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butterflyintochains · 17 days ago

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Their Home Stretch

Summary: Adriana Fangio is 23 years old, and is the youngest grandchild of the five time world champion, El Maestro, Juan-Manuel Fangio. She's been slowly working her way up through karting and single seaters her whole life, winning glory at home in Argentina since she was a kid. All in the hopes of getting that precious seat in her beloved abuelo's sport. So, when Formula 1 announce their eleventh team, everything changes for her.

In more ways than just one.

First: Legacies and Love Stories 🌟 Previous: Alfa Romeo and Juliet

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Austin - Battle of Argentina.

The sneaking suspicion Adriana had back in Singapore about their treatment in Austin proved not to be unfounded. Extra security is on all of the drivers, with the four South Americans each assigned a security guard for the weekend. Jamie and Scott are doing an excellent job with keeping the two Alfa Romeo drivers guarded. Turns out, two days after they arrived, a block party in the city hosted by some locals from south of the border was attacked. From what someone said in the news, 2026 can't come fast enough. They arrive for free practice and sprint qualifying. The paddock is crowded more than usual, too many celebrities who need to get their faces in the news. Adriana just wants to do her job, race with her boyfriend, and make her abuelo proud of her. Not have to deal with American celebrity culture. This is a sprint weekend, so there's a lot of work to be done. She reaches for Felipe's hand, and he takes it. This weekend is going to be hell on Earth. They find the Alfa Romeo motorhome, and get upstairs for their meeting with the team. Wolfgang's wife has left them some of her famous black forest cookies. The team are taking new engines this week, on their second Maserati power units. They've also went to their Zandvoort specs for the week, hoping they'll improve the skid the team have been on lately. ''It's going to be warm this weekend, so we're going for mediums in the sprint tomorrow.'' Francesca says.

Eduardo says. ''What about the race?''

Francesca says, looking on her laptop. ''We'll figure that out after qualifying tomorrow, but Pirelli advises a three stopper, starting on hards.''

Felipe nods, and says. ''Sounds about right, we did that in Zandvoort too.''

Meeting over, they break up for the only free practice session of the weekend. Felipe coming tenth, and Adriana coming eighth. Then, sprint qualifying. Where they manage to put their cars into Q3, Adriana comes seventh, and Felipe will be right beside her in eighth. Scott and Jamie are with them on their way to the media pen. They do their rounds, and get up to hospitality for something to eat. ''God, I can't wait for Mexico.'' Felipe says.

Adriana nods, and adjusts her racing braid. ''Neither can I, there's far too many unimportant people here.''

Pepe and Aurelia join them from chatting to the other reserves, and they finish their late lunch together.

#####

The next day, they get into the garage for the sprint, hoping to bring home some good points ahead of Sunday, the battle for fifth in the Constructors is back on. Aston Martin made up the gap in Baku and Singapore. But, they're due to start ahead of the green cars. 19 laps, and all to fight for. ''Radio check, Adriana.''

Adriana affirms to Pietro. ''You sound great, Pietro, how do I sound?'' Pietro confirms to her. ''Perfect.''

The sprint gets underway, and a battle for sixth and seventh with the Mercedes of Kimi and Pierre's Alpine gets going after six laps. The Alfa Romeos come out on top, and set their sights on George and Lewis for fourth and fifth. ''Good overtake, Felipe, hold position for now, no rush.'' Eduardo says.

Felipe comes up the hill for lap eleven. ''Got it, Edo.''

On lap thirteen, they make the overtakes on George and Lewis work at last. Adriana is in fourth, and Felipe is in fifth. ''Okay, six laps left, Oscar and Liam are two seconds ahead, just hold position here.'' Pietro says.

Adriana says, trying to clear some dust from her visor one-handed. ''Will do.''

They come home with Adriana in fourth, and Felipe in fifth. Their highest finishes of the year, but the work isn't done yet. Adriana follows that up with a sixth place start for the race, with Felipe in seventh.

#####

The race is heated on Sunday, both in weather terms, and in racing terms. Seems like the season is beginning to get to everyone, both Saubers and Lance crash out on lap 20, bringing out the safety car. Fifty six laps of short tempers in an already strained race weekend, what could be better? ''This is carnage, Pietro.'' Adriana says.

Pietro sighs in her ear. ''Yeah, we know. Just, keep it on the track, bring it home in one piece.''

Adriana says. ''Yeah, will do. But, dios mio.''

After her tire switch from hards to mediums on lap 30, she comes out side by side with Franco in his Racing Bulls. They know each other too well, so this will absolutely be a fight and a half. They're both battling for ninth place now, with those three points only able to go to one of them. So, it's on. After lap 36, they're still at war, the stewards of Argentina's racing legacy. ''Adriana, you need to break free of him.'' Pietro says.

Adriana says, not normally this short with her engineer, who is also her friend now. ''I know, just let me race.'' He goes silent, and Adriana reaches up on high. ''Abuelo, ayudame por favor! Ayuda su nieta, abuelo!'' The war for ninth goes until lap 41, when Adriana finally gets her wing open. ''Muchas gracias, abuelo.''

She comes home in eighth for her efforts, and is shaking like a leaf when she bails out. After weigh-ins, Maya gives her her rings back, she kisses her abuelo's signet ring. Felipe came sixth. They're taken for media, someone asks Adriana. ''That Spanish on your radio during the fight with Franco, what did it mean?''

Adriana downs some of her energy drink. ''I was asking my grandfather for help, and he delivered.''

After showering and changing out of her racing gear, Scott and Jamie drive the couple back to their hotel. Tear down for Mexico begins now, but, for the Alfa Romeos, dinner and sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mexico - The Ghost of A Past

Something's wrong, this isn't right... it just isn't. They arrived yesterday for Mexico, barely spend any time apart, and yet only one of them is present for the usual drivers' lunch before race week pulls them apart. Adriana feels sick, her fajitas untouched beside her cooling mate. She's not the girlfriend who needs to know her boyfriend's whereabouts all the time, she isn't. But, when your boyfriend is your teammate, and you spend nearly every waking moment with him, his absence is worrying. Her knees bounce as she tries to get through to him. His phone must be off. Something has shifted in the air since Austin. ''Adri, please eat, hermana, for us.'' Franco says.

Adriana silently nods, and gets started on her lunch, hoping it stays down with how agitated she is. She makes some new mate, and calls Felipe again. ''Corazon, please get here, I'm worried about you.''

Finally, Felipe arrives, looking furious for some reason. Adriana stands to hug him, and he kisses her quickly. ''Sorry for scaring you, princesa. We've got a problem.''

Adriana had been dreading this, the happiest months of her life couldn't come for free, could they? ''Feli... what... are you...?'' She asks. Felipe rolls his eyes at himself, and cups her face, assuring her. ''No, Adri, never, I promise.'' She sighs from relief, and nods. ''He's here, though.''

Gabriel speaks for her. ''You've got to be fucking kidding me, right, Feli? He's here? Why now?''

Franco isn't as refined, he says, voice full of venom. ''Hijo de puta!'' Adriana sits down as Felipe grabs something to eat, Max asks, brows knitted together. ''Who's he, and why do we hate him?''

Adriana finds her voice again, and says. ''Damian, my ex from when I was karting at home as Adriana Velasquez. We dated for over a year when we were fourteen. He dumped me because I beat him to Formula Renault.''

Lando says. ''Wow... what a dick.''

Felipe nods, and sits next to his girlfriend to eat. ''Mhmm, and now he's in our paddock.''

They try to get on with lunch, a new tension at the drivers' dining area. A special zone of the paddock reserved for them to eat and relax together, apparently Seb started it back in his day. Then, on cue, Damian appears. He looks the same as he did then, just taller and broader. ''Hello, Adriana, didn't think the news was true until now. Didn't think any team would want you. Given how you stole what was mine back then.''

Franco asks, blunt as always. ''How's driving through Patagonia with no spectators treating you, pendejo?''

Adriana interjects, she loves Franco dearly, but that will only make this worse. ''I stole nothing from you, Damian, if you wanted it, you should've driven faster than I did. But, you didn't, so here I am, with someone who loves me.''

Damian's face grows oddly cocky for someone who is stuck in Rallying. ''Oh, so that's why you tried to block me getting in here, Drugovich? Protecting your little girlfriend?'' Adriana is glad for the last name use, she'd punch him for using Felipe's first name, the team can't afford that, and neither can she.

Felipe says, a protective arm around Adriana's waist. ''Yeah, which is a damn lot more than you did.''

Adriana says, face hardened more than any of the boys have ever seen it before, not even when she's in race-mode. ''You know, I may not have stolen from you, but you stole from me.'' Damian looks confused at that, this thing goes deeper than racing, this has infected her very soul. ''You stole my first kiss. You know how much it hurts that my first kiss wasn't with Felipe? Someone a million times the person you'll ever be. Someone you left me terrified to fall in love with.''

Damian asks her, nobody to racing royalty. ''Who do you think you are? You get not even one season in, and you speak like that?''

Adriana gets to her feet, still shorter than him, but her presence is bigger. ''I am Adriana Fangio: driver for Alfa Romeo, granddaughter of Juan-Manuel Fangio, and girlfriend of Felipe Drugovich. And, you will never invade my space again, am I understood?'' Her heart is racing faster than her car, but he gets the message loud and clear. Adriana sits back down, and finishes her lunch. As calm as a summer sea. ''Holy shit, that was cool.'' Liam says.

Adriana finishes her mate, and says. ''I'm here, in F1 with you guys, and he isn't. He can die mad about it for all I care.''

#####

The race begins on Sunday, no one tells Adriana what became of Damian this weekend. She doesn't care, she's here to drive with Felipe, and win. So, she suits up as she always does, kisses her boyfriend like she always does, and straps her helmet on as she always does. The crew wheel her to the eleventh place start box, and she waits for the lights to go off. Felipe is up in seventh. Her car roars to life, the lights go off, and she's away. 71 racing laps, and all to race for. The battle for fifth in the Constructors will go to Vegas or Qatar, but they're still in Mexico. So, Adriana focuses on the long race ahead, they're on a two stopper, two stints on mediums, one on softs. ''Car ahead is Bearman, gap is 4 tenths.'' Pietro says.

Adriana says, coming through the stadium entrance. ''Got it, thank you, Pietro.''

On lap 24, they both dive down the pits for a double stack to get rid of their spent tires, coming out with Felipe in twelfth, and Adriana in thirteenth. ''Who are in front of us, Edo?'' Felipe asks.

Eduardo says. ''That'd be Doohan and Franco, you'll both get DRS ext lap, so just hang tough.''

They slightly improve position on their second stint when a few of the other teams make the mistake of going for hards, Felipe in eleventh, and Adriana in twelfth. ''Why did Alpine go for hards? They're never going to warm up in time to be useful.'' Adriana asks.

Pietro says. ''No idea on that one, Adriana. Sauber and Williams have done the same.'' Weird, but if it benefits Alfa Romeo, she'll not complain.

They don't improve position for the rest of the race, but are the last team to finish on the lead lap. So, there's that bright spot at least. Back at the hotel that night, just before they get to sleep, Felipe says. ''Adri, I've had an idea for Brazil.''

Adriana gets herself settled in his arms. ''Yeah? Go on.'' Felipe kisses her temple, and nuzzles her soft hair. ''How about we finally tell the media about us there? Get the speculation out of our way for the final races?''

Adriana takes a long breath out, and seems to be weighing things in her head, as she always does. ''Okay,'' She finally says. ''I think I like that idea.'' With that, they finally get to sleep, putting this weekend firmly to bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brazil - The Third Reveal.

The notice from Alfa Romeo and F1 went out on Tuesday night. That Felipe Drugovich and Adriana Fangio were pulling out of media to do their own press conference before main media day begins on Wednesday morning. Giancarlo will sit in with them, to veto any uncomfortable questions on their behalf. So, the two drivers and their principal get in earlier than the rest for the conference. Felipe's heart is racing, Adriana's throat is dry. Nothing like this has ever happened in F1 before, as far as anyone knows anyway. But, here they are, walking to press room one, a united front as always. They grab some bottles of water, and sit on the sofa. The moderator says. ''Good morning everyone, we are here with Alfa Romeo team principal: Giancarlo Fisichella, and drivers: Felipe Drugovich and Adriana Fangio. We are now open for questions.''

Someone from Sky, who they had been previously boycotting for bringing Danica back, asks them. ''What was the big announcement the team statement hinted at?''

Felipe and Adriana share a glance, that look that they share when they need each other, Felipe speaks for them, more natural with media. ''We are in a relationship, boyfriend and girlfriend as well as teammates.''

The room buzzes with chatter among the assembled journalists, they had tried to keep things as much under wraps as possible since Spa. Even going where they knew no paparazzi would catch them over summer in Buenos Aires. They've been so careful about this. ''When did this start?'' Someone from ViaPlay asks them.

Adriana speaks, her voice finally coming back to her. ''After the race in Spa.''

A journalist from Canal+ asks them. ''How long had this been going on before that?''

Felipe answers for himself. ''I'd fallen in love with Adriana when we met in F3.''

Adriana didn't know that, but, keeping focus, she says. ''For me, it was all at once, in Australia.'' Then, came the months of fear, and the kiss that made it all go away.

Someone asks Giancarlo. ''Fisi, how is it managing two dating drivers? And, is this not a breach of any rules?'' Giancarlo, ever their advocate to media, says. ''These two are a dream to manage, and there's no rule against it. So, I'll not get involved in this side of their dynamic. If anything, their results are better like this.''

They take, and refuse, a few more questions from journalists, oddly more respectful than they normally are. ''How could this impact a potential future title fight between you two?''

Felipe says, simply as always. ''It won't, we love each other, and either way we get to share in each other's victories.'' Taking a more philosophical note, Adriana adds. ''We shouldn't speculate about a future we're not in yet, right now, we're focused on the battle for fifth. Everything else can come later on.''

That done, they head back to the hotel to regroup for practice day on Friday.The weekend is very much just beginning for them now. So, they take a nap together. It's nice being excused from media duties for the day. Adriana wakes up just after noon, the rest will be busy in the paddock right now. Felipe is on her chest, arms around her waist. She looks out their open window while running her fingers through his fluffy hair, listening to him breathing. She vaguely registers hunger, Felipe stirs. ''Welcome back, corazon, hungry?''

Felipe hums, pressing his lips to her shoulder, the skin covered by her clothes. ''Yeah, you?'' Adriana nods, kissing his hair. They unravel from each other, and go to grab some lunch downstairs.

#####

Friday is beautiful chaos, the paddock a sea of both Brazilian and Argentinian colours, the race serving as the only South American race. A home race for all four of them. There's no extra security like in Austin, but the drivers are on 'stick together' orders nonetheless. So, the Alfa Romeo quartet arrive with the Haas duo of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. They see the Williams duo and Ferrari drivers walking in together as well. ''Princesa! Princesa!'' Some fans shout above the noise. Adriana tries to talk with Ollie and Aurelia over the cacophony. ''Princesa! Princesa!'' The same group shout. Felipe looks up from his chat with Pepe and Esteban, and says to his girlfriend. ''Adri, I think those fans are wanting your attention.''

Adriana asks, brows knitted together. ''How do you figure?''

The group of fans yell. ''Principe! Princesa!'' Does that mean both of them? Adriana says, guiding the group over to the fans' pen. ''Felipe! Adriana!'' The fans shout, confirming Felipe's suspicions. Felipe and Adriana sign autographs, wanting to make time for every fan possible. These people have traveled all this way to Sao Paolo for them, Gabriel, and Franco. So, they deserve to be treated well. Felipe orders the Brazilian group to space out to avoid a crush, Adriana does the same with the Argentinian group. ''Muy bien, amigos, muchas gracias!'' Adriana says to her end of the group.

Felipe says the same in Portuguese. ''Muito bom, todos, obrigado!'' They link arms again, and head to the garage to get suited and booted for the only practice session of the weekend. After which, comes sprint qualifying. Adriana loves Interlagos already, the track suits her driving style so well. She raced on the nearby karting track as a kid, but this is so much better. ''That's SQ3 for both of you, Adriana, well done.'' Pietro says.

They do really well in SQ3, Felipe coming in sixth, and Adriana in seventh. They park up in their garages, and head for media together. ''An amazing start position for The Grid's Power Couple, how are we feeling for the sprint tomorrow?'' Someone from Eurosport asks them.

Felipe laughs, his hand on Adriana's back as always. ''We're feeling good, the track and the cars agree with each other. The new front wing is working well.''

Adriana nods, sipping her mate. ''Having the love of the crowd helps too, I think this is the loudest race I've ever been to. Could hear the crowd over my radio!''

After media, it's up to the meeting room for debrief with the team, they'll be going for hards tomorrow for the sprint. Francesca informs them of rain forecast for Sunday, so they'll be on Inters for the real race. ''Saturday will be overcast, but no rain is expected, so we're okay to go for dry tires. Anything to comment on, drivers?''

Felipe says. ''Not really, at least no on my end anyway.'' Adriana thinks for a few moments, and reviews her qualifying laps. ''Yeah, nothing on my end either.''

Meeting over, they head for a team dinner together back at the hotel. Giancarlo gives the drivers the bed down order at eight. So, Felipe and Adriana head up to their room, and get ready for bed. They watch a movie for a couple of hours, then get some sleep.

#####

Sprint day comes, and the drivers get into the paddock together for the long day ahead. As always, they'll have the sprint race, hen race qualifying today. With the main race tomorrow. The maroon and white garage welcomes Felipe and Adriana in once they're suited up. They discuss run plans with their engineers, helmets go on, and they get into their cars. They're wheeled onto the grid, waiting for the green flag. Felipe's heart is racing, this is his home, these are his people, and he is determined to do a good job in front of them. Repay their love of him with results. He's got 24 laps to do it in. The visor goes down, the lights go on, and then they're off.

Where Austin was brutal, and Mexico was boring, Brazil is just good, clean racing. They're on lap seven with little fuss. Felipe pulls up next to Kimi, both gunning for fifth. Felipe takes the inside going into Ferradura, and makes the overtake work. ''Well done, Felipe, next car ahead is Lawson, gap is six tenths.'' Eduardo says.

Felipe says. ''Cool. Where's Adriana right now?''

Eduardo answers him. ''Still in seventh, one second ahead of Russell.''

The laps tick up to fifteen, nine laps of racing left. Felipe is still staring at the back of Liam's Red Bull, but the gap is closing up. Antonelli is still in his mirrors, it seems like Adriana isn't going for broke today. Two more laps pass, and Eduardo says. ''Keep it going, Felipe, seven laps left.''

Felipe says, not wanting to risk too much by going for the overtake on Lawson. ''Got it, Edo.''

In the end, Felipe comes fifth in front of his home crowd, and Adriana isn't too far back in seventh. They park up in their garages, and sneak a quick kiss in private before media rounds. ''I'm proud of you today, Feli.'' Adriana says.

Felipe beams down at her, that means the world to him to hear. ''I'm glad, date night on Sunday?''

Adriana nods, a very faint flush rising to her ears, the only place it actually shows up. ''Yeah.''

After media, and a quick lunch, come race qualifying. Somehow, Adriana finds it in herself to put her Alfa Romeo in fifth, and Felipe is just behind her in sixth. They've beaten both Mercedes drivers, and Lewis himself! ''Well done, you two, that Q3 was just incredible.'' Lewis says, tying his braids up again.

Felipe says, chuckling as Adriana downs half a bottle of water. ''Thanks, Lewis, that means a lot coming from you.''

Finally, the longest day of any sprint weekend is over. They both head back for a shower together, some dinner, and rest. The buzz of Sao Paolo falling into silence quickly.

#####

They get the wake up call from reception at eight that morning. After washing up and dressing into team uniform, they head down for breakfast. Then, it's into their rented white Maserati to be driven to the paddock. Their families will be here to watch them race today, having been busy with work on Friday, and travelling on Saturday. Adriana texts some friends from home while they're in the car. It's raining today, just as forecast, but not heavily enough to suspend the race any. Francesca said it'll clear up by lap 30, and they'll pit for hards on lap 32 in a double stack. ''Excited, Feli?'' Adriana asks.

Felipe nods, placing a hand on her thigh. ''Yeah, you?'' Adriana nods, and looks out her window as they pull into the reserved parking lot. They chat with their families as they head to the garage for a final meeting over lunch. Then, it's off to their rooms to suit up. Adriana zips her racing suit up, and tightens her braid. She warms up, works on her neck, and meditates over her abuelo's picture. As usual, she sneaks a private kiss with her boyfriend before the race. Then, in what feels like the blink of an eye, she's on the starting grid. In sixth, but determined to make up the spots. ''Adriana, can you hear me?'' Pietro asks.

Adriana affirms. ''Yeah, I can hear you.''

Pietro says to her. ''Seventy one laps, just keep it on the track.'' Adriana nods to herself, and says. ''Will do.''

The race gets going in the rain, and Adriana can barely see for the spray, but she follows Charles' lights to keep on the racing line. Her mirrors are next to useless, so she has no idea where Felipe is. On lap ten, she asks Pietro. ''Pietro, for my own peace of mind, where's Feli?''

Pietro says. ''Four tenths behind you, Adriana.''

On lap seventeen, a collision between Franco, Lance, and Gabriel brings out the safety car for three laps. Half the locals out before the rain clears. ''The safety car is ending now, Adriana.'' Pietro says.

Finally, on lap 30, the rain clears away for the sunshine. Two laps later, they both dive down the pits for their hard tires, coming out exactly where they went in. They're well behind Charles, Max, and the McLarens. But, the Mercedes drivers are beginning to close in on them now. Still on their full wets. They hold off both George and Kimi, wasting their time before their pitstop on lap 39. ''Very well done, Adriana, next drivers down are Hamilton and Lawson. Felipe is three tenths behind you.'' Pietro informs her.

The laps tick up, they're on lap 60 in what feels like no time at all. Adriana pits for mediums a lap after Felipe does, now five tenths up on him. Eleven laps of racing left.

As if in a flash, lap 71 comes, and Adriana takes the flag in fifth. Felipe one tenth back in sixth. After the cool down lap, they park up in parc ferme, and bail out. The helmets and balaclavas come off, and they embrace each other. Then, not caring one bit that the whole world is watching, they kiss. Utterly spent from today.

#####

They still somehow manage to honour date night, dressing up nicely for dinner at a local restaurant Felipe likes in the city. Dinner is quiet, but they eat, drink some wine, and chat about the race. ''I cannot believe how tired I was after the race today.'' Adriana says.

Felipe finishes his lava cake, a love for which they bonded over as kids. ''I know, there's something about rain races that tires a driver out, isn't there?''

Adriana nods, hopefully that'll be the last rain race they have this year. Vegas is next. Qatar and Abu Dhabi closing the season out. She can't believe they're nearly done with this season already.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Qatar - First Retirement.

Landing in Lusail from Vegas was... odd, for Adriana. It's not like the team are struggling, fifth in the constructors is basically done if they do well enough in the sprint on Saturday night. Felipe is healthy. Vegas wasn't exactly amazing, Felipe coming twelfth with Adriana in fourteenth. But, Adriana feels weird, tired, almost like she's getting sick. She's not been honestly sick since she was twenty, not even a seasonal bug in three years. She didn't know what this was until the headaches and spotting came on the Tuesday. She's on her period, during a race week, during the second last race week... fantastic. She slips into some period underwear, and packs her emergency kit while Felipe is talking to Gabriel. Painkillers, ice packs, skin creams, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. This goes into her grid bag before Felipe gets back. She also texts Maya to make sure her room is stocked with her mate leaves and snacks. She'll know why. Felipe looks at her, concerned. ''Adri, are you okay?''

Adriana sheepishly says, these discussions weren't so hard when they were just friends. ''It's begun, Feli.''

Felipe grimaces, he's held her through these before, but now she'll be racing on one. ''Merda!'' He utters, and asks her, sitting on the bed with her. ''Do you want to tell Fisi to put Aurelia in for the weekend? So you can rest.''

Adriana emphatically shakes her head. ''No, I'll be fine. The team needs me, you need me, I can race.'' She wants to believe her own words, but it's hard. She hopes her abuelo is with her this weekend, she's going to need him. ''Do you need anything?'' Felipe asks.

Adriana says, eyes welling up, here comes the waterworks. ''A kiss?'' Felipe smiles softly, and leans in to kiss her gently, his hand on her back, letting her know he's there.

#####

Media day seems to last forever, and it's not even really begun yet. She's got her press conference with Liam, Nico, Pierre, and Oscar. She hides an ice pack under one of Felipe's hoodies, and sits down for the conference. Her lower abdomen cramping up on her. The boys get more questions than she does, thank God. But, someone from ESPN asks her. ''Adriana, how are you and Felipe planning to recover from the strategy error in Las Vegas?''

Adriana presses the ice pack closer to her, instant relief. ''Uhm, Vegas was difficult for us, but Francesca is a wonderful strategist, just a reset, that's all.''

Mercifully, the conference ends quickly. The late season conferences seem to be shorter, which is good, because Adriana feels sick. She finds the garage, ducks into a bathroom, and throws up her lunch. Maya arrives with some medicine, a sandwich, and her water bottle. ''Thank you, Maya.''

Maya asks her. ''It's that time of the month, isn't it, Adriana?'' Adriana nods, taking a painkiller, and eating the sandwich. ''Yeah, it is.''

Maya asks her, as they walk to the next media engagement of the evening. ''Will you be able to race?'' It's the final sprint weekend, big race for the championship. Adriana places her ringed hand to her abdomen, trying to calm another cramp down. ''I don't have much of a choice in the matter, Maya.'' She's raced on her period before, but never like this, never with the world's eyes on her.

#####

To her surprise, practice and sprint qualification go pretty well. Felipe is due to start ninth, Adriana two back in eleventh. The period underwear holds up all day, Isabella is a genius, the best big sister in the world. Maya hands her some freshly brewed mate and a chocolate bar for her media rounds. ''Muchas gracias, amiga.'' Adriana says, grateful for her assistant.

Maya smiles kindly, and says, following behind her. ''De nada, Adriana.''

Media rounds are mercifully quick, then Felipe and and Adriana are back in their hotel room within the hour. Adriana changes her underwear, and gets into some more loose fitting clothes. Felipe ditches his polo and jeans for sweats and a t-shirt, and orders them some dinner. They eat while curled up in bed with a movie. Adriana takes another painkiller. ''Are you sure you'll be okay for the weekend, princesa?'' Felipe asks her, kissing her forehead.

Adriana nods, overcome with fatigue, curling into her boyfriend. ''Yeah, I'll be okay, corazon, I'm a Fangio.'' She wields her name like a talisman, it's the only bit of certainty she's got this weekend. Though, as she nods off to sleep, she's sure her abuelo would gently tell her not to race or sacrifice her health like this. But, he's not here anymore, so she'll race.

#####

Saturday is the never-ending day, Adriana feels tired all day, the cramps haven't been getting better. And, she's bleeding even worse now. She can't be thinking about that now, before she even has time to register it, they're on lap nine of the sprint race. She's running in tenth, one position shy of points. Ten laps left, then she can rest for an hour. She's told Pietro about what's going on already, and he's trying not to be in her ear too much, just letting her race, and vent to him if she needs to. ''Car ahead is Hulkenberg, gap is three tenths, and your pace is faster.'' He says.

Adriana rides another cramp in her abdomen, and says. ''Thank you.'' As in Austin, she reaches up to her grandfather, hoping he can help her out. ''Ayudame, abuelo, ayuda, por favor.''

Pietro assures her, aware of the pain she's in, the father of a teenage daughter himself. ''He's helping you, Adriana, I promise.'' Finally, finally, she gets that overtake. One point, it's not much, but she'll take it. Too tired and uncomfortable to go for more.

She doesn't improve, but Felipe comes seventh. In parc ferme, she collapses into Felipe's arms. He sits her down on her front wheel, and helps her with her helmet. ''Are you okay for qualifying, Adri?'' Adriana nods, all she needs is some painkillers and rest. She'll not throw Aurelia in the deep end for no reason. Fisichella comes to meet them, worry etched onto his face. ''Adriana, are you okay?''

She cups his ear with her hand, and says, shielded from the media. ''I'm on my period, I'll race through it.'' She is Adriana Mirabel Fangio, racing royalty, and this will not stop her.

Felipe makes it to Q3 again, Vegas firmly in the past, and will start from eighth. Adriana isn't so lucky, getting knocked out in Q2, and she'll start from thirteenth tomorrow night.

#####

All that's in her mind come Sunday is making it through the race, 57 laps isn't a huge ask, Belgium was 44, and she did really well there. So, she'll be fine here, right? Tonight will tell, Felipe has a protective hand on her back as they arrive for work, poised to snap at anyone who asks her the wrong questions. For her part, the bleeding is still bad, and the headache only wore off about half an hour ago. But, she's feeling okay for the first time all week. That might be tempting fate, though. They sneak a kiss before splitting off to their rooms, Adriana slips her black fire proofs on, and zips her racing suit up. She slips her feet into her blue and white boots, and laces them tight. Then, lastly, she takes two painkillers with water. The routine robotic tonight, as exhausting as she is exhausted just being alive right now. This is the worst it's ever been. After physio and final gear up, she is buckled into her beloved AR1, and wheeled into thirteenth. Beside Gabriel. At least she's next to a friend, right?

The race begins quite well all things considered, she doesn't gain any positions for the first ten laps. Just focusing on the track in front of her, keeping her heart rate low, and keeping an eye on Franco in her mirrors. Maybe she will make it to 57 after all? ''Car up ahead is Bearman, gap is seven tenths.'' Pietro says in her radio on lap sixteen.

Adriana takes a deep breath, and says. ''Thank you, Pietro, I'm just trying to keep on the racing line.''

Pietro says. ''I know, that's fine.''

On lap 30, however, a blinding cramp starts up her back, and snakes its way around to her abdomen. There are stars in her eyes. ''Hijo de puta, mierda!'' She curses over her radio.

Pietro says to her. ''Are you alright, Adriana?'' Adriana's knuckles must be white under her gloves, she's to the point of tears. ''It's... the thing I told you about.''

Pietro says. ''If you need to retire the car, do it, your health comes first. Your abuelo would want you healthy.'' She nods, and presses her pit confirm button, tears in her eyes as she rounds the final corner. ''I'm so sorry. Tell Felipe what's happened.'' She comes into the pits. Pietro assures her. ''Don't apologize for anything, we'll tell him. The medical team are on their way.''

She's pushed back into the garage, and bails out. After removing her head gear, the medical team take her into a side room. She tells them it's period pain. They give her an ice pack, and some better painkillers. They also do a nutrition drip to replace the glucose she has lost. Her blood sugar was getting low. She changes everything she's wearing for fresh underwear and team kit. She grabs some mate, takes her medicines, and goes to watch the race from the pitwall. Food being brought to her from upstairs. The ice pack strapped around her waist. Eduardo gives her a headset, she puts it on to her boyfriend's worried voice. ''Adri, are you okay?''

Adriana assures him. ''I am now, Feli. It just got too much. Don't worry about me, just race.''

And race, he does, somehow coming seventh. He kisses her as soon as they're back together. They go for media together. Someone from Sky asks Adriana. ''What forced you out of the race tonight, Adriana?''

Adriana says, honestly. ''I'm a woman in motorsport, the same thing that forces so many of us out of our passions.''

After that, they head back to the hotel, and change after a long shower together. Felipe orders some dinner, and they get to sleep right after that. Adriana has never felt better all week, coddled in her boyfriend's loving arms. One final race left. Then, they can rest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Abu Dhabi - A Season's End.

Here they all are at last, Abu Dhabi, the final race of this wonderful season. The last race before two and a half months off to rest and regroup. The city is a jungle of glass skyscrapers flying by them as they're driven to their hotel on the Tuesday for race week. Adriana is awestruck by it all, and feels so tiny compared to the massive buildings. Her period is stopping, she'll be long done with it by Friday. The cramps are gone at least, that one during the race in Qatar left her breathless, like her entire body was held in a vice. But, she's feeling like herself again now. They arrive at the hotel for the final time this year, thank their driver, and head to check in. Reception seem a bit surprised at two of the drivers rooming together, but the key cards are handed over still. Felipe leads them up to their room, and they unpack for the weekend. ''Here we are, princesa, the last race week.''

Adriana smiles, proud of all they've achieved together this year. ''I know, it's all come so fast! As soon as that flag falls, we're done for the year.'' She skims through her scrapbook, at all the memories from Australia to Qatar, one final race to add in. But, today, is their final drivers' meeting, and dinner with the rest. No date night on their own, they're not getting out of this so easily. They head down to the paddock for their meeting. George mostly briefs them on the incoming regulations next year, and the new team next season, with the updated point system. ''Do we have any clues as to who Cadillac are signing for next year?'' Lando asks, clicking his pen.

George shakes his head. ''No, they said they'll announce that at the awards ceremony in Tashkent in a couple of weeks.''

Anastasia also updates Adriana on the new women's health in motorsport initiative they discussed after Qatar. A project for them over the next seasons to come. ''I'm glad this is starting now, because Qatar was a living hell.''

Anastasia nods, and says. ''Doriane said she'll meet with us at some point to discuss things, Abbi is in as well.'' Adriana nods, and discussion turns to the drivers' push to get Danica fired from Sky.

That evening, everyone is dressed nicely for the annual drivers' dinner. The last thing they'll all do together. Adriana and Felipe hold hands under the table, Felipe talks to Max, and Adriana talks to Fernando. ''How are you feeling about the season ending, Adriana?'' Fernando asks.

Adriana says to her childhood idol, who is now her colleague, funny how life works, isn't it? ''Looking forward to the time for rest, but I'll miss this come Monday.''

Fernando smiles fondly, seeing something of himself in her. ''I know, it's bittersweet, right?'' Adriana nods, sipping her red wine. Felipe leans over to kiss her cheek, and they get their dessert.

#####

Before they head for media day, the Alfa Romeo couple wrap their secret Santa gifts. Felipe got Oscar, and bought him a model of Mark Webber's Red Bull car. Adriana drew Liam, and has gotten him a little Kiwi Bird plush for his driver's room. They have no idea who got them, or what their people got them. Gifts in hand, they head down to the paddock, and deposit the gifts in the meeting room. They split up for press conferences, which are shorter than usual, with far less to discuss now than at previous races.

Felipe and Adriana later reunite for a joint interview for the team's YouTube channel. Discussing their amazing entry season, their best moments, and racing as a young couple for the second half of the season. Then, they're split up again to receive their Secret Santa gifts. Abigail hands Felipe his first, he unwraps a Pele Team Brazil jersey, with a card saying. 'Your long overdue present'. ''Oh, wow, I love this. My size too, I think this will be my going to Milan shirt.''

Abigail asks him. ''Who do you think got you that?''

Felipe thinks for a second or two, and says. ''Carlos? He's a big football fan, so that makes sense to me.''

Abigail seems surprised, and says. ''Exactly right! Good guess.'' Felipe beams down the camera, and says. ''Muchas gracias, Chili.''

Next, Adriana receives her gift, she does momentarily feel anxious about what it could be, but she unwraps a new mate gourd with a crown engraved on it. The note reads. 'To our princess.' Adriana laughs, and says. ''I feel like this is Fernando, right?''

Abigail nods, and says. ''Yes, it was!''

Adriana smiles brightly, and says into the camera. ''Can't wait to drink out of this, Nando, muchas gracias, leyenda.''

Media wraps up with a picture of all of the grid. Their last thing as friends before the last competition of the year. Adriana gets a copy of the group photo, and slips it into her bag for her scrapbook.

#####

Free practice goes really well, tenth and eleventh in the first session, and the same in the second. Not too far off of the Alpine drivers. They go upstairs for a team meeting about setting the cars up for the race on Sunday. Just three more sessions in the AR1, and then it's all over for the year. Wolfgang updates them on designs for the AR2 - the car for next year. The car is just vague ideas so far, and real work will begin in late January. There's no real weather alerts this deep into the desert, so they'll start on mediums, then go for a long second stint on hards, then a short third on softs. ''Alright, team, are we good for now? Any questions?'' Francesca asks.

Pietro says, reviewing the notes. ''That should be all, Fran. Just, some advice for the drivers: This race is mostly about focus, so no heroics or anything.''

Felipe nods, clicking his pen. ''Yeah, we'll be careful.''

Giancarlo asks Adriana, concerned for her health after the retirement in Qatar. ''Will you be alright for the race, Adriana?''

Adriana checks her period app, and says. ''Yeah, it stopped the day after we arrived, I'm okay now, a bit tired from it, but I'm fine.''

The team head to their dining area for dinner before going back to the hotel. Felipe ducks into the shower first, and changes while Adriana updates her scrapbook. Then, Adriana heads for her own shower, and readies herself for bed. They curl up together, their third last night of the season before they head to Milan. ''Two days left, Adri.'' Felipe says, tracing shapes on her shoulder.

Adriana yawns, and presses a kiss to his jaw. ''Two days left, Feli. Then, holiday in Zermatt.'' They've been planning this skiing getaway for weeks now, they've never seen snow before, so they want to experience a northern winter for the first time. Their parents will be joining them for New Year's as well.

#####

The third, and final, practice session goes incredibly well for the team, improving to eighth and ninth after switching to the front wing they used in Mexico. They've got an hour and a half until the final qualifying session. The cars will need to be properly set up now, the couple watch their crews do final work on their cars. Then, they're given the call to get into their cars again, they're released from the garages, and into the tunnel. Once on track, the work begins to get these wonderful cars into a good place to end the season. They put their laps in for Q1, coming twelfth and thirteenth. ''That's Q2, Adriana, well done, provisional thirteenth.'' Pietro says.

Down the other end of the pitwall, Eduardo says. ''Provisional twelfth, Felipe, good job.''

They all pull into the pits, and the six eliminated drivers are wheeled back into their garages. Then, Q2 begins, the big one. Sixteen drivers left now, and five will be eliminated here. The Alfa Romeos give it everything, throwing all of themselves into this session. The clock ticks down, and Eduardo says. ''Good job, Felipe, that'll be provisional seventh.''

Felipe says, finally exhaling. ''Thank you, Edo.''

Down the 24 end of the wall, Pietro says. ''Ninth for now, Adriana, well done, Q3 again.''

Adriana pulls into the pitlane again, watching the five eliminated drivers get pushed into their garages. ''Great, thank God. I'm not ready for the evening to be over.''

They don't improve in Q3, but will start in the top eight. That should be points on paper at least. They bail out from their final qualifying of the season, and go for media after weigh-ins. Someone asks Adriana. ''Final qualifying of the season, Adriana, you'll start ninth tomorrow. How are you feeling?''

Adriana says, her eyes welling up a little. ''Excited for tomorrow, but sort of upset that this is it. Tomorrow night will be the last time we get in those cars.''

Someone from Eurosport asks her. ''How quickly has this season gone for you and Felipe?''

Adriana smiles, thinking back on the entire season. ''It feels like Australia was just yesterday, I don't know where the time went, but we're both so proud of everything we've done this year.''

The last qualifying day done, they head back to the hotel for something to eat, a movie, and sleep. The last wake up call is at nine for the final race tomorrow.

#####

The final day of the season dawns at nine. Felipe answers their wake up call, and gently wakes his girlfriend up. They come around, and go to get themselves together for the long final day ahead. After washing up and dressing into team uniform, they head down for breakfast with the rest of the drivers. Their last group breakfast before they split off to their sponsor cars at half past eleven. The last drive to the paddock for the group. Once in the paddock, it's hectic as always, but the Alfa Romeos are used to this by now. They head to their garage for a final team meeting before the race. Giancarlo checks his watch against the countdown clock, and says. ''Right, team, let's get downstairs.''

They have a quick lunch, and the drivers get summoned for the parade and pre-race media. After that, is time to gear up for work. The race starts at half seven. The last go around before it all begins again next March. Felipe enters Adriana's room after their physio sessions. ''Feli, what are you doing here?''

Felipe wraps his arms around her waist, and says. ''Can't drive without a kiss from my girlfriend, can I?'' Adriana laughs, and leans up to kiss her boyfriend. They didn't win either championship, but they have each other, and that's all they'll ever need.

After final gear ups, they get into their cars, and get wheeled out to the starting grid for the formation lap. Then, the lights go on, 58 laps left until the season is over. The lights go off, and they take off down the straight. One final show for the world, then they can rest. Adriana takes a deep breath as they begin lap ten, and lets her abuelo help her. He never got to race here, or see her race at all, but he's here, she can feel him. After lap 20, Pietro says. ''Box for hards, Adriana.'' She dives down the pitlane from ninth, and comes out in twelfth. ''Muchas gracias a todos.'' She says, re-joining the racing.

This stint on hards is going to be long, so she knuckles down for the grind ahead of her. Overtaking on this track is not as easy at it looks. ''Car ahead is Sainz, he is five tenths ahead of you. Just keep it going, Adriana.'' Pietro says.

Adriana comes up the back straight, and asks. ''Who's behind me, Pietro?''

Pietro says. ''Doohan, you are one second ahead of him, and faster.'' Adriana nods to herself, and bears down on the track, this stint will last until lap 45. ''Where's Felipe right now?'' She asks.

Pietro informs her. ''Ninth, and battling Lawson.''

The laps tick up slowly, and the night gets darker with it. Adriana gets closer to Sainz, pulling up next to him, that one single point will clinch fifth for Alfa Romeo, so she needs it. Francesca said they need to outscore Aston Martin by five points to clinch fifth. Felipe is gunning for three, and Adriana is going for one. They do battle for five laps, and Adriana finally makes the overtake work. ''Good job, Adriana, Felipe just got ahead for ninth.'' Pietro says. That means she needs tenth, or Felipe needs eighth.

On lap 40, with eighteen laps left, Adriana is informed that Felipe just overtook Lewis for eighth. ''If you two just hold on until your final stop, we've done it.'' Pietro says

Adriana says, thinking on her feet. ''The tires are fine for six more laps, postpone the stop, please.''

Pietro affirms. ''I'll brief Edo and Fran on that, hang tight.''

They get the new strategy confirmed, and pull the fake call on lap 45. They'll now stop on lap 48. Just at the death of these hard tires. Three laps later, they pit in a double stack for their soft tires, and come out in the same positions as they entered in. Five points is all they need, and it looks like they'll get them. ''Ten laps, hold on.'' Pietro advises her.

Lap 57 comes all too quickly, and that fifth place is all but settled now. Fernando is down in thirteenth, Lance is all the way back in seventeenth. Six precious points are theirs. On lap 58, they take the flag together, fifth in the constructors on their first try. Eighth for Felipe, and tenth for Adriana. They take the cooldown lap with pride. ''Eighth place in Abu Dhabi, Felipe, took you a while to get this first season, and you've certainly arrived, and I'm so proud you hung on for us.'' Giancarlo says.

Felipe chuckles, and says. ''I'd race for no one else, Fisi, I'm glad to be here at last.''

Their team principal radios Adriana next. ''Tenth place, Adriana, first woman to finish a season, such an honour to have you with us, I'm sure your abuelo is smiling down at you.''

Adriana laughs, tears pricking in her eyes again. ''This season was for him, Fisi, and I'm so happy to race for this team.''

They park up, bail out, and ditch their head gear to share a quick kiss, and a tight embrace. ''We made it, Adriana.'' Felipe says into her neck. Adriana kisses his cheek, and says. ''We made it, Felipe.''

After media, they abandon the normal team boat party to head back to their hotel room. Too tired for partying, they shower, get ready for bed, and order dinner. They eat in bed while watching a movie. The season is finally over. They relax together, Felipe asks his girlfriend. ''Was it all you wanted it to be, princesa?''

Adriana nods, eyes slamming shut more by the minute. ''Yeah, was it the same for you, corazon?''

Felipe nods, and kisses her head, yawning. ''Everything and more. I love you, Adriana Fangio.''

Adriana leans up to kiss him one last time before they get to sleep. ''I love you, Felipe Drugovich.''

Finally, the season done, they get to sleep. The famous nightlife of Abu Dhabi falling quickly into silence. Formula 1 will have one final piece of them in Tashkent in a couple of weeks, but they're finally done with the driving.

#####

They fly out on Monday evening, for the seven hour flight to Milan. They're packed up, ready to go, and are driven to the airport for their private flight. This time, it's just them, Giancarlo will be staying for the team principals debrief, and their reserves flew out this morning to Monaco. They board the small plane, and get seated. Felipe pulls his laptop out, and Adriana finishes her scrapbook. They exist in a comfortable quiet. Gone are the racing suits, Felipe is in his Pele Brazil jersey and black jeans, and Adriana is in a sky blue dress with long sleeves. They have jackets ready to go for once they land in Milan, it will be cold there. ''That's the scrapbook done.'' Adriana says.

Felipe looks up from his laptop, and asks. ''Can I see it?'' Adriana nods, and passes it across their table. He flips through it, nostalgia already in his face. ''We've had quite the year, haven't we?'' He remarks.

Adriana nods, smiling lovingly at her boyfriend. ''Yeah, we have.'' The biggest, and most chaotic year of their life. Now, it's come to its end. They made it, against all odds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry Christmas from the UK, friends! This is part three of four for the main story of 'El Maestro's Heiress'. Parts one and two are linked up above. This was one hell of a mad dash to the end of the season to get this story done before Christmas day. I've been having a ton of fun working on this story, though. Exploring Adriana's relationship to her grandfather's legacy, her experience as the first woman to have a permanent seat in F1, and dating her teammate is so fun for me.

Anyway, enjoy!

#formula 1 fanfic #f1 fanfic #f1 fic #El Maestro's Heiress

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