#malaysia 2016

[maxcuntstappen]

Daniel Ricciardo, Malaysia 2016 & Monza 2021

F1 Posters

[mysteriouslyjovialcolor]

Malaysia 2016

-Cause I want to see more of Nico Roseberg

-The Malaysian circuit is so aesthetically shaped

-Mercedes 1-2

-“Lewis Hamilton: Second man in history to have a hundred starts from pole��

-Red Bull row 2, Ferrari row 3, Force India row 4

-Now that’s a lineup

-“Plenty of fans here for Nico Roseberg” Yes, me too

-I forgot how bad radio clarity was in 2016

-Massa just didn’t start the formation lap?

-Palmer losing power too?

-“The engine switched off” And Carlos?

-Oh no, Max and Sebastian making contact?

-Sebastian out!

-Wait he made contact with the Mercedes??

-Nico p21? What?!!

-Max: “Sebastian is crazy” Haha I missed him being a menace

-The thing about these 2016 races is that there is guaranteed to be a safety car, virtual or otherwise

-“Carlos Sainz restarted his own car” let’s go baby!

-*sigh* I already miss the leaderboard

-So cool watching Checo and Kimi race each other

-Nico overtake masterclass?

-Woah! Alonso up to p10! Didn’t he start last?

-Yay Nico p12! “Not too bad a recovery”

-Red Bull team drama incoming?

-Ah Grosjean out

-“We think he’s been told not to continue dissing the car” Already predicting the swear ban, they were ahead of their time fr

-Nico: “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I’m getting the positive” So much sass

-Force India double stack!

-“Nico Roseberg having a little go on Nico Hulkenburg” Aaah who do I root for??

-Nico R back to points!

-I really miss the leaderboard

-“There goes Roseberg, down on the inside on Perez” p8!!

-“Mercedes Achilles heel is when they’re running in dirty air”

-Aw Kevin out

-Kimi vs Max!

(Watching Kimi race it out with anyone is always very fun, but apparently these two have been clashing for a few races now.)

-Haha, nvm, he’s in the pits. No battle here

-Oh? Max leading? Red Bull 1-2?

-I asked for it the last race I watched, so this is great!

-Never mind, Daniel pitted and now we’re back to Red Bull sandwich with Lewis in the middle

-Tracking the drivers with these old graphics is so hard

-I’m surprised Nico R has been stuck in p5 for a few laps now.

-Haha Romain’s “Yeah thanks” after being asked how he is, was cute

-Oh Max now pitting?

-Where are the Force Indias, I feel like they just dropped down all of a sudden

-And Carlos too

-“Verstappen and Hamilton: Story of the rest of the race isn’t it?”

-I mean only if Max goes past Daniel- which he could, with the new tires, but let’s see

-“Roseberg can’t make an impression on Raikonnen” How???

-“With a race like this, he surely would be out of the championship lead wouldn’t he?” Boo

-Oh he pit. Perez is through

-“The guinea pig Nico Roseberg” Huh, where did that come from?

-And Perez is gone

-Nico is back behind Kimi in p5

-“Fernando Alonso defending from Carlos Sainz” Let’s go Spaniards

-“Blue flag!”

-Go Nico (H)! He’s in the points!

-A moment of silence for Carlos, who’s out of the points

-Ugh James Vowles mentioned

-How is Nico (R) still p5

-Okay not him getting past Kimi as soon as I said that

-He did make contact tho :/

-Red Bull teammate drama incoming pt2?

<pause>

-That was amazing!

-I haven’t really seen Max and Daniel battle it out like that before!!

-“From the scene of Multi 21, can Christian Horner give a Multi 333?” Yeah no

-Aww young Gasly

-“It’s Lewis Hamilton! It’s a fire!”

-Lewis: “Oh no! No!”

-What the hell? That was so sudden

-“The ever reliable Mercedes engine has forced Hamilton out of the race” That must be devastating

-Red Bull double stack?? Now?? Crazy!

-Oh dear, another Haas has retired

-I’m convinced Lewis’ bad luck came from James Vowles being mentioned over the commentary

-*sigh* Roseberg 10s penalty

-At least my Red Bull 1-2, Maxiel dream podium is back

-I don’t care which one of them wins at this point, as long as it stays a 1-2

-“Do Red Bull feel that actually there’s a sense of justice to Daniel Ricciardo winning today, given what happened in Spain?”

-What happened in Spain?

-Also do the teams really care about poetic justice

-“Does Max Verstappen care?” I mean, I don’t think so

-“Good strategy for them today” Williams??

-“The gap for the championship will be 23 points for Roseberg going into the next race” Yay!

-Have a drink, 11 laps to go” Drinking a warm drink while driving hundreds of kilometers per hour really does not sound fun

-“Okay Roseberg has a 10s time penalty for the collision, you know what you need to do, stay within 10s and we go to the podium” Ha

-Just now noticing how weird the rear wings of these cars look

-Mark Webber somewhere cringing over the fact that they keep bringing up Multi 21

-Oh, Nico’s made it to over 10s?

-Ohmygod Mark Webber is at the race?? That’s hilarious

-Daniel win!!! Let’s go!!! I miss him so much!!!!

-Red Bull 1-2!!

-“Best of the rest after the Mercedes drivers. Number three in the championship battle”

-“Max has turned up and moved the game forward.”

-My favorite teammates fr

-Ohmygod he hasn’t won since 2014?? This win is so sweet then!!! Let’s go!!!

-“The first team other than Mercedes to get a 1-2!”

-Ayy not bad for Force India as well! Nico p8!

-Oh Lewis in his interview sounds so sad

-“I just can’t believe there are 8 Mercedes cars right now and only my engines are the ones that have been going this year. Something just doesn’t feel right” Oh?

-Wow he really sounds defeated

-Aaah Daniel happyyyy

-“Well, I need a drink. Thanks guys! We did bloody good!”

-“One of the most popular man in the paddock and on the grid” Yes baby!!

-“Embraces for Verstappen and Ricciardo” ❤️��

-(✨post-race Max✨)

-DR: “Told you I’d win one” 😭

-CH: “Thanks for keeping it clean” haha

-Gotta admit Nico going from p21 to p3 was really cool

-Aww Pierre looking on at the podium

-Haha people waving their shoes

-Aaaah the shoeyyyy

-“I just wonder where it goes from here, for the shoe” ahahaha

-Ohmygod they all did it!! Max and Nico too!! Haha!

-Ahaha Mark mentioned Multi 333

-Threw away the shoe too!

-Aww Daniel almost being emotional

-I like these three on the podium. Very fun.

[dr3smile]

Malaysia 2016 you will always be iconic.

[fromsupernaturaltof1]

why did they hid the reply 😭😭😭

[keepthedelta]

no more highly edited 20 minute long driver vlogs released 2 months after a race. we need five minute long rambles to the camera literal minutes after the race so we can see these emotionally stunted lunatics process their feelings in real time

[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

SUMMARY: Adam is a Muslim medical practitioner who is unable to accept the fact that his wife is no longer in this world. Later on, he agrees to treat a depressed woman named Maria but strange and unsettling things start to happen.

[calstrato]

why did i just randomly find a dnp old merch in this bundle i went to i!;!;!?;?4?:!?;

[a-dream-seeking-light]

jing wen by stefan khoo for l'officiel malaysia february 2016

[sevynchaos]

I will regret watching a race at 1:50am in the morning when I have to be up for classes 🙏🏽

[rhk111sblog]

President Bong Bong Marcos (PBBM) is CORRECT when he pointed out that bringing our Territorial Dispute with China to the United Nations (UN) won’t accomplish anything except antagonize and further demonize China.

We already supposedly “won” the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, and yet up to now it is just a piece of Paper, we can’t even use it to force our supposed “Ally” the United States (US) to drive China out of the South China Sea (SCS).

This RISA HONTIVEROS is just again seems to be using China for Publicity Purposes, to put her Name in the News and keep herself popular for whatever Elections she decides to run in the near future. She is very likely just a FAKE and PRETEND “Nationalist”, if she weren’t so then why is she consistently SILENT on the Issue of SABAH, ‘aber’?

I challenge her to file a Resolution to bring the Issue of Sabah against Malaysia to the UN. She likely won’t do that, and continue to keep silent about Sabah and pretend it doesn’t exist

SOURCE: Bongbong Marcos doesn’t see how Hontiveros’ Resolution will make UN scold China {Archived Link}

Check out the Links to my other Social Media Accounts at https://linktr.ee/rhk111

If you like my Work, buy me a Coffee to help support it at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhk111

[sillystappen]

The Daniel Ricciardo Race Watchlist

Want to watch the best of Daniel Ricciardo on F1TV (or whatever 'totally legal site' you use), then here below the cut is a complete guide to the best most awesome races by Daniel Ricciardo! Please read the IMPORTANT before selecting races!

Daniel's Career Path

2011 - HRT

2012 -> 2013 - Toro Rosso

2014 -> 2018 - Red Bull Racing

2019 -> 2020 - Renault

2021 -> 2022 - McLaren

2023 - Alpha Tauri

2024 - Visa Cash App RB

IMPORTANT: Races in which he was on the podium with Max Verstappen are in blue. Races he was on the podium without Max are in pink. Races in which he did not podium are in red. Races that he won are in green.

2011 Season - 27th

Great Britain - this is Daniel's first ever F1 race!

2012 Season - 18th

Australia - Daniel scores his first ever points!

Japan - Daniel has said this is one the races he's most proud of.

2013 Season - 14th

China - one of the best results this season

Italy - one of the best results this season

2014 Season - 3rd

Australia - though this is listed as a podium race, Daniel was later disqualified due to fuel flow reasons.

Bahrain - recommendation from @f1oatingaway

China - recommendation from @f1oatingaway

Spain - this is Daniel's first podium!

Monaco

Canada - Daniel's first win!

Great Britain

Germany - this another race Daniel has said he's proud of

Hungary - this race got my friend into F1

Belgium

Italy - recommendation from reddit

Singapore

USA

Abu Dhabi - recommendation from reddit

2015 Season - 8th

Hungary

Singapore

USA - recommendation from reddit

2016 Season - 3rd

Australia - home race points!

Bahrain - recommendation from me

China - recommendation from reddit

Spain - recommendation from me

Monaco - while this is a podium, it is incredibly frustrating to watch so keep that in mind

Austria - recommendation from me

Hungary

Germany

Belgium

Singapore

Malaysia - this is also a win for Daniel as well as the first time he podiums with Max!

USA

Mexico

2017 Season - 5th

Spain

Monaco

Canada

Azerbaijan

Austria

Great Britain - big recommendation from me

Belgium

Italy - recommendation from @rickybaby

Singapore

Malaysia - maxiel podium with a p1 for Max

Japan - maxiel podium with a p2 and p3

2018 Season - 6th

China

Azerbaijan - well done, baku.

Spain - recommendation from me

Monaco - AND ITS REDEMPTION DAY FOR DANIEL RICCIARDO

Hungary - recommendation from me

Japan - recommendation from me

2019 Season - 9th

Italy - recommendation from me

Mexico - recommendation from me

USA - recommendation from me

Brazil - recommendation from me

2020 Season - 5th

Great Britain - recommendation from me

Belgium - recommendation from me

Tuscany - recommendation from reddit

Eifel - maxiel podium with a p2 and p3

Emilia-Romagna

Sakhir - recommendation from me

2021 Season - 8th

France - recommendation from me

Austria - recommendation from me

Great Britain - recommendation from me

Italy - Daniel's most recent win

Russia - recommendation from me

USA - recommendation from me

Saudi Arabia - recommendation from me

2022 Season - 11th

Australia - recommendation from me

Emilia-Romagna Sprint - recommendation from me

Azerbaijan - recommendation from me

Austria - recommendation from me

Singapore - recommendation from reddit

Mexico - recommendation from reddit

2023 Season - 17th

Hungary - recommendation from me

Mexico - recommendation from me

Abu Dhabi - recommendation from me

2024 Season - 17th

Miami Sprint - recommendation from me

Canada - recommendation from me

Austria - recommendation from me

Belgium - recommendation from me

Singapore - his final race

If you have any race recommendations leave them in the comments or reblogs and I will add them! For now this is my DR3 Race Masterlist. I hope you find this useful!

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

The Oriental Blue Clearwing Moth: these moths were regarded as a "lost species" for more than 130 years, until they were finally sighted again in 2013

For more than 130 years, the Oriental blue clearwing moth (Heterosphecia tawonoides) was known only from a single, badly damaged specimen that was collected in Sumatra in 1887. There were no recorded sightings of this species again until 2013, when entomologist Dr. Marta Skowron Volponi unexpectedly found the moths feeding on salt deposits that had accumulated along the riverbanks in Malaysia's lowland rainforest.

These moths were observed by researchers again in 2016 and 2017, and research indicates that the moths are actually bee-mimics, as they mimic the appearance, sound, behavior, and flight patterns of local bees. Their fuzzy, bright blue appearance might seem a little out of place for a bee-mimic, but those features do appear in several different bee species throughout Southeast Asia.

When the moths are in flight, they bear a particularly strong resemblance to the bees of the genus Thyreus (i.e. cuckoo bees, otherwise known as cloak-and-dagger bees), several of which are also bright blue, with banded markings, dark blue wings, fuzzy legs, and smooth, rounded antennae. The physical resemblance is compounded by the acoustic and behavioral mimicry that occurs when the moths are in flight.

Cloak-and-Dagger Bees: the image at the top shows an Indo-Malayan cloak-and-dagger bee (Thyreus novaehollandiae) in a sleeping position, holding itself upright with its mandibles clamped onto a twig, while the image at the bottom shows a Himalayan cloak-and-dagger bee (T. himalayensis) resting in the same position

The moths also engage in "mud-puddling" among the various bees that congregate along the riverbanks; mud-puddling is the process whereby an insect (usually a bee or a butterfly) draws nutrients from the fluids found in puddles, wet sand, decaying plant matter, carrion, animal waste, sweat, tears, and/or blood. According to researchers, the Oriental blue clearwing moth was the only lepidopteran that was seen mud-puddling among the local bees.

Dr. Skowron Volponi commented on the unusual appearance and behavior of these moths:

You think about moths and you envision a grey, hairy insect that is attracted to light. But this species is dramatically different—it is beautiful, shiny blue in sunlight and it comes out during the day; and it is a master of disguise, mimicking bees on multiple levels and even hanging out with them. The Oriental blue clearwing is just two centimeters in size, but there are so many fascinating things about them and so much more we hope to learn.

This species is still incredibly vulnerable, as it faces threats like deforestation, pollution, and climate change. The president of Global Wildlife Conservation, which is an organization that seeks to rediscover "lost species," added:

After learning about this incredible rediscovery, we hope that tourists visiting Taman Negara National Park and picnicking on the riverbanks—the home of these beautiful clearwing moths—will remember to tread lightly and to take their trash out of the park with them. We also recommend that Americans learn about palm oil production, which is one of the primary causes of deforestation in Malaysia.

Sources & More Info:

Phys.org: Bee-Mimicking Clearwing Moth Buzzes Back to Life After 130 Years

Mongabay News: Moth Rediscovered in Malaysia Mimics Appearance and Behavior of Bees to Escape Predators

Journal of Tropical Conservation Science: Lost Species of Bee-Mimicking Clearwing Moth, H. tawonoides, Rediscovered in Peninsular Malaysia's Primary Rainforest

Frontiers in Zoology: Southeast Asian Clearwing Moths Buzz like their Model Bees

Royal Society Publishing: Moving like a Model - mimicry of hymenopteran flight trajectories by clearwing moths of Southeast Asian rainforests

Medium: Rediscovery in a Glint of Blue

re:wild.org: The "Search for Lost Species" Project

[33max]

my favourite max lore part 2 (link to part 1)

- max weighed 3265g (7.1lb) when he was born, which means he was actually a perfectly normal sized baby despite turning into a spherical chonk a few months later

- one of max’s gamer tags is crgboy007 and he was ranked 21st in the world on FIFA Ultimate Team in January 2019, and 31st in the world in August 2018. basically - when he sets his mind to something he will become one of the best in the world.

- not really my favourite but I feel I must set the record straight!!! he passed out in malaysia 2016, and despite the fact RedBull claim otherwise, yes he did and here is the very sexy evidence 😔

- max once provided the ultimate discord burn to a driver called bradley philpot who had bashed him regularly on twitter

- speaking of discord, when team redline disconnected from the 24hrs Le Mans he went on another rant and encouraged sim racers to DELETE THE GAME 😂 let’s go baby you tell em’ (he’s right and he should say it)

- he follows some very interesting instagrams accounts including pigsareawsm, capybara.lover_life, drunkbetch, barked (dog memes), thetinderblog and many more!!!

- max promised his sister, victoria, that he would buy her a handbag when he scored his first f1 points… apparently this was the first thing he thought about when he crossed the finish line in malaysia 2015

(I’m 99% sure she confirmed it was a lv speedy 25 ?? someone help me source that!!!)

- max’s favourite cheeses are gouda, halloumi, and mozzarella… he likes young cheeses 🧀

- max recently paid €4.99 to have a sleepy cat on his discord pfp

[slutforpringles]

Italian Motorsport journalist Stefano Nicoli reflecting on Daniel Ricciardo's career

For the "Kansas City" move on Vettel in Monza in 2014. For the memes about that unfortunate pit stop in Monaco in 2016. For the win in Malaysia against Verstappen in the same year. For the triple overtake in Baku in 2017. For the middle finger to your teammate in Hungary in 2017. For the horrifying Texan beard you sported in Austin. For the 'Belly Flop' after the win in Monaco in 2018. For the pole position snatched away from Verstappen in Mexico in 2018. For the "Do you understand Italian? No? Then f*ck off!" on live television. For the victory at Monza in 2021. For the shoeys you did and made others do, for riding into the paddock on a horse equipped with it's own pass, for disintegrating a camper van together with Verstappen, for hitting Verstappen in Baku, for all the nonsensical braking you did, for almost knocking Norris out with a space hopper, for the kindness that I saw you show even and above all when the cameras were off, for the interviews you did without shoes because damn you had used them to drink from, for the gestures you made while you spoke because Italian genes - even if very distant - always find a way to come out. Choose for yourself what you will remember Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 career for. It seems to me that this big Australian fella, after all, has given us more than one reason to do so.

[verstappentime]

max & daniel, malaysia 2016, by the AP

[guardians-ofthe-lastyoungkilljoy]

i know the end - vettel

(gif not mine @usersewis)

pairing: sebastian vettel x reader

summary: Sebastian came into your life in 2015 and left in 2020 - but you fell in love with him and he just wanted a championship.

themes/warnings: alcohol, ANGST, no use of y/n, description of a panic attack, unrequited love, waxing poetic about ferrari - can you tell they're my fav team, kimi mentioned, charles is here too !! THIS IS FICTION

wc: 3.6k

a/n: someone on tumblr said that ferrari is a haunted house with a picket fence and i have never stopped thinking about it since. i have also never stopped thinking about sebastian vettel - subcategory of seb thoughts is seb in ferrari. also still open to do requests - trying out this whole fic writing thing. will also need help with organising my blog if anyone is keen :)

read on ao3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/60713827

Sebastian joined Ferrari in 2015. The team were ecstatic to have the four time world champion join their ranks, determined to bring Ferrari back to its former glory. 

You were working on the strategy team, fairly new but established enough to be listened to on the rare occasion. 

You met Seb in the pre-season at his factory introduction. He made his speech, charming the floor with his near perfect Italian. He popped into the strategy meeting room during his tour, a war room that had become home for you with its laptops and papers spread out. Sebastian was the perfect gentleman, shaking hands with everyone, though you thought he may have held on a bit longer with you.

The season started soon after, the entire garage working overtime. You were given the opportunity to accompany the team at races, rather than being stuck at Maranello.This is how you became Sebastian’s favourite strategist. 

You’re not exactly sure when it happened. You made a good strategy call in Malaysia, a well timed pit stop in Hungary and by Singapore, the lion knew your coffee order from the Ferrari cafeteria, ensuring to always pass you some before a long meeting. 

Falling for Sebastian was drawn out, comprised of lingering greeting hugs, good conversation at team dinners, long nights at the factory and searing glances across foreign nightclubs. 

You didn’t realise it for a while, and you wouldn’t realise it until it was too late. The attention you received was perhaps just part of Seb’s charm, and he had the whole motorsport world wrapped around his infamous finger. 

2016 brought on a winless year for Ferrari, both Kimi and Sebastian unable to make it to that crucial top step. 

You found Seb at the back of the Ferrari motorhome after a particularly tough race, hiding between tyre stacks. You overheard his PR team scrambling to find him - you slipped out to the back unnoticed, knowing exactly where he was. 

The tyre stacks were sort of a shared place for you and Sebastian, free from the prying eyes of the world. The only person who knew about it was Sebastian’s head mechanic, who accidentally stumbled upon you two sharing champagne after a podium last year. 

I’ll be there soon. Sebastian recognised your footsteps before even looking up. 

You sat down beside him, trying to find the words while he absentmindedly played with his water bottle. 

I’m sorr-

I don’t want to hear it. 

Sebastian had never snapped at you. You knew the strategy calls were bad today, resulting in an ill timed pitstop and Sebastian falling through the other. This Seb, this was completely foreign to you. 

Seb stood and left, sparing no further glance at you. It was a punch to your gut. Did he blame you? Drivers were always temperamental, that you knew, but Sebastian had always been nothing but kind and mature with you. 

Your body went into autopilot mode, packing up what you can before the team debrief. 

Sebastian barely spared you a glance as everyone settled in for the debrief. Perhaps a sign that he calmed down during media duties, but you knew better than to play detective with another man’s emotions. 

Strategy seemed to be the biggest issue to tackle with your boss taking the lead. You half listened, taking notes occasionally until he mentioned your name. 

One of the plans you brought up in pre-race meetings was bold and daring. It was entertained, but ultimately shoved aside for what ended up happening during the race. However after witnessing what happened in the race, it would have gained the team some higher positions. 

Ferrari is a team, one where we win and lose together. Every aspect is just as important as each other. Admitting mistakes and learning for them is how the team gets stronger. 

The strategy admission had Sebastian sneaking glances at you for the rest of the meeting. You felt it, but you weren’t exactly ready to forgive yet. 

You returned to your home in Maranello without so much as another word to Sebastian. You were, however, greeted by a bouquet of peonies on your dining table, along with a note from the man you were so desperately trying not to think about.

By 7PM the same day, you and Seb were sharing a blanket on the couch and watching a romcom, having devoured pizza and now working your way through a giant bag of chocolate wafers. 

Unfortunately, Seb knew the way to your heart. As you tucked yourself into bed that night, you realised that you never shared a conversation with him about Sunday and an even scarier thought, you had forgiven him. 

2017 saw you and Sebastian grow even closer. Movie nights at your apartment became the norm and Seb often took you to dinner on race weekends, despite your protests that the dinners were too fancy. He had to spoil his favourite strategist would always be his response. 

Sebastian returned to the top step of Monaco that year, the Italian anthem blaring across the track along with a chorus of devoted Tifosi. He sneaked off after the celebrations, pulling you with him to the tyre stacks, champagne bottle on the other hand. 

Seb passed you the bottle and you took a large sip, pushing down the thought that his lips were on it mere moments ago. 

Are you coming to the afterparty?

Yes, but I don’t have anything to wear? 

No party dress packed? Ye of little faith. 

You rolled your eyes and shoved the bottle back into his hands. The endless banter and teasing simultaneously made you forget about your feelings for Seb but also made you fall harder for him. 

Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. He kissed your cheek and walked away. 

Cheek kisses weren’t new for Seb, having evolved from greeting hugs long ago. But “take care of it”? Well, he better not be doing what you were thinking. 

You returned to your hotel room to a large black box on your bed, an extravagant red bow tied around it with a handwritten note, definitely scrawled on by a tipsy Seb. 

The box revealed a red dress, and on top of it, another small box. You opened it and out dangled a small necklace with a heart charm. Engraved on one side was the number 5. Sebastian. 

Sebastian knocked on your door two hours later, dressed sharp and ready for the night ahead. He took you in, the dress he picked out was the perfect fit against your skin. There was however, one missing detail. 

The necklace? 

It’s a bit much, no?

Nonsense. 

Sebastian walked into your room and spotted the necklace on the bed. He took it out of its pouch and motioned for you to stand in front of the mirror. He stood behind, putting the necklace on you. His fingers ghosted over your neck, raising the tiny hairs on your skin. 

Team number 5. 

Sebastian kissed the side of your head and his fingers trailed down your arm to grab your hand. You followed him out in a daze to the elevator. 

The dim light of the elevator and Sebastian’s intoxicating cologne enveloping the cramped box. The elevator dinged, letting in more people. The sound woke you from whatever spell Sebastian cast. You counted down the floors until you had to leave the warmth of Sebastian’s side and his calloused hand around yours. 

Ground floor. The air was clearer as you exited the bubble - reality. Because despite everything, Sebastian wasn’t yours. He is Ferrari’s. You are Ferrari’s. For now, sharing a home would be enough. 

You never left Sebastian’s line of sight all night. Between partying with your girlfriends, sharing a drink with your boss and a few dances with Seb, the clarity in the haze of the club was Sebastian. 

As the night began winding down, Sebastian approached you at a booth. He was holding a mystery drink and his pupils were blown wide. He began blabbering about something Kimi did, the Finn possibly to blame for Sebastian’s current state. You took one look at him and began arranging a cab back to the hotel. 

You managed to drag a half asleep Sebastian back to his room. You sat him on the edge of the bed while you filled up a water bottle. You came back and found him spread eagle on the bed. At least he took his shoes off. 

Goodnight Seb. 

You were halfway out the room when you heard it. 

I love you.

You froze. Looking back, you saw Seb snoring peacefully, hugging a pillow to his chest. No, he’s drunk and sleeping. It wasn’t for you. It could’ve been for his bed for all you cared for. It didn’t matter, despite your heart wishing it was for you.

2018 was another successful year for Ferrari. Sebastian came home with five wins that year, placing second in the drivers standings and Kimi in third. All in all, you were quite proud of the team’s efforts that year and you knew you could unlock more of that potential. 

However, you could feel something bothering Sebastian. An itch that had been present all season. You had asked a few times, but Seb always insisted it was nothing. You knew Sebastian well enough by this point. You could read him, to an extent. But if he truly wanted to hide something, you would be helpless at getting it out. 

Sebastian invited you to stay at his farm in Switzerland for a week during the winter break. You happily obliged, having not seen him since wrapping up in Abu dhabi. You could use the tranquillity of farm life for a bit. 

Your days there were spent helping Sebastian with the animals. He taught you horse riding and you taught him baking. You let yourself get lost in that life, if just for a mere moment. Perhaps in some alternate universe, this was your home with him, that you weren’t only playing house for a week. 

You and Sebastian were laying on the carpet in front of the fireplace, sharing a bowl of attempted smores. It was your last night there before you had to jet off back to Maranello to begin pre season work. 

Seb got quiet, not exactly rare but it was different when something was on his mind. 

Would you ever leave? 

Leave where?

Ferrari.

No. Ferrari is home. 

Sebastian hummed, adding nothing more but deciding to bite into another smore. A bit of chocolate dripped onto his chin. You chuckled and wiped it off with your thumb.

Besides, you don’t need to worry about that new French kid. You’re still my favourite, world champion. 

Sebastian laughed, but you missed the melancholy in his eyes and the smile not quite reaching his eyes. 

Being a Tifosi came with many highs and lows - any balding Italian man can tell you that. It was felt even more within the team, especially for Sebastian this year. 

2019 saw the meteoric rise of Charles Leclerc, the predestined. He cemented his place as not only the future of Ferrari itself, but of the sport as well. 

Charles was full of energy and light. You grew fond of the kid and it was nice to have his company amidst the turmoil surrounding the team that year. 

You went into that year determined to get Sebastian his championship he so desperately craved. You were instead met by cheating rumours, bad calls, power shifting and well, an increasingly frustrated Sebastian. 

Sebastian who has been chasing that championship feeling for years. Sebastian who bleeds Ferrari red. Sebastian who is determined to bring the team back to the top. Sebastian, who is not quite yours, but you devoted your red heart to. 

Perhaps that’s how you ended up in this position. 

Sebastian pulled you into his driver’s room after a race. The habit has raised a few eyebrows from passing crew, but none have said a word. 

Nothing ever happened anyways. 

Seb would sit you on his couch and you’d listen. Listen as he rambled in a heinous mix of German, Italian and English. Listen as he let out his emotions after a race and all the lows he went through that weekend. 

You’d bring up some of these points to relevant crew members. It would be worked on and by the following race, it would be better. But it was never enough for Sebastian. 

You understood, he was supposed to bring Ferrari back, follow in the footsteps of his mentor and hero. It was an immense pressure and responsibility that has been carried for years. Now, the Italians have put their faith in his teammate, throwing him aside like an old toy. 

It was draining for you too, being subjected to this almost every weekend. It wasn’t your burden to bear, but this was Sebastian. He is still Rosso Corsa, and you weren’t one to deny a cry for help. 

Singapore rolled around, one of Sebastian’s favourites. He crossed the line in first place that night. You haven’t been so happy in months. 

Sebastian found you at your desk after media duties. You were still on the adrenaline high, but the tiredness began seeping back into your bones. You knew you weren’t sleeping well, the stress of the season getting to you and your eyes looked darker than ever. For Ferrari, the pain was always worth it. 

Come out tonight. 

Seb, I feel dead. 

And the race winner is personally inviting you. 

You could never resist him, which is how you have an extremely plastered Seb on your arm as you walk back to the hotel. Apparently being part of Team 5 also meant babysitting when he’s had one too many. 

I LOVE FERRARI! I NEVER WANT TO LEAVE! FORZA FERRARI! 

Sempre. 

May 2020. F1 was still on the break. The only place you went was your home in Maranello and occasionally the factory. You hadn’t seen Sebastian in months and to be honest, you haven’t heard from him as much as you wanted to. 

Then, the announcement. Sebastian Vettel to leave Ferrari by the end of the 2020 season. 

It came as a shock to you. Seb’s contract was up for renewal, you knew that. But he never said anything about leaving, at least, not to your face. And to find out from Instagram, rather than from the man himself, that was a whole other issue. 

You left several messages on Seb’s number over the next week, all remained unanswered. You knew he was a bit of a recluse sometimes, preferring quiet company over the glitz and glamour other drivers seemed to surround themselves with. Ignoring you however, that was unheard of. 

You asked some of Seb’s mechanics, but none have heard from him. You even asked Charles, but all he received was a polite thank you message. 

After a while, you gave up on contacting him. You knew better than to beg for a man’s attention, even Sebastian’s. It broke your heart to walk away, but you had to keep pushing and Ferrari needed to keep pushing. 

Red Bull Ring, Austria. The first race back was a much quieter environment than what you’ve been used to. Despite wanting to stay in Maranello, mainly to stay safe but also to avoid a certain German, your boss wanted you at the races. Who were you to deny the call of the Prancing Horse. 

You ignored him all weekend, refusing to make eye contact or be in his general presence at all. It was perhaps a bit petty, but you deserved to be after the last two months. 

Charles placed P2, a great result from the team for the first race back. You chatted to him at your desk after the race. Charles was a young man that had raw talent, immense passion and was wise beyond his years. You were lucky to call him a friend. 

Mid conversation, Charles glanced behind you. You knew exactly who was standing there, but he could wait his turn. 

You finished up with Charles, giving him a hug before he left. 

You stared at Seb standing awkwardly in the doorway. He shifted on his feet, for once not knowing what to say to you. 

Please say something. 

I have nothing to say to you. You’re the one who went radio silent for months. 

I’m sorry. 

You shook your head and looked away, not wanting him to see how much this affected you. 

I didn’t know how to tell you. 

Seb moved closer, stepping into your space. He reached out a shaky hand to yours. You gripped his, you couldn’t help it. A silent sob escaped your body. 

Come with me. 

You whipped around, searching his pleading eyes. 

Come with me. To Aston Martin. 

His other hand came up to the side of your head, cupping your cheeks and wiping away the tears on your cheek. 

Come with me. I need you. 

His hand brushed down the side of your neck, fingers finding the necklace he gifted all those years ago. 

Team 5. That’s our home. Please. 

Sebastian fiddled with the charm. He found the engraved 5 turned around, no longer facing outward like how you’ve always worn it. 

You took Sebastian’s hand and pressed a tender kiss to it. 

Ferrari is my home. I can’t come with you. 

You dropped his hand and looked anywhere else but him. You couldn’t bear to see the tears welling in his eyes. 

Please leave. 

Sebastian walked out, hesitating at the door. He took a last look at you and left. 

You let the cries come out. Every emotion you’ve kept the last few years came out in a tidal wave. 

You felt an arm wrapping around your shoulders, recognising Charles’ hand. He helped you to the floor and let you lean against him. 

I’m sorry. 

You requested to be transferred to Maranello for the rest of the season, citing health concerns. The team was sad to see you go, many of them enjoying your company on long race weekends. 

You only saw Sebastian in passing for the rest of the year, heard about him from mechanics, through strategy feedback and once from Charles. He knew not to press, but you didn’t miss the occasional flicker of sympathy from his eyes. 

Sebastian came by the factory after the season ended, a formal goodbye to Ferrari. There was food and drinks passed around and some quick speeches made. 

Sebastian was the last to come forward. 

It has been my dream to race for the Scuderia since I was a boy. Here I stand now, as a Ferrari driver for six incredible seasons. It still feels like cloud nine everytime I get to walk into this beautiful place and be greeted by the passion from every single one of you. I thank you all for the hard work you’ve put in all these years. 

Sebastian took a breath, as if hesitating on what to say next. You found yourself waiting, a small part of you hoping for him to say something, anything that would allow you to forgive him. 

I want to say a special thank you to those who have been by my side. You know who you are. I know I haven’t always made it easy, and I am sorry for that. But I am eternally grateful for you. 

Sebastian’s eyes found yours in the crowd. You found yourself fiddling with the necklace for comfort, forcing your eyes to hold back tears. 

Thank you all. Forza Ferrari sempre. 

The crowd erupted in cheers, applauding Seb as he made his way back into the crowd. 

Your ears were ringing, vision blurry and the swell of the crowd was suddenly too much. Your feet relief on instinct, turning you around and leading you towards the exit. 

A hand found your arm as you reached the lobby. Charles. The youngster took one look at you and said something about a car and to wait. Your body curled into a ball as you heaved. 

This was it. Sebastian was leaving. Leaving Ferrari and the home you built in it, with him. And neither of you could muster the courage for a proper goodbye. What an irony, Ferrari who creates heroes and legends but two of their best and brightest are cowards with each other. 

A sleek black Ferrari pulled up to the front. The rumble of the engine was enough to push yourself to stand and stumble your way to Charles who had opened the door for you. 

You turned, taking a look at the building. Ferrari is always going to be home, but the people in it give it meaning. Sebastian left, and your sun set, but it will rise again soon. 

You were at the door and hesitated for the briefest moment. That was enough for Sebastian to come running into the lobby. 

You stood in the moonlight with windswept hair and teary eyes. From the distance, Sebastian could just make out the glimmer of the necklace he gave you all those years ago and the most important thought - you were still the most beautiful woman he ever got the chance to know. 

He loved you. Loves you. It was real all along, not some drunken stupor that he convinced himself it was all those years ago, hiding because it would be easier than to let himself fall. 

He understood. You were always by his side, and he was too late to notice it, much less be grateful for it. You can't forgive him now, and he’s caused too much harm. It would be selfish of him to keep you tethered.  

 He needs to let you go. 

Sebastian nodded at you from his frozen place in the lobby. This is the end. You touched your hand to your heart, where your necklace fell. In another life.