#come through for me il predestinato

[foreverfearlessred]

Me and the girlies waiting to see what emoji a 26 year old millionaire vroom vroom guy from Monaco posts with a picture of his car to see the level of our mental stability for the next year:

[cressidagrey]

The Queen of Romantasy and the Race Car Prince - Chapter 9

Pairing: Lando Norris x Elizabeth "Lizzie" Treshton (Original Character)

Summary:

Elizabeth Treshton—bestselling romantasy author, queen of fae heartbreak, and sworn devotee of a carefully structured routine—never expected her service dog to abandon protocol and diagnose a Formula 1 driver with something. But that’s exactly what happens when Mara the wonder-dog ditches Lizzie’s side to aggressively alert to none other than Lando Norris in the middle of a coffee shop.

Warnings and Notes: 

Mention of epilepsy and service animals. I don't myself suffer from epilepsy, so I asked my IRL friend, who thankfully was nice enough to let me ask her all the questions I could come up with. The rest I asked Reddit. So everything that's wrong...that's totally my fault and not on purpose.

Also, this chapter is pretty much pure smut. So NSFW applies.

As always big thanks to @llirawolf , who listens to me ramble

Lando bought her dog Ferrari Merch. No, scratch that. Lizzie’s boyfriend had literally asked Charles Leclerc, Il Predestinato himself, to get him Ferrari Merch for Mara.

It wasn’t like Lizzie hadn’t tried to get Ferrari Merch for her dog before…but it had always been pretty much impossible. Until Lando.

Until Lando brought home dog bandanas in rosso corsa, printed with that prancing horse symbol of the Scuderia. 

Lizzie's brain was still reeling from the fact that Lando had gone to such lengths for her dog. It was almost absurd, but also incredibly sweet and endearing.

And if Lando could get Ferrari Merch for her dog...maybe she should get McLaren Merch for him.

The plan had come together in her mind quite quickly.

And when he came home from Imola...she was waiting for him.

Waiting. Wearing a shirt that hailed from sometime before her birth…at a time when F1 cars were still plastered with cigarette advertisements. 

Lizzie had expected a reaction.

She hadn’t expected Lando to practically lose his mind the second he stepped through the door.

The plan had been simple. Subtle. Wear the vintage McLaren hoodie she’d spent way too much time hunting down, let him clock it immediately, and then sit back and enjoy the reaction. Tasha had been convinced this would send him feral—“You wanna break a man? Wear something that combines his two greatest loves: his job and you.”—but Lizzie hadn’t been prepared for this.

Because Lando didn’t just react.

He stared.

Completely frozen in the doorway, his bag slipping from his shoulder, mouth slightly parted like his brain had short-circuited. His eyes tracked every inch of her, taking in the way the hoodie swallowed her frame, the way the sleeves draped past her hands, the way she was curled up on the couch like she’d always belonged there.

And then, just when she started to smirk—

“Oh, you fucking menace.”

Lizzie barely had time to blink before Lando was on her, his body pressing her into the couch cushions, hands already gripping at the fabric like he needed to convince himself it was real.

“You—” A kiss to her jaw. “—are—” His hands slid beneath the hoodie, fingers tracing the bare skin of her waist. “—so—” His lips moved to her throat, warm and insistent. “—fucking cruel.”

Lizzie's heart raced as Lando suddenly came alive, his hands roaming over her, his lips on her skin. She'd expected a reaction, but this was...something else entirely. She let out a shaky breath, her eyes fluttering closed as he kissed her with an intensity that ignited a fire within her.

Lizzie let out a breathless laugh, tilting her head to give him better access. “It’s just a hoodie, Lando.”

Lando pulled back, just enough to look at her, his expression somewhere between wrecked and unbelieving. “Just a hoodie?” He scoffed, hands sliding up her sides, thumbs teasing the edge of her ribcage. “No, see, if you had worn my hoodie, I would’ve lost my mind, but this?” He shook his head, voice rough with something dangerously close to reverence. “You planned this.”

Lizzie bit her lip, deliberately toying with the hem of the hoodie. “Maybe.”

Lando’s gaze darkened, tracking the movement of her hands, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin. "Definitely," he corrected her in a low hum, his breath hot against her collarbone. "You did this on purpose, you little minx."

"Is it working?" She challenged back, her voice an innocent contrast to the gleam in her eyes.

Lando’s hands fisted the hoodie—his team’s hoodie—the possessive move making Lizzie shiver.

He looked at her, his expression wild and wanting. “You have no idea,” he growled in her ear, the sound sending a jolt of lust straight to her core.

"Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea," she murmured back, arching into him, pushing the fabric up on purpose. She could see how it was affecting him, the way his breath caught and his gaze darkened. She knew exactly what she was doing to him...and it fueled her own desire.

“You’re such a tease,” he breathed out, his hands roaming up the heated skin of her sides, his fingers toying with the edge of her bra almost lazily. Lizzie shivered at his touch, arching into him with a quiet moan.

Lando’s mouth latched onto her throat in response, his teeth sinking into her skin just enough to make her gasp. His hands continued their torturous exploration, sliding under her body and lifting her against him.

"Bed," she gasped.

Lando needed no more instruction.

In one swift motion, he scooped her up in his arms, his grip tight as he headed towards the bedroom. It was a whirlwind of sensations, his hands hot and urgent, his body pressed firmly against hers.

They reached the bedroom and he deposited her on the bed, his body following, pinning her down. He loomed over her, his eyes wild and dark, his breathing ragged.

"You have no idea what you do to me, do you?" He rasped out, his lips brushing against her jawline.

Lizzie grinned, her hands wandering to the hem of his shirt, tugging at it with a playful edge. "Oh, trust me, I have some idea."

He leaned back, stripping his shirt off in a quick, practiced motion, and then he was back on her, his body heavy and hard against hers.

He kissed a path down her throat, his hands roaming over her curves, the feel of him against her, the smell of him overwhelming her senses. Lizzie let out a low moan, her hands gripping at his shoulders, her legs wrapping around his hips to pull him closer.

One of her hands buried in his curls, pulling him into another kiss.

"As much as I like this sweater..." Lando whispered

"...it would look better on the floor," Lizzie finished, tugging at the fabric of the hoodie. 

Lando's eyes darkened even further at her words. "God, you're going to be the death of me," he murmured, his hands slipping under the hoodie and pulling it up over her head.

Lizzie was left in just her lace bra, vulnerable and wanting under Lando's gaze. His eyes roamed over her, taking in every inch of her bare skin, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

"Fuck, you're gorgeous, love," he breathed.

Lizzie arched into him, his words sending a shiver down her spine. "I could say the same about you," she replied huskily, her hands roving over his chest, feeling the firm muscles under her fingertips.

Lando's breath hitched as her fingers traced over his stomach, his hands tightening on her hips. He leaned down, his lips finding her neck, his teeth grazing her skin. "You drive me insane, you know that?" He murmured, his voice low and rough.

Lizzie let out a soft moan, her head tilting back to give him better access. "I have that effect on you, huh?" She teased, her hands wandering lower, fingers tracing the waistband of his jeans.

Lando groaned, his hips pressing into her touch automatically. "More than you realize," he murmured, his lips finding her collarbone. "You're like a goddamn addiction. I can't get enough of you."

Lizzie's breath caught at his words, the raw honesty in them almost too much to handle. She ran her hands over his back, feeling the heat of his skin, the strength of him. "Then take more," she challenged, her voice a whisper in his ear. "I'm not stopping you."

Lando needed no more invitation. His mouth was on her, his teeth scraping across her collarbone, his tongue soothing the skin. His hands roamed, possessive and rough, as if he needed to touch every inch of her to convince himself she was real.

Lizzie gasped, her body arching into him, her hands gripping at his shoulders. She'd never known lust like this, had never felt so desired, so consumed. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling him closer, needing to feel more, to have all of him.

Lando's hands were everywhere, his touch igniting flames in her veins. He hooked a finger under the strap of her bra, sliding it off her shoulder, his mouth following the path his finger had traced. A moment later, the scrap of lace joined the discarded hoodie, leaving her completely bare beneath him.

He pulled back to look down at her, his eyes roaming over her naked form like he was seeing her for the first time. "God, Liz," he whispered, his voice hoarse, reverent. "You're so goddamn beautiful."

Lizzie's heart did a little flip at his words, a mix of arousal and affection flooding through her. She reached up, pulling him back down to her, her lips finding his in a hungry kiss. His body pressed against her, his skin on hers, and it was like electricity shooting through her veins.

Lando responded eagerly, his lips moving against hers, his tongue slipping into her mouth. His hands continued their exploration, mapping every contour, every contour, every sensitive spot, learning what made her gasp and shudder.

He kissed down her neck, down over her chest...his hands sliding down her sides, his calloused fingers leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. He kissed her stomach, just above her hipbone, his lips tender, almost reverent. Lizzie let out a shaky breath, her fingers digging into the sheets.

Lando moved lower, kissing a path down her stomach, his breath hot against her skin. He reached the edge of her shorts and paused, his eyes flicking up to meet hers, a silent request for permission.

Lizzie met his gaze, her cheeks flushed, her lips parted. She nodded, her eyes darkened with want, her body trembling with anticipation. Lando's expression darkened, his eyes never leaving hers as he slowly, tortuously, slid her shorts down her legs.

He dropped them on the floor, his gaze roaming over her newly-exposed skin. His hands ran up her legs, from ankle to knee to thigh, his touch electrifying. He bit down on his lip as if to suppress a groan, his eyes dark and hot.

Lizzie felt exposed and yet so wanted under his gaze. She couldn't help but squirm a bit, her body needy and desperate. She wanted more, needed more. Her fingers fisted the sheets, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Lando's hands continued their journey, his touch teasing and light as he kissed the sensitive skin of her inner thighs. She gasped, her body arching towards him instinctively. His mouth found the spot just below her hipbone, leaving an open-mouthed kiss there, his teeth scraping gently.

Lizzie's breath hitched, her head tilting back as pleasure coursed through her. His touch was setting her ablaze, every kiss, every graze of his teeth sending fire shooting through her veins. She couldn't remember the last time she'd want anyone this desperately, needed anyone like this.

Lando moved lower, his lips finding the juncture between her thighs, his tongue tracing a lazy pattern. She let out a strangled moan, her hips bucking involuntarily. He chuckled, the sound low and knowing. He knew exactly what he was doing to her, and he was very much enjoying it.

His mouth found her, hot and wet and so unbelievably good. Lizzie's brain short-circuited, her hands flying to his hair, grabbing at his curlsdesperately. She let out a strangled cry, her body arching off the bed, her toes curling. Lando groaned against her, the vibration sending another jolt of pure pleasure through her. 

Lizzie gasped, her hips instinctively bucking against him. "Oh god, yes..." She managed to get out, her voice strangled and weak. Lando's hands held her in place, his grip firm, but not rough, as he continued his ministrations. 

The sensations were overwhelming, bordering on too much. Lizzie felt like she was drowning in him, in this moment, in this feeling. Her body was alive with it, her skin on fire, her heart pounding out of her chest. Every touch of his tongue, every graze of his fingers sent sparks through her, like electricity through her veins.

He pressed one finger into her, and she couldn’t help but clench down onto it. Lando's grip on her thighs tightened as she started to shiver, her breathing rough and ragged. He could feel her teetering on the edge, and he didn't ease up. His tongue continued its rhythm, relentless and precise, pushing her closer and closer… He slid two fingers in, deep and slowly started to fuck her with them.

“Yes.” Her breath hitched, and she shuddered against his hand. “Yes, that’s so good.”

Lizzie was lost, completely lost in him, in the pleasure he was wringing from her body. She was on the precipice, teetering on the edge, her body quivering with the need for release. She gripped at the sheets, her fingers white-knuckled, as she fought for control.

And then...she tipped over the edge. Her body spasmed, her back arching off the bed, her vision going white. Lando's name fell from her lips like a prayer, a broken, breathless moan that seemed to echo in the room. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her, leaving her boneless

Lizzie's mind was still spinning, her body thrumming with aftershocks, as Lando pulled away, his eyes dark and satisfied. He crawled back up her body, his hands roaming over her skin, his lips finding hers in a rough, needy kiss.

She could taste herself on his lips, the familiarity and intimacy of it sending a shiver through her. She could feel him, hard and strained against her hip, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her fingers roaming down his back.

Lando groaned into her mouth, his hips instinctively grinding against hers. He was losing his composure, his touch becoming more impatient, more desperate. He pulled back just enough to speak, his voice rough and hoarse. "Lizzie," he whispered, his fingers digging into her hips, "I need—"

“Condom,” she gasped. “Bedside table.”

Lando's eyes darkened, his expression turning almost predatory, as he shifted off her, slipping out of the sweatpants he wore. 

He reached over to the bedside table, his eyes never leaving hers, and grabbed a condom from the drawer. His fingers trembled slightly as he ripped open the foil, his movements jerky with impatience.

He had it on in record time, Lizzie watching him, her breath catching in her throat. He was glorious, all coiled muscle and heat, and he was hers. He pushed her legs apart, settling between them, his body covering hers.

Lizzie was already on edge again, her body still sensitive from her orgasm. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him to her, wanting him as close as possible. Lando groaned, his forehead dropping to hers as he rubbed against her, his breathing uneven.

"I need you," he mumbled, his voice raw, and Lizzie couldn't help but shiver at the sound. "Need you so much." She reached up, cupping his face in her hands, her thumbs stroking his cheeks. Their eyes met, and in that moment, everything else fell away.

Lando's breath caught as he looked into her eyes, as if she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He shifted his hips, his tip nudging at her entrance, and a gasp fell from her lips. They were so close, so close, and yet he still hesitated for a moment, his face a question.

Lizzie knew what he was asking without words and she nodded, her fingers digging into his shoulders. "Yes," she whispered, her voice a ragged plea. "Please. I need you, too."

That’s all he needed. With the sound of one sharp breath...he pushed in. It was like nothing she’d ever felt. She couldn't think, couldn't breathe, could only feel him. 

A moan slipped from her lips, deep and rough, as he began to move, slow and gentle at first. Every slide, every thrust sent a jolt of electricity through her veins, and she could feel him—every shudder, every sound, every tremble… He was moving slowly, almost tortuously, his eyes on hers, his teeth gritted in restraint. His breath was coming in harsh gasps, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Lizzie reached up, her fingers tracing his jaw, her touch both soothing and arousing. 

"Harder," she whispered, her voice a plea, her nails digging into his skin. "Please, I need—I need you."

His control snapped. Lando's hands slammed down next to her head, gripping the sheets, the muscles in his arms straining. He picked up the pace, each thrust harder, deeper, rougher than the last. 

He leaned down, his breaths hot against her neck, his hips moving relentlessly against hers. He was everywhere, surrounding her, consuming her. “God, Lizzie...” he groaned, his voice raw and guttural. “You’re so fucking perfect, so goddamn beautiful, I can’t—I can’t—"

She could feel him coming undone, every movement, every word, every ragged gasp was a piece of him breaking off and falling into her. She arched against him, her body meeting his with every thrust, seeking more, always more, scrabbling for purchase on the sweat slick skin of his back. "Don't hold back," Lizzie gasped, her fingers sliding into his hair. "Let go, let me see you."

That was all it took for the last vestiges of restraint to snap. Lando lost himself completely in her, his body driving into hers without restraint, one hand gripping her hips hard enough to bruise. 

She could feel him spiraling, coming undone, and she wanted to see it, to feel it, to be the one to undo him. She pulled him closer, her legs tightening around his waist. "Come for me," she gasped, her voice a pleading plea. "Please, Lando, come with me."

He let out a rough, guttural moan as if the words were a command he couldn't refuse. He was so close, his body trembling with the effort to hold back, to prolong this moment. She could feel him teetering on the edge, his rhythm growing rougher, more erratic. "Lizzie...f-f-fuck..." he managed to get out through clenched teeth, as if those were the only words he could remember.

She pulled him down, her fingers gripping his hair, "Let go," she gasped, her voice rough and broken. "Let go, Lando. I've got you, I promise."

He drove into her again, and her Orgasm slammed into her like a sucker punch. 

It was like a switch was flicked. He buried himself in her, a gasp torn from his lungs as he came undone. It was like nothing she'd ever felt, the power and the beauty and the absolute trust in it. She held him through it, her hands mapping his skin, her lips finding his, kissing him with everything she had. He was shaking, trembling, vulnerable, and all she wanted to do was hold him close and never let go.

He collapsed against her, his body boneless and heavy, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. His head was tucked into the crook of her neck, and she could feel the rapid thump of his heart against her chest. She held him close, her fingers stroking his hair gently, as if he was something fragile.

They stayed like that for a while, the minutes ticking by in silence, the only sound in the room their breathing and the occasional beat of the clock. Lando's breaths were slowly returning to normal, his body relaxed and sated. Lizzie's heart was still racing, her mind still reeling from the intensity of what had just happened.

Lando eventually raised his head, looking down at her with heavy-lidded eyes. "You...okay?" he whispered, his voice still a little rough.

Lizzie nodded, a small smile on her lips. "More than okay," she said, her voice soft and sated. "That was..." She trailed off, struggling to find the words to describe it.

Lando let out a tired, but satisfied chuckle. "Yeah, it was," he agreed, his eyes roaming over her face with a possessive glint. He propped himself up on one elbow, running his free hand over her curves, as if unable to keep his hands off her.

She shivered under his touch, her body still sensitive from their encounter. She reached up, her finger tracing his bottom lip, her eyes mapping the features of his face. "You're so beautiful," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Lando's gaze softened, something almost like awe in his eyes. He caught her hand in his, bringing it to his lips and gently kissing her knuckles. "You're the beautiful one," he murmured against her skin, his voice low and sincere.

She couldn't help but blush under his gaze, the intensity in his eyes making her chest tighten. She couldn't believe he was looking at her like that, as if she was the only person in the world. 

It was intoxicating, and beautiful and she found herself wanting to drown in it, in him. 

[dannyriccsystem]

Comforting drivers after a bad race result?

HOLD ME NOW…

FORMULA ONE DRIVERS X READER

Summary: The drivers need some comfort after a bad race :(

Warnings: Hurt with comfort, Y/N usage

Featuring: MV1, KA12, CL16, CS55, OP81, OB87

No lando because I just wrote a whole comfort fic for him here! I swapped out a few others, too, just to change things up!

I have so many requests I’m having sm fun today thanks guys!!

Why did nobody tell me I added a picture of my niece’s big ass chocolate easter bunny 😭 THAT’S SO FUNNY. Thanks guys ❤️

MAX VERSTAPPEN - MV1

It wasn’t often that Max did poorly in a race. He had the title of reigning champion for a reason, but as of the 2025 season, he hadn’t been performing exacrtly like he wished.

Now, don’t get me wrong. He wasn’t doing bad or anything. For the past two races (Melbourne and Shanghai), he’s been in the top five, but for Max Verstappen, that wasn’t enough. He needed to be #1.

After losing his streak of being the Champion leader, he had been down. You had noticed it right off the bat. He needed you.

He was found in his drivers room, his head in his hands as he sat on the small sofa in there. You opened the door and knocked softly, making your presence known. You could see him straighten up, trying to put up his manly, professional facade.

“Hi Y/N,” He muttered, offering a little smile. You nodded in acknowledgment and stepped inside, shutting the door behind you. You stood between his legs, both of your hands on his shoulders as you both stared at each other. “What?” He tilted his head, a genuine smile popping up.

“I know you’re beating yourself up, but I’m proud of you.” You lifted one hand to cup his cheek, which then trailed up into his hair. You pushed it back and away from his forehead, pressing a gentle kiss there. “Don’t forget it.”

—

KIMI ANTONELLI - KA12

“Kimi…” Your voice trailed off softly, eyebrows furrowed with sympathy. The rookie had approached you not long after his most recent race, where he had placed pretty low. The boy had so many expectations placed upon him, and he seemed to be struggling with living up to them. He had his head hung low, his helmet still on.

He slowly tugged it off, taking the baclava off right after. His curls sprung free, and his sad puppy dog eyes were revealed. You shook your head softly and pulled him into a hug, patting him softly on the back. “Hey, don’t let it get to you…” She hummed, gently playing with his hair.

“I just feel like I’m disappointing everyone, especially Toto.” You pulled back to look him in the eyes. His bottom lip quivered, but he wasn’t crying just yet. “Hey was betting on me.”

“You’ve still accomplished so much. Youngest race leader, youngest fastest lap setter… You’re doing incredible, Kimi.” He smiled softly, looking down. “I can tell you know I’m right, too.” A quick kiss on the lips.

—

CHARLES LECLERC - CL16

Charles Leclerc always had high expectations placed on him. It was in his nickname, Il Predestinato. It quite literally translated to the chosen one. Everyone wanted him to be the next great.

The problem? He just… Wasn’t.

Ferrari had done nothing but disappoint him so far. The saying was that everyone was a Ferrari fan, even if they said they weren’t, so why did this beloved team let him down so bad? He felt like it must have been his fault. When he returned home that night, he sought out comfort from you, his girlfriend.

“Y/N,” He called out as he shut the door behind him softly, slipping his shoes and jacket off. He wanted nothing more than your warmth. You were in the living room, curled up watching TV with your fuzzy blanket. When you saw the expression on his face, you softened and opened your arms wide.

“Come here,” and he did. He practically flopped down on top of you, letting you cradle him like a big baby. “You’re doing great, especially considering the shit they’re putting you through.” That was all the reassurance he needed.

He sunk into your embrace, allowing himself to experience this temporary joy.

—

CARLOS SAINZ - CS55

Williams hadn’t been as glorious as Carlos wanted it to be. He knew the team had never exactly performed great— It was one of the more controversial teams, designated towards rookies more than longtime drivers such as himself. However, he took what he got and was grateful for every opportunity.

Except, it was hard. He wasn’t fighting at the frontlines like he used to. It felt like he was fighting just to stay in the range of points, and it didn’t help that his teammate was surpassing him. That night at dinner, while you two were supposed to be having a nice date, you could tell Carlos was occupied.

“What’s on your mind?” You ask as you spear your food with your fork, guiding it to your mouth.

He seemed withdrawn and hesitant to answer, but eventually he looked up at you and shrugged whilst leaning back in his chair. “I don’t know, I just feel… Disappointed in myself.” This caught your attention. You set your fork down and gave him your full attention. “Williams is a big step back from Ferrari.”

“Oh, I know, Carlos.” You hummed with sympathy, reaching across the table to grab his hand. “You’ve managed to out qualify your replacement various times, though.” You pointed out, and he nodded slowly.

“Yeah, it just feels different.”

“Because it is different, and different takes time to get used to. That’s why Alex is performing well in a Williams. He has experience with the team.” You suggest, and he seems to soften. “You’re P1 in my heart, darling.”

He gently lifted your hand, kissing your knuckles with appreciation.

—

OSCAR PIASTRI - OP81

The fabled Australian Grand Prix had really taken a toll on your boyfriend. He had wanted to do so good for various reasons. It was the first race of the season, his home race, and the first race you had come to watch. All was well until last second when the rain hit, and he slid off into the grass.

It felt like that should have been the end. No more racing for Oscar Piastri, he should have been out, but he managed to reverse his way out and get back into P9. Even after that incredible comeback, he seemed to be taking the news incredibly hard.

When you found him afterwards, he was on the brink of tears. It was hard to be happy for his teammate when he had experienced such a loss. Despite making it into points, you couldn’t blame him for being disappointed. “Oscar,” You called out. As soon as he realized you were there, he nearly ran over to scoop you up into his arms.

“Thank God you’re here,” Even if your first race ended in a poor result, he was grateful, because at least you were there to console him. You wrapped your arms around his neck, playing with the hair at his nape.

“Hey, those reversing skills were seriously impressive.” You mused, hoping to cheer him up a bit. He chuckled into the skin of your neck, swaying back and forth as he squeezed you. “You did good. That overtake was pretty badass, too.”

“You’re the best.”

—

OLIVER BEARMAN - OB87

Your Ollie was one of the sweetest boys around, but it was safe to say that during the time he subbed in for Carlos in 2024, he had a bit of an inflated ego. He managed to score points on his very first race with Formula One, and expected himself to perform just as well when it was his official rookie year.

The difference was that he was no longer in a Ferrari. He was with a Haas, which was admittedly a downgrade. During the Australian Grand Prix 4/6 rookies had crashed, causing them to DNF. Ollie didn’t succumb to such a fate, but he may as well have. Instead, he came in dead last.

It certainly wasn’t a good feeling for his first race. He was grateful to have finished at all, but it’s not like he got any benefit. Still with zero points, he may as well have crashed with the others. The next few days he was noticeably off, and you felt your heart ache for his pain.

“Ollie,” You spoke fondly when you approached him one day. He was sitting on the couch in the hotel room, putting on his sneakers to go for a run. He looked up at you with that boyish smile, but something was off. “I hope you know I’m proud of you.”

You pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, and he seemed to soften. He blinked for a few moments, completely silent, before muttering, “Thank you.” That’s all you needed to hear to know he’d be okay.

[no-144444]

persistent perstering- c.leclerc

Day 13 of fic-tober! fic-tober masterlist

summary: Ferrari drivers are persistent. You’re not looking for love. Too bad he is. 

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ

You liked your job. Ferrari was a good place to work. You’d befriended many of your colleagues, you enjoyed the travel, and though your work was challenging, you felt good. You were the assistant strategist who, granted, usually had better strategies than your boss, but you bite your tongue to keep his massive ego alive. If you could slap him in his dumb fucking face, you would. You liked being in the garage, well, you would if it weren’t for one thing. 

Charles LeClerc. 

Ferrari’s number one, Prince of Monaco, il Predestinato, King of Monza, the Ferrari driver. 

He was a pain in the ass. He followed you around like a love-sick puppy, he hung on every word you said, laughed too hard at all your jokes, talked too much, and he wasn’t exactly your type. 

Well, no one at that moment was. You’d imposed an iron-clad dating ban on yourself when your last relationship ended badly. You weren’t interested in the Monaco dating scene, and even if you were, you wouldn’t start up again with Charles LeClerc. 

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ

“Morning!” You called out to Carlos. The humid air made every piece of clothing you owned too warm, so you were in a vintage Ferrari cropped-tank. You loved your team, even before working there. Behind Carlos, was Charles, not that you knew that. Carlos smiled, coming over to you. 

“How are you doing?” He asked with a smile. 

“Fucking hot,” you chuckled. He nodded. “It's mad weather.”

“I know what you mean,” he nodded. “Charles’ here could barely stand getting out of bed.”

Charles stepped out from behind him with a bright smile. You smiled back politely, and somehow didn’t notice the way his jaw dropped when he saw you. 

“Ready for tonight?” you asked them both. 

“Ready,” Carlos nodded. “And hoping that you’re doing my strategy.” 

You chuckled and followed him into the paddock, Charles tagging behind you both. “Sadly no, but I will be on stand-by for drinks afterwards, first round on me if things go wrong?”

“First round on me if things go right,” Carlos nodded. 

“Well, good luck today,” you smiled. “Can’t wait for the sprint!”

“Thank you,” Carlos smiled and left to go to his side of the garage. 

“Feeling ready for today?” you asked Charles, trying to be polite. 

He nodded. “How bad can it be?”

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ

Very, very bad. Extremely bad. Awful. 

Sprint went like this; 

Lap 2: Charles Engine failure into the pits for a 20 second stop.

Lap 8: Carlos crashes with Norris 

Lap 16: Charles into the barriers. 

Double DNF with the feature race tomorrow and quali tonight? Yeah, you’d all be getting fined for staying late. 

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ

You sat at your desk, looking over the strategy for tomorrow, disheartened at your prospects. Quali had ended 2 hours ago and Charles and Carlos were starting at the bottom of the grid, and it was your job to get them back up into at least the top 10, if not the top 5. Finally, the ball was in your hands in terms of strategy and no matter what, they were going to listen to your calls. The team had all left 30 minutes ago, the cars were fixed with no upgrades and some understeer, but they were drivable. 

“Heading home soon?” Charles’ voice rang out through the empty garage. 

“Nope,” you sighed.

“You’ll work yourself to death,” he sighed. “What are you looking at?”

“Strategy is in my hands tomorrow,” you blurted out. “And I’m fucking freaking out,” You let out a sad chuckle as you felt all of the pressure on your shoulders get heavier and heavier. “I don’t know what to do now. Austin is always a fucking ordeal, and with teh Sprint and you tow trashing the cars we’re so fucked, and they’re finally giving me the chance I’ve been asking for and if I fuck it up they’ll never promote me, even though they know it’s less than ideal circumstances.” 

You took a deep breath as your eyes watered. He placed a hand on your shoulder. “It’s alright,” he whispered. “You can cry.”

You groaned, covering your face. “I don’t want to cry.”

He chuckled softly. “I think you might need to.”

You shook your head, taking deep breaths and wiping your eyes. “No, I-I’m alright.” 

Your breathing quickened. Your heart raced. Your mind clouded. Your ears rang. 

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. 

This couldn’t be happening, not in front of your colleague, not in your workplace not-

And then his lips were on yours? His hands in your hair as you sat there stoic and frozen with anxiety, he fucking kissed you. 

WHAT A CUNT. 

You hastily pushed him off and gathered your things, hoping he would just leave you alone. He rushed out apology after apology until you finally turned to him and screamed. “Leave me the fuck alone Charles! Not everyone is in love with you, alright? I’m Carlos’ friend, not yours! I tolerate you, because I fucking have to, because it’s my job, and because I’m a fucking professional! If you cannot extend those same respectful luxuries, don’t come near me Charles. Just leave me alone!” 

He stood there, shocked, as you stormed off to your hotel room. 

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ

You walked into the paddock the next morning with your head held high and a plan for the strategy. You knew what you were doing, and the only time you’d have to see Charles today would be on your screen in a car driving more than 300 kilometres an hour. Perfect.

When you got to your desk, there was a small note on it with a bouquet of your favourite flowers. 

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ

Dear Y/n,

I am so sorry about my behaviour last night, it was unacceptable. I panicked and I wasn’t sure what to do, but I know now that was not the way to go about it. I am so incredibly sorry, and I promise to leave you be from now on.  Sorry again, Charles. 

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ

A part of you felt bad, another didn’t. I mean, working with F1 drivers, you were used to tall egos on shorter men, with very little to back them up other than their money. You were sick of it, and to be honest, Charles just got the brunt of your anger because he was close to you, and he had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

And I mean, it was a pretty good kiss. But no, he’s a dickhead, right? 

You huffed at your own stupidity. No way you were letting a man get you this confused about what you wanted. You didn’t want…? You wanted…? Fuck, what did you want?

“Hi,” Charles’ sheepish voice came from beside you. You whipped your head around to meet his eyes. “I just wanted to apologise in person as well. I am truly very sorry about last night, I put my own feelings above yours and took advantage, and I am deeply ashamed. I promise-”

And then your lips were on his?

How the tables turn.

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ

navigation for my blog :) (masterlist)

fic-tober masterlist

taglist: @anotherapollokid @theseerbetweenus @simbaaas-stuff @5sospenguinqueen @yootvi

[littlegrapejuice]

Il Predestinato | CL16

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x Reader

Summary: Meeting Louis Tomlinson and Charles winning the Italian GP at Monza on the same day? What more could you ask for?

Author's Note: as both a 1d and f1 fan, how could i not write smth ab louis being in the ferrari garage for the weekend🤭 also those pics fucking annoyed me bc tumblr was being a bitch so i just made a collage or else i would've thrown my phone through the window

F1 MASTERLIST🏎

Louis. William. Tomlinson. Was in the Ferrari garage for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. You had been ecstatic to hear the news from Charles back on Friday, and had been thinking all weekend about how to act once you would be in front of him. However, you were as nervous as excited to meet your favourite singer and it didn't help when Charles's PR manager told you both that Louis had arrived on Sunday.

Charles was requested during a certain time slot to speak with him, which he was glad to do so compared to previous celebrities that he had met as Louis was someone you held in high regards, meaning that Charles was intrigued to see why.

You didn't know whether this was the best moment for you to try and talk to Louis, or if you should wait for the start of the race, or even until after the race to meet him. For now, you were simply engrossed in a conversation with Arthur about the Formula 3 and Formula 2 races that had happened a couple hours ago, discussing the latest winners.

You knew Charles was on the other side of the garage with Louis, probably having small talk and taking pictures, but you were unaware of the conversation they were now actually having.

"Saying it once again but it's good to have you here today with us," Charles told Louis.

"My pleasure to have been invited honestly," the singer replied. "Being in the Ferrari garage at Monza is crazy, massive thank you to your team. I'll be rooting for you today, mate."

"Thanks for the support." Charles glanced at you then thought for a second about how to start the topic, until he decided to just wing it. "Is it alright if I introduce you to someone while you're here? My girl's a big fan of yours and I know she's been thinking all weekend about how to stage your meeting."

"Yeah, no problem." Louis nodded with a smile, always down to meet a fan. "Bring her there, I absolutely don't mind at all."

And this is what Charles did, as he called out your name with his signature accent that you had grown to love over the years. Expecting to see him alone, you didn't think Charles would call you while he was still talking with Louis. Therefore, you hesitated for a second about whether to flee your boyfriend and favourite singer. However, when Louis turned to face whoever Charles had called, he gave you such a warm smile that there was no way for you to ignore the man now. So you calmly walked towards them, deeply breathing in and out as a means to compose yourself.

"Great of you to join us", Charles told you with a smile. "I'll leave you two alone for a bit and come back later, okay?"

"Alright man," Louis replied with a nod. "See you later!"

"I- what?" Charles where the fuck are you going? You thought as your boyfriend just waved at you before going to replace you in the conversation you had been having with his brother. No turning back now...

Louis Tomlinson, former member of One Direction and now in a successful solo career with two albums that led to sold out tours, was in front of you. He didn't know whether to talk first, but decided upon it as he was used to the state you were starting to be in.

"Hi love," he gently began. "You alright?"

"Yeah, hmm... sorry, oh my God..." You were so embarrassed right now, not even able to form a proper sentence in front of your favourite artist. "Hi! Yes I'll be fine, I think."

"It's just me, little ol' Louis. We're simply having a chat so nothing to panic about, yeah?"

Sharply inhaling, your answer was a nod, before you slowly exhaled. Okay, this is only Louis Tomlinson. This is my favourite singer, but we're chilling. All good, you repeated in your head.

"Is it fine if I hug you?" You eventually asked as you felt more relaxed.

"Of course love," he agreed before opening his arms. "Come 'ere."

People often said that Louis hugged his fans like a mother did, as a way to protect them and to show how much he cared for them. You didn't think it was entirely true until now.

This was probably one of the most reassuring hugs you've ever had, as you just felt calm and serene. Your mind suddenly stopped stressing over the fact that you were hugging the Louis Tomlinson, and you were now just enjoying the contact. Louis could sense you had become less stiff during the hug, and thought it fine to slowly remove his arms from around you.

"Feeling better now?" He inquired as he kept his hands on your shoulders for a few seconds before putting them back in his pockets.

"Yes, thank you. Sorry, I thought I would be ready to meet you but I guess my brain wasn't entirely agreeing."

"All good, don't be sorry about that." He smiled again, and the only words that came to your mind to describe it were gentle and warm like the sun. "So, what can you tell me about you?"

"Oh, hmm, I don't really know..."

"Any favourite songs?" He suggested with a teasing tone.

"Absolutely, yeah, of course!" And that was it, you were quickly back to your usual self as Louis himself was allowing you to rant about him. "So, from the first album I'd say Only The Brave. Could've made it longer", you added with a laugh, "but still an amazing song. And for the second one, I think Holding On To Heartache. Makes me cry everytime I listen to it, but it's always worth it."

"Wow, do you not like any happier songs of mine?" Louis chuckled. Damn, you made Louis Tomlinson laugh.

"Of course I do!" You retorted. "Silver Tongues is a masterpiece, great way to end the shows. And also every song you wrote for the band is a banger so there's that too."

"You went to one of the shows then?" He wondered. "I hope you did, wouldn't want my new favourite fan to have missed tour."

"I did, yes." Being jokingly called his 'new favourite fan' shouldn't make you blush like it did, but hey! This is still your favourite singer in front of you. "The Paris show, for both tours. I'm never getting over it, feels like I imagined it all."

"Paris, wow that takes me back. Those Saturdays lights man, they were insane."

"That's how you know you always have to come back there every tour, yeah?" You teased with a smile, over the moon when Louis confirmed that France would never leave his concert map. "I'm so happy you put this show on the live album by the way, that's like a fever dream to be somewhat featured on it."

"You liked it?" He asked, to which you nodded. "Got the album alright?"

"Oh, I didn't buy it yet but I'm planning on getting the CD don't worry."

"Forget that", Louis told you. "I'll get you one along with the vinyl and the whole package, yeah? Tell you what, I'll get in touch with your boyfriend's manager to send you all that properly. Sounds good?"

"Yes, oh my God, absolutely. Thank you so much!"

"Least I can do for you, we'll stay in contact." A look behind you notified Louis that Charles was walking towards the both of you, probably meaning that goodbyes were in order. "Very nice to meet you, I hope we'll see each other again."

"Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, I really appreciate it. Enjoy the race!"

Sharing a last quick hug, Louis left you so that he could go mingle somewhere else, before you felt a new pair of arms hugging you from behind.

"Sooo, how was meeting your favourite singer?" Charles asked.

"Amazing, thank you so much. I don't think I would've come talk to him by myself," you admitted.

"I'd be a monster and the worst boyfriend ever if I didn't push you to him. Who knows when you'd have another opportunity like that?"

"True. Now there's only one thing that could make me even happier than meeting Louis," you told Charles.

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow at you.

"Yeah," you nodded. "You on that top step after the race."

"That I can do, I guess."

"You guess?" You scoffed in reply. "Louis Tomlinson is in that garage, so you better win this Leclerc."

"I will", Charles assured you with determination in his eyes. "Do not worry even once about me, I will."

.....

And he did. He won in Monaco, his home race. He won in Monza, his team's home race. In. The. Same. Season.

You couldn't be prouder of him. From the first lap, you had been holding your breath when Charles managed to squeeze into P2 while Oscar overtook Lando.

Since then, it had been a rollercoaster of emotions for you and Charles's family with whom you were watching. You had been especially nervous when Charles got undercut by Lando, but it got better when you witnessed your boyfriend taking back the lead of the race later on.

You were scared when you saw the gap between Charles and Oscar getting shorter. Oscar had relatively new hard tyres compared to Charles who had his for the last forty laps or so.

But everything ended well. Charles crossed the finish line, P1 at the chequered flag. A Ferrari victory at home, at the temple of speed.

From then on, everything was a blur. You were a crying mess as Arthur hugged you. Everyone was cheering around you, celebrating a second victory of the Prince of Ferrari at Monza, five years later.

You didn't realise when Arthur pulled your hand and brought you with him to see Charles, the entire Ferrari team coming along. And when he drove his car to the P1 spot, everyone cheered once again. You knew you were far from being the loudest, still too emotional to actually process what happened.

Charles ran to his team, noticing you and Arthur in the middle of the red ocean. He hugged you both; happy tears pouring down everyone's cheeks.

The rest was another blur until you were looking up, with dried tears on your face, at Charles. As he had promised you, he was on the top step of the podium. Victory looked good on him, it always did. He seemed so relaxed, mouthing along to the Monegasque anthem, before the Italian one resonated and then all hell broke loose. Celebrations were in order, both for Charles and Ferrari, who had once again made Italy proud.

.....

You had been the proudest though, you assured Charles the next morning when you woke up in each other's arms. You both stayed in bed longer than usual, just basking in the peace and quiet you were getting compared to yesterday's fervour.

"It still feels like a dream," Charles told you.

"Dreams are made to be achieved", you softly replied. "You're making yours come true, as you should."

"I hope we are on the right path again now."

"Of course you are." Truth be told, you were waiting to see what would happen during the next races to be sure of it, but if Charles was trusting his team right now, then so did you. "This was such a wonderful weekend."

"Because I won or because you met Louis?" Charles asked with a laugh. "Which happened thanks to me by the way, you coward."

"Because you won, don't worry. Although Louis was a great bonus," you added. "I'm sure he was your lucky charm, you should invite him again."

"And lose my girlfriend to him?" He scoffed at your suggestion. "No way. You are my lucky charm, the only one I need."

"I'll be there for all your next wins then," you confirmed.  Whenever you need another one."

A comfortable silence then took place between the two of you, before Charles broke it:

"Would you rather be at his concert or a race?"

"Charles!" You exclaimed as you thought about how ridiculous he sounded.

"Would you, though?"

"Maybe..." Maybe not, you mentally added.

"You're kidding?"

"Unless you keep asking stupid questions like that, yes I'm kidding. Races can't be changed but it's easy to decide that I'll go see him elsewhere," you explained. "Don't worry, you're still my favourite."

"Favourite artist?"

"I can do favourite pianist, but that's it."

"I'll take that, I guess. Right now, I'm the one in bed with you so..."

"And I wouldn't wanna be anywhere else", you said. "I love you, Prince of Ferrari, Il Predestino; wait no, Il Pres- no... Il Predestinato! Is that it?" You asked, a look of hope in your eyes.

"It is yeah," Charles confirmed with a chuckle. "Let's be glad I'm not dating you for your Italian."

"Yeah, yeah... you love me too much to care about how shit my Italian is."

"I do love you very much", he replied before kissing you. "Even if you obsess over British men who disbanded almost a decade ago."

"Hey! That's low, and mean!"

Charles apologised as you threatened to punch him for his previous words, laughter now echoing in your hotel room. Those were moments you would never trade for anything else, not when you had the opportunity to witness Charles's highs after so many lows. His happiness made yours, and you would stay by his side for as long as he'll want you.

It's you and me until the end.

..........

Anyone remembers when i said i had no idea if/when I'd ever write for a driver again🧍🏻‍♀️ well that was acc quick to happen lmao

Ig it's a bit addictive to write when you easily find material that helps create the content you wanna put out here - not only did charles win fucking monza but louis was there so that felt like a sign from the universe and i had no choice but to comply

Fun fact, otb and hoth truly are my fav songs from each album (i even have a tat in relation to hoth bc this song means sm to me and i fucking sobbed when i heard it live) + i did went to the paris show for each tour

Anyways, hope y'all enjoyed it and ig this time i really don't know when I'll write again - maybe next gp depending on who wins and/or what happens during the lil break so bye bye for now❤️

[valyrfia]

You haven’t pissed me off, strangers online don't have that power. But in other words, you can't actually answer the question. I just genuinely thought you had an opinion based on facts and not just "compilations of past world champions saying so" and "he's my favorite therefore he's the most talented", and I wanted to know that it was.

Also, nobody is surprised you're a Charles main, I think that's why majority of us follow you. It’s not like you try to hide it, which you shouldn't - nobody should hide who their favorite is.

He is my favourite therefore he's the most talent, daghe Charles Forza Ferrari etc., but I digress.

To give a slightly more fleshed out answer, Charles had a more difficult start to his career whereas Max's way in karting and the lower formulae was paved with money and the connections of his dad. The Monaco of it all hides Charles' upbringing but they were essentially a very middle class family that just happened to live in a rich country, whereas money was of no concern for Max's family. Yes Charles used the living in Monaco of it all to his advantage for connections, but his family ran out of money a lot when he was karting, and he had to take on sponsors quite early on, and money is a MASSIVE part of success in the route to F1, so I take karting stats with more of a pinch of salt because the winner is more likely to be based on familial income (which is why I kind of wish we could put Esteban Ocon in a top car just to see something.....but I digress). I think Max fans tend to gloss over this privilege a lot of the time in conversations because Jos yes is a POS but Max still had one of the best launchpads of anyone on the grid.

Re: them into F1. I do want to put them in equal machinery just to see something, and I WISH we had gotten Max F3/F2 seasons just for a more direct comparison, I think the closest comparison we maybe have is 2019, before Mattia Binotto got his grubby hands over too much and we got nerfed. Sure there's Austria, which Max won, but immediately after then there's also Silverstone, which is a h2h that Charles won.

And then we entered the Horrors era which we're still suffering through, meanwhile red bull have given Max a car capable of winning WDCs, so all comparison falls apart. But it's little things that makes me think and believe in the talent narrative, Charles' tyre-saving masterclass at Suzuka last year that flew under the radar, followed by his VERY famous one at Monza, the only other driver who tried to pull off drives like that got disqualified (RIP George Russell) and while Max can save tyres, he's not quite as good at it as Charles is. Same with adapting to the car, Max needs a car with a pointy front and he's gotten pretty much that all throughout his career, Charles on the other hand has had to drive all sorts of shitboxes, understeer, no-steers, tyre-munchers, etc. and really makes up that extra difference to pull cars kicking and screaming to where they don't belong. I will concede we're seeing more of that with Max this year too, the RB21 has no business being on pole, but "Charles Leclerc and inshallah" is a widespread joke for a very good reason. I have the data to believe that Charles is a more adaptable driver.

Finally I rely and trust the words of former WDCs, almost all of which have said that Charles is the most talented driver they've ever met. I'm using past WDCs as sources and benchmarks because I think they know better than the rest of us what all of that really entails.

And you may not like this but at a certain point it really does come down to belief. I have data, and I'm sure you'd like to poke holes in my argument because you're a Max fan and your belief is incompatible with mine, but you're not changing my mind because to me part of the fun of the sport IS the absolute blind conviction that Charles is Il Predestinato and spring will come again etc. etc. I think that's why a lot of people follow me. At the end of it all, I believe.

[piastriprincess]

GIVE ME CHARLES RIVALS TO LOVERS RAYNOWWWW (nicely) (lovingly)

(hi this is binisainz)

BIRDYYYYY you can't do this to me bc now i wanna write it just for you but i have finals !! also ... in my head its a 10k smau + written fic and i am sooooo slow bc i have so many ideas and want it to be perfect ... but i DO have the intro below if you wanna read it :P ENJOY BELOVED ! lmk what u think !!

Charles Leclerc has a reputation for kindness. The commentators fawn over him. The fans call him charming. Nearly everyone on the grid loves him, even rival team principals — they just seem to soften when he’s around, doling out handshakes and smiles and claps on the back whenever they see those mesmerizing blue eyes. He says all the right things, and he always looks good doing it. Rain or shine, pole or P10. Ferrari’s golden boy. Il Predestinato. He’s the kind of driver people love to root for, the kind of man that people just expect to like. 

Yes, Charles Leclerc is kind, everyone says so. But not when it comes to you. 

You’re not even sure when it began, really, the vicious rivalry between the two of you. You’ve known Charles almost your whole life, and hated him nearly as long. You grew up karting on the same circuits, racing the same kids, fighting over the same race lines, the same tenths of a second. Back then, you were both hungry, both talented, both desperate to prove yourself, and there was barely enough room for both of you. 

He’s a great driver, you’ll admit. Maybe that’s why it was easy for people to start falling all over themselves to sign him — first Sauber, then Ferrari. Meanwhile, you had to fight tooth and nail for everything you got, scrapping and clawing your way through every junior level until you got to that second Red Bull seat. Charles got to be charming, floating through life without a care in the world, while you… well, you know what people whisper about you when they think you can’t hear. There goes the girl with too much to prove. Too ambitious, too serious, too cold. What a bitch. Who does she think she is? Or the other way around: She doesn’t deserve what she’s got. Diversity hire. Paddock princess. One of the Racing Bulls boys should take her place. She just doesn’t have what it takes. 

You don't know what you hate more: the fact that no matter what you do you can never win, or the fact that no matter what he does, he always seems to.

[goldsainz]

ECHOES OF LOVE — one shot.

pairing: charles leclerc x reader

2K CELEBRATION. MASTERLIST.

taglist: @lorarri @lpab @whatthefuckerr @noncannonships @lunnnix @elliegrey2803 @schumacheer @saintslewis

summary: you can only watch as the man you love becomes a shell of who he once was.

request: “i would like to have ✒️— with prompt “i don’t even recognize you anymore.” with Charles!”

warnings: angst, ferrari being enemy #1, poorly proof-read, charles’s an asshole.

NOTE: this is all over the place but i kinda like the mess. every time i write for charles i read it over and over bc i don’t know if i am doing him justice. i hope you all enjoy this and find it entertaining, at least.

[ word count: 1,2k ]

Forza Ferrari sempre. 

You didn’t know when, but somewhere along the way you grew to hate the phrase. You suppose it was when Charles started to lose himself in his devotion to the team or when he no longer had time to even look at you some days. 

It didn’t take a genius to know that Ferrari was one of the main priorities Charles had in his life, what you didn’t know or even have in mind, is that it went above you. You who had stuck by him through thick and thin, who heard him cry out of frustration when the team made a decision not even then could comprehend; you who loved him for Charles and not il Predestinato. 

Sometimes you miss the past. It wasn’t always that you indulged in nostalgia, but when you did, it made you resent what your life has become. How could you not? Everywhere you went there was a reminder of all the things you had lost, all the little things you slowly left behind and now missed. 

You remember a time where talking about Ferrari was fun. When all was hush-hush and Charles had just signed his contract with the Scuderia, rambling on and on about all the things that could happen if he was on the team; from fulfilling his family’s dream to becoming a World Champion. Ferrari signified hope to Charles, so it was the same to you.

Now, Ferrari was the breaking point in your relationship. It wasn’t about ultimatums, you were almost certain that if it were you would have to pack your bags and start fresh somewhere else. No, this was about putting effort into a relationship, one that over time seemed to be one-sided.

Being home — if it could still be called that — was awkward and not like it once was. You watched Charles fumble around the kitchen as he pretended to cook, something he wasn’t fond of or good at. There were so many things you wanted to say, so many thoughts to be shared, and you would’ve kept them under lock and key if it weren’t for the fact that you were supposed to be spending time together.

It was unbearable to live with someone who you once knew so well and now was someone else entirely. The same could probably be said for you, but you knew that it didn’t matter how you changed, you love for Charles didn’t.

“I was thinking on going to Maranello on Friday.” Your boyfriend said, breaking the silence that loomed over you.

“What?”

“Yeah, get some stuff done. Just for the weekend, though.” You waited for Charles to turn around, to face the words he was saying. But once more, you are left behind in his plans: in his life.

“You’re not being serious, right?”

“Of course I am, Y/N.”

That was when he turned around. If there was something you rarely did was complain to him about his work trips, because most of the time you went him. But you knew that he knew that what he was telling you was outrageous.

“We have this one week to ourselves, Charles. You promised to leave work related stuff behind for one week.”

“I know that, but things came up.”

“Things came up? Come on, Charles.” You heard his exasperated sigh, now frustrated you weren’t bending to his wishes.

“Look, I’m sorry that me working to maintain the life we live is such an inconvenience for you.”

“I never complain about anything!” You exclaim, shaking your head at the absurdity of his words, “I’m your biggest supporter, Charles. I just wanted one week to enjoy ourselves.”

You hear pans clattering as he abandons his attempt at cooking, his attention now fully on you.

“This whole week is a distraction, and I can’t have distractions right now, Y/N.” There is a silence that builds the moment he says that, as you look at him you wonder when it was that all the time you spent together ended up in this.

“Oh, so I’m a distraction now?” You finally speak up, watching as the situation fully clicks for Charles. You watch him move from behind the kitchen counter, approaching you like a wounded animal.

“You know that’s not what I meant.” You almost laugh at his words, you want to tear your hair out from your scalp from frustration.

“It’s not?” You ask, watching as he falters at the brashness of your words, “Because from what I see, Ferrari will always come first.”

He doesn’t say anything. Nothing to deny the claims you are making, and that is when you truly know. That despite the way you want to delude yourself that the current Charles is the same Charles you met all those years ago and fell in love with, you know that the man who stands before you is not him.

“You can’t even deny it! You are so far gone on this quest to make Ferrari the team you want them to be, that you’ve lost sight of everything else around you. Including me.”

You wait for him to say something, but nothing comes out of his mouth, nothing at all.

“Say something, Charles!”

“What do you want me to say? That me driving for Ferrari is the worst thing ever? Because I can’t.”

Despite the urge to cry you manage to keep your composure. You hope that the gloss in your eyes isn’t noticiable, that he doesn’t see how tired of your situation you are.

“If I don’t work with Ferrari, what do I have left?”

That is when a tear slips. That exact moment were he utters those dreaded words, is when you falter before him. His dismissal of your relationship breaks your heart, it breaks your heart that he believes Ferrari is all he is worth. As if he isn’t one of the best drivers on the Grid currently, as if there aren’t various teams interested in him if he wanted them.

“I don’t even recognise you anymore.” You whisper to him, watching as his posture tightens and the look in his eyes turns cold.

It is then when you truly know that there is no going back to who you once were. That your relationship, however much of it was left, is now over.

He takes a deep breath, dragging his hand down his face. His brows furrowed, considering what to do of the predicament his in.

“If you dislike who I am so much, leave.” Charles says with no remorse in his voice, no care for the fact that you have limited places to go to in Monaco. “Nobody is stopping, if this situation is so bad for you, leave.”

You watch him for a second, this time you don’t look for regret, you look for love. If you had more time in your hands you could probably dig some up, but you shouldn’t grasp at straws to find love. And so you do what he wants. Once more. But this time will be the last time.

With little fuss, little care, you grabbed your necessities that were laying around and left. Opening the door to leave his flat feels like relief.

It isn’t until you are standing in the street that you realise that all those years with Charles would now remain in the past. Forever frozen on what could’ve been if life were fair.

[mirrorball-leclerc]

i did something bad - part ten

KARMA'S A RELAXING THOUGHT

masterlist//previous//next

CANADA 2024

teaganhorner monthly dump!

view all comments

username boyfriend charles is my favorite charles

francisca.cgomes when i followed you it was to see your beautiful face not sharl.

↳ lilymhe i agree, go back to being a secret.

↳ teaganhorner stop being haters. let me be in love!

arthur_leclerc ew what is that thing?

↳ charles_leclerc i'm telling maman!

↳ username typical sibling behavior. always pulling mom into things.

↳ username in charles defense, arthur's acting like a typical younger sibling.

alex_albon BOO! WHERE'S THE RED BULL CHARLES CONTENT?

↳ username alex gets it.

↳ username this man also helped poach charles from ferrari of course he'd be glad to see charles at red bull.

↳ teaganhorner god, you must hate love albono

↳ alex_albon GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT HORNER!

maxverstappen1 oh come on! is no place safe from you two?

↳ username pray for max, my guy has been going through it.

logansargeant mom? dad?

↳ charles_leclerc no.

↳ teaganhorner yes!

↳ username i bet charles never anticipated becoming a grid dad to two rookies and an f2 driver.

redbullracing you know the drill people. it's a red bull 1-2 here in canada! il predestinato is on a role with another win!

view all comments

username the way charles ran up to max to celebrate their win. those two are best friends.

↳ username no, you're forgetting the way both of them ran up to lando to celebrate their first podium of the season together. they're brothers ladies and gentlemen.

username LET'S FUCKING GO!

username i was going to say that another season of red bull dominance was going to be boring but this season has been so interesting. with mercedes back on the rise and williams/alpha tauri pulling through this season. it's been so interesting.

↳ username i hate that mercedes is back on the rise because lewis once said that when he had his 8th wdc he'd consider retirement and i'm not ready to watch him go.

↳ username DO NOT EVEN PUT THAT OUT THERE!!

username the best fucking karma to ferrari would be if charles won the wdc in texas.

↳ username if he keeps up his streak of wins he probably will

↳ username fuck that, he's winning monza and he's winning spain because fuck sainz sr. not sainz jr.

↳ username wasn't carlos the one who punched and bashed teagan? why not fuck him?

↳ username because it's his father who's the dickhead not carlos. the man genuinely seems to dislike what's happening at ferrari now and we all know people say things when they're angry.

↳ username but also it's his parents who've been constantly bashing charles in the spanish media. i can still remember a specific situation involving honor last year.

SPAIN 2024

teaganhorner posted a new story

hola españa, are you ready for it?

lance stroll horrified looks from everyone in the room...

daniel ricciardo seriously? again? lance stroll once again, says the guy who sang our song in an interview and has basically made his love for taylor swift known daniel ricciardo she is arguably the most talent person born in 1989 lance!

lando norris slander to sza but okay.

lewis hamilton i don't know if i should be impressed that you know who sza is or not?

lando norris i had to look up other celebrities born in 1989, sza was the only one i recognized on the list

logan sargeant i recall teagan playing nobody gets me by sza last year

teagan horner listen, my boyfriend was having a horrible season, i was allowed at least one depressive song per race.

alex albon heathens, is maximillian okay?

teagan horner he's fine. the impact winded him and it was definitely a little dramatic bringing him to the hospital. but yes, he's fine. max verstappen that's not my name alexander! alex albon he's fine. got it.

oscar piastri i bet daniel wishes he were travis kelce.

daniel ricciardo DUDE! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO AUSSIE SOLIDARITY? oscar piastri IT DIED THE MOMENT YOU DITCHED ME AND LEFT ME WITH CARLOS'S DAD AND GIOVINAZZI. IF LOOKS COULD KILL I SWEAR I WOULD BE DEAD!

charles leclerc but you didn't do anything?

logan sargeant oh funny thing, people want oscar on the monza podium as a fuck you to sainz sr.

max verstappen fuck that guy. i can’t stand him.

teagan horner amen to that brother.

pierre gasly spanish media has been real quiet lately

lewis hamilton teagan, charles, and i grabbed lunch two days ago. i’m waiting for a ‘teagan horner trading company secrets’ article. teagan horner they’ll leave out the part where charlie was with us and say something like ‘teagan horner cheating on disgraced ferrari driver with 7x world champion’

charles leclerc wow calling me disgraced is a bit mean no?

oscar piastri it’s what they’ll say. we all know it.

mark webber you people are so dramatic

logan sergeant zip it multi-21

lewis hamilton i would agree but i also have a flair for the dramatic.

george russell yes, we all recall the “well he’s not my friend.” alex albon hearts were broken that day. mine included. esteban ocon didn’t he also get asked if he was a better driver than he was in 2016 and didn’t he respond “yes, and teammate” i could be wrong. teagan horner AND WASN’T NICO PRESENT DURING THAT INTERVIEW??

lando norris expecting brocades 2.0 and we got brorarri instead.

lando norris that doesn’t sound as nice.

lewis hamilton i get it i’m dramatic, it’s the capricorn in me

yuki tsunoda that excuse would work if you actually believed in zodiac signs but since you don’t, it doesn’t lewis hamilton i could! yuki tsunoda but do you?

teagan horner lewis how do feel about songs such as the great war and my tears ricochet by taylor swift?

lewis hamilton haven't heard them, why? teagan horner no reason!

liam lawson the real question is how does max feel about seven?

max verstappen if i cried, it's no one's business but mine charles leclerc he totally sobbed like a baby. max verstappen fuck you charles, i didn't! teagan horner he did, i was there! max verstappen go back to being a secret!

redbullracing despite issues this week, charles and max were able to come out on top this week. it's another red bull 1-2 here is spain!

view all comments

username calling giovinazzi crashing into max and later trying to provoke charles issues seems so funny to me

↳ username it seems hilarious to me

username they were on a mission this week and i loved it

username this is for everybody who said it was pure luck charles kept winning races. he went from p18 to p1 and max went from p19 to p2. those are MY red bull drivers

username they were not about to lose that red bull streak in spain of all places.

username spanish media has been real quiet today

↳ username they can't say anything because charles handled the situation yesterday with grace.

↳ username they can't even say anything about teagan leaving with max to the hospital because the camera's literally picked up charles telling her to leave with her 'brother'

↳ username i knew max was basically christian's son but this just confirmed it for me.

username two failed by ferrari drivers and carlos sainz sr.'s least favorite driver being on the spain podium is my favorite thing ever

username crying as a ferrari fan but also crying because charles has had his best season ever and i love that for him

↳ username leaving red bull was definitely the correct choice for him

↳ username facts!

taglist: @landonorizzz @nichmeddar @bionic-donut @embrosegraves @six-call @unluckyyoshi @jamie-selwyn @storminacloud @cool-ultra-nerd @kami10471633 @int3rnetgf @fernandoswarcrimes @skynel09 @arieltwvdtohamflash @mimolovescookies @brekkers-whore @natcha888 @camdensreg @mycenterfold @baw-sixteen @dear-fifi @chiliwhore @cataf1

note: i can only tag up to 50 people in one post so i'll be rotating the people tagged every other post. so if you were tagged last time, you won't be tagged for this one and so on. this is just so everyone gets tagged, i hope y'all can understand.

¡leclerc-s speaks! i'm not dead, i just lost motivation for this story for a little while but i'm back! it's a new year miracle! as i said before, someone had to be the bad guy and i didn't want it to be carlos for too long in the story. sorry to antonio giovinazzi, i'm sure he's a great guy but for plot purposes it's just the way it goes.

¡disclaimer! this is in no way making assumptions about the people involved in this story, this is all fake. it is a fanfiction please don't take any of what is said seriously. this is all for entertainment purposes and as a creative outlet for me. enjoy!

[rainbowsaftersunshine]

The Magic of Charles Leclerc

I often get asked what it is that appeals to me about watching sports or cheering for any particular athlete. In my lifetime so far, I have been mesmerized by the sheer grit and devotion of a few. My childhood was marked by the grace and brilliance of Roger Federer and the tenacity of watching Michael Schumacher race, I later discovered the wonderful story of Yuzuru Hanyu. I came to realize that there was a very specific brand of sportsperson I was drawn to. Ones who stayed true to themselves and paved their own way even when the odds were against them, produced the most stunning displays of strength even if the whole world was against them. It was no surprise that when I came back to the world of F1 in 2022, I was instantly drawn to Charles Leclerc. This was a man who chased an impossible dream through his childhood and teens. Didn't budge from his plans even when it seemed like he had no funds to continue. He always put in the work no matter what. Even if nothing went according to plan, he put his head down and worked harder to chase his dream. I've always found it incredibly inspiring that he can come back stronger even in the face of failure when it seems nothing is going to plan and nobody is on his side. Going into the 2024 season, he had been without a win for nearly 2 years, but nothing could shake his beliefs, and what a year it has been.

In 2024, I've had a year full of big life changes and many ups and downs that needed me to be mentally strong. And on days when I felt like it was hard to carry on, I would just think of Charles. How he would not give up. I had a big milestone to complete the morning after the Monaco GP- it would have determined how the rest of my year went. That win fuelled me to carry on and I felt like I could achieve anything. The next big milestone coincided with Monza. I tuned in expecting him to at least be on the podium, but the mastery of that win blew me away. The fortune of that win made me feel like it was a good omen, it had blessed my day. COTA was one beautiful bonus. And Abu Dhabi 2024. I don't even know where to begin. Never count him out, and a lesson learned that if there's hopium floating through his veins, you best believe he's gonna pull off something crazy, beautiful, and special. We may have not won the WCC, but this is a drive that will be etched in the books. The odds were against him from the beginning of the weekend, but look at what he pulled off!!! Charles, thank you for being the man and the driver that you are. I do hope to get to see you race in person someday.

For now, I write this just to express how much I am thankful to have you as an inspiration to look up to. And you best believe I will be spending the winter break praying that this man will have better luck next year and can bring home the championship to Maranello. Il Predestinato, your time will come. It has to.

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 39:

Don’t blame me, love made me crazy

Masterlist - Previous - Next

TW: as mentioned before, I’m using Carlos Sainz (and his family) as the baddies. Big baddies. One might think I don’t like him with how I portray him (and his family) and yep, that’s true. I don’t like him. For many, many reasons. But then again: this is fiction. Just because I portray him (and his family) like this, doesn’t mean that they really are like this. If you are a Carlos Sainz fan: I’m sorry, but he’s the bad guy here and it’s only getting worse… that’s it. That’s the warning.

Monza. Home of the Tifosi. It was loud and crowded in front of the hotel. Charles smiled and signed as much as he could, posed for selfie after selfie. Joked with the fans. From the outside it looked like he was the usual charming and sweet boy, Prince of Ferrari, Il predestinato. But I knew him better than that. I saw the sadness in his eyes. The tension in his shoulders. The forced smile. When we walked inside I grabbed his hand and he smiled at me.

"You don’t have to fake a smile for me." I whispered when we entered the elevator and he sighed.

"I know… it’s just, I don’t want anyone to see me just slightly unhappy here…" Charles replied and I nodded.

"I get it. Let’s just stay focused. It’s a race weekend like any other. Just that you look like a McDonalds employee this time." I teased a little and he groaned.

"Oh stop it!" he rolled his eyes but laughed "I like the suit and the livery."

"Oh the livery is amazing! Especially the German flag. You’re sporting it for me? Or maybe a little tribute to Michael?"

I laughed when we walked through the door to our room.

"You’re the worst!" he pushed me down on the bed, caging me in "I should teach you some manners…"

"Oh yeah? Teach me some manners? How are you planning on doing that?" I cocked an eyebrow, while he leaned down, kissing along my jaw down to my ear.

"Easy. I strip you naked, piece by piece, slowly. Kiss every inch I unravel. Worship every body part of yours… and when your squirming because you can’t take it anymore. Trembling from anticipation. Then I stop." he whispered in my ear and I shuddered.

"Charles…" I breathed out.

"Yes, cara mia? What is it…" he chuckled.

"Eww eww eww… god not again!" Joris exclaimed from the door, covering his eyes "If you wanna go and get at it, close the damn door! And then hang up a don’t disturb sign! God!"

"I just had to teach my pretty girl some manners." Charles laughed and I pushed him off of me.

"Nope you did not…" I got up and grabbed my suitcase sitting down on the floor.

"What about you have this very physical conversation as soon as I’m gone?" Joris asked and Charles laughed "Here, Silvia asked me to give you this. It’s your schedule for the next 2 days."

"Oh how fun." he scoffed "More sponsor events… more journalists asking me if this weekend my contract renewal will be announced…"

"Charles…" I turned around and looked at him.

"It’s mostly fan events…" Joris interjected.

"At least something." Charles mumbled, disappearing into the bathroom.

"I didn’t want to ruin his mood." Joris whispered but I shook my head, patting the floor beside me "This whole contract thing is really upsetting him."

"Yeah… it sucks. I honestly don’t know why Ferrari waits this long?" I said and leaned against the bed, Joris doing the same "Do they expect a better driver than Charles to come along all of a sudden?"

"Who would that be? There’s not many that are better? And the ones that might are a notch or two are in damn good teams already?" Joris played with his bracelets, a habit Charles had as well.

"There is no one. And as soon as Ferrari gets that in their head, he’ll get his new contract. Believe me!" I said determined.

"I believe you!" Joris answered and I laughed.

"Now we just have to get Charles into believing me…"

I didn’t see Charles the next two days much, he left the hotel room quite early and returned late at night, exhausted but with a little smile on his face. The Tifosi showered him with love and appreciation, something he needed dearly.

"I’m sorry that I was almost gone entirely the last two days…" Charles said when we got up on Thursday, getting ready for media day.

"It’s okay. I was busy myself." not true. I was staying mostly in the hotel room, feeling sick.

"You guys had some events, too?" he asked and I nodded, when my stomach cramped again.

"Umm- yeah…" I said, trying not to hiss in pain, only succeeding halfway.

"Are you okay?" Charles asked as I held my stomach.

"Yeah. It’s nothing." I smiled a little "Really. Just my stomach’s a little rebelling."

"Are you sure? You look a little pale?"

"Don’t worry. I’m fine." I reassured him.

"Okay…"

"Charles. Stop looking at me like that…" I sighed as a wave of nausea hit me. I held up my hand and ran into the bathroom, throwing up.

"Cara mia!" Charles followed me and I got up from the floor "You stay here. I get you some meds."

"Don’t be silly. It’s just a stomach bug!" I rinsed my mouth and wiped my face "Give me 5 minutes and I’m ready to go."

"You should stay in!"

"I probably just ate something wrong, my stomach is a little sensitive." I waved him off and he walked back out hesitantly "5 minutes!"

"Okay…" he sighed and I washed my face. The sandwich at the truck stop. That’s what it must’ve been. It looked half dead. But I ate it anyways. I brushed my teeth, then dried my face and brushed my hair "Alright. Almost done." I smiled at him, stepping out of the bathroom putting on a hoodie and some sunglasses.

"If you feel worse, you tell me, okay?" Charles insisted, grabbing his phone and sunglasses.

"Promise." I walked past him, opening the door when he stopped me "What?"

"Didn’t you forget something?" he cocked an eyebrow and I though about what he meant, he sighed after a moment, pulling me in and kissed me. I tried to push him away, but he held on tight to me.

"Charles! I just threw up." I said but he laughed.

"You brushed your teeth? And I also don’t care." he put his lips on mine again "I kiss you whenever I want to."

"For fucks sake! Close your damn door!" Joris groaned, standing in the doorway.

"Stop bitching around, Trouchie." I laughed nudging him with my shoulder.

"Trouchie?" he grimaced.

"Doesn’t it sound cute?" I winked at him.

"It’s sounds like I’m a dog… so no. Not cute." he mumbled.

"Oh come on, Trouchie. Don’t be sour." Charles laughed and it was one of the very few genuine laughs of the recent days. Joris realised it too and chuckled along.

"Alright… Trouchie it is." he sighed as we stepped into elevator.

"Trouchie… sounds really cute…" Charles said quietly, putting his arm around my shoulders as we made our way downstairs.

"It does." I agreed when the elevator door opened on the floor beneath us and Elijah stepped in. Two guys by his side.

"Lizzie, Charles, Joris. Meet Dave and Aaron. Our new camera and sound guys." he introduced them and I nodded tightlipped .

"Hey guys, nice to meet you." Charles said.

"An honour to meet you guys." Dave said.

"We’re excited to follow you along a little." Aaron smiled at me and I forced out a smile.

Charles pinched my side a little.

"Yeah… nice to meet you guys." I said, feeling Charles gently stroking my side.

"Alright, I don’t know what Julie told you. But this weekend we’re just silent followers. We just film you, but no questions, no direct interacting with us. Just you and what you’re doing and us filming it." Elijah explained and I nodded.

I could live with that, I thought as the elevator doors opened and we could hear the screams of Charles’ fans outside. He looked a little worried for a moment but then put on his smile again and we walked outside. Some fans of my own were waiting as well and I did my best to take selfies with each and every one, signing as many stuff as possible, accepting a whole bunch of little fan gifts. Bracelets, puppets, paintings. It got more and more crowded and as I hugged a young girl, thanking her for a bracelet Joris tapped my shoulder, nodding his head towards the cars.

"Thank you guys!!" I smiled at my fans and the then waved one last time before I followed Joris to the car, looking at him confused.

"Sorry, but it got quite full there and Charles is a little worried… after last year." he said and I sighed, turning around. Looking at Charles who was practically swarmed by his fans, looking over at me.

"Thanks for waiting until I was done at least." I sighed.

"Your fans are more than happy, you gave every single one of them your attention." Joris said and I nodded, climbing into the van.

"Least I can do." I mumbled leaning my head back, my stomach still feeling a little off.

"Let’s go." Charles said a couple of minutes later, when he sat down next to me "Hey sleepy head."

"I’m awake." I yawned a little and he chuckled, pulling me to his side "You didn’t have to send Joris to look after me. I was doing just fine."

"I don’t trust them around you anymore… not after last year…" he answered simply and I sighed "I protect what I love."

"You’re so cheesy, Charlie bear."

Charles POV:

Contract renewal here. Contract renewal there. It seemed like there was not any other thing on their mind than when Ferrari will announce my and Carlos contract renewal. A part of me wanted nothing more than to answer that at the moment there wasn’t even talks about this topic happening. That I didn’t know myself if I would drive for Ferrari after next season. But I knew that I would only make things worse so I smiled. Said that we’re focusing on our races. That that was important. Everything else can be discussed later. But I saw the faces of the journalists, knew they weren’t happy with the answer. I watched a clip of Jacques Villeneuve talking with Canal+ about the contractual situation and how he thinks that if Ferrari won’t announce the renewal of my contract here in Monza, he’s not sure if there will even be a renewal at all. I swallowed hard.

"What’s up?" Pierre sat down next to me and I looked up.

"Hmm?"

"I asked what’s up?" he repeated and I sighed a little.

"Not much. Preparing for my interview with Canal+."

"They love you, don’t worry." he shrugged his shoulders.

"Not all of them." I scoffed.

"Most of them."

"Yeah. Have you seen Lizzie?" I checked my phone, still no reply from her.

"Not since the media pen?" Pierre cocked an eyebrow.

"Okay…" I texted her again when Mia waved me over "I have to go, when you see Lizzie…"

"I’ll tell her to text or call you."

"Thanks mate." I got up and followed Mia.

"It’s just a quick one, how’s the season so far. What they can expect this weekend." she explained and I sighed.

"What they can expect this weekend? I mean… it’s Monza!" I said and she smiled.

"Exactly, it’s Monza." she replied right as I got a text from Lizzie.

"Are we done after the interview?"

"Yeah, we are."

"Good." I said, I replied to Lizzie’s text and then followed Mia the interview, that luckily didn’t take long and thankfully my contractual situation wasn’t brought up.

"That’s it for today then, see you tomorrow." Mia waved at Lizzie when she saw her approaching us.

"Ready to leave?" I asked her and she nodded "Alright, then let’s go."

Friday went well. The practice sessions looked promising, although Carlos found little tenths and hundredths here and there to be slightly quicker than me, so I decided to stay late. Went through the data. Watched my laps again and again. Just to find that little extra bit of performance. And when quali came, I was sure I could put it on pole today. The cheers of the Tifosi around the track elevated me. But it didn’t work out as planned. The lap times weren’t as good as I’d hoped they would be. And by the end of the session I knew it wasn’t enough.

"And that’s P3. Good job."

"Yeah. Congrats to Carlos. He did a good job." I fucked up. Quali. The one thing I used to be good at. And then in Monza out of all places "Where’s Lizzie?"

"P10."

Fuck. At least we would be both in a bad mood tonight then.

I returned to the pits and parked my car, getting out and looked around. Lizzie’s car already in her garage, but no sign of her. I sighed and congratulated Carlos and Max, but couldn’t help looking for Lizzie. I did my interview and when we returned back to the pit lane I walked to her garage.

"Where’s Lizzie?" I asked Pete who talked with Felix and two other engineers.

"Umm- she’s cooling off a little." Pete said and I cocked an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"There was a little situation on track…" Pete said right as Lizzie walked in from the back.

"Hey, what happened?" I walked towards her, seeing her eyes slightly red and swollen.

"I’m stupid. That’s what happened. I drove like a fucking rookie, got a flat spot and fucked up everything for us." she said, he voice bitter "I’m sorry that I wasn’t out there for you…"

"It’s okay, I’m just glad you’re okay! I was worried there for a second when you were nowhere to be seen…" I cupped her cheek and kissed her gently "Let’s sulk together later on, okay?"

"I’m sorry that you couldn’t put it on pole today… here…" she whispered and I sighed.

"Yeah. It’s like this, I wasn’t good enough today…" I shrugged my shoulders a little.

"You’ll be tomorrow!" she kissed my cheek "And now off you go. Julie waits for me… interview time… yay."

I left as well, making my way back to our garage, getting ready for the interviews myself.

"I love Monza." Charles whispered when we walked back to our garages after the national anthem. The crowd cheering for Ferrari. The hometown hero’s.

"It’s always special here, that’s for sure." I said.

"See you later, cara mia." he said, pulling me into him "Tonight we’ll celebrate."

"You think so?" I mumbled but he nodded.

"Yeah. I know so." he squeezed my waist a little and then left, getting ready for the race.

"Ready?" JK asked, handing me my water.

"Always." I nodded and we walked to my car.

"Lizzie. Ready to show them how to race?" Matt asked, wiggling his eyebrows and I laughed.

"Sure. Let’s put this car on the top step, then?" I chuckled and he nodded.

"That’s the spirit." he grinned as JK handed me my balaclava first and then my helmet.

As soon as I was strapped in I tested everything and gave Matt the all clear.

Formation lap. Aborted formation lap. Another formation lap. Race delay. Formation lap. Race start. This time for real. Lights out and away we go. I had a good start, overtaking Norris and Lewis right at the start. The next three laps and I managed to overtake Oscar. And soon after that I saw an opportunity to go round the inside on Alex, overtaking him in lap 7.

"You’re doing amazing Lizzie. Already P6. Well done." Pete radioed.

"The car is on fire today." I cheered, happy with the performance.

The pit stop was great. 2.2 seconds. I came out right in the anticipated gap. The hard tyres worked amazing and soon after I knocked on George’s door. The gap behind me got bigger with each lap. But I couldn’t catch up to who ever was in front of me.

"Gap to Charles 3.9 seconds." Pete radioed and I looked up at the screens. Watching Charles and Sainz battling hard.

"Are they allowed to battle it out?" I asked.

"Lizzie, focus on your own race and stop watching the screens."

"Sorry…"

I had to chuckle a little, imagining Pete’s annoyed face, shaking his head, forehead wrinkled. I was lost in my thoughts when I saw the checkered flag being waved.

"It’s over?" I asked surprised.

"It’s over. P5! What a race Lizzie! Amazing job!"

"Thanks Pete! Thanks team! The car was amazing today! Amazing pitstop! Awesome guys! Really!" I followed the cars in front back into the pit lane and watched Charles celebrating a little with his team before he made his way towards me.

"P10 to P5! Amazing race, cara mia." he helped me out and when I sat my helmet down he engulfed me in a big hug.

"Sorry that you lost your podium spot. You had more pace in the end, no?" I said but he only shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah, but it was a good race! So it’s okay!" he smiled and I nodded following him back to Max and Co.

"Good race, Max, congrats!" I hugged him.

"Thanks Lizzie." he smiled and I nudged Perez a little before I walked inside, getting my weighing done.

"Alright. See you in a bit?" I said to Charles and he nodded, leaving towards the Ferrari garage, while I walked back to mine. Valtteri already waiting for me.

"What a race, kiddo!" he hugged me and I smiled.

"Same for you! P7! 10 positions! Damn!"

"Yeah, I can do good sometimes." he chuckled as we walked inside and I sat down for a moment, watching some race highlights.

"Looked a little heated between Charles and Carlos?" Valtteri asked and I nodded.

"I think they just both wanted that podium damn much." I chuckled as Julie waved me over to follow her out the back of the garage, where a little commotion had formed. I looked up and saw Sainz senior talking with a reporter in Spanish about his son’s amazing weekend and how he did one hell of a job during the race, showing how to tame the Red Bulls. I scoffed and he looked up. He then turned to the reporter again, continuing the praise for his son in English.

"Lizzie? Ready for the media pen?" Julie asked and I nodded, following her, just to hear Sainz senior saying what a shame it was that Charles almost ruined the whole weekend with his reckless driving at the end. Just because he was too greedy and couldn’t accept that his son was simply better this weekend. I wanted to turn around but Julie held my arm and kept walking.

"Ignore him. We all know that this is not what happened, okay? Just calm down!" she whispered and I sighed.

"He’s an asshole." I replied.

"Not gonna argue on this with you." Julie nodded towards the first reporter on the left and I stepped closer.

"You didn’t congratulate Carlos, because he beat Charles?" the first question and I already was done. The reporter from ESPN Spain looked at me, grinning.

"I congratulated the winner, as always. Since when do we have to congratulate the third place? But if you want to put it like that, I didn’t congratulate Carlos because when he had the chance to help Charles, he didn’t do it, he was looking for his own race as always, but then he later complained that Charles didn’t help him by holding up Checo… and then when it was clear that Charles had more pace, he didn’t let him pass, complaining again, not wanting them to let them battle it out, because he knew he wouldn’t win."

"That’s a strong opinion."

"Yep. But it’s my opinion. Period." Was everything I said true? I didn’t know. But I didn’t care. The reporter pissed me off beyond believe and I couldn’t care less.

"Carlos was better the whole weekend and then most of the race, so don’t you think he deserved the podium more?"

"What is this now? Are we talking about Sainz or my race? If you have questions for me about my race and my team, ask them, otherwise, we’re done." I was beyond pissed.

"You couldn’t quite catch up to the Ferraris there, Charles and most definitely Carlos were faster, but did you expect the gap to be this big?" he asked, a fake smile on his face.

"As anticipated, Ferrari was faster, yes. I knew fighting with either one of them would only cost me my tyres so I refrained from doing that, managed my tyres well…"

"You saw the battle between Carlos and Charles in front. Did you think at one point they maybe will take each other out? Opening the door for you?"

"No, they both know how to race, know when to hold back. I didn’t expect anything to happen that’s why I didn’t push."

"Was it right from Charles to attack Carlos like this?"

"We are racing drivers. We want to win. We want to fight for any position. And that’s what that was. They fought for the last spot on the podium. Everyone would’ve done that…" I said.

"Thanks Lizzie."

"Yup." I walked away rolling my eyes "Can I boycott the Spanish media?"

"Unfortunately not. We have another one from Spain, sorry." Julie said, patting my arm as we walked to the next interview.

I watched Charles the whole time, trying to focus on him, instead of the stupid questions. He looked happy. His eyes had this natural spark back, that was missing for some time now. Today was a good day. He had fun. We were about to walk out of the media pen when Charles turned and looked at me, saying something to the reporter and then leaving, coming straight to us.

"Pretty girl." he smiled and kissed me, right in front of everyone.

"What’s gotten into you." I whispered when he let go of me and he shrugged his shoulders.

"I had fun today. Sure, being on the podium would’ve been better. But yeah. It’s like this. And you did amazing!"

"When you’re happy, then I’m happy!" I smiled and he nodded.

"Tomorrow we deserve a little treat…"

"When you’re thinking what I’m thinking…" I smiled brightly.

"Rossella will be happy to see you!" Charles laughed.

"Not as happy as me."

As soon as we arrived in Charles flat in Maranello he had to leave, Ferrari business, leaving Joris and me at the flat.

"Did you see that?" Joris said after a long period of silence and I almost flinched. He showed me his iPad.

"What am I looking at?" I asked sitting up and taking the iPad "You’ve got to be kidding me? No? She did not? Joris look what else she liked?" I was fuming when I saw the Tweets Carlos mother liked. Mostly all targeting Charles. But also some slightly against our family. I threw the iPad on the bed and got up.

"Lizzie? Where are you going?" Joris asked as I was putting on my shoes.

"This family is the worst! They’re fucking toxic! Ugh! I hate them!" I said and walked out of Charles flat, Joris following me.

"I’m not arguing with you on that, but where are we going?" Joris asked again and I got into the car "Lizzie?"

"I’m having a word with Carlos!" I said and turned on the road towards the Ferrari faculties.

"No! NO! Lizzie that’s not a good idea!" Joris pleaded.

"No, Joris it’s enough! Insulting Charles? Nothing new, unfortunately, but now they’re coming for his family? This stops now!" I was fuming.

"Lizzie…" Joris tried again after a while but I shook my head.

"No. I’m sick of them. All of them." I said when I turned onto the driveway leading to the gate "Ciao Antonio! How’s the baby?" I charmed the guard and he smiled at me.

"Oh, he’s doing wonderful! Thanks for asking! What can I do for you, Lizzie?" he smiled at me.

"Charles forgot some of his stuff and he also has my purse!" I lied and Antonio was unsure for a second "I’ll just throw his stuff in his car and get my wallet out, I have a spare key."

"Alright, sure!" he said and opened the gate.

"Thank you! And say Rosa and little Frederico hi from me!" I smiled and drove off.

"Lizzie, please think for a second here!" Joris sighed as I parked next to Charles car.

"I am thinking! But I’ve kept quiet even when the Spanish press tried to provoke me yesterday, even after the things the old man said yesterday standing right behind my back! But it’s enough!" I looked at my phone, checking the last message Charles sent me "He said the last meeting should finish at 4, perfect timing then." It was 15:58.

I kept scrolling through my phone, seeing all the hate there was going on and a new wave of anger hit me when I saw the Tweet from Ferrari, celebrating "the best podium of the season". Charles had won a race with their shit box of a car. Yet the best podium was a P3. I saw Carlos senior and then Carlos cousin walking out, talking and laughing, looking at their phones. Carlos junior walked out behind them, together with his race engineer, who said his goodbye and walked into the building on the right. Mattia walked out with Charles, who looked worried. Charles shook his head and walked then to Xavi and Mia, standing on the left. I took a deep breath, as Mattia walked up to the 3 Carloses.

"Lizzie, please, please, please! Don’t do it! Not here!" Joris pleaded again.

"Here is perfect, no cameras, no public! In the paddock everyone will listen!" I got out of the car, slamming the door shut and walked straight ahead to Carlos. The 4 men looked at me confused but I just smiled.

"Gentlemen, can I borrow Carlos for a moment? Junior!" I said and Carlos nodded and followed me as I walked back.

"What’s up?" his voice was indifferent, his eyes cold.

"Look, you and I, we don’t get along. That’s fine by me. You do you and I do me. All good. But this is going too far, Carlos. I know how Charles is treated by the Spanish media, mostly fuelled by your family, no, I’m not done yet. Criticism against Charles, I can deal with. But your mother, don’t interrupt me. Your mother liking all this nasty tweets, saying he has no honour? He? Out of all people? And the Tweets insulting his family? This doesn’t look good on you! Think about what the Tifosi will think! I’m asking you kindly to tell your mother and your father to stop with this bullshit. This is nothing Ferrari needs now…" I tried to reason with him but he just scoffed.

"What? Now it’s not okay anymore to openly criticise? After you’ve been doing it since last year? Oh right, it’s because now it is against Charles. You use every chance you can get to bad mouth me, but now you come here, telling me to tell my parents what to do, because your boyfriend is being attacked? No, I don’t think so." he sneered and I inhaled deeply to calm myself down.

"Oh, Carlos, you really think you’re living in my head rent free, do you? I’m not using any chance I can get to bad mouth you. I only answer questions that I get asked about you, I never bring you up myself, I don’t have to constantly drag you through the mud. Unlike you. And I never, not once attacked your family or you as a person, only you as a driver. And my criticism was justified, every single time. You and your family on the other hand, you use every opportunity to talk Charles down, now our family. This is why I’m asking you kindly to stop. There is only so little I will tolerate otherwise I’ll speak up myself." I really tried my best to not snap, to be reasonable with Carlos.

"I’m not telling my parents what to do. And we’re done." he said and walked back to his father and cousin, Mattia left. As I looked to the side where Charles stood, I saw Mattia talking to him now as he looked at me, confused. He shook his head and made his way over to me, looking mad.

"What are you doing here Lizzie?" he spoke French. Never a good sign.

"I had to talk to Carlos." I answered.

"What? You can’t just come here? How did you even get in here?" he looked at the car "Joris?" the passenger door opened and Joris walked around the car slowly "Whatever you’re doing here, you gotta go! Mattia is fuming why a driver of a rival team is standing in the courtyard of our facilities! What were you thinking?"

"I had to talk to Carlos." I repeated and Charles groaned.

"Then send him a text! You two. Go. Now! Whatever it is you need to talk with him about, it surely isn’t that important for you getting a reprimand from the FIA!" I looked at him "Yes! Mattia told me, if you’re not leaving immediately he will file a complaint to the FIA. So please, please cara mia, go! Nothing they could’ve said or done is worth the trouble! I don’t care when they say shit about me."

"And what about your mum? Your entire family?" I snapped at the grin on the 3 Spaniards faces.

"What?" Charles looked flabbergasted.

"It’s not just about you anymore…" I began but I could hear Carlos’ cousin laughing, saying something like Il predestinato looks more like Il pathetico.

"What did you just say?" I asked him and ignored Charles pleading look "Say it again." I walked over to them, stopping right in front of him.

"I didn’t say anything to you, I was having a conversation with my family." he said with a fake smile "And if I were you, I would leave now, or do you want to be removed by the security?"

"No one is removing anyone by the security!" Charles said, appearing next to me on my left.

"I heard Mattia clearly saying that if she won’t leave on her own, he will make her." Sainz senior said then he turned back to his son and nephew and continued in Spanish "She should go back in the kitchen and cook her man a meal." they were laughing and I was seething, not wanting to show them that I understood every single word.

"We should state in the new contract that she’s banned from all Ferrari facilities on and off track!" Carlos cousin suggested and my eyes widened, new contract?

"Lizzie, let’s go!" Charles whispered and the three Spaniards laughed.

"He should learn to tame his bitch!" Sainz senior said and I snapped, I turned around and punched my fist as hard as I could into his face, pain erupting in my knuckles. I was shocked, breathing ragged. I turned to my left, apologetic look towards Charles, but he was held back by a struggling Joris. Charles didn’t speak Spanish? Of course puta… almost similar to pute in French.

"Don’t you dare call her a bitch!" Charles face was red "Joris, let go of me!"

"Charles, stop!" Mattia appeared and with him two security guards.

"He’s not calling my girlfriend a bitch!" Charles said to him but Mattia only shook his head.

"Enough! Lizzie, leave the premises now. You’re banned from our facilities from now on." he turned to Sainz senior who was held by Carlos’ cousin, bloody lip and nose, both shooting daggers at me with their eyes, Carlos jr. only stood there looking shocked.

I grabbed Charles hand and pulled him towards the car, pushed him onto the passenger seat, took his car keys out of his pocket and closed the door, the throbbing in my hand getting worse with every second.

"You’re taking the Pista." I threw the keys at Joris who looked at me with big eyes "Joris! You need the car tonight! So please, just drive it!" he nodded and walked off. I spared one last look at the 3 Sainz men and Mattia and got into the car, revved the engine and drove off.

The whole drive to Charles flat was silent. The only sound was Charles staggered breathing. I parked the car and waited, he didn’t say anything. So I got out and waited for him. Back in his flat he left straight into the bedroom and I flinched when the door slammed shut, followed by a loud bang. I stood like petrified in the hallway. After a minute Joris walked in.

"Where’s…" he began but I only nodded my head in the direction of the bedroom and walked into the living room sitting down on the sofa, arms on my knees, head in my hands.

"Are you okay, Lizzie?" Joris asked me and I looked up "You’re really pale? And… oh fuck! Shit! Lizzie!" he almost shouted it and I flinched, the bedroom door opening "Fuck! Charles! We need ice and clean water and…" he ran off into the kitchen and Charles was at the sofa in 3 long strides.

"Oh my god! Lizzie! Why didn’t you say anything?" he kneeled down, gently taking my right hand into his and I looked down. Pain erupting. My knuckles were bruised and bloody. Swollen. Almost unrecognisable.

"Cara mia? Hey? Look at me!" Charles looked at me and I took a deep breath "How much does it hurt?"

"I don’t know? A lot?" I whispered and he kissed my forehead.

"Here, let’s clean it up first. And then… I don’t even know if cooling will help. Charles we should get her to the hospital." Joris said as Charles gently washed the blood away and I flinched and hissed in pain.

"I’m sorry! Almost done, okay?" Charles continued and I felt tears stinging my eyes. He gently wrapped a towel around my hand and put the ice pack on top "We’ll get you to the hospital. No, Lizzie! We can’t risk anything!" he got up and helped me to stand "Come on!"

Charles POV:

"One broken, two sprained… the doctor said the break was in a position where it will heal fast. He said with the right bandage she should be able to drive. Yeah… umm. Yeah, straight in the face. I don’t know, I don’t speak Spanish, but he called her a bitch, that I understood. I don’t know, Pops. Alright, yeah, you too. Love you guys!" I hung up and saw how Lizzie stared down at her heavily bandaged hand "How’s the pain?"

"Manageable." she answered and I sat down next to her "I’m sorry." she whispered and I looked at her "I shouldn’t have come to the facility, shouldn’t talk to Carlos, shouldn’t listen to them. I made it only worse for you. I’m sorry." she sniffled a little and I pulled her in my lap, taking care to not touch her hand.

"You defended me, like a lioness. Don’t apologise for that?" I said and she looked at me with her teary eyes "As long as I have you by my side nothing they say could ever affect me! I should be the one apologising, I didn’t even realise how badly injured you were! I just ignored everything that happened, walked back in here and left you alone while you were in pain and hurt."

"Charles, you don’t have to apologise either… you were mad at me, rightfully so, and then you were a little shocked yourself." she answered and I shook my head.

"Still, the first thing after such an altercation should be checking on my girlfriend…" I mumbled and she kissed my cheek.

"It’s okay, really! But Charles… they- they were talking about a new contract for Carlos…" she whispered and I swallowed hard.

"I don’t concentrate on contracts at the moment, cara mia! That is not important!" I answered and kissed her temple "What else did he say? I know you, you wouldn’t snap when someone calls you a bitch?"

"I’m having more self-control than you then?" she said and I chuckled but I still wanted an answer "First he said I should go home to the kitchen and cook you a meal and then he said that you should learn how to tame your bitch." I looked at her in utter disgust, whole body tensed up.

"The next time I see him, I kick his ass! Fucking asshole!" I was fuming but she laid her healthy hand on my cheek and made me look at her.

"You’re not doing such thing, you show it on track! You’re showing them on track that he will never be as good as you!" I looked at her for a while and then kissed her.

"God, I love you so much, Lizzie!" I mumbled between kisses and couldn’t stop smiling.

"I love you too, my most honourable man!"

I woke up and silenced my alarm immediately, looking over at Lizzie, her hand heavily bandaged propped up on a pillow, dark circles around her eyes, but still she looked like the most beautiful girl to me. I got up quietly and took a shower, dressed up. Ready to face the consequences. Ready to face Mattia and Co. after yesterday. I expected some reprimanding words, maybe even some threats. But I wouldn’t budge. Lizzie shouldn’t have been there, that was true. But everything that happened afterwards? What Sainz sr. said? It all was unacceptable. And I didn’t care what they had to say. I leaned down, kissing Lizzie’s forehead when she stirred a little, her eyes opening slowly.

"Hey…" she mumbled and I tucked a stray strand of hair out of her face "Your up early?"

"Not that early actually. But I gotta go. I need to talk to Mattia and the rest of the team." I whispered and her face scrunched up.

"I’m sorry… for causing so much trouble for you. Right at a time like this." she sounded sad, so I sat down at the edge of the bed.

"You fought for me, Lizzie. I’m not mad or anything! What you did yesterday… how you stood up for me? My- our family? I can’t tell you how much that means to me. I want you to take it easy today, okay? Sleep in. Have a nice breakfast, I prepared you something, lean back and do nothing, okay?" I kissed her hand carefully and she nodded "Alright, I gotta go now."

"Not without a kiss!" she whined and I leaned down, kissing her "Thank you."

"I love you." I whispered against her lips and she smiled.

"I love you more."

"Not possible, but okay." I laughed and got up "I see you later. And really take it easy today, okay?"

"I will! Go now! I want to sleep."

I walked out the bed room chuckling, grabbing my stuff and left.

The moment I entered the premises I knew something was going on. Something I didn’t like. I walked inside the office building, Silvia already waiting for me.

"We have a problem." she said and I sighed.

"Good morning to you too." I pressed out.

"Charles, this isn’t the time for jokes. What Lizzie did yesterday? That will damage our brand massively!" her voice was to shrill for this early at the the day.

"She punched a misogynistic asshole? What’s the big deal? He can be glad that it was Lizzie and not me." I said and Silvia clicked her tongue.

"Yeah well, I’m glad it wasn’t you because I have no idea how we could make this right in the media." she almost hissed and I looked at her.

"Media? Silvia no one knows about it." I rolled my eyes and she scoffed.

"Oh yeah? Well there were some school classes here yesterday… and someone filmed it all…" she began and I took my phone out. It was everywhere. To think no one would find out about it, because it happened in the Ferrari faculties where no one was allowed to film, was wrong. The video was without sound. It looked like Lizzie just had punched him for no reason. The internet going crazy.

"You see? We have to deal with your girlfriend’s wrongdoing!" Silvia said and my head snapped up.

"Wrongdoing? Are you serious? You as a woman should be furious about what he said! I can’t believe you!" I was furious.

"Allegedly said… do you speak Spanish? No. Mattia said they were speaking Spanish. Since when does Lizzie speak Spanish? There is no proof that Señor Sainz said what Lizzie accused him off!" she stated matter of factly and I lost it.

"I WAS THERE TOO. I heard what he said! And I don’t need to speak Spanish to understand the word puta!" I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

"Charles. Enough. We have to deal with this now. We have to wait if Sainz Senior will press charges."

"Press charges?" I repeated.

"Press charges."

I swallowed hard. Ridiculous.

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes.

"No, not whatever. Mattia is still considering to file a complaint about Lizzie being here in the first place." Silvia said and I took a deep breath.

"I’m only saying this once, Silvia. This ends here. Leave Lizzie alone. Otherwise I’m posting about what really happened. What Sainz said to Lizzie… and then we’ll see what this does to our brand. When you’re backing a misogynist ass." I walked off. Hands trembling.

I didn’t listen properly in any of the meetings. Didn’t look at Mattia, Silvia or Carlos. Didn’t talk to anyone.

"Charles?" Mia waved her hand in front of my face.

"Yeah? Sorry, I was a bist lost there…" I replied and she nodded.

"We’re done for today…" she smiled and I looked around Carlos talking to Mattia and Silvia, the rest of the team gone.

"Finally." I sighed and got up, left before anyone could stop me again. I just wanted to go home. Away from here. Not the first time in the last weeks.

I unlocked the door. The flat was quiet. Only a faint sniffle in the living room.

"Lizzie?" I asked, throwing my keys on the sideboard and walking inside.

She sat on the floor, her back to me, soft sobs making her shake.

"I’m fine…" she sniffled, not turning around.

"What happened?" I whispered and kneeled down next to her but she only shook her head. I gently grabbed her chin and lifted her head up, eyes red and swollen, tears streaming down her face "Lizzie? What happened?" I looked down at the shattered iPad and glass bottle, droplets of blood on it.

"I’m sorry, Charles! I swear I didn’t want this all to happen!" she whispered and I looked at her confused "It’s everywhere, they’re spinning lies about you now. Many want Ferrari to terminate your contract!"

I took the iPad and read through some articles and comments, although it wasn’t easy with how shattered the screen was.

"I don’t care what they write, okay?" I got up and gently scooped her up, careful to not let her touch the shards on the floor. I walked into the kitchen and sat her down on the island, looked at the cuts on her hand. It wasn’t deep, thank god, I soaked a couple of paper towels and grabbed the first aid kit from the cabinet and stood in front of her, gently wiping the blood away, looking for any shards in the cut. I pad dried it and looked for a band aid. Lizzie sniffled a little then she chuckled and I looked up looking at her questioningly.

"That reminds me of Christmas, 3 years ago…" she whispered and I smiled, the memories replaying in my head "I’m sorry, for being such a mess." I sticked the band aid on the cut and gently cradled her face between my hands.

"But you’re my mess, got it?" I kissed her forehead and she giggled a little "I love you, no matter what they’re writing and no matter what’s going to happen, okay?"

"I love you, too." she whispered and I hugged her close. Never letting her go.

"Ouch!" I huffed out and JK grimaced a little.

"I know it hurts, but if you want to drive in Singapore…" he said, pulling a little at the rubber band.

"I know… but it still hurts like a bitch…" I mumbled.

"I know Liz, but you’re doing great. Really great." JK encouraged me and I clenched my teeth, doing everything to power through with the exercise "Just another 30 seconds and we’re good…" he counted down and as soon as he reached zero he stopped pulling at the rubber band and I let go "Well done."

"You know what’s funny? I don’t even know if I’m allowed to drive…" I said bitterly and JK turned around, looking at me with big eyes "Apparently Mattia and the Sainz clan filed a complain at the FIA. For entering the premises of a rival team. For trespassing. Oh and of course assault…"

"Assault? Because you punched him? Did he pressed charges?" he asked.

"Silvia said to Charles that he’s thinking about it…" I shrugged my shoulders

"What a cunt…" JK let out under his breath and I scoffed a little "I know, I know, not a word for you posh British accent speaker…"

"Very funny!" I threw my hoodie at him when Charles walked in with Andrea, back from their run.

"We never have that much fun training…" Charles grumbled, kissing my cheek "Sorry, I’m sweaty."

"Break your hand and we’ll train it for a bit. Until then, stop whining." Andrea said matter of factly, gently taking my injured hand in his, looking at the fingers "Looks way better…"

"It is. I say I can drive easily next week…" I smiled and he nodded "I mean if I’m allowed to, of course."

"Oh cara mia, stop it. It’s going to be just fine, okay?" Charles sat down next to me and I nodded a little "I told them that if they don’t stop this bullshit, I will release a statement, saying exactly what he said to you… and then they can deal with a new shitstorm."

"You should’ve hit him harder, for what he said, honestly…" JK stated.

"You should’ve kicked his balls." Andrea said and I almost choked on my water.

"Andrea!" I coughed and we laughed.

"He’s right. You really should’ve kicked his balls. Or punch his throat!" JK wiggled his eyebrows.

"Stop it, will ya? Damn!" I laughed.

"Okay, okay!" he held up his hands and chuckled "We’re done for today. I see you guys tomorrow at the airport." he grabbed his bag and left.

"I’m leaving as well. I’m not done packing!" Andrea kissed my cheek and followed JK.

"And then there were only two." Charles said and I sat back down on the sofa "How’s your hand?"

"It’s better. JK did an amazing job! I think driving shouldn’t be a problem." I yawned a little.

"And how’s your back? Don’t look at me like that!"

"It’s fine! I just have to train a little harder! But it’s all good. I’m good. I just want to leave. Stop hiding away. Go to Singapore and race. Maybe crush Sainz on track, but yeah…" I looked at my bandaged hand and Charles carefully took it in his.

"You’ll do great in Singapore. I know it."

"You’ll do better. I know it."

The moment we touched ground in Singapore I wanted to leave immediately. Go back home. Hiding. Fans and journalists were bombarding me with question after question about what happened in Maranello. The interview at one of the biggest radio stations in Singapore had to be stopped because the only question I was asked was why I was at the Ferrari factory and why I just hit Sainz senior. He was a motorsport legend. I should have respect. I returned to the hotel room, falling face first into the pillows. Charles next to me, gently turning me a little.

"Hey." I hummed.

"Hi pretty girl." he whispered "You’re really pale…"

"I’m still having this stupid stomach bug, or have it again? I don’t know… this whole drama is really messing with my appetite…" I sighed, closing my eyes "And I’m getting a headache… I hate this all. I just want to say what really happened. But who would believe me? Who would believe you?"

"Hey, come here." Charles gently pulled me up "I don’t care what is said out there, okay? We know what happened. We don’t care what the rest of the world thinks what happened, okay?"

"Okay…" I whispered.

"What about a nice, hot bath. Something to eat, maybe some mashed potatoes? Rice? Soup. Something light for your stomach? And then we’ll go to bed. We ignore the outside world."

"I really want to ignore the outside world… I’m just afraid they won’t let us ignore it…"

"Well, we don’t give a fuck then!" Charles got up and disappeared into the bathroom, where I heard him starting the bath "Come on now, cara mia. Let’s start ignoring the outside world."

"Ignoring the outside world my ass…" I mumbled after walking away from the second journalist, asking only questions about what happened in Maranello.

"What does that mean?" Julie asked but I shook my head.

"Please tell me I don’t have to go to any Spanish outlet." I pleaded but she looked at me apologetically "Great. Just great."

It was the same reporter like in Monza. I just knew that this wouldn’t end great.

"Lizzie. Lots of drama surrounding you lately." he began and I laughed "Can you maybe tell us why you punched Carlos Sainz senior? It looked like you were having a conversation and then straight up punched him for no reason."

"I don’t run around and punch people for no reason."

"So what made you do it then?"

"He said some not so nice things. And I don’t have to accept everything that’s coming out of his mouth. Although I know that violence never is the answer. I just short circuited and reacted. Which doesn’t make it right, I know, but it happened."

"But what made you short circuit?" he didn’t let go "We all know that you’re rather impulsive. And we also know that you attract drama like no other driver on the grid, just looking at the last months. The rumours about your nephew. Your short temper. An alleged stalker who allegedly tried to kill you. The list goes on…"

I looked at him. Alleged stalker? Allegedly tried to kill me?

"Fuck this shit. I’m done." I left. Didn’t look at Julie. Didn’t look at anyone.

"Lizzie?" Pierre shouted after me but I just kept on walking, leaving the paddock and this whole bullshit behind me.

Chapter 39 - drama, baby, drama! What can I say 🤷🏻‍♀️ Singapore is next… and as we all know what happened in real life… prepare yourself for what’s happening here…

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@silkenthusiasts @eugene-emt-roe @sunny44 @itsjustkhaos @glitterquadricorn @aundercover @kakorrhaphiphobia @alittlebitofbooksandmagic @ru-kru @shimmermotorsport @janeholt3 @kahhorri @18754389 @chiliwhore @hellowgoodbye @queensassybitchsworld @harrysdimple05 @skynel09

All the images I’m using are from Google, Pinterest and Instagram (or self made).Twat

[f0point5]

Okay I get get it, but now I also need a Charles/ the prophecy thesis if you don’t mind 😂

I feel like the Lecfosi are going to come for me if they find this but it’s not that deep okay? 🫣

✨Charles Leclerc x The Prophecy - A Thesis✨

Hand on the throttle

Duh

Thought I caught lightning in a bottle

Oh, but it's gone again

Every time he gets a pole position, drags that car where it shouldn’t be, even gets a win, he thinks it’s the start of something. And just as quickly as he rises, he falls. The strategy or the car comes apart. His success is only ever a flash of lightning. Burns bright, burns out fast.

And it was written

I got cursed like Eve got bitten

The Il Predestinato name. Written by a journalist when he was 14 years old. Once it seemed like that was his anointing but maybe it was a curse.

I guess a lesser woman would've lost hope

A driver with less hope, less belief, would have left Ferrari a long time ago

Don't want money

Just someone who wants my company

He will turn down any offer, no matter how lucrative, how good the car, because he wants to do it with Ferrari or not at all. All that matters to him is the connection he has to that team, more than what could be good for him.

Let it once be me

He grew up watching eras of dominance, and now he’s driving through someone else’s, wishing it would be his turn

Cards on the table

Mine play out like fools in a fable, oh

It’s the honesty that comes before acceptance. Cards on the table is the moment you’ve done all you can, the playing is over, it’s time to find out if everything you’ve done has paid off. And he’s turning over his cards to find out he has the losing hand. They told his story like a myth, like a fairytale, like a fable, but maybe he wasn’t the hero in it after all. Maybe time will prove he was the fool

It was sinking in

Slow is the quicksand

Poison blood from the wound of the pricked hand

Oh, still I dream of him

He’s beginning to understand, as the years go by, that the problems might be bigger than him. That it might not be in his control. That being the chosen one only matters if the people who chose you matter. They say Ferrari Red runs through his veins but what if the blood is poison? And still, he can’t stop hoping that it will turn around

And I sound like an infant

Feeling like the very last drops of an ink pen

The well is running dry, he’s pouring blood, sweat, and tears from a cup that will soon be empty.

A greater woman has faith

But even statues crumble if they're made to wait

This is controversial, but to me this refers to the shift in his professional focus, the diversifying of his interest. His ice cream, his sponsors, signing with a new agency. He’s going to make the most of what he has, rather than waste years hoping for what he wants. Maybe someone else would have stayed believing that his time would come, but he’s waited long enough.

I'm so afraid I sealed my fate

No sign of soulmates

The fear that he’s made his bed. He can’t leave, even if he wanted to there’s nowhere to go. There’s no sign of what he hoped for, but there’s no hope anywhere else.

I’m just a paperweight

After giving all he had, after being called the Son of Maranello, was he just holding down the fort until the next legend arrived? When all is said and done will he just be a footnote in the list of champions that drove for Ferrari?

Please

I've been on my knees

Change the prophecy

Deep down, he still wants it. The win would still mean more than the fame and the money he thinks he’ll end up settling for. As long as the passion is still there, so will be the desperation, like the other side of the coin.

[lestappenforever]

Am I gaining popularity ahsbDJKSANJSL (Body language anon here, btw)

I will definitely have to create a sideblog to store my F1 ramblings because my head’s so full of them… And for the record, I’m NOT lurking (I am), I’m just on sick leave and don’t know what do to with this much time on my hands (well, no, I do, I’m just actively letting the colours red and blue rot my brain). It’s a triple header with LOADS of content, what was I even expecting, honestly.

Okay, so, for the record, as an ace person, the reason I got soooo hung-up on Lestappen was because of the shared enthusiasm and love for the sport. Sure, the drivers discuss the races all the time, but Lestappen DISCUSSes it, y’know? Shoving rivalries and crafted narrative and paddock politics aside, even. Because if you think about it, F1 is a big institution, an establishment. Racing is only a part of something way bigger. The drivers are no longer just drivers – they are public figures, brand ambassadors, influencers, the price of entering the big leagues. It comes with several layers and masks you’re forced to wear in order to get by because this institution mandates it. In my eyes it’s similar to workplace etiquette and rules and dress codes. But these guys, they grew up through the racing ranks, they live and breathe racing. Even if they are to put on layers upon layers upon layers to complete their role to stay afloat in the pinnacle of the racing world, that won’t erase one of the deepest layers that has the most connection to their “true” persona: the racing driver.

Drivers do tend to find this connection, but Max and Charles ESPECIALLY. Like, I’m presenting this with a clear dramatic flair, but at the end of the day we are all (fanfiction) writers, it’s part of our charm. So, I think Max and Charles can strip each other naked figuratively, they’ve found each other’s racing persona under all these layers. No, rather they’ve never lost contact with it, given their shared racing history.

As long as drivers have cameras trained on them, they’ll act – staying true to a role the sport has given them, shoes to fill, if you may. But every once in a while se can witness moments of them shedding these layers and be the racing drivers they grew up as – and these moments are always there with Lestappen. They are not teammates, they are not forced to act silly in front of the camera, and even when they were painted as big rivals they still refused to play part. Although I think they kinda did (and still do), it’s just that the term “rival” has such negatíve connotations our minds immediately associates it with big angry emotions and otbrusts and hate speech, when in fact, rivalry is a sort of partnership. But I digress.

Lestappen moments are few and far in between (not lately though), but they are so gold and their interactions tend to jump out to me because of what I’ve discussed above. They manage to strip down these layers and be honest and authentic when talking with each other. When they are talking, they aren’t Charles Leclerc il predestinato and Max Verstappen three time world champion, they are two racing nerds who share their passion. It’s fascinating to see how much connection they are able to make with the other’s inner child as well. Two kids, always racing, always thinking about getting into Formula 1. Re body language, I think this cumulates in their body language because as others have pointed out, they are very animated around each other – excited hand gestures, fidgeting, lots of moving around in general. This is them, without all the layers this institution handed them to wear. They are laser-focused when talking, following each other’s eyelines, only breaking eye-contact when there’s an outside force making them, wild hand gestures that compliment whatever they say, nodding (oh my god, there’s so much nodding!! – it isn’t just a sign of approval, it is also a sign that you’re listening, even if you don’t necessarily agree with what the other has to say), lots of syncronised movements, walking in tandem, etc. They are clearly engrossed and enamoured, whipping their heads to the side when someone chimes in (also a sign that you’re so deep in a convo that it catches you off guard when someone else speaks up, and it disrupts the flow of your conversation).

Of course, this might just be PR, the “friendly rivalry” narrative to take a jab at Lewis because it surfaced after the 2021 season, so the timing definitely adds up, but it’s still ongoing - in fact, getting stronger and stronger –, and why exactly? Max and Lewis seems to have made peace, this narrative is no longer relevant, AND Charles and Max aren’t championship rivals either. Another argument to back this up: many times they seem to act like this when the cameras aren’t directed at them – when someone else gives an interview, or before the drivers parade when they are just mingling and there isn’t clean focus on anyone.

BUT BUT BUT. This isn’t all. These are big, exaggerated, fast, “LOUD” movements that are the testament of their engrossment in their shared passion. What I find equally as fascinating (if not more) is the tiny movements – movements you only pick up if you pay close attention. I’m classifying these tiny moments as something separate from the big and “loud” ones because I think they aren’t the same, they stem from something else, not their passionate and insightful conversations they usually have (probably about racing or something they have in common):

These tiny movements (like the foot tremble I pointed out in an earlier ask) surface during their intense talks as well, but get overshadowed by the big “loud” movements. However, when racing talk isn’t on the plate they seeem to be the dominant movements. So, and now the assumptions and guessing game can truly begin because I cannot yet tell exactly what these tiny, almost nervous movements are exactly. These guys are there, laid bare in front of each other in the middle of a loud and spectacular circus, and these movements are so quiet and soft and fond and gentle and genuine in comparison to the institution of PR and politics around them. Am I exaggerating this narrative? Definitely so. But I firmly believe these analyses do come from more than just a delusional mind of a writer.

You absolutely are, body language anon, and deservedly so!

I was so excited when I started reading this ask and as expected, I was far from disappointed by the end of it. Your insight into their body language and behavior around each other is truly astounding, and you have no idea how much I enjoy reading it. Not to mention how much I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to share your thoughts with me.

Needless to say, your analysis makes so much sense and is giving such value to watching their interactions now.

I'm so sorry to hear you’re still not feeling well, my lovely body language anon. I hope you'll get better very soon. And please let me know if you do create a blog for your beautiful F1 thoughts because I would love to follow it and talk to you some more. ❤️

[melancholiepeufiable]

Hi! Could you please write 33 or 40 from the prompts?

hi laurie!!! thank you for the request <33

33. “We’re gonna be fine.” “How do you know?” 40. “If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to leave.” “That’s the idea.”

it was a pleasure to write (sorry it took so long). i combined both prompts into this, i hope you like it! all the love ❤️

******

Sebastian stretched languidly, muscles feeling the burn until he relaxed. His bare chest rubbed against crumpled sheets before he rolled over like a cat, basking in the late Italian morning. Sunlight poured in from the open window above the bed – something Charles didn’t like unless he was indulging Seb’s friskiness, in which case, he never complained. 

Charles had a funny way of getting dressed, especially when it came to lunches with Ferrari. Where one would usually find a shirt and then pull on trousers, Charles did the reverse. With a terse frown, Charles opened the wardrobe doors, rummaging until a crisp, white button-up was in his hands. He tsked, pinning the collar between his teeth while he buttoned pressed trousers in front of the full-length mirror. 

Seb bit his thumb, eyes roving across Charles’s broad back down to his narrow waist. Muscles shifted and flexed, Charles’ shoulder blades protruding as muffled curses made a home in cotton. Seb heard none of it, too consumed by the sight of pale flesh, scattered with freckles and moles. 

Handsome. 

Beautiful. 

Perfect. 

He bit his thumb harder. 

Charles sighed, watching Seb through the reflection while gently removing the shirt from his mouth. “If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to leave.”

“That’s the idea.”

He frowned, face twisted between displeasure and frustration. “I have to go.”

Seb groaned, rubbing his face before he whined petulantly. “Why?”

They’d been together long enough that Sebastian could hear Charles’ face. He could put an image in his own head and not miss a single detail, all thanks to the sound of Charles’ voice. Which was why it was so simple to hear the deep scarlet spread across his face. 

“Because we’re…” Charles’ throat clicked. Seb watched as he looked down at the shirt in his hands, licked his lips, then returned to the mirror. “We are serious and I would like to tell the team. About us.”

“Why would you do that?”

He  sighed. “I really like you, Seb, and I want you to come with me. I do not like going alone.”

Seb couldn’t fight the grin on his face, his insides filling with gooey warmth. He wanted to smother himself with the pillow and kick his feet, all while screaming hysterically. Instead, he chewed his lip and kept watching. 

Charles paused, the shirt left unbuttoned, draping across his body. It was slightly too large and not as form-fitting as some of the others, but he preferred comfort over style on days like this. Once, he had mentioned. “It reminds me of you, Seb. You and your suits.” Seb never questioned him again. 

“I am worried they will not take it well.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes and stood with a scoff. He tugged on the strings of his pyjama bottoms, joining Charles by the mirror. Gently, he slipped the buttons through the holes. “They will.”

“How do you know? They could fire me.”

“Il predestinato. They would never.”

“They’ll sell the story to… to La Gazzetta!”

“Let ‘em. We’ll sell it first.”

Charles’ brows pinched in worry. “They’ll hate you.”

“Don’t they already?”

“Seb.”

He smiled. “We’re gonna be fine.”

“How do you know?”

“We’ve gotten through worse before, haven’t we? This won’t be any different.” Seb ran a hand over the front, smoothing out ridges. “What’s the rush anyway? I’m retired, I can wait.”

“I want to bring you to races.”

“I go to plenty.”

“With me.”

“We have all the time in the world for that. We’ll do this at your pace, like we promised.”

“I’m not doing enough.”

Seb caressed his cheek, the short stubble poking his palm like thorns. Charles’ cheeks blossomed a deep rouge. 

“You brought me here, to your apartment. That’s a lot.” Charles began to open his mouth. Seb pushed into his cheek. “No, shut up, listen. Ferrari won’t do anything, it’d be a bigger loss to lose you.”

He smiled, eyes creased in gratitude before leaning in for a short kiss, slowly leaving more and more. It had always been this way. The two of them, tied with each other, so focused that they created their own little world until someone came along to drag them back out. 

“I don’t want to go.” Charles whispered against his lips, so quietly Seb felt more than heard it. He held Seb closer, the arm around his waist tightening in that way that let him know Charles was planning to toss him onto the mattress. 

Seb grinned. “Then don’t.” 

“Really?” His brows shot up, forehead wrinkling in surprise. 

“Yeah. We’ll just have to wait longer, but–” 

Charles groaned, leaning on Seb’s shoulder all while the man himself cackled. “I hate you.”

“Yeah, I love you, too.” He threaded a hand through chocolate strands. 

Charles chuckled, holding Sebastian that much tighter. 

[solaireverie]

🏎️💨 THE FORMULA 1 TAG GAME! 🏎️💨:

tagged by @oscar-fastri 🫶

1. Who or what got you into F1?

my family! i come from one of those european motorsport legacy families where we've followed the sport from day one. both my parents are enthusiasts and i grew up watching f1.

2. Who was the very first F1 driver you supported? Do you support them now? Have your opinions on them differed or stayed the same since then?

the first f1 driver i supported would either be sebastian vettel or lewis hamilton. seb is retired now, but i'm still a lewis girlie through and through. i think my opinions have changed a lot, especially when they switch teams, but in my heart i'm still that kid screaming my heart out as my favorite driver drives past.

3. Who’s your current favourite F1 driver?

max verstappen 🦁 if you'd asked me before feb 1st i'd have included lewis but i'm still reeling from the news

4. Is there a driver pairing or pairings you support? What made you attracted to that pairing in the first place?

hear me out: oscar and fernando. it may be unconventional, but i feel like it'd be epic. it'll probably never happen but the vibes would be incredible omg.

but secretly i'll always want to see seb and lewis in the same team 😭

5. Do your parents, siblings or relatives have a favourite driver?

oh. ohhhh boy.

my mum's favorites are lewis and mick, my dad's are max and pierre, my brother is lecfosi through and through, and my sister is a lando fan. my extended family supports various assorted drivers that i honestly don't bother to keep track of 🤭

6. Do you have any favourite races? Are there any that stand out to you the most?

barcelona 2016 and interlagos 2021 are the ones that come to mind. yes, there are others that have been "better" for my faves, but max's first win (ft. brocedes public divorce proceedings) and lewis' insane comeback hold such special places in my heart.

7. Do you have a favourite circuit? Can be from the past or from the current calendar.

i'm legally obliged to say circuit paul ricard and silverstone, but zandvoort, spa, and suzuka also hold special places in my heart.

8. Have you ever been to an F1 race in real life? Feel free to tell us your experience going to one if you like.

i've been lucky enough to go to quite a few 😜 there's a picture of three-week-old me at the 2005 barcelona grand prix that i keep on my desk lmao

i think my most notable experience is that the cars are a lot louder and faster than they seem online. my favorite gp experience would probably be silverstone but spa and interlagos are really cool too!!

btw monaco is a tourist trap. it's kind of boring and honestly it's more of a social event than a race, so if you want to experience the more technical side of f1, it's better to go to another gp

9. Have you ever met an F1 driver in real life?

my lawyer (my cat) has advised me not to comment on this

(yes but mostly in passing)

10. Do you have a favourite F1 car? If so, what is it?

w11 😌 you will never be forgotten, although rocky (rb19) comes close to stealing my heart

11. Do you have a favourite one win wonder?

meeeeeeh. if i really had to choose it would either be heikki or pastor maldonado but nope, no favorites.

12. Do you have any favourite quotes from the F1 world? This can either be inspirational or hilarious.

"i don't apologise for winning" - sebastian vettel

"enjoy the butterflies" - daniel ricciardo

"no regrets, just memories" - daniel ricciardo

"still i rise" - lewis hamilton

not a quote but i really like the il predestinato nickname for charles :)

tagging @papayatifosi @formulahuh @matchnightt @lorarri @presdestigatto @renarots <33 and anyone else who wants to do this!

[hashcakes]

I've never agreed more.

Fuck the teams when they lie blatantly, mistreat their drivers, let money corrupt them, when they stray so far from what they claim to be. I can't wholeheartedly trust them, even if I wish I could.

But Max you are such a genuine, bright person who's been through hell and back. I will always admire your strength, your smiles, the hard work you put to be the best.

But Lando you mean so much to us all, how you make us laugh and cry and tell us that's ok. You are literally one of the brightest people, a talented star.

But Charles, who lives and bleeds for racing. Who has lost and lost but keeps that fire burning. You are our il predestinato.

But Oscar. Osc. You are so mature, kind, genuine. Like someone once said. you have all the talent but none of the recklessness. Truly someone to look up to.

But Carlos. Severely underrated. You are not only an extremely skilled driver, but you always make me laugh and smile. You're the smooth operator.

But Lewis. Sir Lewis Hamilton. You've done so much for the sport. You speak out, you spread this amazing sport beyond. You are kind, funny and a living legend.

But Checo. I know you've worked to get to the place you are. But no matter what happens, I'll always admire your dedication to your family, it's so admirable.

But George. From your first points in Williams to this seat in Merc. Wow. You've become of the best drivers on the grid. You're charming, empathetic, and truly yourself in all the best ways.

But Fernando. A champion. One of the greats. The marks you've made will never be erased. You're funny, and an amazing racer.

But Lance. I admit, I don't know you well. But I once saw someone point out how you always put so much thought into your gifts, and I think that says a lot about the person.

But Nico. You've never been on a podium but you are such a capable and reliable driver. P6 in a Haas? Impressive. Someday you'll be up there are we will all cheer.

But Yuki. Your skill is incredible, and you love for your own passions is a quality to embody. How you are both an amazing driver and future chef is insanely impressive.

But Danny. You always have a smile on your face. it's infectious. It's impossible not to like you. You brighten every room, you make everyone laugh. And your skill will always be remembered.

But Pierre. Pierre, you live with ghosts over your shoulder. But you are a super driver, and person. You have so much locked potential, and I'd always be happy for you going and getting results.

But Kmag. Your dedication to your team and family is beautiful. When you defend Nico? That was selfless. When your daughters come visit? That warms my heart.

But Esteban. I know I don't know enough about you. But I know you don't deserve the insane hate, no one does. You seem like a kind and fun person.

But Alex. You're dedicated to his team. You are such a talented driver. We know it's only your car. You are everything on and off track. You're such a kind and genuine person.

But Zhou. Quiet, understated. You are sweet, patient. And I'm not even a Chinese fan but I'm so so proud of you. You are amazing.

But Logan. Logan. Logan with the brightest smile, sweetest eyes and the nicest heart. When you said your greatest fear was not living up to your potential, I felt that. You will. I promise. No matter where you go I will always support you. You're gonna do amazing things. Don't worry.

But Valtteri. Reliable. Skilled. Your time at Merc really showed us what you can do. And I believe you can do it again. You're such a stable and skilled racer.

But Seb. Our Sunshine, bee man. You speak out for so many causes. You broke so many records. You faced the hate but came out of it kind and loving. We will always miss you. You were everything.

But Nico. Britney. You're so intelligent, well spoken, funny, and just amazing. Your racing was insane. You worked for that championship. I always hope it's you commentating.

But Mick, you're such a light. You're more than your father. You are you. And that person is kind and strong. Always wishing you the best.

But to all that we love. Kimi. Mark. Jenson. Michael. Senna, Prost.

And to all we will love someday. Ollie. Kimi. Paul. Hadjar. Franco. Jack. Dino.

I realized this a long time ago, but I will never truly support a team. I support and cheer for drivers, the people individually, because teams and organizations so often do not truly reflect the morals and beliefs of their individuals. At some point, money and bureaucracy take over, and things become muddy. I support drivers, not teams, because…

because Fuck You McLaren for what Daniel went through in 2021 & 2022 and the way he was treated behind the scenes and in the camera view the and the blatant disregard for his mental and physical condition and health, but I love Oscar Piastri with all my heart and how you don’t let the fights on track bother you outside of it and understand that racing is racing and what someone says there is not how they think of your person beyond it.

because Fuck You McLaren for the way you do team orders and how you put so much pressure and strain on your driver’s relationships and I’m talking about Hungary 2024, but Lando Norris you speak so much about mental health and I’m so glad you do because you bring light to a major part of any sport that so many ignore and I thank you for championing it so much.

because Fuck You Red Bull for dropping so many drivers at the flip of a coin because they can’t compare to your other driver’s talents and how you also show such blatant favoritism it’s disgusting and for the way you dealt with Christian Horner, but Max Verstappen is an incredibly kind and intelligent person who was given a bad hand but will not let the cycle repeat, and Daniel Ricciardo is a man who deserves so much more than what he was given and he still smiles and loves this sport with so much it’s terrifying to watch, and how much they have given and gotten back and grow because of who they are.

because Fuck You Williams for treating your drivers so horribly and having such obvious favoritism that it is detrimental to your driver’s health and specifically Fuck You to James Vowels for your insane behavior, but Logan Sargeant you deserve more than you were even given and Alex Albon you were one of the best teammates Logan could have ever asked for, Logan you deserve the world, thank you for opening the door for us.

because Fuck You Mercedes for trying to change who your driver is to fit your image because Valtteri deserved so much more and the way he was sacrificed was disgusting, but Sir Lewis Hamilton you champion so many and give a voice and platform to so many, bring attention to movements that have lacked support and the respect a d compassion you have for your fellow drivers, and how you’ve learned from your past and not let that define your relationships going forward.

because Fuck You Haas for the way you treat your drivers and how you never support them properly and I’m talking about You Gunther Steiner and the hell you put Mick through, but Kevin you did everything just to make it back, working as a welder for a year in a factory to claw your way back, and Mick you are more than just your name you are also a genuinely kind soul who I wish was given more time in multiple ways, and I know it’s hard but you’re doing amazing even if people in the past said otherwise.

because Fuck You Ferrari for the way you bleed your drivers dry and give them nothing while pretending to give them everything and how you cut some off so quickly it’s disgusting, but Charles LeClerc you have a soul that is too old and there is too much pain and sorrow painting your life path already, but you drive for yourself and for others, and you give hope back to those who have wept at Ferrari’s doorstep for generations, and you love with your heart so openly that I cannot help but admire you.

because Fuck You Alpine for the way you have treated drivers and how you have screamed of loyalty while also giving them no reason to be loyal and making their time there more painful that what is worth, but Pierre I know you mourn every second for lives that have been lost and you would scream from the rooftops if you were given a chance and I would hand you a megaphone because you have a rightful reason to.

because Fuck You VCARB for how you also drop drivers but I know it’s because you are a Red Bull subsidiary and how you gloss over how your drivers can be treated and how you try to sensor their anger and emotions, but Yuki Tsunoda I will forever applaud your skill and dedication to your team and sport, and I know it can be so hard being so far away from home in a land so foreign but you have carved out a place for yourself and I know you’ll make your dream of having your own restaurant come true.

because specifically Fuck The FIA for the insanity you decide is right and wrong and for how you let money blind you so much that you decide someone campaigning human rights and safety is a political statement and needs to be shut down.

because I will support people, not the half baked prettily worded lies organizations will tell us.