The captain demands only for Charlos to laugh at them , a few guards try to step in but Rosward holds up his hand to stop them "No, my Son will deal with these two" The guards nod and step back before starting to sneak people out of the building.

Shalria sighs her hand gripping the gun on her waist "Its time you paid for hurting my farther and brother. No one defies the celestial dragons, taking your girl was punishment but now you've really done it - su" She lets out a small laugh despite her angry face, her farther places a hand on her shoulder to stop her from doing anything yet. Charlos smiles at the two and brings his face close to your neck trying to make the pirates angry "We were just going to kill her but how could i when she has such pretty skin" The dragon licks up your neck causing Zoro to see red "Don't touch her" the swordsman yells taking a step closer only for Rosward pull out something from his belt and wave it around with a tutting sound "I wouldn't if i were you" The older dragon seemed so calm as he places his thumb over the red button and smiling when seeing Zoro stop in his tracks. The swordsman turns his attention back to you spotting the collar around your neck but noticing you don't have a chain like the others. Putting two and two together he realizes its remote activated, he could just cut the trigger, but he knows he won't be quick enough to stop Rosward from pressing the button first. Despite what's going on you try to remain calm, you hated the feeling of the dragon licking your neck but you gritted your teeth and tried to bare with it "So pretty, the things i'm gonna do to this skin, maybe i could peel it off and make it into bed sheets?" Charlos laughs earning a growl from Luffy and Zoro but something catches the swordsman's eye.

The tapping of your fingers on your closed hand gets Zoro's attention, he looks from your hands to your face now noticing how calm you are with a gun to your head and a mad man holding it. With Zoro looking your way you give him a small smile and shift your eyes down to your hands hoping to give him a hint. "Captain" Zoro whispers to Luffy who hasn't taken his angry eyes off Charlos as the dragon calms down from his laughing but grips your hair tighter making you groan in pain and lift your head up to try and relieve some tension. "Not so tough now are we?" Charlos smiles at you taking joy in the passion your in before he turns to the two in front of him, you keep your eyes on the two hoping they notice your calm demeanor and tapping of your fingers. "I see, Your jobs the collar, i have the snot guy" Luffy whispers back spotting the same thing Zoro has while walking closer with the swordsman next to him both knowing your no longer in danger from the gun in the dragons hands. Charlos's eyes widen when seeing the two walk closer his hand shaking a little and taking a step back bring you with him. "Don't step any closer... I-i'll kill her" The dragon yells but the two keep stepping closer, you let a small smile show seeing the dragon panic and point the gun at Luffy "Die" Charlos yells pulling the trigger but the gun doesn't fire, he pulls it a few more times, clicks filling the air but still nothing happens. "Looking for these?" You ask with a small laugh making him look at you as you hold you hand out showing the bullets you took form his gun long ago.

Shock and anger covers his face before Luffy steps up onto the slightly raised platform of the alter and pulls his arm back. Rosward's eyes widen not understanding what's going on as his daughter pulls out her gun and steps forwards to fire only for her gun to get gun in half by Zoro. "I said. Let. HER.. GOOOOOOO" Luffy yells hardening his hand with Haki and punching Charlos in the face, the dragon lets go of your hair and the gun as the captains fist connects with his face , it caving in from the force of Luffy's punch, the captain yells in anger as he forces his fist out sending Charlos through the stain glass window and beyond. You can't help but smile as Luffy's hand pulls back to him but a sudden beeping gets your attention. Rosward pushes the button as Zoro kicks his daughter away trying to get to the older dragon, the beeping and flashing light coming form the blue gem on your collar gets Zoro's attention who turns and run to you. Running over to you the swordsman uses Haki on his Sword and arm cutting through the collar and use his other sword to fling it at Rosward and his Daughter who both try to dodge out of the way as it explodes along with some guards that tried to help them. The explosion makes the other Celestial dragons that remain and slaves make a run for it while the guards try and either help them or attack the three of you. "You ok?" Luffy asks as he punches a guard away sending him flying into some others and landing on the church pews before turning to you.

After rubbing your now free neck and dropping the bullets in your hand relief washes over you. Leaping into your captains arms you can't help but let a few tears fall as you bury your head into his neck "I'm so glad you two are here, I love you both so much" You try and breath as the feeling of being finally safe washes over you, tears fall down your face as you cling onto Luffy for dear life. The captain smiles wide while wrapping his arms around your waists and rubbing your back "I love you too Y/N, I'm sorry we took so long" The captain pulls you away and wipes your cheeks trying to stop your tears from falling with a kiss, you eagerly kiss back missing the feeling of love and warmth form him. As the church empties only a few uncontuse guards and cowering slaves remain, Sakura and the other wives all huddle together to check on each other before turning to look at you and the two new men who just saved you life. Zoro flicks the blood off his sword and turns to you scanning your body to see if you had any injuries but you looked ok, a little shaky but there are no cuts or bruises that he can see. Pulling away form Luffy's lips you run your thumb over his cheek with a smile before turning to look at Zoro who was patiently waiting for you. "Hay baby" The swordsman smiles placing his hand on your lower back after putting one of his swords away, turning you wrap your arms around his neck hugging him tight "Thank you. I love you so much" You try not to cry again as Zoro r wraps his arm around your waist and placing a kiss on your head "I love you too baby, your safe now, we got you"

Luffy joins in the hug wrapping his arms around both you and Zoro as your hand goes through your captains hair. Leaning up you place your lips on Zoro's who hums slightly while kissing back and rubbing your back slightly. After pulling away you place your head on their shoulders as the two sigh in relief feeling you with them again but the reunion is short-lived when you look up and notice Marines and Guards running towards the church. "Oh no" you sigh getting them to look at the church doors "We gotta go" Zoro grabs your hand but you pull him to you and look over at the eight girls all huddles together their hope filled eyes fixed on you. "Wait, were taking them with us... Please, I promised I'd take them with me" You look at the two who both nod at you agreeing to take them with you, Luffy smiles and takes his hat off placing it on your head before kissing your cheek "I'll keep them off your backs" The captain nods running off and out of the church to give you guys time, holding the hat to your head you watch as your captain runs off and starts fighting before following Zoro over to the girls. Sakura steps closer while shaking a little from everything that just happened but your kind smile eases her a little "Don't worry, we're getting out of here, like i promised" You smile at them, the girls nodding and taking their veils off before stepping closer letting the swordsman cut their collars off and throw them far away before they can explode.

Meanwhile, you leave Zoro to deal with the collar's to grab the gun the Charlos drops and reload the bullets into it knowing your gonna have to help fight your way out of here. You knew it mustn't have been easy to get here and it won't be easy getting out, after all the collars are off some of the girls bow a little and thank Zoro who just gives a nods before returning to your side. "We need to get going" The swordsman places a hand on your shoulder as the girls walk behind him, nodding you turn to the now free girls who have big smiles on their faces, "Stay close to me, I'll keep you safe" You tell the girls who nod at you staying close behind you as Zoro lead the way out of the church and into the fighting. Just as you make it out large plants start growing out the ground and grabbing the marines and guards around Luffy, you smile recognizing it as one of Usopp's moves, "Y/N" the sound of hooves gets your attention as you make your way down the steps to join Luffy who smiles at you as you take his hat off your head and hand it to him. Chopper and Usopp run over to you all with big smiles on their faces but looking a little beaten up. They both crash into you causing you to groan in pain but you still wrap your arms around the two "Hay be careful" Zoro yells only for Luffy to laugh and place his hand on the swordsman's shoulder while placing his hat back on his head. Usopp pulls away form you and clears his throat while rubbing the back of his head feeling Zoro's angry eyes on him more than on Chopper.

The reindeer cry's into your arms as you hold him to your chest some of the girls looking over your shoulder and smiling at how cute he is. "Are you ok?" The doctor asks listing his head up to look at you through watery eyes only for you to let out a small laugh and a big smile "I'm ok, I want to get back to the sunny though" You lie knowing under all the makeup and the dress that your beaten and bruised but you didn't have time to sit here and deal with it. Chopper nods and looks over your shoulder seeing the girls behind you "Their coming with" You state as Rin steps closer and runs her hand over choppers arm "So fluffy and cute" her face lights up at the feeling making Chopper wiggle in your arms. Usopp jumps suddenly and turns to face Luffy and Zoro seeming to remember something "Oh! You'll never guess who showed up?" Usopp smiles grabbing onto Zoro's arm who steps back a little not sure of why the sniper is so happy, after not getting an answer the sniper gives in and just tells them with a sigh. "Perona and Mihawk, they helped us take out that Spider guy, so we could come here to help". Putting Chopper down your eyes widen, you didn't think anyone but your crew would come and help you but it seems you might be proven wrong. Zoro lets out a sigh taking out his other sword while rolling his eye "Great now i have to thank her" You giggle at the swordsman knowing his sibling relationship with the ghost girl tends to cause the two to argue but you know the two wouldn't have come to help if you didn't care about the swordsman.

Usopp nods at them before looking at the path where they came form "Their taking on any marines down the path giving us a clean shot back to the Sunny, so let's get going" Usopp starts running off soon followed by Luffy who grabs your hand pulling you along "Come on" The captain yells as you pick up your dress, kick off your heals and start running instead of being dragged along. Chopper stays next to you as the girls keeping close behind you, Sakura holding up the back of your dress to try and help you out a little. You hate how long the dress is but at least you could keep up with your crew despite the tight dress and the pain in your leg from where you tattoo once was. It wasn't long until Luffy let your hand go, as much as he wanted you close by he didn't want to hurt you by dragging you along. Zoro followed Luffy closely since the only danger would be up ahead at this point, Usopp managed to knock out or restrain the marines and guards at the church with his vines so there wasn't much point in protecting your backs. As you ran threw the streets it seemed pretty clear and safe, a few marine and guards where passed out on the ground long with some captains and lieutenants. "Your friends are strong" Emi smiles amazed that these high ranking officers could be taken out, letting out a small laugh you nod "That's my crew for you and the help from Mihawk and Perona are an bonus" You let out a small laugh managing to make Emi laugh a little too.

Even though the drugs you were given this morning where still in your system the adrenaline and hope of getting out of this place was helping a lot to drive you all forward. Chopper keeps his eye on you as he runs next to you noticing a few things about how your putting less weight on one leg and how your breathing seems a little constricted, as a doctor he can't stand by and let you deal with it alone "Y/n, are you sure your ok? i know you don't want to stop until we get to the sunny but i'm worried" The reindeer tries to keep his voice down as to not worry Luffy or Zoro who would most likely stop in their tracks and make the doctor check you over before continuing. "I'm ok, i can keep going but... They gave us some drugs this morning so i'm a little tired" You try and hide the wound on your leg from him not wanting the reindeer to stop and take care of it right now but Sakura rolls her eyes at you "Y/n got hurt when she got here and this morning too" The girl didn't know exactly how you were hurt, but she didn't see the point in lying to your friend about it, You give her a short glare before sighing realizing she's right "I'd rather talk about this back on the ship, its nothing life threatening" You state earning a nod from Chopper, everyone on the crew was scared and worried about what the dragons had done to you especially Chopper, with being a doctor he knew that things can be worse than they look. "Ok but if you feel any worse or sick tell me ok? We won't stop but i can help while we run" The reindeer hoped to stop your worrying, you give him a small smile and a nod feeling a little better about the situation.

[alwaysonf1]

who are you?

Pairing: Charles LeClerc x Hamilton!OC

Genre: Slice of Life

Word Count: 3.2k

Warning: Language; Thoughts of violence

Rating: PG-13

Author's Note: N/A

Dizzy is an understatement for how Iman feels as she recovers from Ben shaking her in excitement. Though the race started rocky, and everyone thought that Logan was going to have to retire, he managed P7 despite the way the car failed him. But the biggest victory is that Alex made it to P3. The race lacked any sort of excitement, though there was a light buzz in the Williams garage because the boys were working hard with the hand they were given. Then in the last twenty laps things got spicy. Before anyone knew it Alex was battling Lando for fourth and in a twist of fate ended up in third.

Iman is so excited she could throw up. Her stomach churns with every shout and her body is vibrating with joy. 

It takes a few minutes, but everyone who isn’t needed for things like the car weigh in are given the all clear to rush out and congratulate Alex. She lets everyone else go in front of her, not wanting to be in the first wave since it’s likely to overwhelm her and Alex. But she still finds herself racing behind them so she can see the initial joy of it all.

“Iman!”

The voice stops her in her tracks, and she turns to see James beaming. The man is the picture of cool, calm, and collected at all times that it’s a bit odd to see such a display of emotion on his face. But she doesn’t linger on that, he waves her over and she walks back a little sad to not be with the screaming crowd that she can hear from where she is.

“What’s up?” she asks.

“You’re going to the podium.”

She raises a brow. “But we didn’t win.”

“Yes. You aren’t going up there, but when we confirmed that Alex was secure as P3 he said he wanted you there.”

A million questions fill her head. Being near the podium wasn’t something weird to do, teams always sent people to be there to celebrate with their driver. But it was odd that she was being asked to go so explicitly, as if she would be going up there like whoever Mercedes sent to be there for Lewis since he’s P1.

It wasn’t that deep though, so she just shrugged and nodded.

“Will do.”

“Good. You should get there before everyone else crowds over.”

He was right. It was a disaster getting over there when everyone else wanted to be up front and center. So, Iman gave him a thumbs up and hustled in that direction.

The universe is on her side, because she makes it to where the podium is happening just as a big wave of the crowd is coming in. She moves to where she sees employees of other teams and is thankful there seems to be a good amount of space where she knows she won’t have a lot of people in her bubble.

“Iman!” 

Her head whips in the direction of the voice to see one of the new social media admins, Annalise, near the steps to the podium. The woman waves her over and despite being unsure Iman redirects and jumps through all the weird hoops it takes to get to her.

“Hey.”

“Hey! I don’t know why you were over there. Alex wants you here before. He’ll be over soon and wanted to see you before he went on.”

“Oh. Why?”

Annalise shrugs. “I don’t know. He just made sure to remind me when I was headed here. Lewis and Charles were near and made it clear I needed to make sure you were there too.”

A sinking feeling fills Iman. She’s still very unsure about what the hell is going on, but it honestly sounds like all three of those men are up to no good. If it was only one of them, she wouldn’t have thought too much about it, but them combined is not ideal for her. For a second it makes her a little thankful that Logan isn’t on the podium because adding him in place of Charles or Alex would be worse. 

How she was cursed with being surrounded by a bunch of childish men who enjoyed to fuck with her she was unsure, but even she isn’t delusional enough to act like she would want it any other way.

She spends a few minutes talking with Annalise before the people of the hour start filing in. Alex is first and makes a beeline for her. He pulls her into his arms and squeezes as he lifts her from the ground. Iman squeaks in surprise, but she allows it. She would hug him back, but he has her arms pinned. 

It takes a minute before he puts her down and pulls away. His smile is bright and beaming in a way that makes her match his energy.

“I don’t know what you did, but that is the best that car has felt in a while.”

“It was a team effort. But I told you those new upgrades would do you well. And to think you were so worried.”

“Don’t pretend that you didn’t fight for this. You made sure it wasn’t pushed back and that the day on Logan getting them was only a week later than me. It’s what we need.”

All the praise is making Iman’s cheeks burn and she has to fight to not say something sassy to divert attention. 

“If I must use my job security to ensure y’all do well then, I will. You know this. Now get up there.”

Alex moves to the side and then she hugs Lewis and Charles. They both give her a tight hug, though not nearly as intense as Alex’s. Something she appreciates because it hurts a little bit, even if not bothersome.

“Congratulations, boys. And thank you Sharl for not taking out my driver again.”

Lewis throws his head back in laughter and Charles rolls his eyes, but his dimple producing smile doesn’t leave his face. Both give their thanks and then they are all signaled to head up. 

They all go through the motions. The anthems play and hype is built up. Then they each have a moment with their trophies. Before they know it, the sparkling wine is in hand and being sprayed everywhere. They get each other, the Mercedes rep, and then they turn to Iman as if coordinated. All four move toward her and she tries to back away, but a hand on her back keeps her in place and she sees Annalise snapping pictures while Logan keeps holds her still.

One of her greatest fears - them teaming up - is coming true and then she feels the first spray. In seconds the upper half of her body is soaked in the sparkling wine, and she tries to shield her face, knowing saving her hair is a lost cause. If she didn’t plan to wash it later, she would be pissed.

Shrieks and laughter escape her. Iman fights against Logan’s hold and is failing, but with a slight loss of balance and push back she evades him and he’s now in the path of the last few spritz.

That makes her laugh even harder because he pouts and voices his betrayal because even though they see they have an unintended target they don’t stop.

Iman takes several steps back to safety even though she knows they don’t have anything else to get her with. The rest of the ceremony goes off without her being “in danger” and then as they’re about to walk off the stage she walks toward the route they’re going to take. She wants out of her clothes and to get the residue off her face, but she wants to yell at and hit them more. So, she continues her walk until she reaches the hallway right before the media bay where more interviews are happening.

All of this was overwhelming to her from the perspective of someone who was rarely interviewed, so she never can fully understand how the drivers feel. Especially when it’s like an endless cycle of moving here or there and being “on” for a couple hours after a race that pushes your body to the limits. She commended them for being able to do this after every race, even when they got a result they didn’t love.

The hall was thankfully empty, and she knew it would be for at least a moment more, so Iman stops and leans against the wall. Her eyes flutter close, and she takes a deep breath. 

The excitement isn’t the only thing on her mind. It’s not even the main thing. Instead, she’s running through a mental checklist of everything she needs to do before she leaves for the day. There’s a break and then one more race before summer break comes. Which means that the way they’ll manage checks, meetings, and overall work will be a little different. They’ll have more time and this time they’re planning to front load the work so that they have a cushion to test and adjust. That means when they fly back, she will be so immersed in work that the odds of her being home a lot is low.

Soft curses leave her lips as her eyes flutter open, but she feels like she has a handle on everything.

Iman is so in her own head that it takes a second before she notices the man standing in front of her. He’s not all up in her space, but he is much too close for comfort.

Not wanting to react with the rude ‘can I help you’ that’s on the tip of her tongue she assesses him. Her eyes scan him head to toe and see that his only “weapon” would be the phone clutched in his hand and the bag on his back. In her assessment she sees the press badge with his name on it. It also mentions who he’s with and she notices it as an up and coming source for motorsport content that started as a podcast.

A podcast that she thought was dumb and undeserving of its hype and access.

Her eyes lift and she meets his gaze, which she doesn’t like. Clearly, he was taking in her as much as she was taking in him, but the purpose of both their actions were very different. His vibes aren't a siren going off creepy, but the subtle kind that would be a low level yellow flag if she was into him.

“Hi,” she says.

For too many seconds he says nothing and then he smirks, raising his phone toward her.

“Hi. Iman Hamilton, right?”

She knows he knows who she is and that he knows that she knows. Which makes the encounter a little ickier than it was before.

“Yes. Is there something I can help you with?”

“I’ve been wanting the chance to speak with you. Get an interview or get you on the pod. You’ve done a few interviews, but we wanted the chance to talk to you about your upbringing and everything that got you here.”

Iman notices that he doesn’t introduce himself and that he speaks of his podcast in a way that implies she would know what it is. Of course, she’s seen the name on the badge he wears, but it feels more like he thinks that he and his little friend group are such hot shit that everyone knows them. Most do know them, but despite how many opportunities they’ve been given to be up close and personal with the behind the scenes stuff it’s not because they’re seen as this great new motorsport content hub. Mostly the opposite. But hey, white men who refuse to actually learn anything about what they speak of despite wanting to be taken seriously do tend to fail upwards.

Another thing she notes is the way he phrases what they would want to talk to her about. At some point she would call it paranoia, but since her grand reveal to the world she’s been in enough situations to know that the between the lines is talking about Lewis, talk about being a nepo baby, and poke holes in her ability. The first two were no skin off her back, but she didn’t have it in her to deal with people who she knew would try to make it seem like she was handed two degrees and her job with no work done on her part.

“Oh. Sounds like a good time. It would be a bit hard since things are getting busy this time of the season.”

A dip in his expression, but he recovers quick.

“I get it. Definitely an uptick in work for us guys. So much traveling and all the recording we need to get done.”

Iman was not one to compare jobs because they were all tiresome in their own ways, but it was hard not to roll her eyes.

“Yeah, so…”

“But I have a quick question while I have you. Hope you don’t mind,” he pauses just long enough to unlock his screen and start his voice recorder app. “You’ve had the interest of everyone since your debut in what has led to a new kind of F1 content. Everyone is wondering about you at every step of your career and the question becomes how do you deal with all of it? A mother who is at the top of her field and a dad who helped mold a man like Lewis Hamilton. I mean there has to be a lot of pressure when they push you into this field and use their connections within to make sure you succeed.”

Slapping the shit out of this man will cause problems. Slapping the shit out of this man will lead to a report being filed. Slapping this man might lead to assault charges. Slapping this man will give him fodder of what to talk about as a “first-hand experience to the privileged little life of Iman Hamilton who doesn’t have to work and just gets things handed to her.”

“What did you just say?” Lewis says.

Iman didn’t realize that people were coming down the hall because she was so focused on repeating those words in her head when she felt her hand lift slightly. But as she turns to look at her brother, Alex, Charles, and staff members of both teams she’s grateful to see them.

“Oh, I was just…”

“He asked you to repeat yourself, not give excuses,” Charles says, his voice oddly calm and his accent stronger than usual.

“I wanted to get a quote about…”

“Something to imply she can’t do her job. That my mechanic is somehow only here on connections and not ability.” Alex quirks a brow.

Though there was a shift in demeanor when he saw everyone, Chad - his actual name - finally starts to realize the gravity of the situation. Iman would never think he didn’t expect some push back from her when asking the question, but he could spin that. What he couldn’t spin was three drivers and the people they work with calling him out for a question he asked in bad faith.

“I… No… My intention wasn’t…”

His stumbling over words is a little funny, but also annoying. He wasn’t so slick with an audience but felt comfortable as hell trying her. 

As he opens and closes his mouth trying to find the words that get him out of the situation unscathed the drivers move like a unit. Charles takes the lead while Lewis and Alex flank him. All three have their arms crossed and have looks that would make even Iman rethink some things.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that she is unqualified or anything.”

“Sure.”

Sarcasm drips from Charles uttering that single word. It makes the tension sky rocket.

Not wanting to stand here any longer, Iman holds up a hand and Charles closes his mouth. A saving grace because the man has been withholding his feelings less lately and what he was planning to say was probably scathing.

With him and the other silenced Iman turns her full attention back to Chad.

“Let’s be clear, I own all the ways having a mother and brother who have helped me and opened almost every door I’ve even looked at has gotten me to this point so quickly. But neither they, my father, or Logan Sargeant were in those classes. They didn’t take those tests. Didn’t work those jobs and internships. Didn’t push themselves to the brink to fight off people like you who assume I’m just here with none of the work done like I’m some girl who has all the connections to be where I want but is doing none of the work to back it up. You and everyone else can keep playing that game. Giggling amongst yourselves while ignoring facts, but you’re never going to play directly in my face about it. Understood?”

Chad nods, looks around, and then scurries off like the rat he is. He doesn’t dare look back and with the path he’s taking it’s clear he may not even stay for the last set of interviews.

An arm wraps around Imans shoulders and she looks down to her brother’s tattooed hand and then up to his face. Lewis looks beyond pissed, but a tad softer than he was moments ago.

“Proud of you,” he says.

Iman smiles, but then rolls her eyes. “One of us had to give a response that would have minimal blow back on their team.”

“Speaking of, I never want him invited by Williams again,” Alex says.

“Same for Mercedes.”

“And Ferrari.”

Those are a tad extreme demands and Iman opens her mouth to reassure them it’s not necessary, but every single person outside of the drivers nods and some whip out phones. 

None of her feels bad about this, but there's a slight weight that comes with it happening for her. She knows it’s not because of her, because she did nothing wrong.

With a sigh she pulls away from Lewis and begins walking toward the media bay.

“Come on. You’re late enough.”

They all whisper behind her, but she tunes them out and finds a seat to watch their interviews. At some point she heads back to the garage because she still has work to do, and things go smoothly. The universe's pittance for that bullshit. 

Wanting nothing more than to continue to have a decent rest of her day she doesn’t bring it up to anyone, though James does tell her it’s handled as he leaves for the day. Him knowing is expected even if she doesn’t love it. However, there is a worse person to know about it and when she hears a yell fill the garage because all three witnesses came to relay the information in person, she hates her life for a second.

There’s a great effort to keep Logan from seeking the man out. Kid has never been in a fight, but you would think he was a seasoned vet at it. Lewis almost lets him go and clearly plans to accompany him, but Iman gives him a look and one of her idiot brothers pulls it together enough to stop the other.

[chemistry-in-sports]

release the cowboy hat rankings (should u so desire)

Omg thank you for asking and I DO desire. The problem is not all of the drivers have worn cowboy hats this weekend so I can't do the comprehensive cowboy hat rankings that I yearn to do.

Imagine if Lewis had worn a cowboy hat with that all denim fit...i know that would have been an automatic P1. Alas I imagine it has been in Lewis' contract for years now that he doesn't have to wear stupid hats under any circumstances.

And obviously our greatest cowboy hat wearing driver was taken from us but we won't linger on that.

So anyway, we work with what we have!

P1, as already revealed:

WHY is Carlos is such a hot cowboy. It doesn’t make sense, he’s not adventurous dresser! He loves a button down! He loves sport! But we cannot argue with the facts. The hat color was designed specifically to enhance big brown doe eyes. The long-for-him hair is designed specifically to look sexy and shaggy and curl slightly at ends under the hat. I don't know. Why is he putting his hand on his head in that coquettish manner. Who taught him that!

P2:

Okay, I think this might be from a previous season, but this is very good imo. The sunglasses, the belt in the same color as the hat, the jeans, the plain white shirt -> it looks legit fashionable and not like a costume. The football might be confusing matters a little but it’s just part of the vibe I guess and it’s working!

P3:

Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to find a picture of Max wearing any hat that isn't his Red Bull hat (he's probably wearing it underneath this one) but I came across this, which i know is not this weekend, but I decided to include it because look how cute he looks. Look at his face! P3!

P4:

I am surprised that Charles in a cowboy hat does not really move me. Maybe it’s the Ferrari hoodie. We should get him in some leather chaps and see if that helps. You know, I am sure Ferrari has a homoerotic video of him riding a horse or getting lassoed by Carlos queued up somewhere, perhaps that will change things for me. Whatever, he’s still P4 bc he has a perfect face and when he put on the hat he said he was like “a proper cowboy!” so what can you do

P5:

I actually think the whole look with the race suits and the boots is surprisingly good, and I like how Esteban has his hat pulled down so you can’t see his eyes — I think that’s how you’re supposed to wear a cowboy hat! But they look soooo awkward there together, they look like a couple who is preparing to try some kind of cowboy themed sexual role play in an attempt to save their marriage but neither of them are really that into it

P6:

Speaking of role plays…I think Lando having thoughts about Oscar in that boot/shorts combo but that’s not what we’re doing here.

Lando’s head is simply too big for this look. The hat needs to be pulled down more but he can’t because of his ridiculous giant head. Idk I think that’s the problem. He looks cute! But also very silly. I think the hat he wore last year in the video where he was singing Taylor Swift looked good -- maybe the darker color or maybe it was just a better fit.

Also Lando always looks like he’s slightly mortified to be alive and I think the cowboy hat requires a kind of confidence/commitment to the bit that he doesn’t have here.

P7:

Now here is a man who always commits to the bit, and he does get points for that -- George has never met a silly video that he won't say yes to -- but he’s last in my rankings because…well, look at the picture. That face was made for Tommy Hilfiger roll neck jumpers and long expensive coats not cheap cowboy hats branded with the Good Morning America logo. I'd be interested in seeing him in a darker hat with a little more weight to it - I think it needs to be more fashion than costume for George.

I know other people must have worn cowboy hats this weekend but these are the ones I saw! Please inform if there are great hat wearers that I missed!