#it happened to seb it happened to charles it will happen now to carlos (though deserved) it happened to micheal too when he went to merc

[livetogether--diealone]

everyone hyped up about the italian sport newspaper frontpages praising lewis while i'm sitting here eating my own hand scared because I know that lewis or charles is going to be buried by the same ones at the first change of wind

[leclerc-s]

paint the town red - part four

FERRARI (TAYLOR'S VERSION)

series masterlist

peter parker i'm going to miss you guys

sebastian vettel it's a week break peter. we'll be fine.

peter parker A WEEK IS TOO LONG! I SPENT THE LAST MONTH WITH YOU PEOPLE!

ollie bearman i'm happy to go home. away from peter. sometimes i worry for him.

bianca stark-potts you wouldn’t be the first ollie.

harley keener i bet oscar is happy to get away from peter

peter parker fuck off

tony stark language

bianca stark-potts pipe down steve rogers

charles leclerc i do not understand

harley keener the avengers were on a mission one time and steve accidentally said language when someone cursed.

peter parker I MISS YOU GUYS!

carlos sainz you just left???

tony stark we should spend the next break at seb’s farm

sebastian vettel ABSOLUTELY NOT! i don’t want you heathens on my farm!

charles leclerc aww come on. call it team bonding or something.

carlos sainz i’m sure you know all about that harley keener yeah you would know all about team bonding wouldn’t you?

tony stark what the hell does that mean?

harley keener nothing old man.

carlos sainz don’t worry about it.

peter parker YOU GUYS SHOULD COME TO NEW YORK SOON!!

charles leclerc i'd like to see my family, thank you for the invite though.

bianca stark-potts harley i swear to god you open your fat mouth and carlos will be down a race engineer.

harley keener well maybe someone and someone else shouldn’t have gotten drunk after bahrain and slept with each other.

charles leclerc it was a one time thing!

carlos sainz then what the hell was saudi?

harley keener IT HAPPENED TWICE??

bianca stark-potts three times actually

charles leclerc although that one doesn’t count because nothing happened. we did sleep on the same bed.

harley keener I’M TELLING NAT!

bianca stark-potts AND I’LL TELL EVERYONE YOU STARTED THAT RUMOR ABOUT CLINT LIVING IN THE VENTS!

charles leclerc it won’t happen again, i promise.

carlos sainz okay mr. 'i won't date her friend carlos. i promise.'

harley keener HOMIE HOPPER!!

charles leclerc fuck you keener.

harley keener of course you would want to, you already slept with my friend now you want to sleep with me. charles leclerc OH COME ON! harley keener it's okay, i know it was an inchident charles leclerc honestly just date arthur, you two are perfect for each other. fucking pricks

biancastark-potts has posted new stories

back home, new york how i've missed you.

mr.woofstappen is glad to be back home.

reunited with my favorite person michellejones

someone teach these boomers how to pose for pictures

AUSTRALIA 2024

scuderiaferrari posted new stories

quali day (carlos' version)

quali day (charles' version)

AND THAT'S ANOTHER POLE POSITION FOR CHARLES LECLERC HERE IN AUSTRALIA!!

THAT'S P1 AND P3 FOR OUR BOYS FOR QUALI!

taglist: @celesteblack08 @be-your-coffee-pot @evans-dejong @elliegrey2803 @bingewatche @arkhammaid @sunflower-golden-vol6 @lorarri @melanier7 @ironspdy @mypage-myfandoms @vellicora @you-bleed-just-toknowyouarealive @enchantedthoughts @stopeatread @hobiismyhopeu @lilsiz @alessioayla @niniluvsainz @au-ghosttype @fulla02 @cowboylikemets1989 @six-call @embrosegraves @justtprachisblog @bionic-donut @rmeddar123 @nichmeddar @landonorizzz @unluckyyoshi @raizelchrysanderoctavius

strikethrough means i couldn't tag you

¡leclerc-s speaks! peter parker is a swiftie, you cannot convince me otherwise. let's get ready for whatever shitshow las vegas is going to be (i say this as an american. at least i live on the west coast so the schedule isn't as bad for me as it is for others. same time zone as vegas baby!!!)

¡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!

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 46:

You play stupid Games, You win stupid Prizes

Masterlist - Previous - Next

"Did you read that?" Charles asked and I looked at his phone.

"He's still gambling? He should just take that Williams seat and this whole mess is over... but no, he and his father are still talking about my goddamn seat like it's vacant!" I rolled my eyes and Charles chuckled a little.

"I can't wait for you to step out in your race suit, Doetterer 2027 on your back, right in his face that your seat is taken for the next 3 years." he sat down on the edge of the bed, and I sat up.

"I honestly don't care about him or his father... I just want to have a good weekend, perform well here at home. I want to make Germany proud. It's been a long time since a German driver won the German GP..." I sighed a little.

"Was Seb the last winner?"

"No, that was Nico in 2014. 10 years ago. Seb wasn't that lucky with Ferrari at the German grand prixs..."

"Oh yeah, true... but this year a German driver from a German team will win." Charles sounded determined and I smiled at him "I have a feeling."

"Yeah? Then let's hope you're feeling is right." I kissed his cheek and got up "And now let's go. I'm hungry." I put on Charles hoodie and we went downstairs, a loud hustling and bustling already awaiting us. Mum, Pascale and Sissy made breakfast, while Dad, Arthur and Daniel, sat at the table talking away. Benji and Liam sat on the floor playing with Arlo.

"Good morning sleeping beauty 1 and sleeping beauty 2."

Daniel was the first noticing us, right as Arlo turned around, over excitedly wagging his tail.

"Morning." I bent down, ruffling Liam and Benji's hair before I scratched Arlos head

"Sit down, sit down, breakfast will be ready any minute." Mum said from the kitchen and I plopped down next to Arthur.

"I guess you've seen the latest chapter in the never-ending Sainz to Audi saga?" Dad asked and I sighed a little.

"This weekend it will be over. He can watch Lizzie walk out in her race suit, announcing her contract renewal, Audi will put out the statement and he has to say yes to Williams, if he doesn't want to be seatless next season." Charles said and Dad nodded.

"I honestly don't get what Carlos problem was with you, Lizzie? Like seriously? He was a funny bloke, one of the guys? Nice one. But you and him? That just didn't work out." Daniel said and I shrugged my shoulders.

"He didn't like that Lizzie was better than him." Charles stated simply but I shook my head

"No, I think it all started when I was speaking out against Ferrari, mostly Mattia's way of handling you guys. And that I openly said that you are the better driver and fight for the championship and your team should fully support you. I think that was what made him furious... and from then on... well we all saw what happened."

"Yeah but everything you said was true!" Arthur said and Daniel nodded slightly.

"He's playing a dangerous game though, publicly talking about the Audi seat, not even mentioning the interest of the other teams? Basically saying he only waits for the right offer from Audi? He'll end up with no seat for next year."

"Is it a dangerous game or just a stupid game?" Charles shrugged his shoulders.

"I guess we'll see..."

"Nervous?" Elijah asked and I hesitated for a moment.

"I honestly don't know. I mean, it's Hockenheim, I know this track better than any other track. I raced there so often, I tested for Audi there so many hours, that would fill 10 full races. I raced here in F3, F2. The WSeries. Not to mention all the times I tested various cars there... but this time I race here in Formula 1? My dream comes to life... so yeah, sure I'm kinda nervous because I want to win this race and put myself under a lot of pressure. But I'm also super excited, because it's my home race that I race in freaking Formula 1." I replied, watching Dad joke with Charles, Daniel and Lorenzo.

"And today you're kicking off the race week with a nice family barbecue?"

"Yeah kinda, it's been a long time that we've all been here together. And now we added Daniel to the family, which means it's getting even louder around here." I joked right when said driver joined us at the table.

"I heard my name from my little sister?" he wiggled his eyebrows, pinching my side and I rolled my eyes laughing.

"I just said the neighbours will complain now that we added you to the family and our little backyard hangouts will be way louder than before." I chuckled and he nodded.

"Big possibility, not gonna lie."

"They survived all of you screaming and shouting after the world cup final 2014... I guess they can handle Daniel." Mum laughed and put down a salad bowl.

"Oh come on! We just won the title! Of course we freaked out a little bit!" Dad said from the barbecue and I nodded.

"A little bit? You and Hervé had fireworks! Fireworks! In July! In Germany!" Mum said and I laughed, thinking back to that day.

"It was an amazing evening! Come on!" Charles threw in, as he sat down next to me.

"Two semi-drunk men handling firework, they probably purchased illegally, in a backyard full of people and flammable things?" Pascale looked at him pointedly.

"We were careful!" Dad stated.

"Oh yeah? You two lit up one of these stick things and then, while it was already burning you read on it that you're not supposed to hold it in your hands but stick it in the ground!"

"Well... that was unfortunate. But nothing happened! We just shot these sparkly fireballs at each other." Dad shrugged.

"Seems like you guys had some good times together in the past?" Elijah smiled and I nodded.

"The best! Dad and Hervé always came up with the craziest, most random things out of the blue." I laughed and squeezed Charles hand under the table.

"They said they were brothers from another mother." he said and Pascale nodded.

"Yeah. Both grown ups with the mind of two little boys sometimes."

"Not gonna argue with that." Dad mumbled and we laughed.

"Good old times." Lorenzo said and I nodded.

"Yeah. Good old times indeed."

The moment we arrived at the Hockenheimring my mind was blown. A sea of German flags were waved everywhere. For the first time ever there where more fans waiting for me than for Charles. I was overwhelmed with the amount of people chanting my name.

"Look how they love you." Charles said, opening the door and I got out of the car.

"This is crazy!" I mumbled.

"No, its not. It's what you deserve! You deserve to be here, now and forever. This is your home. These are your people.

And look at how much they love you." he took my hand and pulled me towards the fence "Come on. They're all waiting for you, cara mia!"

I didn't know where to start, who to look at first, the amount of people cheering me on was overwhelming. I took more selfies than at all races combined before as it felt, signed team kits, flags, poster, caps and what not. My wrists were full of new bracelets, hands full of gifts.

"Thank you so much!" I hugged the girl who handed me a scratch book, after explaining to me that’s it’s a book with fan letters from girls around the world, thanking me for being their role model and writing how me being in F1 changed their life’s "This means so much to me! What’s your insta name! I want to post it and tag you! I mean if that’s okay for you?"

"Yes! Of course! I made it together with my best friend, she can’t be here unfortunately." the girl replied, typing down her Instagram name in my phone "We both hope that you’re winning this weekend! And if not you, then Charles!"

"I will try my very best!" I chuckled and took back my phone, when Charles tapped my shoulder "Thanks again for the book!"

I waved one last time to the crowd and then followed Charles to the gates, the book pressed tightly to my chest.

"Cara mia." Charles nodded towards a little girl, covered in Audi merch, hiding behind her father's legs.

I handed Charles the book and several other gifts and slowly walked towards the father daughter duo.

"Hi." I smiled at her and she gripped her dad's leg tighter.

"Maddie, come on, say hi to Lizzie." he cooed and the little girl, Maddie, carefully stepped around his legs. I immediately kneeled down, smiling at her.

"Hi Maddie, my name is Lizzie." I said, stretching out my hand and she hesitantly shook it.

"I know who you are." she said quietly "I'm a huge fan."

"Thank you, that really means a lot." I smiled.

"Maddie started karting 2 years ago after she saw you debut in F1." her dad said, and I looked up at him "She said if you can make it into F1 with only men, she can start karting with the boys."

"And you are absolutely right! Just because you're the only girl doesn't mean that you shouldn't do it! When I started karting, I also was the only girl, for a really long time actually, but it never stopped me."

"And now you're in Formula 1." she said.

"And now I'm in Formula 1."

"I think you will win this weekend, or at least I hope so."

"I will try my very best." I smiled and Maddie poked her dad's leg.

"Oh yeah, umm- can I take a picture of you two?" he asked and I nodded

"Of course." I smiled waving the girl over.

"Can you sign my cap as well?" she asked as soon as her dad gave us the thumbs up.

"Sure." I took the sharpie from her dad's hand and signed the cap "Here, all done."

"Thank you! And good luck this weekend!" she smiled and I nodded.

"Can I get a good luck hug?" I asked and she nodded excitedly and hugged me "Thank you." I got up and waved her and her dad goodbye when Charles lead me away, towards the hospitalities.

"You're so loved here, I honestly wished it was like this everywhere..." he said and I nodded a little.

"Yeah, it's really a total new feeling."

"You deserve it." he kissed my cheek and we stopped in front of the Audi hospitality "See you later? I'll pick you up and we can go together to the press conference."

"Alright." I took my gifts from him and kissed him goodbye, then walked inside where Julie was waiting for me.

"The crowd loves you!" she smiled and I put down the gifts.

"They really do, I have a feeling that this weekend we'll shoot something special." Elijah said and I flinched a little.

"I completely forgot about you." I mumbled and he laughed.

"We stayed behind, just filmed you without you even knowing we were there."

"Can you do that the whole weekend like that?" I asked and Julie laughed.

"That’s our plan. You’ll not even know that we’re here." he said and I sighed a little.

"Well, yeah, let's hope so."

"Welcome to round 13 here at Hockenheim, home gp of two of our drivers and teams. Today we're having hometown hero's Lizzie Doetterer, Audi and Nico Hülkenberg, Haas, with us, as well as Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing and Daniel Ricciardo, Racing Bulls. I start with you Lizzie. First time racing in F1 on home turf, how are you feeling?" Tom Clarkson started the press conference, and I took the microphone.

"I'm excited, nervous, overwhelmed, yeah too much to put into words. When I was younger I watched some of the best drivers race this track and dreamed that one day I would be one of them and here I am." I answered and Charles next to me smiled.

"How does it feel, seeing all those German flags being waved, all those people in Audi merch?"

"It's just amazing. I never felt this much support ever before and it makes me more than excited to finally race here."

"You always said that Hockenheim is the track you know the best, the track you race better than any other track. Do you think it gives you a little advantage, that you know this track so well, raced here more often then most other drivers on the grid?"

"It's no disadvantage, that's for sure, but honestly, on other tracks I only raced once before I had to do it in F1, on others I've never raced before. It's like this in F1 sometimes. And nowadays with the simulators you can race as often as you want on every track, so yeah."

"Alright, let's continue with you Nico, another hometown hero." Clarkson looked at Nico and began his interview with him, then continued with Max, Daniel and lastly Charles.

"Charles, you said that Lizzie will make a big step forwards this weekend and will be one of the main threats."

"I've seen her progress over the last races, she was always close to the win, collected podium after podium, and now we're here at Hockenheim, the track she can race blindly... which she did, by the way, and Audi brought a new set of updates? Yeah, she definitely will be one of the main threats this weekend."

"You raced here with a blindfold?" Max asked me and I laughed.

"No! It was only in the simulator, a couple of years ago!" I replied and he laughed.

"And? Did you make it?"

"She did, she was only 3 seconds slower than me." Charles answered and Max looked impressed.

"Not bad."

"Alright. Let's open this up to questions from the floor. As always, please state your name and publication first." Clarkson looked into the crowd of reporters and picked the first question.

Most of the first ones were for Nico and me, how we felt about finally racing back in Germany. If Hockenheim should be permanently on the race calendar. Then the questions switched to Max and Charles and their close battle for the championship.

"Question for Lizzie. You brought a whole set of updates, how do you think they will be working?"

"Well the weather got a bit in our way to fully say how they will work out with heavy rains on the forecast for the whole weekend. So we will have to wait what we can do under this rough conditions." I say honestly.

"But you're usually really good in the rain and love a rough track?" he countered and I laughed.

"Well, yeah, but I’m usually liking it not that rough." I answered.

"News to me." Charles mumbled, not directly into his microphone, but still loud enough to get caught and the silence was loud in the room.

I looked at him with wide eyes and he sat there, petrified. The shock what he just had said evident on his face.

"So a freak in the streets and a freak in the sheets. Lucky you, Charles" Daniel laughed and I blushed.

The whole room erupted in laughter and Charles just facepalmed and mouthed a 'sorry' to me. I silently prayed for Clarkson to end the press conference and when he did I was the first one to leave, taking a deep breath as soon as I was outside.

"I’m so, so sorry, cara mia! I swear I didn’t expect the microphone to catch that." Charles followed me and held me by the waist, looking at me "It was more a joke to myself and… god I’m so sorry."

"You‘re not… you‘re grinning!" I pushed him off and he chuckled.

"Because it was kinda funny! Freaking embarrassing, but funny!" Charles pouted a little and I rolled my eyes.

"Everyone laughed and had a blast, come on mate." Max laughed, appearing right behind Charles and I glared at him "Okay. Sorry. I’m scared of your girl…" he then whispered to Charles.

"Kids, kids! Come on. It was a joke, we all laughed. Nothing bad happened." Daniel said and Charles nudged my shoulder a little "Well, nothing bad happened yet… if I’d be you, Charlie boy, I’d be scared to walk back to the paddock, where Pops will wait…"

"What?" Charles stopped grinning in an instant and swallowed hard.

"What you said? About his perfect, little girl? His princess? I wouldn’t want to be in your skin." Daniel walked off with a satisfied smile on his lips and Charles looked at me.

"Pops will laugh about it, right? He knows it was a joke?"

"I don’t know… not so sure…" now I chuckled and grabbed his hand "Come on, let’s see."

"Lizzie!" he whined and I laughed even louder.

"Oh come on, it was just a joke, you said it yourself…" I pulled him with me and as soon as we spotted Dad sitting outside the Audi hospitality, playing with Arlo, Charles slowed down.

"Look who’s there!" Dad unbuckled the leash from Arlo’s harness and he bolted off, straight into us and I bent down, scratching his ears.

"Hello my good boy. Did you play with Pops a little?" I cooed and followed him back to where Dad was sitting, Charles staying a little behind.

"So, how is it being here?" Dad asked me and I sat down, shrugging my shoulders.

"It’s normal, I guess?" I said, watching Charles take a tentative step towards us, still looking at Dad.

"Pete is confident that the upgrades will work out."

"Yeah, they all are, I guess we have to wait and see, no?" I picked up Arlo, sitting him down in my lap, when Dad turned to Charles.

"And what about you?"

"Me?" Charles asked nervously.

"Yeah, your car was lacking straight line speed in Silverstone? Did you fix that problem?"

"Oh… umm yeah, yeah, the team is confident that they fixed this issue." he sounded slightly relieved, letting out a deep breath, sitting down next to me, still a little fidgety.

"You okay there, Charles? Rough night?" Dad asked and Charles eyes widened.

"It was a joke! A stupid joke! I’m so, so sorry!" he blurted out and Dad bursted out laughing.

"Boy, I never saw you sweating like that." he shook his head, still laughing.

"I’m really sorry." Charles mumbled and Dad got up, patting his shoulder.

"It’s alright, Charlie boy." he said and walked inside.

"Why do I feel like he’s secretly planning something?" Charles mumbled and I shrugged.

"Because he probably is…"

"Very comforting, thank you."

"Always."

Another day, another sea of German flags, Audi shirts and caps and poster of me were greeting us when we stepped out of the car and I couldn't stop the big grin forming on my lips. I zipped my jacket close and put the hood on, trying to stay dry.

"Excited?" Charles asked and I nodded.

"I think I was never this excited for FP1 ever before.. " I laughed and he pulled me to his side, kissing my temple.

"Same, same." he chuckled, dropping me off at my hospitality "Have a good session."

"You too." I smiled, climbing up the stairs.

"Lizzie?" Julie held the door open for me and I walked inside, the whole team standing around a table and I followed her inside.

"What's going on?" I asked when Pete and Valtteri stepped aside, revealing a cake.

In big red letters DOETTERER 2027 carefully piped on.

"Congrats on your contract renewal!" Valtteri said and I hugged him.

"Thank you, Valtteri! But where are you going? I mean... with Nico coming?" I whispered.

"It's all good, little one. I talked to Felix the moment I got a new offer, that’s when he contacted Nico…" he said and I looked at him "I’m going back to Mercedes, for one year and then it’s time to retire."

"Wait… what?"

"Toto called me as soon as Lewis told him. With Kimi Antonelli Mercedes has a good driver for the future, but he needs more experience, 2025 is too early for him, so I’ll take over for one year."

"But why retire? You still have some good years ahead of you!"

"Because it’s time. One day, you just feel it." he nudged my shoulder a little and smiled "And now come on… let’s have a piece of cake and then go into the car!"

"Okay…" I nodded slowly and stepped closer to the table.

"Speech! Speech! Speech!" Matt and some of my mechanics began to chant and I chuckled, shaking my head.

"Okay, okay, okay! Honestly I don’t have much to say, just that I’m grateful for every single one of you! You are the best team I could’ve ever ended up in. You always believe in me and have my back, support me no matter what. Today we celebrate us, this team. Thank you guys!" I said, smiling at my team and Felix pulled me close to his side.

"Alright everyone! Let’s have some cake!" he said and then turned to me "And then get out there and have some fun."

I sat on the sofa, mindlessly scratching Arlo’s head in my lap, not listening to the conversations around me.

"Cara mia?" Charles squeezed my thigh and I looked up from my lap "Come on, eat something."

"I’m not hungry." I mumbled, looking back down.

"Hey, look at me." he scooted closer, gently grabbing my chin, turning my head "It wasn’t your fault… you couldn’t do anything. You were amazing in FP1, okay? We all saw how good you were! And what happened in FP2? It was out of your hands, until the crash you were the fastest on mediums! No one could match your pace, not even on softs!"

"Yeah but I crashed out, Charles!" I groaned and he sighed.

"No you didn’t! Logan crashed out and took you out as well an-…"

"I could’ve reacted quicker! Go around him, just do something to avoid the crash!" I interrupted him.

"No, no you could not, okay? Stop bashing yourself. It’s not your fault, end of the story." Charles looked at me pointedly and after a moment I sighed and nodded a little "Now, would you please eat something?"

"Yeah…" I sat Arlo down next to me and grabbed my fork.

"Thank you." Charles kissed my cheek and I took a bite of my salad.

"Tomorrow’s a new day, don’t beat yourself up too much." Dad said and I nodded again.

"I just wanted this to be the perfect weekend, you know? No mistakes. Good results. So that when the contract renewal is announced on Sunday no one doubts it…" I sighed.

"And you still can do it! Today was unfortunate, but it wasn’t your fault! Tomorrow you’ll come back stronger." Charles looked at me determined.

"I hope you’re right…"

"I am. You’ll see…"

Pole position. Freaking pole position. I cheered into the radio. Not understanding what Pete said for the first few seconds.

"You did it, little one! P fucking 1! Wooohooo! We’re all so proud of you!" his voice rang in my ears and I laughed.

"Let’s fucking go, guys! The car was on fire!"

"It really was!"

"Where’s Charles? Valtteri?" I asked, hoping to hear some good results.

"P2 and P4. Amazing job from you guys!"

I parked my car in the P1 spot and jumped out, running towards my team, celebrating our first pole in a while.

"Amazing job, little one!" Pete patted my back.

"What a lap!" Felix shouted.

"Thanks guys!" I high fived everyone when a pair of arms engulfed me from behind.

"What an amazing lap, cara mia!" Charles muffled voice behind me.

I turned around and opened my visor, his eyes already on mine. He pulled me towards the tables and I took my helmet off, followed by my balaclava, wiping my face.

"POLE SITTER!" Daniel yelled, storming our way, hugging me tight "Good job, Lizzie!"

"Thanks Danny." I smiled, seeing Pierre making his way to us.

"You so going to win tomorrow!" his first words as soon as he pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Don't jinx it!" I laughed and slapped his arm.

"I don't! It's just an honest opinion!" he chuckled and walked off.

"Lizzie?" an F1 official smiled at me and I nodded, taking the microphone from him.

"Lizzie! Congratulations on your pole! What an amazing qualifying session! Talk us through your pole lap." Nico Rosberg smiled his 10.000 mega watt smile at me and I took a deep breath, seeing all the Germany flags being waved behind him in the grandstand.

"Honestly, I just pushed, pushed, pushed. I knew that the rain would come any minute back and thought to myself that I just have to go full throttle. And it worked out perfectly."

"That it did. What do you think is possible in the race, can you win tomorrow, as the first German driver in a long time?"

"You mean as the first German driver after your last win here?" I chuckled and he nodded laughing "I think if we can maximise our race pace, have a good and clean start, a lot is possible."

"You're driving with a special livery this weekend, and I noticed a very interesting detail on your car and helmet..." Nico pointed at the hood of my car and I smiled, looking at the large 7.

"I wanted to pay tribute to not just this amazing track, because it's a shame that we don't have this track in the race calendar every season, but also go a little deeper. Germany and F1 belong together, and that's because of the amazing German F1 driver's of the past, but also the present. After waiting for this race for so long, I wanted to have every single German F1 driver with me, so yeah. I wanted to pay tribute to the guys who represented Germany so well in Formula 1, so yeah there's you, Seb, Timo, Nico but also some less known names, but still important. And of course, the Schumachers. Ralf and Michael, who was my hero growing up and I'm sure of so many others as well, he gave so much to this sport, he’s a legend, and also Mick, who should be driving on this track with me tomorrow, he didn’t get the chance he deserved back in Haas and I hope that changes in the future." I said proudly and Nico nodded.

"What a beautiful gesture. I think I speak for everyone who's on your car and helmet, when I say thank you so much, it means a lot." his voice was wavering a little and I squeezed his arm.

"I hope you like the photo of you that I chose." I laughed, to brighten the mood again and he smiled.

"I have to check it out, but honestly, every photo would be great, just because of the gesture. For now, I wish you all the best and good luck for tomorrow."

"Thanks, Nico." I handed my microphone to Charles who smiled brightly at me, then walked off to Julie, who was already waiting for me.

"Good job, Lizzie." she smiled and I followed her to the media pen "I need to take some pictures of you in your new race suit for tomorrow."

"Okay..." I sighed and she chuckled.

"Just a few quick shots, that's all I need."

"Okay.." I repeated and she playfully rolled her eyes.

"Thank you! And now smile, your on pole for your home race!"

"Yep, that I am." a big smile on my face again, when I read the text from Seb.

I woke up earlier than usually. Got up and took a quick shower, getting ready for the day. Then I waited for Charles to wake up. Breakfast went by in a blur and the drive to the track was even faster. All the fans around cheering for me, wishing me good luck, telling me that I would win, made me smile. I was getting more and more excited and when I walked inside my drivers room and looked at the race suit, the excitement bubbled up even more. The German flag in stripes down the arms and legs, my name on the back as well coloured in the German flag, paired with the 2027. All black. It looked dangerous. Our designer team really did an amazing job.

"Come on, fireproofs on and then let me braid your hair…" Mum smiled at me and I nodded, going on with my usual race day routine "We’re all so proud of you, Lizzie. So incredibly proud! Pole position, new contract, high chances of a win. And that all here at Hockenheim…"

"Oh Mum stop! Don’t cry!" I chuckled and she wiped away a tear, smoothing down my hair, combing through it "It’s a weekend like any other!"

"But it’s not! I’ve never seen so many people supporting you! Screaming your name! Finally you get the recognition you deserve." a soft smile on her lips "It just makes me so happy to see you happy."

"Oh Mum…" I turned around and hugged her.

"Okay, come on now. Silly me. Let’s get you ready and then present that beautiful race suit!" she wiped her tears away and braided my hair.

I checked as always that they weren’t too tight, moved my head around and gave her the thumbs up.

"Alright. I’ll wait outside for you." she kissed my cheek and left.

I turned around, grabbing the suit from the hanger and put it on, leaving the top unzipped pooling around my waist.

"Liz? You decent?" JK knocked at the door and I opened up "Ready for a little warm-up?"

He walked inside, a big grin on his lips, looking at my race suit.

"I'm so freaking excited to see Sainz' face." he laughed, and I chuckled a little.

"I just have to deliver as well... then it's a lethal punch in the guts." I shrugged my shoulders a little and he nodded.

"You'll do great, and now come on, let me get you ready." he clapped his hands, and got up "Okay, first your back and then some agility."

We started the warm-up routine and JK watched me carefully, every little hiss or frown was noted, and the exercise immediately adjusted. After 30 minutes I got up from the mat on the floor and took a big sip from my water bottle.

"I think I can win this today…" I said after a while and JK nodded.

"I think so too. You worked so hard the last weeks. You’ll start from pole. This is your win today." he smiled "And now let’s go, it’s time to show the world who‘s driving for Audi the next 3 seasons to come."

"Who‘s that? Oh right… ME!" I laughed and he chuckled.

"Come on now."

"Aye, aye captain." I saluted and he rolled his eyes, pushing me away gently.

I looked outside, the sky grey, light rain falling.

"Lizzie? It’s time." Pete looked at me and I took a deep breath.

"Alright, let's do this." I took one last sip of water and then turned to Julie, a big smile on her face.

"We'll let you walk out, stand with Nico in front of the entire grid, everyone will see the 2027 and right then I will post the official announcement." she said and I nodded, pulling my race suit up.

"How does it look?" I asked her and she gave me the thumbs up.

"Freaking amazing." Charles said behind me and I turned around "You look gorgeous."

"Oh stop. I'm just wearing a race suit..." I chuckled and he grabbed me by the waist pulling me into him.

"Yeah, I can see that, but it's your smile that's so captivating..." he kissed me, and I heard some of my mechanics hollering "Ready to kick some asses and let some jaws drop to the floor?"

"Hell yes!" I said and he smiled, taking my hand, leading me outside.

The first moments nothing much happened, but with every step I took further down the grid, a murmuring was going around. I saw the cameras filming us, Charles grinned, and some mechanics from other teams pointing at my back. And then I looked up at the big screen, showing my back, flashing the message out for everyone to see and the crowd cheered even louder.

"Seems like the crowd likes it..." Charles nudged me gently and I nodded, looking up at the screen again, where I looked in my face, a big smile on my lips.

"Urgh...stop filming my face." I chuckled and turned slightly, looking for the camera man.

"Stop whining, this is your moment!" Charles whispered and pushed me towards Nico, who already waited for me.

"Ready?" he asked and I nodded, walking in front of the rest of the grid to stand on the marked spot for us.

"It’s so weird… I’m used to stand somewhere behind… not in the middle with all eyes on me, or us…" I mumbled and he chuckled.

"It’s just for the anthem, you will survive." he said, then grinned "Oh, and congrats, team mate." he nudged my shoulder and I chuckled a little.

As soon as we both stood on our designated spots and Nico took off his cap the German national anthem started playing and we both sang along. For the first time today I felt the nervousness overcoming me, felt the tingling in my hands. This was it. This was it. The day I dreamed of for so many years. I would race in Formula 1 at Hockenheim. I saw the marching band preparing for the anthem and closed my eyes, for a moment, soaked it all in. With the beginning of the anthem I opened my eyes, starting to sing along. I never felt this pride in my life and the atmosphere was buzzing.

The next moments all happened in a blur. I walked back to my garage, did some last stretches, looked over the data once more, then it was time. Mum, Dad, Sissy, Liam, Marcus and Benji looked at me. All smiling. All looking proud.

"My sweet girl, we're all so, so proud of you!" Mum hugged me and I smiled

"We had that already today, Mum." I chuckled and she pulled awa, sniffling lightly.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry!" she whispered and managed to smile a little.

"Come here, my little owl." Dad pulled me in another bear hug "Kick their asses, Lizzie. Show them how good you really are." he whispered and I nodded.

"I'll try my best." I whispered back, then he pulled me away and next Sissy, then Marcus hugged me.

"We're proud of you."

"You'll win this."

"Only if my two little lads hug me!" I smiled at my nephews and both hugged me in an instant.

"Good luck, Lizzie!" Benji chirped.

"I know that you'll win!" Liam smiled brightly.

"Thank you guys so much!" I kissed their heads and then waved one last time.

Then I turned around, following JK out on the grid.

"Lizzie! Lizzie!" Martin Brundle caught up to us and I smiled at him "Woman of the hour. Pole setter, contract renewal, maybe race winner?"

"I will try my very best to achieve it." I replied and he smiled.

"3 more years with Audi, what a way to announce it, here, in front of your home crowd."

"They don't say for nothing there's no place like home, you know."

"Very well said. And I'm being honest with you, I'm rooting for you today. No better way to celebrate your contract renewal than with a home race win. Good luck out there!"

"Thanks, Martin!" he squeezed my shoulder and then hurried off, right when we arrived at my car.

"This is it. The moment you've been waiting for." JK smiled and I looked up at the sky for a moment. Watched the clouds brighten up a little.

"This is it. Indeed." I smiled and saw Charles coming over.

"Ready for it?" he smiled.

"Baby, let the race begin."

Charles chuckled and then hugged me one last time, kissing my temple.

"You can do it. We all believe in you. You'll win this race today!" he whispered and I nodded.

"I see you next to me then?"

"Oh hell yes." he nudged my chin gently and then walked back to his car, getting ready himself.

"Liz?"

I turned around, taking my balaclava first and then my helmet from JK, putting both on. Then I climbed in the car, got buckled and strapped in, put my gloves on and waited lastly for my steering wheel. A sense of calmness was washing over me and I felt myself smiling. This was my home. This was my win.

"Ready?" Matt signaled me and I gave him the thumbs up.

"Ready."

I never felt this at one with my car. It was almost like the car and my brain were connected and whatever I thought, the car reacted immediately. I was like in a tunnel, my whole surroundings faded away and it was only me, my car and the track. It felt like I heard Pete for the first time in hours when he told me that I should bring it home.

"Last lap?" I asked, almost flabbergasted.

"Last lap, Lizzie." he radioed back and I couldn't believe it.

"Already?"

"Already.. you were flying." he chuckled.

I breezed past Sachs, into turn 13 and 14, next into turn 15 and lastly into the Südkurve, watching the grandstand, a sea of black, red and yellow. I spotted the checkered flag and it was done. I won. Hockenheim.

"YOU DID IT!" Pete screamed "PHENOMENAL JOB, LIZZIE!"

"I won..." my voice barely a whisper.

"Yes you did! You won!"

"FUCKING HELL I WON!" I yelled.

"We're all so proud of you, little one! Amazing race!"

"Thank you guys so much! This is our win. All the hard work every single one poured into this made us win today!"

"It was you, who won today!" Felix radioed "You drove brilliantly, Lizzie."

"Thanks Felix, for everything."

"We're so proud of you, little one."

"Where's Valtteri?"

"P4. We earned a big chunk of points today. Well done!" I was overwhelmed. I won. Hockenheim. My mind went into autopilot. I parked the car in the middle spot. Unbuckled my seatbelt and headrest. Unclipped my steering wheel and climbed out. The crowd chanting. My name. Unbelievable. On shaky legs I jumped into my team. Celebrated our victory.

Watched my family celebrating my win.

"YOU DID IT! YOU DID IT! YOU WON!" Liam and Benji chirped and I hugged them both, jumping up and down.

"We're so proud of you. You were amazing!" Dad patted my helmet and I saw Mum wiping away some tears.

"Mum! Enough tears, come on!" I chuckled and she nodded.

"Go! Celebrate!" she smiled, looking behind me and without even turning around I knew who she was looking at.

I pulled my helmet off and turned around, Charles. Helmet already off. Wearing his biggest, most adorable smile. His eyes sparkling, looking at me. I pulled my balaclava off and sprinted towards him, not caring for a single moment what people would say, and jumped into his arms.

"You won, cara mia! I'm so proud of you!" he whispered, hugging me tight and the moment he pulled away slightly, I captured his lips in a searing kiss.

The world faded to nothing. Only Charles and I. And after what felt like ages my head started to feel dizzy from the lack of oxygen and I slowly pulled away.

"I love you." I breathed out and Charles smile made my heart go faster.

"In front of everyone? What's gotten into you?" he chuckled and I smiled sheepishly.

"I don't give a fuck anymore. I have a seat for the next 3 years in the best team. I won my home race. I have the best family and friends. And I have you. Why would I care about anyone else anymore?"

"I love you, my crazy girl." he whispered against my lips and kissed me again, right when someone cleared their throat, making us pull away.

"I really don't want to interrupt..."

"No, its fine..." I laughed, taking the microphone.

"Lizzie! Congrats on your win here today! What a race. At no time your win was in danger. How do you feel, after winning your home race?" Nico Rosberg asked and I took a deep breath, looking up at the crowd, the sea of German flags, the people chanting my name.

"I'm speechless. Seriously. I'm overwhelmed with it all... I was the whole race like in a tunnel. Just kept doing my thing. I think I never spoke this little with Pete during a race."

"You were genuinely surprised when your race engineer told you that it was the last lap?"

"Yeah, because I was so freaking focused. I swear I don't even know anymore when I pitted! It was all one big blur." I chuckled a little.

"You did amazing. Congratulations. You made all of Germany proud today, am I right?" Nico turned to the crowd and the chanting got even louder "Congratulations again, Lizzie, what an unbelievable race!"

"Thanks Nico." I smiled, handing Charles the microphone and followed the F1 official to the cool down room.

I put my helmet down, grabbed a bottle of water and sat down, closing my eyes. All the emotions almost bubbling over. I still couldn't believe it. I won Hockenheim.

"There she is, my race winner." Charles walked in and I smiled "How does it feel? Winning your home race?"

"Umm... freaking amazing? Overwhelming? Fucking awesome?" I laughed and he nodded "You kept Max behind you then?" I looked at him, when a replay of the race start was shown.

"Yeah, wasn't easy though." he shrugged, right when Max walked in.

"There she is. Home GP winner." he smiled and hugged me "What a race. I think I saw you at the start the only time the whole race."

"Our pace was out of this world today." I nodded when I watched another replay on the screen. Sainz going wide off track. I couldn't stop the grin from forming.

"Come on now, lets get your trophy!" Charles pulled me out of my chair, then he grabbed something out of his helmet and threw it around my shoulders, I looked down. A German flag.

"It's your home race! Let's go, don't let your crowd wait." he pushed me towards the door and I braced myself one last time, then stepped outside.

I climbed up the highest step, the sun breaking through the cloudy sky, the crowd chanting my name. I did it. I really did it. I watched Michael, one of our head strategists walk outside, hugging me again, taking his place on the right. Next came Charles, then Max. I took off my cap and looked up in the sky as the German anthem played. Charles smiled up at me proudly and I couldn’t contain the smile on my own face. The crowd singing along our anthem. Dad, Pete and Felix all together screaming it from the top of their lungs. Liam and Benji waving and clapping. I felt invincible. The moment the anthem stopped I prepared myself to lift up the most important trophy of my life so far. I held the German flag together, taking the trophy from Stefano Domenicali, who congratulated me and stepped aside. The moment I lifted the trophy over my head the crowd erupted. It was almost deafening. I sat my trophy down, waving at Liam and Benji when Les Toreadors started playing and I felt myself getting soaked in champagne from 3 sides. I managed to grab my bottle and spray a little champagne myself before we toasted our bottles together.

"Cheers to Lizzie!" Charles smiled at me and I took a swig of champagne, immediately scrunching up my nose.

We all huddled together to take the photos and I felt like I would never stop smiling. All the way down the podium, back to the garage where every single one of my team hugged me, to my family doing the same. The smile on my face only getting bigger and bigger. I even enjoyed the interviews and the press conference for once, even joked around.

"Go back to your team now, and later on, we’re going to celebrate!" Charles kissed me one last time and I cocked an eyebrow.

"Where are we going?"

"You’ll see. And now go!" he pushed me up the stairs of the Audi hospitality, laughing when I turned around and stocked out my tongue "GO!"

I shook my head and walked inside, the team already celebrating.

"I heard that Charles planned a party?" Felix looked at me and I shrugged my shoulders.

"I have no idea. Honestly."

"There is still one last race before the summer break next week…" I could see how he was fighting off a big smile and made my best puppy eyes.

"Only a ittle partying? Pretty please?" I pouted and Felix laughed.

"Just a little!" he said and I cheered.

"Let’s fucking gooo!"

It was like I was floating on cloud 9 the next days. After a big hangover for the half of Monday, the big smile on my face returned immediately back. I won Hockenheim. My home race. One more race and it was summer break. Life couldn’t be better. Only the weather didn’t pass the vibe check. Still heavy rains. Still grey skies. Spa would be another battle in the rain.

"Lizzie, how do you feel? After winning your home gp, seeing how good the updates worked?" Lawrence Barretto asked.

"Honestly, it still feels a little unreal. I mean it was an incredible, unbelievable feeling. The atmosphere was great, the fans were amazing. It was overall one of my best weekends in F1 so far for me." I replied with a big smile.

"Spa is, after Hockenheim of course, one of your favourite tracks, do you think the updates will work on this track as well?"

"I’m confident that the car will do great here as well, yes."

"There has been a lot of… different opinions about your contract renewal, what do you say to the people, thinking you don’t deserve a seat in F1?"

"I did the talking on track. I won a race, three in total in my third season in a midfield to slightly top team. While others in top teams won their first race in their sixth season. That’s all I have to say."

"Thank you Lizzie and good luck this weekend."

"Thanks." I smiled and walked off,

"Subtle." Julie chuckled and I shrugged.

"He could’ve just shut the f up and not comment on it. I just won my home race and instead of saying that he’s happy for me. Or just laugh and say good for her. No he had to say that it leaves him worried for Sainz, because he hoped that he would get my seat to make him stay in F1… he can fuck right off." I said, raising my voice at the end when I spotted the very person of my rage.

"Yeah, he should’ve just kept quiet. But you know him…" Julie sighed and we walked towards the exit.

"Yeah. Doesn’t make it better."

"I know. Let’s go. Ignore him." she lead me outside and for a brief moment Norris looked up, his eyes on mine, but I looked away and kept walking.

"I guess I have to do the talking on track again this weekend." I mumbled, and Julie nodded.

"That you do! And you show everyone that you deserve this seat more than Sainz does. Period."

"Oh 100 %."

"Hey Mr. Pole sitter." I smiled at Charles when he unlocked the car, ushering me inside "Not gonna lie. That lap was sexy."

"Oh come one, silly girl." he laughed, starting the engine.

"What? Max had all purples and was this close setting a new lap record and then you chimed in with all purples beating his time, even closer to a new lap record and then just casually top your won times with again all purples and really set a new record?" I looked at him and he shook his head "That was sexy. So. Damn. Sexy."

"Okay, okay!" he chuckled and I smiled "It was a good quali, I’m just sorry for you."

"The rules are the rules. He set the time first, so he’s in front of me." I shrugged my shoulders a little and Charles sighed.

"I know, it still sucks. You’ll be in a Lando and Carlos sandwich at the start."

"Ewww, don’t you dare ever saying that again!" I punched his arm and he laughed.

"Sorry. But seriously. Be careful."

"I will be, don’t worry." I said, looking out the window, watching how the rain kept pouring down.

"Let’s just hope for better weather tomorrow. Spa and that rain? That’s a red flag fest." Charles said and I nodded.

"Yeah, let’s really hope for better weather."

But all hopes and prayers were for nothing. It was still raining cats and dogs and when we arrived at the track, we were soaked down to our bones.

"I’ll see you later, cara mia." Charles kissed me and left.

I walked inside, taking my rain coat off, watching a few team members sit huddled together in the corner.

"That’s just sad. Both cars? I mean, better than the whole Australia incident, giving the driver who crashed out the other one’s car… but still…" Matt said and shook his head.

"What happened?" I asked and they turned around, greeting me.

"Williams won’t start the race. With both cars. They had to withdraw. Chassis and PU problems. They didn’t get ready in time because the spare parts were missing." Matt said and I looked at him with big eyes "Yeah, it’s sad…"

"Fucking hell, both cars? Damn." I mumbled, taking my phone out to read the official F1 article.

I finished reading when Charles texted me, saying he overheard the biggest news. When I asked him what it was he replied to wait and enjoy. I groaned and JK looked at me questioningly.

"You good?"

"Charles said A but not B…"

"Sorry, what? Is that a weird sex code?"

"What the fuck? No! He hinted at something but then didn’t tell me what it was about and I want to know!" I looked at him with big eyes.

"Oh, okay. So you mean if you are at the ball, you must dance. The saying goes who says A must say B in German?" JK asked.

"Better than if you’re at the ball, you must dance? That’s weird? And so long!" I defended and he held his hands up.

"I forgot, German efficiency."

"Exactly. German efficiency."

"Will you tell me now what you heard?" I asked Charles when we got ready after the anthem and he chuckled, grabbing my hand "Charles!"

"Patience, cara mia, patience!" he pulled me with him, looking around, searching for something.

"What are you looking for?"

He shook his head and then spotted Sainz, pulling me towards him.

"Carlos. Hey. I overheard the big news earlier, congrats on your new team. Looks like they all can’t wait for you to come, in fact, they were this excited that they completely forgot to get their car’s ready for the race." Charles said and I looked at him with big eyes "Let’s go, cara mia."

"What the…" I began, looking at him.

"He signed with Williams. I heard him, his father and cousin and Sylvia talk about it. The way they want to announce it." he chuckled and then turned around, grinning at Sainz who looked our way.

"You’re evil." I whispered, following his look.

"I know… but you love it, no?"

"Not gonna lie, it’s hot. Scary, but hot." I chuckled and he laughed.

"What is scary but hot?" Andrea asked and JK just shook his head.

"Do we even want to know." he rolled his eyes and I laughed.

"We were just talking about our good friend Sainz."

"What about him?" Andrea asked and Charles wiggled his eyebrows.

"He has a new team… sadly that team has no car on the grid…"

"He sighed with Williams?" JK asked, his head snapping around, watching Sainz "On the weekend where both cars have a DNS?"

"Williams. One of the worst team on the grid…"

"You know, like a really famous poet once said: You play stupid games, You win stupid prizes." I shrugged and all 3 looked at me for a moment.

"Taylor Swift." they said in unison and I laughed.

"I’m proud of you, my fellow Swiftie."

"Let’s get you guys in the car." JK rolled his eyes playfully and I pushed him away.

"Good luck, cara mia. Be careful. They both are ruthless at the start! I want you on that podium with me." Charles pulled me close, then kissed me gently "Drive safe. These conditions allow zero mistakes. I love you."

"I love you too, go and win this race." I smiled and he nodded, pecking my lips again, before he walked off with Andrea.

"Alright. Let’s get you in the car, come on." JK said and I nodded, turning around and preparing for the race.

When I sat in the car, everything was checked and ready, I took a deep breath. Looking to my left, spotting Norris who looked my way. I had to fight off Tweedledee and Tweedledum right at the start. Great. One last radio check and the formation started, the spray from Max making my vision practically non existent. As soon as we were back in our grid boxes I focused on the lights and accelerated the moment they went out, gaining massive momentum, almost instantly overtaking Norris. I inwardly cheered a little, pushing the throttle full through, focusing on what was happening in front, while trying to stay ahead of Norris and Sainz.

"Red Flag. Red Flag." Pete radioed and I cursed.

"What happened?"

"Daniel, Pierre, Ocon, Stroll and Alonso had a little something."

"Everyone okay?"

"Yeah, looks like Ocon and Alonso won’t be able to continue."

"Okay."

"Safety car."

The track was clear surprisingly fast and we all left the pits again, following the safety car.

"Standing start, Lizzie, back in P4."

"Of course." I mumbled hoping for another good start like the one minutes ago and was pleasantly surprised when I breezed past Norris for the second time today.

The rain was slightly getting lighter, the sight was still bad though and the first laps I had to focus more on seeing something than on driving fast. But that soon changed and I saw Sainz coming closer and closer.

"What lap are we in? I can’t read it."

"17."

27 more to go. I could do it. I could stay ahead.

"Weather update." I radioed after another 3 laps.

"No change for the next 6-8 laps."

"And then?"

"Heavier rain."

"Okay." I sighed.

The track was slippery and I felt my car slide from left to right, right to left in every turn I took. Charles and Max in front were having the same issues, fighting each other hard. I slipped and hit a kerb hard, feeling how I was losing the rear, but managed to keep the car on track, giving Sainz the opportunity to come even closer.

"Check the floor."

"On it."

I waited anxiously for Pete’s reply, while trying my best to stay ahead of Sainz.

"No significant damage."

"Okay."

The next 4 laps Sainz caught up to me, trying to overtake me and I had to fight him off more than I liked. The rain was slightly getting heavier, my sight was getting worse. 20 more laps to go. And Sainz was now closer than ever.

"I don’t think I can fight him off much longer." I radioed.

"Lizzie, let him pass… you can catch up to him again. But with your tyres now, it’s too dangerous."

I didn’t answer. Giving up my position wasn’t what I wanted. Especially not to him. But destroying my tyres by fighting him off, having no grip in these conditions was indeed dangerous.

"Lizzie."

"Okay."

I clenched my jaw and drove to the left, making space for Sainz to overtake me, which he did immediately. I had a bad feeling when I saw him breeze past me and as if on cue his car was wavering, losing grip, his left rear tyre, touching my front tyre and I felt my car sliding to the left, trying my best to keep it on track but it was already too late. I lost all control, losing the rear entirely, spinning out, the wet track didn’t slow me down and by the time I reached the gravel my car was already spinning to fast and I prepared myself for the impact. The moment I hit the wall, pain erupted in my back and I screamed out. Panting heavily.

"Are you okay?" Pete radioed and I tried my best to calm down my breathing "Lizzie?"

"I- I ca-…" my voice broke, breathing staggered.

"Lizzie? Hey! LIZZIE! Can you hear me? Are you okay!" Pete shouted in my ear.

"I’m okay." I pressed out, hearing my blood rushing in my ears.

I was heaving. Hands shaking. A pain raging through my back like a wild fire. The pain in my neck and shoulders, mind numbing. I looked ahead, saw what was left of my car stuck in the wall, front tyres, hood, all gone.

"Stay put. The medical car and marshall’s are on their way."

"Pete?"

"Yeah, little one?"

"I can’t feel my legs."

Chapter 46 - winning a home GP is something special and making Lizzie win hers was one of my favourite things in this whole fic, as a German myself I miss having a German GP and most importantly a German driver in a big team who can actually fight for wins (sorry Nico 🙈) … what else happened? Oh, yeah… Belgium… 😬 I guess I’ll leave you hanging for a bit…

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

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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 @janeh22 @kahhorri @18754389 @chiliwhore @hellowgoodbye @queensassybitchsworld @harrysdimple05 @skynel09 @fangirlforever2000

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

[f1amboyant]

Omg, I wasn't expecting to elaborate on this but you know what, I will bc it makes me happy and I am not confident or secure enough to write something long but I still want to share.

About everyone's colors:

-Ferrari: Rosso corsa for Charles and bright yellow gold for Carlos

-Mercedes: royal purple for Lewis and turquoise for George

-RB: burnt orange for Maxy and forest green for Checo

-McLaren: soft orange for Lando and periwinkle for Oscar

-Aston: sky blue for Fernando and cooper for Lance

-Williams: lavender for Alex, cherry red for Logan and sunshine yellow for Franco

-Haas: ochre for Nico and ice blue for Kevin

-Alpine: navy blue for Pierre and blush pink for Esteban (he swears it's beige for years)

-VCarb: warm orange for Yuki, pistachio for Liam and mahogany brown for Dan

-Stake: dove grey for Guanyu and coral for Valtteri

-Other important colors (?): silver for Nico Rosberg, emerald green for Seb, garnet for Kimi, steel grey for Toto, teddy bear brown for Ollie, sage green for Kimi Antonelli, petrol blue for Mark Webber, brass for Jenson.

Source? Just vibes really.

Some drivers are sure to wear long sleeves and be careful of being to close to fans but Carlos is of the opposite view, hundreds of centimeters of skin showing and a belief that if you get a new soulmates, it was meant to be and it drives Charles nuts even though it has never happened and Carlos has only bonded with people who are indeed close to him. In one occasion he takes pleasure in seeing how a pretty girl at a club who has been flirting with Carlos (who is oblivious and a little tipsy) all night gets mad when she grabs Carlos' forearm and nothing happens, not a bit of pigment on sight so obviously Charles has to go get his teammate and holding him by the point where he KNOWS his red mark is under the fine linen shirt make sure he makes it back to the hotel 🫣

Thank you everyone for the encouragement, I'll keep you posted 🥰🎨

Asdkjhgdjkhglq that's amazing!

No note on the color choices for each driver. I could never have done it myself and I love them all! Perfect 🎨

And jealous possessive Charles?? Yes please, I need more of that. Oh Carlos would be absolutely oblivious (he always looks so lost when he is with fan, he would absolutely be lost about this too). And Charles putting his hand back where his mark is on Carlos?? Daaaaaamn 😵‍💫 I love it so much!!!

But now tell me anon (if you want to, of course), this is charlos, right? So how do those two idiots go from 'oh yeah we have each other's mark but that's because we're teammates, no?' to 'together or nothing, we are real soulmates'? Do you have ideas? I need my babies together 🥺

[notf1obsessed]

wrapped round my finger: Charles Leclerc x Carlos Sainz (AU!)

Carlos and Charles are both automotive designers who are big names in the car industry, having worked with many companies before. They have both set aside their past, but what happens when they're forced to work together?

Chapter 1: disrupt my life (again)

"It's wonderful to have you with us Mr.Leclerc," Vettel shakes his hand in greeting, "Im sure you'll make a wonderful addition to the team."

Charles shook his hand in response, smile on his face. After many hours spent working, he'd finally made it. He'd finally been able to join Ferrari in designing their new car model. This was a lifetime goal of his; working with Ferrari. This was the moment he'd worked up his whole life for, he knew it.

They were standing in the Ferrari HQ in Maranello, right in front of the meeting room.  If you had told younger Charles he'd be standing here, he'd be laughing in your face. But now, Charles's fantasy was very much a reality.

"Right, you and one other will be our head of this project," Vettel continued, "Come with me so I can introduce you to them."

Vettel pushed open the doors to the meeting room, holding it open for Charles to enter.

His smile was immediately wiped off his face.

"This is-"

"Carlos," Charles interrupted him before he can continue.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow in response taking a seat in front, "I see you have met before."

"Yes something like that," Carlos joins in, smile on his face. He was at on the opposite end of the table, hands clasped together and bent forward.

Charles felt bitterness boil in him, trying hard to keep his doll face on.

He would rather be anywhere in the world than with Sainz right now.

"Well then no need for introductions I see," Vettel now continued, expression much more relaxed, "We can get straight to the point."

Charles took a seat on the table opposite Carlos, eyes glued to Vettel. He turned over his papers as he spoke, dimming his voice which was quite quiet.

Not much help to Charles. Words entered through one ear and exited through the other, though he did manage to pick up some points. It was hard to stay focused with Sainz in front of him.

He could feel Carlos's eyes pierce through him.

Seb went through the points of them having to work on the main design, nothing much besides the clauses and contracts. Though Charles payed particular attention to when Seb mentioned they would have to work together.

Together.

He dwells about that point for a short time before refocusing. He can't throw away his opportunity at Ferrari just for some guy who didn't even earn it.

He can't.

The meeting ends quite quickly, Seb simply explaining the days they will work on the design. Charles shakes Seb's hand, walking through the door afterwards. His excitement is very much bursting through him, the goal of his life finally achieved.

"Long time no see, mi amigo," A familiar voice calls from behind.

His excitement is damped rather quickly, stopping slightly before continuing to walk towards the exit.

"You too," he responded, voice barely above a whisper. He doesn't turn to face Carlos, eyes on the glass doors in front.

Sainz picked up his pace slightly, meeting level with Charles (a few centimeters taller).

"Haven't seen you around since you moved away from town," he countinued.

The mention of his past town made Charles freeze abruptly. He left all his memories there and didn't want them to return. Though, with the arrival of Carlos, 2/3 of them already had.

"Yeah well work's been busy," he responded blandly, wanting to end the conversation as quickly as possible. He raises his wrist to look at his watch, trying to find an excuse to leave.

Carlos didn't speak for a minute, hands ruffling to fix his black suit.

"I have lunch with some of my friends so I better not keep them waiting," he lied through his teeth, eyes now lifting from his watch, still not daring to face Carlos.

"Well, see you on Monday," Carlos responded, his face indicating that he knew Charles was lying. The uncomfortable silence stretched for what seemed like hours before they finally reached the doors.

Charles didn't repsond, instead walking towards his Mercedes. He opened the door to throw himself on the seat.

He buried his face in his hands, groaning loudly.

That idiotic Carlos with his idiot smile his idiot hair his idiot suit his idiot-

He lent back on the seat's headrest, slowly opening his eyes to see Carlos smiling smugly through the window.

He wanted to rip that smile off his face so badly.

___________________________________________

Charles arrived in his Mercedes on Monday, confidence spilling over. He adjusted it quickly, taking the sunglasses off his face as he entered the building and shoving them into his shirt. His hair was ruffled, not very messy though. He's planning on making a good impression, and he isn't going to allow a shitty Carlos interfere. His eyes navigate the place, looking for any sign of someone who will lead him to the designers. His trip isn't long lasting as he sees a person approaching him.

He seemed quite old, probably in his early 40's. He wore a Ferrari employee fit, his hair combed neatly to one side (probably using a lot of gel in the process considering how his hair glistened under the light).

"You must be Mr.Leclerc?" the man asks, eyes glued to a clipboard in front of him.

Charles nods, not sure the man saw him, so he replies as well, "Yes."

The man nods into his papers, finally taking his eyes off to look at Charles, "Right this way then."

The man leads him to a fairly sized room, not a lot of people crowded inside. Charles stands awkwardly in the middle of the room, not sure what to do. What doesn't help is that the man immediately abandons him afterwards. The people in the room, chattering amongst themselves, turn to face him. He freezes on the spot, not sure of how to take this forwards. And while he had worked on large projects before, this one was Ferrari, and the nerves seemed to kick in quite quickly.

He was brought out if his trance by a tap on his shoulder. A voice leaned into his ear, hot breath on his cheek sending shudders down his spine, "Leave it to me, Charlie."

He hadn't heard that nickname in a very long time, and there were only very few people who called him that. Specifically the one standing next to him, hand still on shoulder.

Carlos.

Carlos's hand left his shoulder, making his way to the front of the room. Charles stayed frozen to the spot, watching as Carlos talked. He wasn't listening for the majority of the time, words becoming noises to him. He wasn't sure when Carlos's little speech ended, but he was snapped out by Carlos walking towards him.

He leaned in closer to him this time, lips millimeters away from Charles's cheek.

"No wonder you always froze in class."

Charles hated what he was doing, pulling out pieces from the past to remind him with. He had already buried his past deep, and was not planning on reviving it.

But Carlos had other plans.

The next day of him working, Charles decided he was not going to let Carlos's reminders of his past affect him from doing his best. So he made sure that before Carlos was to go and give another one of his 'little speeches' that he was going to actually inform him what the fuck he was doing. So that's exactly what he did, trying to avoid his remarks and focus on getting to the point.

"What was your little presentation even about yesterday," Charles grabs hold of his arm, wishing slightly he hadn't. His muscles were tense, veins tracing his skin.

Carlos turns around to face him, same smug face that he always has. Charles hated that smug expression that he had, like he was the one who hung the stars. Like he was the one who brought life to earth. Like he was the centre of the universe.

"I see Mr.Leclerc wasn't really paying attention to the speech, am I really that handsome and distracting," he snarkily replies.

Charles rolls his eyes at him, "and maybe Mr.Sainz wasn't planned out enough to tell his partner what he was actually doing."

"Fine fine, it was simple points about the car's design, someone in here should have the points printed out," he said, eyes tracing as they lit up when someone waved a stack of papers in hand. He went to grab them before shoving them in Leclerc's face.

"Jesus Christ," he muttered taking the papers out of his face, "no need to be aggressive Sainz." He looked through them, they were quite short considering the time Carlos had taken to go through them.

"Since you did all the simple, baby stuff, let's get going with the real shit, shall we?"

Carlos rolled his eyes at him before going to take a seat, paper and pencil in front of him, "If you insist on being so wise, how about you begin the designs."

Charles smiled sarcastically, hand going to grab the pencil from Carlos's hand. Carlos's hands held a slightly longer than expected grip on the pencil before letting go, letting Charles take it out of his hand.

Charles leaned in to the paper, finding an angle for him to work at, pencil lightly waving over the sheet. His brows furrowed and he stuck out his tongue in concentration, taking slow steps in drawing details to the car.

Carlos thought he looked ridiculous like this, but it wasn't unusual to him.

He's seen Charles like this a million times before.

Charles sketched out a very light base of the car, only drawing the rough shape. It was the outline of a convertible, its shape curved inwards giving it a sharp front.

"What do you think," he dropped his pencil from his hand and leaned back into his chair, proud with the sketch he'd made.

Carlos did the opposite by leaning in closer to get a better look of it. His lips folded back into his mouth, dissatisfied with some details.

Read: a lot of it.

He picked up the pencil, fingers holding a firm grip. He flipped the pencil to the erasing side, taking out large chunks from the car. He then went back in to give it a more outwards curved shape, this time closing the sunroof with his detailing.

"Much better"

Charles shot him a look, picking up the pencil and re erasing the shape, restoring his once more. It gave the paper a slight wrinkle, but Charles didn't pay attention to it.

Carlos smiled sarcastically in response, snatching the pencil out of Charles's hand and once again erasing the shape. He roughly restored the shape, giving the paper an uneven look.

Charles shot him a menacing look, aggressively snapping the pencil out of his hands, once again restoring the shape. This time, the paper was severely distorted.

"Better."

It seemed like Carlos wasn't going to win this time.

Not like this.

So instead, he shot daggers through his eyes before smiling.

"Whatever you say, Charlie."

Charles ignored his remark, eyes darting to the silver clock hung on the wall.

"Oh would you look at that, it's time for my lunch," he responded, getting up from his chair, "See you in the cafeteria, Carlito."

He decided if Carlos was going to have some fun, so would he.

He turned around before exiting the door, his smile fumbling slightly.

Carlos's expression wasn't his usual one. It was a mixture of softness and hurt at the same time. Like a piece of him had been brought back, but cutting him in the process. Like going through a photo album and getting a paper cut.

Like his hope had been shattered and restored at the same time.

Charles didn't waste anymore time analyzing Carlos's expressions, instead darting his way towards the cafeteria.

He wasn't going to let Carlos's emotions interfere with him.

Not again.

[dear-ao3]

Re your RB cursed second seat post, just wanted to add a few things and make a couple of corrections because this stuff really does add to the uh... flavour

First, while I know it's not entirely relevant, the whole Racing Point driver swap was SO MUCH more dramatic because Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon are like. Besties. Like BFF friends forever since childhood. Poor son of mechanic and rolling in cash son of billionaire true friendship story. Esteban was fired in favour of his best friend, by his BEST FRIEND'S DAD. PEAK drama. They're still besties, bee tee dubs, because Esteban only makes enemies with his teammates.

F1 Invisible Moustache Twirling Supervillain Christian Horner also has a history of 'we're fully supportive [x driver] to be the best they can be and have no intention of changing our driver line up' and then oops, sorry. We lied. Like... five minutes later. Happened to Gasly, happened to Albon, and the former is currently where we're at with Checo. Christian has admitted that they were too hasty with Albon but oh dear how sad too bad boy's thriving now oopsie doopsie.

Also not forgetting that while Daniel was twiddling his thumbs waiting for his metacarpal to heal, Liam Lawson, the AT and RB reserve, got the highest placing position for the Alpha Tauri team this season (up until Mexico, anyway) while driving in Daniel's seat, and also threw himself into the RB second driver conversation.

And a couple of minor corrections:

DR didn't just leave RB because of the unreliability, it was more about being pushed aside for Golden Child Max Verstappen (affectionate, maybe slightly derogatory), which of course he knows all about because DR did the same thing to Vettel back in 2014. Who also had experience in that field because you could argue the cursed seat actually started with Mark Webber vs Seb Vettel back in like... 2010

Honda has been in F1 before. They sold to Brawn GP for the princely sum of one euro symbolic cash when they were going under, because Ross Brawn knew they'd built a MEGA car and couldn't bear to see them not run it for the 2009 season. Brawn GP won that year, it was Jenson Button's one and only championship win.

F1 drivers can't really go back to F2. If you've won it before, you can't compete again, but it's a feeder series so there's no way some ex-f1 driver is ever gonna be in F2 (or any of the lower formulas) because it's specifically for young talent. IDK maybe you meant Formula E? They also often go to WEC or IndyCar. Even rallying.

RB didn't give Checo another car at Suzuka he went out in the same car after they fixed it up enough for it to drive around one lap. Worth noting he was like 32 laps behind by this point (IDR the exact number but it was LORGE). spare cars haven't been a thing in F1 since 2008

Finally, the Fernando and Charles rumours are so fucking funny ain't no way either of them are gonna go to RB only to be a second to Max. I can see Carlos doing it though, trying for the grand return a-la DR. He's just Like ThatTM (affectionate, again also slightly derogatory). They've also been hardcore courting Lando Norris, who's way too smart and aware of his mental health to put himself into that depression spiral.

ANYWAY this isn't intended to be a big GOTCHA i just wanted to, as I said, add some extra flavour because F1 is so much more insane than anyone who doesn't follow it can POSSIBLY comprehend. Thanks for the post, I love seeing people explain the bonkers bullshittery.

yes yes thank you for pointing out all my mistakes and all that i j ew i was going to be getting Peer Reviewed (again, tumblr deleted my damn post so the first version was more accurate but i was pissed and i was also 1am so…) but yes. i am also new here in terms of the f1 drama. but yes it’s totally positively bonkers do you guys See now why fandom people are attracted to it???

[effervescentdragon]

For the prompt game:

'Dont i have the right to know? + pairing of your choice 👀

this is, subjectively, the worst thing i've ever written. <3

The news breaks in the paddock first.

Maybe it doesn't, though. Maybe it breaks in gossip magazines, or trash tabloids, or whatever else people read. Charles doesn't know because it's not for him to know. He has people to deal with those things. People to tell him what's being said, what's happening, what he needs to know and what he needs to pretend not to know.

"Did you see the news about Seb?" Carlos says, and Charles' heart speeds up because the Mercedes seat is open still, and - "- didn't think he was the type," Carlos continues, and Charles didn't hear what - "was gonna be Rosberg, or Jenson."

"What?" Charles says, because he didn't hear, but then Silvia storms into the room and goes straight for Charles.

"Did you know about this?" she asks, and he doesn't like the gleam in her eye.

"About what?" Charles repeats, pissed off now because nobody is telling him anything, except it's something about Seb, and he doesn't -

"The divorce," Silvia says, finally, with a little cruel twist to her mouth and Charles doesn't remember anything except stammering a weak and truthful "No" and then being pulled into a meeting on how to deal with the press and the questions and many things that Charles can't remember, because his brain is on a loop of divorce-divorce-Seb is getting a divorce.

-

Everybody is talking about it and Charles isn't thinking about it.

"Had no idea," he says to Alex. "We don't talk that much," he repeats to both Max and Lando. "I don't know why," he rolls his eyes at Carlos and George. "I'd tell you if I knew," he lies to Piere, and then goes to stand by himself on the truck before the race.

He waves at the fans and ignores everything until there's a bump at his hip. He looks down and it's Lewis, waving the same way Charles is, his eyes on the crowd.

"You didn't know," he says with a fake smile, and Charles forces himself not to react.

"No," is all Charles can say, shaking his head a little. "Haven't heard from him in a while."

Lewis hums. "Makes sense," he says, chuckling a little, and then Valtteri comes over an Charles wants to shake Lewis because, how the fuck does it make sense? It fucking doesn't, none of this makes sense and it's not - Charles doens't - how could -

The race, Charles thinks. The race first, everything else second. Racing first. Always.

Charles is a racing driver first. Always.

-

He misses the podium for a breath.

He doese everything right, answers the questions, gives feedback, it's all fine, it's all alright, he's handling it all well, another missed podium, another shit race, another question, another thing to deal with, it's fine, it's all good -

-he slams the door in Andrea's face.

"I'm fine!" he yells, and he'll apologize, he just needs a fucking moment alone.

The floor is hard under his thighs but he can't drag himself to the couch yet. It's fine. He taps on the phone screen next to him. Andrea must have given it to him. Charles doesn't remember.

He scrolls for too long and sends the message before he can calm down.

didnt i have the right to know??

He's not expecting a response. He isn't. He's trained himself out of that a long while ago.

The phone lights up.

I didn't know how to tell you.

No apology. No nothing. Charles scoffs, his hands shaking.

oh i dont know, maybe when u were fucking me in sicily last

or fucking me in monaco

or when i was fucking you in switserland

at any point then would be ok

There's sweat running down his face. His overalls are too heavy. He also needs to pee.

He leans back onto the door, staring at the screen. There's a lot of notifications, but it can all wait.

This can't.

I'm sorry about your race. You deserved a podium.

He stares at the screen incredulously.

fuck you seb

i deserved to know

He mutters a curse in Italian as he grabs for the water bottle and drinks some more. He doesn't have much more time.

He isn't expecting an answer. He isn't. There is no point expecting anything from Seb. Never was.

I know.

There's nothing left to say. Charles should get up and change and open the door for Andrea and Joris and whoever else is waiting for him. There's nothing else Seb will say.

Charles should get up and leave his phone.

Charles should block Sebastian Vettel's number and never talk to him again.

The phone lights up.

I can tell you in England? That's where I'm moving, for a while.

Charles should do a lot of things that he doesn't.

-

"-and get my phone," Charles shouts, halfway through the door.

Andrea sighs fondly and leans down, picking up Charles' phone from the floor.

It's unlocked. Andrea doesn't want to look, but his eyes are faster than his fingers and he catches the last two messages before the screen goes black.

i'll come between two headers

I am counting on it ;-)

[vro0m]

Height fact checking - 2023 edition

Dear all, do you remember this?

Back in 2022, when the only good grill the grid video came out, I decided to factcheck the height the drivers claimed to be with this grid photo of them through complicated and absurd calculations.

The whole thing was kinda shit because they were walking and had fluffy hair in the wind and it was highly inaccurate.

Well.

It's time for round 2!

It took me hours to correct the perspective the best I could. Then I applied the same logic than last time which was fiding a px/cm ratio based on one of the drivers to infer the others' height. It got complicated. I had to do 2 series of measures because the ones on the platform are further away than the ones at the front. You also want to pick someone towards the middle of the photo as a benchmark because they're least subject to lense deformation but for the lower rank it meant not seeing their feet and in the upper rank, I saw on another photo angle that Guanyu was standing back compared to the others. In the end, I used Valtteri and Max as benchmarks. I used lines based on the platform and relative position of the drivers to get an idea of where their feet were and get a base to measure from.

Here's what I found :

You can tell I did not correct the perspective well enough because there are consistent error trends as you move further from the middle, although the green lines tell you that the platform measures pretty much the same thing from one side to the other. The results are way more accurate than last time but it's still just a silly little fun thing so don't take it too seriously!

Detailed comments under the cut :

Max was used as a benchmark so I have no comments about that. Sergio measures 173cm as he said. Last time I found him to be slightly taller than that. Once again, I argue that Seb is wrong, whatever he thinks, Charles is indeed 180cm.

On the platform, you can tell Guanyu was indeed standing back as I said, because he appears smaller than he is and what I found last time. In 2022, Lando seemed to be much shorter than he actually is but he had a weird position. It seems correct this time. Of course Piastri wasn't there last year. I found online he's listed as measuring 178cm. I found 177 which is not far off. Valtteri was the benchmark so no comments about that. In 2022 he was positioned on one of the side which means more probability of him being in a weird perspective which probably explains the off measurement.

Now that's were it starts to get tricky. On the ground rank, George and Lewis seem to have accurate heights. In 2022, Lewis was the benchmark which explains the neat 174cm. In 2023 he is ~174cm EVEN THOUGH he's standing on his tippy toes. Yep. He is. If you look carefully at his right foot, you can see his heel is not on the ground. Silly short king.

But on the upper rank, we start to see an error trend. Lance is the right height, he seemed way taller in 2022 but it might just be down to fluffy hair. Alonso is a weird case because he's 1cm taller than he claims AND that was also the case in 2022. He might just be wrong about how tall he is lol. And then we see both Alpha Tauri boys are pretty much 1cm taller than they claim. That's probably down to perspective issues. It's kinda weird that they only affect the top rank and not the bottom rank but then again, Nyck and Yuki are further left than George and Lewis so it might be because of that.

And here we have issues.

Bottom rank : Carlos +1.5 ; Pierre + 2.75, Este + 1.25. In the video, one of the tall drivers said the tall drivers have terrible posture. My bet is if Este was standing straight his measurement would be even more off and we could see a clear trend of people gaining cm the more to the right of the picture they are. That's down to me not correcting well enough despite my efforts rather than them lying. How do I know?

Because the same thing happened on the top rank : Hulkenberg +1 ; Magnussen +2 ; Alex +2 ; Sargeant +1.5. We find ourselves with a similar case of people gradually gaining centimetres the further right they are. Sargeant is a weird anomaly. Either

he's shorter than he claims to be and the difference is closer to 2 or 2.5,

he's standing closer to the camera than the others are, but it's difficult to say because we can't see Alex's feet although when I look at the Haas boys feet compared to his it doesn't really seem to be the case

something is really really weird with the perspective being warped like ⬇️ this even though the lines around them are straight? 🤔 Seems weird to me.

Anyway here's a summary of the errors trends :

Conclusion : the height claims are boringly mostly accurate.

The end ✨

[mysteriouslyjovialcolor]

China 2018

-Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull lockout

-Nico (from the last few races I’ve watched) has been pretty consistent in qualifying top ten. I can’t believe he’s never made podium

-Oh wow Sebastian just sped ahead like he was thrown from a sling shot

-Kimi and Lewis both losing positions because of that

-Max gained because of that though, Nico too

-“Did you see how many places we lost because of Sergio right now? It’s unbelievable” The girls are fighting again

-Haas implementing team orders for this race was not on my Bingo card (I’ll take it though, cause Kevin is higher now)

-“Do we think that Kimi Raikonnen is kind of sleep-walking Lewis Hamilton into a slower pace?”

-Nico casually going past Charles. The Renault looks like they were actually good this season

-✨Red Bull double stack ✨

-That was actually so hot

-“Box, box, box, box, do the opposite to Raikonnen” I love pit stop games

-“The one team that aren’t reacting is Ferrari” Why is it always them

-“Bottas gets past Vettel, the undercut worked!” That was so close, Mercedes really did a great job

-Lewis stuck in a Red Bull sandwich

-Nico on the other hand picking off cars one by one and Carlos right behind him

-Charles?? Why is he p20??

-I’m surprised the Force Indias are still out of the points

-The top three now less than a second away from each other

-Andd Valterri has made his move! He’s gone past Kimi and now so has Sebastian!

-Max p3 now, after Kimi pit

-“Charles was expected to be the wonder boy wasn’t he” Excuse me?? I don’t care that he’s p20- you shall not talk smack about him!

-Eeh Pierre running into his teammate

-Fortunately not something that needed a safety car though

-Never mind, I was wrong, there is a safety car

-Another Red Bull double stack!!

-“Red Bull definitely not sleeping on that pit wall”

-Renault double stack as well

-Somehow Nico didn’t lose out track position because of that, but Carlos did :/

-“We haven’t had a retirement so far” These guys about to jinx it

-“Is it just me or have I got a bunch of cars that have new tires behind me” Oh Lewis

-“And the two Force Indias almost touch” I’m surprised they haven’t already

-Let’s go Daniel!!!!

-Oh shit Max fell behind Danny, still covering off Kimi though

-Daniel!!!!!

-“If he’s going to do this, he might as well be pulling rabbits out of his hat. That was magic from Daniel Ricciardo” 👏👏👏

-“Alright next one is Vettel, let’s get him” That’s a man on a mission now

-Woah!! Max getting past Lewis too!! No falling back this time!!

-Who lit the fire under Daniel’s car?? Ohmygodd has he come alive towards the last few laps of this race!!

-“Well done mate, easy pickings” GP is so chill

-Oh no! Max hit Seb! GP spoke too soon!!

-Aaaaah that was so hotttt from Nico!!!!

-Daniel leading!!!

-“Don’t give up, you can pass Hulkenburg” What if I actually don’t want him to though

-10s penalty for Max. This has happened to me three times in a row now. Someone make it stop

-Ah Max and Lewis wheel to wheel! That one was fun!

-“He can’t just run me off the track like that” Sebastian’s day going from bad to worse because Alonso decided to be a menace

-Nico stays p6 though!!

-Daniel “Race Winner” Ricciardo!!!

-“Absolutely clinical moves. Cutthroat. Scary” haha

-Go Aussie babyyy

[bohnsky]

I've been a f1 fan for a little over two weeks now (which is not a lot, ik) and I thought it would be fun to keep track of my favorite drivers over time.

The first drivers I got to know were obviously my first favorites:

1. Charles Leclerc

The clip of Charles signing his own gloves was basically what got me into f1 in the first place. It's a dumb reason but now I actually enjoy everything that comes with f1 and not only the pretty drivers.

2. Daniel Ricciardo

Danny Ric, my love, I still consider him one of the best people that have ever happened to f1. He is just such a sweetheart and I'm a sucker for simley boys.

3. Max Verstappen

I honestly have mixed feelings about Maxy. I love him for who he is but there are several things that he does or says that I personally consider not okay. I respect him a lot and I think he has a good heart but there are situations that make me think about that twice. But honestly his proud grin when someone laughs about one of his jokes is the best thing on this planet <3

My favorite drivers one week into liking f1:

1. Daniel Ricciardo

I really believe he makes the world a better place by simply existing. I don't think I have to elaborate.

2. Charles Leclerc

My crush slowly fading into the background while I'm starting to get to know the other drivers. Charles will always have a special place in my heart as the reason I got into f1. He is also probably the driver that I'm rooting for the most even though there are so many drivers that I want to see winning.

3. Pierre Gasly

Pierre being Charles best racing friend made me want to learn more about him and suddenly I fell in love. He probably has the most infectious laugh ever and the way he interacts with Yuki makes me melt.

My favorite drivers two weeks into liking f1:

1. Pierre Gasly

Pierre has officially taken my heart. I love him. Portect him at all cost.

2. Alex Albon

This one took me by surprise actually. I was watching stream highlight (because of Charles) a lot lately so I naturally got confronted with the sweetheart that is Alex Albon. I honestly can see him taking P1 from Pierre soon. But it somehow makes so much sense. Alex is definetly the kind of person I would want in my life, while Pierre and Charles are more like a casual celebrety crush ig. Idk, I can't explain it, but Alex Albon yall.

3. Charles Leclerc

Charles is definetly being a constant here. And I really hope he stays in the top three. My love. Always being the one I'm rooting for.

I was playing f1 2020 today and felt like cheating when I even considered driving for anything else than Ferrari. Thanks for that Charles xD

Honerable mentions:

Lewis, of course

Carlos, this man is a mood, plus I've been a fan of Carlos Senior years before I even considered watchin f1 (you see I'm usually more the rally kind of person)

Lando, my brothers favorite

Yuki, honestly the best

And then I realised that I have been lying to myself this whole time because the one and only best is my love Seb Vettel. He is just god tier. The best person to ever wander this world.

And now welcome to my favorite ships in f1:

platonic

Pierre & Charles and Max & Daniel are the perfect best friends to me. This and only this please.

romantic

Charles × Max, Lestappen all the way. I love a good rivals to lovers and these two are just perfect for that. Also I could almost believe that Max actually has a little crush on Charles.

Lewis × Seb, somehow Sewis has gotton hold of my heart, they are both just so soft and I need that in my life.

Carlos × Lando, love, just love, there's nothing else I can say about that. Plus the have the best shipping name. Just Carlando, it's perfect.

Alex × George, this came with my new found love for Alex. I could totally see them as only platonic but I want them to be lovers, because cute.

Pierre × Yuki, I am not like totally shipping them (as in platonic is great too) but they are just the cutest. The way they interact with each other is everything. I want a friendship like this please.

Now let me know if you agree with any of this or if I should check something out that I might like, based on this post :)

[bad268]

F1 Asks

I saw one of my favorites (@astonmartinii) do this, and I wanted to join lol Not tagging anyone else, but if you want to, do it!

Who is your favourite driver?

It may not look like it on my blog, but Max is my #1 lol

Do you have other favourite drivers?

Of the current grid, Max Oscar, and Logan have been my top three. I love them with a passion and it hurts to see that hate Logan gets. He was promoted too soon in my opinion. And a side note, while I love Kimi Antonelli, even promoting him in 2025 could be too soon.

Of all time, Kimi, Seb, and Lewis (honorable mention Jenson) are my boys. Honestly GOATS <3

Who is your least favourite driver?

I have passionate dislikes for Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo I'm sorry girlies. I tried writing for Daniel once and I cannot bring myself to even try it again.

Do you pull for drivers or do you like teams as well?

Drivers mostly. I used to consider myself a Red Bull and McLaren fan, but I can't stand behind a team's actions. I'd rather say I'm a Max, Checo, Lando, and Oscar fan.

If you like teams, who do you pull for?

If I had to, Red Bull and McLaren. Next year, I might add Ferarri to this list because that Charles-Lewis lineup is gonna be insane if Ferarri can back it up.

How long have you been into F1?

Actively watching, since 2022. Of handily, since 2020.

What got you into F1?

Something stupid lol... I was on twitch during lockdown and Lando was streaming I can't remember, it was either Among Us or CS:GO. Quarantine was a dark time for me, and his content made me laugh. I did some digging and found out he was in F1. I closely followed until I was able to afford F1TV.

Also, My dad was a big NASCAR guy, and we would go to NASCAR races every year. I met so many drivers (Jeff Gordin, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, and Dale Earnheart Jr. I can remember) because we would get to go down to the paddock. My dad built the communications in the stadium where the track was, so they hooked us up every time. I was used to race cars from a young age, so when I started watching F1 more, it was reminiscent.

do you enjoy fanfic/RPF?

I mean, I write for it now so yeah lol. Honestly though, it's draining sometimes, and I have to take breaks. That; 's why I usually limit it to 2 posts a week, so I can line it up for weeks straight. I used to not post for months at a time, but I'm getting better.

how do you view new fans?

I don't think new fans deserve the hate for liking something, especially girls. Like girls get hated for liking anything, and it's not like they should get hated for living. Coming from a girl who likes a lot of sports, the hate I get is fucking draining. New fans are just as eager about the sport as we are. If you're new and want to ask questions or fan with me, PLEASE! MY INBOX AND MESSAGES ARE ALWAYS OPEN.

If you could take over as any team principal for any team who would it be and why?

Don't get me wrong, I love Toto, but wtf is happening to Mercedes? It's like every year, it's getting worse. So that would be an option for me. Also, Christian, I'm sorry but wtf. Not only the mistreatment of your junior drivers but the mistreatment of your female employees? Nah, man. Get out, and I'll take over.

Are your friends and family into F1 as well?

Not exactly. As I said earlier, my dad is a NASCAR guy. He doesn't like open-wheel racing, but I'm slowly converting him to Indy at least. I'll get him on the F1 train eventually.

Are you open to talking to other fans/making friends?

Always! My inbox and messages are always open and I am the President of Yappsville and will not shut up.

[f1tasies]

Good luck sex (before a race)

Charles:

One hundred percent. He is in desperate need of an outlet to relieve stress. Too much pent up tension and he WILL spiral. One way for him to focus is either to get you off, or make you get him off (Charles never learns that he can't make you do anything. You do everything of your own volition). Quickies in his room, you jerking him off under the table during a particularly boring briefing, him fingering you as you run simulations... Almost getting caught is half the fun. You're pretty sure the entire garage knows by now but the let you do it just cause it gets Charles in the zone, and now they can't deny their golden boy, il predistinato, anything, can they?

Pierre:

For him, sex is a hobby. You have to put in time and effort if you want it to mean anything. He looks at sex with you as the reward (or punishment, depending how it goes. Regardless, you aren't complaining). When he fucks you, he wants to do it right, so quickies are not his thing. Sometimes, if he's really feeling it, you'll spend the entire night before a race weekend experimenting, fulfilling his deepest darkest desires, but mostly, you get no d on the race weekend. After the race though, you better believe he's on his knees, hands tied behind his back as he services you with his tongue. You grab his hair and push him down on you, letting him work his magic.

George:

Ooh... This is a tricky man, because he never needs encouragement or external motivation before a race. If you want him, you have to seduce him, trick him into thinking it was his idea... And well, everyone likes to be chased, don't they? George thrives on praise, on your validation... If you know exactly what buttons to press, he might even miss the first few minutes of a practice session (because he was too busy doing you.)

Lewis:

The idea of good luck sex has always been appealing to him, but you've tried it out a few times and it doesn't work particularly well for him. It puts him out of focus, because why would he focus on driving when he can replay how soft your thighs feel, how sweet your lips taste, how desperate he can make you with just a touch. When he seduces you, he wants to do it the right way. Even if it's a quickie. (Especially if it's a quickie). While your sex life is never dull throughout the weekend, and he won't say no to a quick oral session (both giving and receiving), the main event happens on a weekday in a different country, where he's planned an entire day for just the two of you. (And maybe Roscoe and Angela)

Carlos:

He's very chill, for a chili but he does have an insane sex drive, and while it isn't always before a race, when it hits him it hits him. You can tell from the glint in his eye you're in for a good time. Sex isn't over until both of you finish, so while the foreplay can be a bit rushed, he makes sure you're well prepped, either by your own slick or the handy dandy lube he carries in his kit (You're surprised how his trainer still doesn't know). He likes it rough, he likes to take complete control, but he hates it when you give it to him. He wants to earn it- so sometimes he'll let you Dom him a bit before wrestling control from right under you (he isn't always successful, you're very good.) The reason you can't sneak around anymore is because your sex is always too loud- whether it's the sound of his balls hitting your skin, his grunts, your moans, or a combination of everything the two of you like is up for debate. His trailer is the only place you can do it without people knowing, but with the way Lando looks at you, you're going to have to find another way...

Seb:

Don't let his recent wholesome persona fool you, he's still a bastard when he wants to be. He's a big fan of edging- so that means you're always on the brink of collapse the whole weekend. Whenever he has a free moment, he'll come by, and make your life a living hell. He's invested in one of those long-range Bluetooth vibrators, so whenever he wants to, he can torture you. It's difficult balancing your job as a journalist, especially when you have to interview the other drivers and your beloved bastard of a boyfriend decides to make even walking unbearable, but it's all worth it. Because when the chase is on, Seb has less time to focus on what he couldn't achieve in his career. During his redbull days, when you were just friends with benefits, it was easy. You'd pull him into a broom cupboard and he'd fuck your brains out. But once he got to Ferrari, and the frustrations began, he just couldn't take it out on you. So you suggested the game. And he smirked at you and questioned if you'd really be able to do it. You never shy from a challenge now, do you?

Mick:

Hey, he's a gentleman through and through, but sometimes, he reminds you that yes, he is a Schumacher, a legacy of hard and fast and dirty. Mick's always been one for privacy, growing up famous, but that means he knows the perfect spots to get down and dirty. He's in love with your lips, especially when you take his dick. So pre-race sex? Of course. He's got decent stamina, which means it takes you quite a bit to get him off, but don't worry. He's a man of his word, and when the weekend is over, he's putty in your hands. He'll do everything you say. (You've even asked to peg him, and he said yes without hesitation.)

Daniel:

Redbull Daniel? Oh he's drowning in pussy 24/7, but when the season is over, he's all yours. You've opened up your relationship because you can't travel around the world with him despite how much you want to, and well, both of you have needs that sometimes can't be satisfied with your fingers. While he isn't there to fuck you every race day, he does send you material. Sometimes audios of him wishing you were there, wishing it was your pussy instead of his flesh light, it was you he was watching online, not a random girl. But sometimes, you get videos, of him in nightclubs, grinding on a girl (you've had the occasional boy, too); of him in a hotel room, making sweet sweet love to a girl who has the same hair as you; of him going down on a woman who was clearly going nuts with the things he did to her. Did it make you jealous? That was an understatement. But it helps knowing that he's always thinking of you, and seeing the shock on the girls' faces when he calls out your name when he cums is definitely hilarious. You always check to make sure the videos are consensual, and sometimes, you send him a little something of yourself too. When he's back in town for your home race, there's an entire week devoted to your body. Not even his sacred car is spared.

[valyrfia]

Contract anon back again! I am here to rant about Ferrari and their unseriousness.

WHAT ARE THEY DOING? Charles said that he didn’t even have talks with Ferrari yet (to renew his contract). If what he’s saying is true, that means that Ferrari STILL doesn’t see his importance to the team. If that’s the case, I know he loves Ferrari but he seriously should start evaluating his options. I don’t know where else he would go, but this is just ridiculous. He should have been the number one driver since 2021. The other option of what’s happening is that they want to appease Sainz, and are purposefully making Charles look unstable and look like a damn fool to do so. If they want to appease Sainz that badly, then it makes me think bad things about Vasseur and his “prioritization” of Charles. I’m so pissed off.

Anon, I'm so glad you're back. I'm really not sure what's up with the contracts here and trust me I'm as pissed as you.

Charles should've been promoted to n1 as soon as Seb left (considering he was still technically and obviously n2 all the time that Seb was with him in Ferrari and still performed better than Seb) that's obvious. All that aside, the first half of 2022 when he was not only a serious competitor for the WDC but actually leading it over Max and Lewis should've been a serious lightbulb moment for Ferrari. Carlos is nice, I like him fine but he's not the same talent Charles is. He would actually make a very good n2 in my opinion, but he (understandably) has an ego that makes a n2 position difficult to accept. Add in Mattia Binotto's obvious bias against Charles/towards Carlos (ie. Silverstone 2022 and developing a car for 2023 that suits Carlos's style over Charles's) and Charles is stuck in an awful position with that ridiculous team. I think it goes without saying that any other driver would have left Ferrari by now, but Charles has this blind faith in Ferrari that leaves them with the negotiation power when in reality, Charles would get insane deals out of Red Bull and Mercedes (that I think would rival The Sir Lewis Hamilton's current deal). Ferrari have become complacent in their ownership of Charles, and they need to realise what they've got in front of them.

Ferrari at the moment are the least organised of the principal teams to the extent that even the tifosi agree that they are an embarrassing team to support. I stand by what I've said in previous asks, which is that if Charles decided to leave Ferrari and join RBR or Merc, he would bring a good portion of the tifosi with him. I don't think Charles realises this though so I need someone to tell him.

Selfishly, I would love to see Charles consider Red Bull if only because I think him and Max have similar driving styles and a championship fight between both of them in the same car would be epic. Realistically, Charles could step easily into the Merc N1 seat once Lewis retires. Both Christian and Toto have been vocal about Charles's ability (moreso than Charles's OWN TEAM PRINCIPALS, may I add) and how they would pay a lot of money to have him driving for their teams. I just need Charles to take off those red-tinted glasses he wears and actually have a good look at his own career and life and realise that Ferrari isn't going to give him a championship anytime soon and then decide whether he wants to gamble on possibly winning one WDC with Ferrari, or go and win a few elsewhere then come back to Ferrari later in his career.

[f1-birb]

For Emmy, @f1-disaster-bi, hopefully this cheers you up from your not so great day ❤️

Charles nudges Pierre in the ribs with his elbow, jutting his chin towards Lando as he scampers around the pack room.

They're all finished with qualifying and debriefs, and Monza is even hotter than usual. The air conditioning is desperately needed and their teams have all been kind enough to give them a break before calling them back for further team talks and data analysis.

Most of them can't even think about shifting right now, just thought making them sweat, but a few of them whose animal comes from warmer climates seem to be enjoying the heat. Fernando is even sunbathing outside.

Max is napping in his lion form, stretched out and lazy, tail flicking occasionally when Lando rushes past. Lance has Esteban in his lap, stroking behind the quokka's little ears and smiling at the soft chirps he gets back. Seb sits in one of the beanbags, Jenson's head on his thigh, lightly tracing the beautiful pattern of his partner's coat.

Pierre grins, enjoying the pack so at peace, and laughs when Charles nudges him again. He looks over to see Lando sitting at Carlos' feet, eyes big and shiny as he looks at what the man is holding.

"You won't like it, cabron." Carlos teases, and when Lando cranks up the cute he reaches a free hand down to brush between his ears. "It's coffee."

Lando's response is immediate, little pink tongue poking out as the most human-like expression of disgust twists his face. He turns around, almost offended, flicking his tail as he turns to find someone else with gelato to ‘share’.

Lando turns his attention to Daniel, the man now leaning against Max’s flank as he uses a little plastic spoon to scrape at his dessert. He pads over, doing his best to look innocent. It's to no avail though, as soon as Daniel spots the little fox coming his way, he's shoving the entire scoop into his mouth.

“Not sharing little man!” Daniel says through a full mouth, smiling when Lando pouts at him. His face instantly screws up, the brainfreeze hitting him hard and fast, and Lando yips a little laugh at the karma of it.

Max flops his tail on top of Lando’s head as he passes, chuffing when it nearly makes the fox buckle under the weight of it. Lando glares at him, biting down and then running away when Max yelps in surprise. He ends up beneath the window bench where Pierre and Charles sit, and very happily nuzzles under Pierre’s chin when his boyfriend picks him up.

He licks Pierre’s nose, wriggling happily when Charles reaches over to scratch behind his ear, and then wrestles himself free as Lewis walks in with Valtteri, both of them holding little paper bowls.

He trails after them, trotting along and planting himself at their feet once they've sat down. He looks up at them, eyes big and round and just on the right side of sad, his tail moving slowly in a sweep until it covers his paws.

Valtteri gives him a fond look, tilting his bowl and Lando pokes his tongue out when he sees it's the same as what Carlos had. Lewis chuckles, and Lando’s focus switches.

“You can have a little bite, okay? It's gonna be really cold on your teeth though.”

Lando nods, shuffling forwards excitedly and popping up onto his hind legs. He lifts a front paw, hooking it over Lewis’ wrist for balance, and he licks Lewis’ fingers in thanks before biting at the spoon.

Lewis laughs as the fox’s eyes light up at the taste, and then the whole room is laughing when Lando lets out what can only be described as a dramatic wail when the little chunk of gelato gets stuck on his canine.

He releases Lewis’ wrist, flopping over onto his side and whining as the ice cream slowly melts away.

“Buddy, I told you this would happen.” Lewis almost sounds sympathetic. Almost. It would be more effective if the words weren't said through a huge grin.

Lando glares at him, betrayal and embarrassment plainly on his face. He begrudgingly accepts the pats to his side before getting back to his feet, slinking through the piles of pillows and blankets, human legs and animal, until he's back at Pierre’s feet. He blinks up at his boyfriend, chirruping when he's scooped up, and he squirms until he's pressed between Pierre's thigh and the window.

He sticks his tongue out at Fernando, barking a little laugh when the older fox copies him, and then settles to listen to the soft French passing over his head and fingers scratch under his chin.

inspired by this tiktok

[whoami-24601]

International Incident Part 6

Part 1 Part 5

Once all of the driver's finished their phone calls, the room was quiet. No one seemed to want to talk to anyone else. They needed to sit with their emotions before moving onto their plan. Lando still sat between Danny's legs, and Max was leaning heavily into them both. They were all craving silent affection.

"Ok!" Daniel announced loudly to the room. Lando and Max jumped, and everyone else looked up confused, wondering what he was doing. "It's been long enough. We are going to write the script for the videos, post them, and then we are going to have fun. I don't know what's going to happen once those videos go up, but I vote for us pretending we all want to be here and just enjoying each other's company." He paused to survey everyone's reaction to his suggestion. Some people looked skeptical while others appeared interested. That was good enough for him. "Who is writing the script for the videos? We all know it's not going to be me." When no one immediately responded, he reasoned, "it also won't be Lando, Max, Charles, Pierre, or Yuki." Looking at the other side of the room, he rationalized the same problem solving group should claim the writing, but it didn't seem fair to put all the work on them. Without meaning to, Danny slipped, "It's too bad Seb isn't here." The drivers around the room agreed.

"I guess it's up to me then," George decided, sitting up tall, as though trying to prove his worth.

"Not just you, George, we're here to help too," Alex chimes in. He looked to the rest of the room and asked, "does anyone else want to help? Lewis and Logan, you both should since you'll be saying the words. We want to be natural-ish." Softer, to himself, "at least as natural as something like this can be."

Lewis readily agreed while Logan looked unsure. He still stood and walked to where the others were gathered, Oscar trailing behind him. Carlos and Fernando joined the group, with Nico and Kevin sat at the edge.

Charles, Pierre, and Yuki slowly made their way to Daniel's trio. "You still ok with us joining you?" Pierre asked.

"Of course, the more the merrier," Danny responded, opening his arms to welcome them. Yuki pulled up a folding chair in front of Max, tired of sitting on the floor. Pierre sat next to him, leaned against the side of the chair, and Charles laid down with his head in Pierre's lap.

"So what sort of fun did you have in mind, Daniel?" Charles questioned.

"Wherever our imaginations take us, Sharl! We were doing some truth or dare earlier, but that could get really ugly with this whole group."

"Or this smaller group," Lando muttered. Danny pinched his side, causing Lando to yelp.

"Sounds like someone wants another round," Danny teased.

"Truth," Lando answered quickly. "I'm comfy," he added as he showed himself reburrowing into his spot, no longer uncomfortable in-between Danny's legs.

"Ooooh," Charles voiced with interest, sitting up. "Can I ask?"

"No!" Lando exclaimed. "You obviously have something terrible to ask, and it's not your turn. It's Danny's." Lando looked over his shoulder to see the expression on Danny's face now that he had given him permission to ask another question.

Danny squinted his eyes at Lando, thinking. He was tempted to ask Charles what his question was but decided he'd leave it for him to ask later. Besides, he can ask something much more personal. "If Red Bull offered you Checo's seat tomorrow, would you take it? What would make you leave McLaren?"

Lando's eyes opened wide. "That's two questions," he blurted. "You only get one."

"Ok," Danny agreed with a sly smile. "What would it take for you to leave McLaren for Red Bull?" Charles, Pierre, and Yuki all "oooo"'d at the question, intrigued to hear Lando's response.

Taking a deep breath, Lando answered honestly, "a guarantee. I'm not going to Red Bull for the rest of next year or even the year after without the promise of more. Oh! And they have to promise I wouldn't be forced to always be second driver to Max. I'm no Valterri." Lando looked at Max to gauge his reaction, but he just shrugged and nodded.

"Fair enough, I'll let Christian know," Max added with a little laugh. "I feel like it's going to be a fight with Daniel, though. You know Christian wants him back. Not sure he's willing to even make you an offer if he can have his son back."

Daniel laughed loudly, "Christian is not my daddy, thank you very much."

The group all groaned at Daniel's word choice. "Gross," Lando added with disdain.

"What? I said he wasn't!"

Danny was proud of himself. He had managed to distract this group, get them laughing, and hadn't even embarrassed Lando with his question. Perfect 10. Time to see if Lando could achieve a perfect 10, too. "Your turn, Lan. Who are you going to ask?"

"Well Charles, obviously," Lando commented, gesturing to the man who had laid back down after his laughter had stopped.

"Come on, give me your best shot, Lando," Charles challenged. Daniel once again squeezed Lando's side, this time in warning. Hopefully, he understood. A quick glance back, assured he did.

"Ok, ok, ok, ok," Lando started while he thought of a suitable question. "Similar to mine then. Why are you still with Ferrari? They treat you like shit man." Daniel pinched Lando's side. Apparently, they were not on the same page.

"Hey!" Pierre shouted.

"What?! We know it's true! They hardly listen to his feedback. They're constantly making both him and Carlos post thirst traps. Then there is the whole oversteer versus understeer thing."

"You don't get to comment on that, Lando," Danny cut in, hurt. Lando froze as he recognized the comparison to himself and Danny at McLaren.

"Stop, stop, stop," Charles said as he sat back up. "Ferrari has had a tough time, but they're my dream team. We'll make it work." Quietly, he added, "we have to."

"So, no jump to join me at Red Bull then?" Max asked.

"Definitely not," Charles assured. Gesturing to Daniel, he added, "besides, we already decided Daniel will get that seat next. When he retires, Lando can take over."

"Hey!" Yuki exclaimed, "what about me?" Everyone avoided eye contact with Yuki, wishing someone else to answer. The truth was, they weren't sure how much longer Yuki would last in the Red Bull family.

After some awkward silence, Pierre asked, "aren't you going to go to Aston Martin with Honda?"

"Maybe," Yuki grumbled. "It'd be nice to be considered for Red Bull, though."

"Charles, no ask backs, so pick someone to question," Lando jumped in, changing the subject.

"No ask backs? What kind of rule is that?" Pierre questioned, laughing. He looked down at Charles, head back in his lap, and suggested, "sounds like you should pick Lando since he is inventing fake rules to avoid it."

"It's not fake! That's totally a rule!" Lando exclaimed, sitting up straight. He looked around at the rest of the group to get someone to agree, but they all just stared at him blankly. "Ugh!" Lando threw himself back into Danny's chest.

"Oof, thanks for that," Danny responded.

"Sorry," Lando muttered.

Charles sat up again and looked at Lando. "I changed my mind. Since we are focused on racing, I will ask a racing question." Lando whooped grateful. "What do you really think of Monza '21?"

The color seemed to fall right out of Lando's face. "What do you mean?"

"Well, it's just you've said some confusing things over the last couple of years. First, you implied you didn't win because of team orders, then you said it was perfect the way it was."

"Then," Pierre chimes in, "you said your 2-3 with Oscar was more meaningful, despite not being a win."

Charles looked smug as he asked, "what's true, Lando?"

"That - that's a very long question Charles. Doesn't seem very truth or darey."

"I'm not sure I want to hear the answer either," Danny added, stiffening up and wishing desperately that he had not restarted this game.

If looks could kill, Charles would be getting made up for his coffin. Lando stared at his friend, trying to figure out what to say.

"Just answer it," Danny snapped, wanting to get it over with. Lando had said so many hurtful things to him in the media. What difference did it make to say it here and now with their friends and fellow racers?

"Or don't," Max cut in, with a side glance at Daniel. "I think Charles should come up with a better question. What did you really want to ask?" Max's own glare at Charles would bury him again.

Lando answered quickly, "I thought I should have won. I'm mad I had team orders to stay behind, and now instead, I have a stupid record of most podiums without a win." He looked like he was trying to be strong, but he didn't know what repercussions would come from his answer. He had said hurtful things about Danny in the media, though he never meant them that way. He just told his truth. A truth that a lot of people disagreed with.

"So you want to ignore the fact that he, not you, got me off the line?" Max asked, turning back to Lando. "You should have won because he was not going all out the entire time? Because he was managing his tires and not taking a 30-second lead?"

Lando's mouth dropped open. He had never heard Max defend Danny so staunchly to him before.

Across the room, Alex called out, "guys! Everyone come back. We have scripts, and we want everyone to hear them before we record."

Slowly, the group stood up and wandered to the other side of the room. When Lando stood, Daniel moved away from him and put Max between them. Danny did not see the look Lando cast his way, possibly regret and sadness

[captainnameless]

Okay, now time for … Naughty Littles' Club? 

Charles: Charles isn't weepy when he's caught doing something bad (in fact, timeouts aren't really rare for him). He's become a bit of an escape artist over the years, though. Sometimes it happens when a caregiver has turned their back or gotten absorbed in another task, and they don't even realize he isn't in the corner anymore until a toy car is rolling around their feet or a suspicious giggle breaks the silence. Sometimes, if it's a regular caregiver more accustomed to Charles' ways, like Seb, his escape plan is more via excuses. "I need the bathroom, daddy," "I need some water, daddy," (he learns not to even attempt the "but 'm sleepy, daddy" when Seb actually does give him an early bedtime in response). But Seb is used to this - pauses the timer for bathroom breaks before restarting it when Charles is done, reassures him that he can get a drink as soon as his timeout is over. He has learned Charles is a high-maintenance little - ESPECIALLY when he's bored - and well, what's more boring to a little than timeout? 

Lando: Much like Charles, timeouts are regulars for Lando. He doesn't try to escape - Lando tries to guilt trip. Big puppy dog eyes, feigned sniffles like he's holding back tears, bottom lip jutted out in a dramatic pout, whines of "'didn't mean to, I'll be good now." And to his credit, sometimes it works. Sometimes Daniel, or especially Lewis, will buy into it, wrap him up in a hug a few minutes before his time is up and have a quick discussion about what he did wrong. Carlos is used to it though, and is generally able to remain strong unless he knows poor bub has been having a rough day or week, then he's slightly more sympathetic. Also poor, pathetic, stuck-in-the-corner Lando pulls at other littles' heartstrings too. Big brother Max and gentle hearted Mick are usual victims, trying to offer hugs and reassurances of "don't be sad, I'll wait with you." unfortunately, it usually just ends for them with gentle reprimands of "lando's in timeout right now - you can play when it's over, yeah?" - 👻

Naughty Littles Club - lol 🥹

Charles is such a wild card, because I do think he has some sort of moral compass and he really, really does not like to disappoint. But he’s definitely a trouble maker. Toes the line a bit too much.

I think we talked about this before but with Charles being a bit of an emotional creative sometimes he’s allowed his little note book in time out. Less of the traditional nose-in-corner but instead Sebastian pulls out a chair or sits him down by the kitchen island, unlike Max Charles isn’t much of a talker, would rather write out some of his feelings when he’s overwhelmed and acting out.

That’s not always the case though, I loved the bit of him making up excuses. I can picture the “But, Daddy” so clearly. Sebastian’s been in the game a while, not easy to fool but even he got fooled by Charles at the start. He knows his tricks now, figures putting Charles down on a chair facing the wall is easier than putting him nose-first in a corner. It’s harder for Charles to get off it quietly and the usual squeaks have Sebastian already guiding Charles back before he’s even made it two feet.

Also the bed time bit, I can easily picture the face Charles makes when he thinks he’s found a loop hole. Has put on his saddest twinkly eyes, whining about how he’s too sleepy to complete the final 5 minutes. And to his surprise Seb relents, actually allows him out of the corner and Charles has to bit back the victory smirk that wants to take over his face. It doesn’t last long because before he knows it he’s being told to brush his teeth and the protest of “I’m not tired anymore.” isn’t working. Sebastian actually puts him to bed despite the tears, and Charles learns quickly he isn’t winning this game. The excuses lessen after that.

And Lando, my baby brat. He’s the one for theatrics. Pulling out all the big guns. Carlos never leaves during time out, stays close which gives Lando the perfect opportunity to blink his teary little eyes over his shoulder. “But I’m already sorry. So sorry. The most sorry.”

Lewis my beloved is definitely the worst, he cannot stand them in distress. He’s learning, bless him. But while Carlos rarely gets to two when he’s counting before there’s already an apologetic little rushing over Lewis had to “Two and a half. Lando-, I’m gonna say three. Get over here. Two and three quarters…”