#pushing the rbr boys around

[slythereen]

our attention is understandably on charles grabbing max by the waist and manhandling him into position for the photos but spare a thought for charles grabbing checo's shoulder and pulling him into position too

[valyrfia]

On Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, the immediate past, the long-term future, and why Charles Leclerc will remain Ferrari's priority (contrary to popular belief)

Now that everyone's slowly recovering from the CHAOS of Lewis's Ferrari announcement (and one of the best days on the internet for a while), it's no surprise that we're all starting to ask ourselves...well, how exactly will a Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton line up work? Yes, Charles is Ferrari's golden boy, and has been so even as far back as his record-breaking F2 campaign, and yes, every single WDC of the past half a century rates Charles as a once-in-a-generation driver who would likely have at least one successful WDC campaign under his belt if he were given a half-decent car and strategy. But Lewis Hamilton is...well, Lewis Hamilton. His name and his achievements stand in a class of their own. 7x WDC wins in teams with 8x WCC wins across his career. His name is synonymous with, and often even bigger than, the F1 brand. Surely it's a no-brainer in this driver line-up that Charles is bound to be sidelined, especially as Lewis has made no secrets in the past about his hunt for an elusive eighth WDC.

However, I believe otherwise. I think that Lewis coming to Ferrari was not only accepted by Charles, but actively encouraged and furthermore, Lewis will not be given the n1 driver status by the team. Charles and Lewis at Ferrari will be, at best, equals, but more likely the development informed by Lewis and his experience but skewed towards Charles. To truly dive into why, we need to consider several factors including la mafia monegasque inside Ferrari, the curious case of Charles's old teammates, the emerging details of Lewis's contract, and the true value of what Lewis brings to Maranello. Buckle up, grab yourself a drink and a snack, (spare a prayer for @tsarinablogs who proofread this), and I'll see you below the cut. It's going to be a wild ride.

First things first, even though it's signing Lewis Hamilton, we have had confirmation that this move basically passed through Charles for approval and Charles signed his contract extension KNOWING that his teammate would be none other than Lewis, and he signed anyway. I'm sure this isn't a choice that Charles made lightly, so we have to put ourselves in his shoes, examine his reasons.

Charles has been outspoken about relishing a chance to learn from Lewis. And what racing driver worth their laurels wouldn't? In races that most of us can't bear to watch (Charles and Carlos in Monza 2023, and Max and Charles fights in 2022 come to mind), Charles always emerges beaming and giggling. This man lives and breathes for racing right on the limit, and how better to learn that from THE Lewis Hamilton. But just because Charles wants to learn from Lewis doesn't mean (as some seem to believe) that Charles will suddenly become the Ferrari n2. I trust Charles's judgement in this, and trust that Il Predestinato has unshakeable faith that he will be the one fighting for a title, even if his teammate is Lewis Hamilton. For any worried that Charles couldn't possibly hold his own, well, let's take a little look at how Charles has fared in a teammate battles in the past.

Max Verstappen is more often than not, ridiculed and made fun of for having a teammate curse. And while, yes, he pushed Daniel Ricciardo out of the RBR n1 seat, he sat through the rotating door of Pierre/Alex, and Checo hasn't been having the greatest time. But Max's teammates, more often than not, do have very decent carers after. Daniel basically has a guaranteed ride out of sabbatical right back into the fastest car on the grid next year, Pierre is still around with Alpine, Alex is making some serious waves at Williams and is being touted as a possible replacement for Lewis.

By contrast, Charles tends to destroy the careers of those who have been his teammates in Formula 1. I mean, we only need to take one look at the position that Carlos is now in to see it. At the start of 2023, everything was looking right for Carlos. He had a car that suited him and didn't suit Charles (extreme understeer), he even managed to be the only non-RB driver to win a race in 2023. However Charles, with three more non-classified (DNS/DNF/DSQ) races, still beat Carlos in the WDC at the end of the year, not placing ONCE outside the top 5 in races he finished since the end of the Summer Break. Even in a year that was supposed to be geared for Carlos, Charles humiliated him. Now, no team seems to be jumping at the chance to sign Carlos. Indeed his best option at the moment might be to sign with Sauber, try and build the team around him when it becomes Audi and hope that by some miracle in the first few seasons of this new F1 team it can be at least high midfield. But Carlos is in a sticky situation, he's quite old for a prime F1 driver in the current era, especially considering the extremely talented generation just below him. This news has more or less sealed his fate of not being anywhere near a championship car for at least the next 3-4 years.

Even looking back past Carlos to Seb. Make no mistake of it, Ferrari destroyed Seb's career–but Charles, the upstart young Il Predestinato and the pride of Maranello, is also wholly responsible. He refused to roll over and accept the role of easy-going second driver, despite the car and the team being built around Seb, and won not only his maiden grand prix, but won Monza as a Ferrari driver and finished ABOVE Seb in points in the WDC that year.

It's a fact that flies below the radar, but Charles is ruthless when it comes to his teammates. One thing Charles proved while being teammates with Seb is that he's happy to learn from more experienced teammates, then use their own tricks against them. Charles thrives DESPITE and almost BECAUSE of the adversity and ends up outperforming them and often as a result, if not ending their careers then at least setting them back. While it's almost certain that Lewis's career move AFTER this will be retirement, it's not only foolish but it's plain wrong to assume that Charles will try anything other than to beat Lewis in a teammate head to head, all the while watching and observing what it is that makes Lewis Hamilton a 7x WDC.

While we're on the topic of Charles and his ruthlessness, make no mistake, this Fred Vasseur takeover of Ferrari has been entirely orchestrated by Charles. It's pretty much a widely known fact that Mattia was fired to placate Charles, and Fred was brought in on Charles's request. Not only is Fred Charles's old Sauber boss, but Charles also has a cultural advantage with Fred over his present and future teammates that's worth mentioning, him and Fred share a common mother tongue in French and if they're videoed together, chances are they're speaking it. It's a tiny detail, really, but you tend to have unconcious affinity to those who share your native language. Fred is Charles's man at Ferrari, and this is reflected in not only Fred's words surrounding Charles's contract renewal, but also in the secondary driver signings. Not only does the new reserve driver, F2 FDA prodigy Ollie Bearman, seem very friendly with Charles, but the Scuderia's new development driver, who will spending crucial hours on the sim and in testing, is none other than Arthur Leclerc. This is a team that is deliberately being filled with Charles ride or dies, and it's of little surprise that Carlos found himself pushed out of the nest.

So we've established that Charles wants to go up against Lewis Hamilton, that he's bringing Lewis into a team that orbits Charles like the sun. But what's to stop Lewis from doing to Charles what he did to Fernando in 2008, and Nico in 2013? Even with the strength of Charles's conviction and the team Charles has around him, Lewis Hamilton is Lewis Hamilton. Even if Charles and Fred talk in French, Lewis knew Fred first, and has known him for longer. It's already confirmed that Lewis is bringing engineers and expertise from Mercedes and Lewis could mount a challenge to Il Predestinato at Maranello if he wanted to. So why won't he?

It's simple, Lewis's goal is not to win the eighth, it's something longer lasting.

Now don't get me wrong, if Charles does not match Lewis in the car, and the car is dominant. Lewis will win every single WDC for as long as he and Charles are teammates and he will do so without remorse or regret. If Lewis knows he can outperform Charles, he will refuse to bow to the slightest of team orders. Charles has to keep his end of the bargain and do what Nico Rosberg did in 2016–show that he can beat Lewis Hamilton in equal machinery.

To clarify, I'm sure that winning an eighth, especially with Ferrari, would mean the world to Lewis. Not only would he break a world record, but he'd bring the championship home to Schumacher's old team. It would create a legacy to last, his time in F1 forever immortalised in legend. But what about his life AFTER F1, what sort of legacy does Lewis want to leave there?

I think Lewis is ready to retire. His drive for Ferrari is a swan song, the fulfilment of a childhood dream, but we also have to consider what could have made him decide to not end his career with Mercedes. After all, he's been with them since he was thirteen, been driving for them in F1 for 10 seasons (soon to be 11) and he's been outspoken about that team basically being his family. While there are excellent points about Ferrari possibly being dominant under the new regs in 2026 and car development in Mercedes not listening to Lewis, I believe the biggest factor is what Ferrari could promise Lewis for when his career as an F1 driver comes to a close. Not only did Mercedes refuse to make him ambassador, but Ferrari promised him one of the most expensive contracts in the history of the sport and a joint investment fund to help grow Lewis's own projects in the future. Lewis is passionate about having a platform, in having initiatives to further his causes and it makes absolute sense that he wants to focus on these after his retirement. Ferrari was able to promise him security and freedom after the racing is done, while apparently, Mercedes could offer neither.

So if Ferrari isn't bringing Lewis in on this insane with the goal of winning a world championship, what do they stand to gain from it all?

It's simple, Ferrari is Ferrari yes, but Lewis Hamilton is Lewis Hamilton. The best and the brightest in the F1 world will be flocking to Maranello, lining up outside the gates for a chance to work with him, just as they did to Mercedes in the years past. Just as Ferrari can guarantee Lewis long-term success, Lewis can guarantee Ferrari long-term success. Even if Lewis only stays a couple of years, it is certain that the expertise he brings in will stay longer, long enough to secure Ferrari dominance and many WCCs throughout the new regs and maybe even longer than that. On the chance that Charles can't quite match Lewis and Lewis does get his eighth, he'll still almost certainly get a WDC out of it when Lewis leaves, along with a treasure trove of firsthand information as to the driving and the mindset of the most decorated F1 driver ever, information that Charles will carry on into his career and whoever he may face next.

And Charles will carry on, this is the most important piece of the puzzle. This is why Charles obviously relishes having Lewis as his future teammate, no matter what it will bring. At best, Charles can write himself into history by fulfilling the Il Predestinato prophecy in spectacular fashion, not only bringing glory back to Maranello, but doing so with The Sir Lewis Hamilton as his teammate, and cementing his status as generational talent in indisputable fashion. At worst for Charles, Lewis takes the initial glory of the first championship after the drought, but the subsequent championships will be basically promised to Charles. Lewis will likely not stick around for longer than three years, after which Charles will have a team of incredible engineering and strategic proportions with him at the centre for the rest of his career, which could easily last another decade after that.

Lewis Hamilton is Lewis Hamilton, and him and Ferrari have a lot to benefit from each other, but make no mistake, Charles is the present, and the future of la Scuderia Ferrari.

Lastly, although I'm sure most of you have heard this story, I'll leave you with some words by Sky Sports' Carlo Vanzini as to the origin of Charles's nickname, Il Predestinato.

“It all goes back to an early encounter. He was about 15 and they had brought him to Sky for some media training. We had this meeting and then had a press conference simulation where I asked him something like: ‘You’re starting on pole today but your team-mate is racing for title, what are you going to do?’

“To which he answered, ‘I race to win.’ So we sat there and came up with a more diplomatic answer, something along the lines of ‘I’ll focus on my race, but I will help the team wherever necessary.’

“But then this boy came up to me later and told me the question I had asked was fundamentally wrong because ‘there is no way my teammate will be the one fighting for the championship and not me.'”

[beiasluv]

f1 tropes that I daydream about

a/n: yes, i have d.l.s (dilf lover syndrome)

— dilf!jenson crushing on a younger reader. keeping things appropriate when he’s ripping his skin off inside. reader being this cheeky gal, playing innocent just to push his buttons. (wink) jokes aside, I just know that the tension is pregnant in the air. imagining wearing a dress he loves to a house party, he just needs to whip you out to a bathroom.

— princess treatment everyday from mr. button himself. hands on your waist, rubbing it in circles, keeping your skirt from rolling too high (in public) ‘darling’ just feels to wrong yet so right.

— teenage dirtbag!jenson going to frat parties and ended up crashing at your place. trying to be civilized and give him a proper treatment. while unbuttoning his shirt, he got it the wrong way (very much to your liking- and y’know what happens next 😉)

— dilf jenson, finding his pregnant reader and his dogs cuddling together. (I hate pregnancy trope but gah daium)

— rbr!sebastian being this meanie he always is, treating everyone like a fucking dick except reader. (or it could go another way that he treats reader like a fucking dick until tension explodes and they found themself in a compromising 😉 situation at a party, drunk and intoxicated. room screaming of sex.) long run is, reader felt like a fucking piece of meat, seb running after her to prove her wrong. princess treatment, darling, spoiling, you name it.

— your favorite german brat, being all slutty and flirty to his grid boyfriend (button/jenson) and you get jealous, pulling him for a heated kiss in the cool down room. seb just grinning to the kiss, tugging your hair harder.

— rbr!seb being all obsessed with his younger assistant/manager, can’t take her seriously for fuck’s sake. smiling like a fucking idiot even when she’s mad at him, so she just kiss him stupid to get him into his senses.

— sugardaddy!mark 😔🤭 he’s just your dumb himbo/dilf paying for your attention/happiness (fuck you to who ever say money can’t buy happiness) you got him wrapped around your fingers, girlbossing him all you want. (and he’s happy with it) until you fiddled too much with his patience (in a good way) he finally thinks he has to teach you some lessons and proves who actually wears the pants. 😉

— dilf!webber visiting your family’s house for a bbq. being the aussie he is, got assigned to take care of the grill, while you walk around in your promiscuous little dress. killing him in every way known to man.

— carlos sainz and innocent kink is my favorite McCombo. being a simp for you with his big brown eyes, what ever you say pretty boy. but just so you know that he can corrupt you whenever he wants.

feel free to use them, write them, daydream- tag me if you made something 🤭🤭

[dreamauri]

♪ — 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗥𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘, 𝗬𝗢𝗨 dark! rbr! sebastian vettel x fem! reader (dark / yandere + smut) “. . . your life and heart no longer belong to you. sebastian plucks you out and makes sure your love is his and only his”

( master list | more of sebastian vettel ) ( requests | taglist )

"you're mine, you."

your were finally able to pry your eyes open. your hazy vision did not give you much information. you could see the warm lights from the lampposts come and go as the boy carried you on back, walking with you through the night.

you could hear his words and sentences, you can feel the vibrations from his back as he hummed a song yet you couldn't make out the lyrics. you couldn't move your limp body or arms, nor open your mouth to speak. just a bag of bones being carried around.

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"Stop fighting me." He raised his voice, gripping your bicep tightly and harshly. Hiccups and quiet cries left your mouth as you dropped to the floor trying to resist.

"Stop it, Y/N!" "No!" You wriggled and fussed, trying to free yourself from the German, unsuccessful as all your other tantrums have been.

"I hate you! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you." You breathed heavily, looking up into the blue eyes you hate so much.

"You’re going to regret saying that, Y/N." He warned. This was probably when you should’ve stopped. You wouldn’t want to cross the line, especially with such an unpredictable man like Sebastian Vettel. 

"I do not. I hate you. You’re the worst driver in history! I wish I never met you. I wish I’d stayed with Mark, who’s much more of a man than you—" Your words got caught in your tongue from the loud slap. You shook it off, feeling your cheek start to sting as you glared up at him. 

Fresh hot tears pooled in your eyes as he forced you from your chin to look up at him. "You belong to me, Y/N." He indented his words to try and get the words in your head. "Mark my words you will regret even thinking of using your pretty tongue and lips, that belong to me, to say any other wretched beings name!" 

And like it was nothing, he tossed you on the floor. You tried to catch him before he exited the hell hole of a room, only to trip on your cuffed ankles and miss the opportunity. Laying on the cold floor, you looked up at the small high window, indicating you were underground in the basement.

"Let me go." You cried, crawling and sitting against the door, hugging your knees. "I will never free you. You’re here with me to stay!" You heard him shout. The tears finally trailed down your cheeks as you sat and waited and waited and waited.

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

A loud gasp left your mouth as you watched your former co-worker's body be dumped on the floor. It wasn't the most pleasant surprise to receive in the middle of the night, especially with Mark's bare skin all bruised up and bleeding.

His name fell on your lips several times as you tripped and crawled to his side, pulling his pattered and purple body into your arms. He was cold and barely breathing.

"Aww, look at you." You winced upon seeing Sebastian walk into the room, red crowbar in hand. You flinched at the loud slam of the door, panic starting to set in with each step forth the shirtless man took. His chest and sweatpants splattered with the blood on the Australian man. You tried to pull Mark and yourself away, but the Australian was too heavy for you.

You held Mark tightly to your chest only for him to be ripped from your embrace. Sebastian flipped the crowbar in his hand before slamming it down on Mark's back.

A shrill scream left your lips as you saw the red piece of metal clyde with Mark's chest, emitting a bone crushing sound. "Stop! Stop! Please stop." Tripping on your legs, you hugged Sebastian’s thigh, trying to pull him away or hold him back.You flinched and cried with each swing. 

Pushing yourself to stand up, you hugged Sebastian's chest, standing in between him and his teammate. "I'll be a good girl!" You gave in, anything to make him stop. "I'll be a good girl. I'll be here everyday waiting for you. I'll hug and kiss you and—" you gulped deeply. "and have sex with you, whenever you want. All the time!" you promised.

". . . Any time?" You nodded quickly, looking fearfully into his dark eyes. "Any time. Just don't hurt anyone. Promise me you won't hurt anyone." "And why would I do that?" "B—because I'm yours." You wiped your tears. Sebastian could only smile, tilting his head as he looked at you. "I'm all yours. You have me." You begged.

"So," he put his hand on your back pulling you in his chest, that sickening smile covering his face as he leaned down, licking up the side of your neck to your ear. "If I were to undress you and fuck you on the floor, right now. . ." he waited for you to answer or react.

You gulped, taking in a deep shaky breath as you felt your heartbeat patter and thump in your chest. And with no hesitation and shaky legs, you quickly unclasped your bra, throwing it away and pulling your panties to fall down at your legs. "No, Y/N.” You ignored Mark, closing your eyes.

And with all the strength you could muster, you held Sebastian's neck, pulling him down into a rough kiss. You could feel his smirk on your lips and the bulge in his pants pressing in your stomach. Sebastian felt himself grow stronger as he pressed you to the floor, his fingers digging in your core and lips biting on your skin. You tried to hold your body still. You felt no pleasure.

His fingering was rough and his bites were so aggressive he could almost draw blood. "Stop it, you're hurting her." the barley conscious man a few feet away tried to interject only to receive a kick to his ribs.

"Are you jealous?" Sebastian haunted. You felt yourself whimper as the German gripped your hips, getting on his knees. And with one thrust, your scream filled the room, body catching fire. "Shhhh." Sebastian covered your mouth with his palm, an eager smile on his face as he began moving, feeling like heaven was served to him on a plate.

You didn't know how much longer it was, but you were cross eyed, tongue sticking out, moaning and heaving, all bruised over with hickeys and love bites. Sebastian was gently singing in your ear with his forearms leaning on either side of your head, pressing soft and gentle kisses to your neck, opposite to his earlier demeanour.

He must've let out all your negative energy now that he’s handling you so gently and lovingly. His thumb trailing down your skin from the flesh of your stomach to your clit. The slightest touch had you bucking your hips and arching your back, grabbing onto his shoulders.

"Oh you like that?" He whispered in your ear, starting to rub circles and lines. "You're close, I can feel you, Meine Liebe." [my love] with a gasp and a whimper, you felt your coil break and the blonde's thrusts slow to a halt. Must've not been your first orgasm if it hurt.

"Love me strong or sweetly. I need you night and day." He sang quietly as he pulled out, standing up and pulling his sweatpants up. "arm in arm," he hoisted your tired and curled body bride style. "Hand in hand. We will be found together." Seb kissed your cheek gently, walking atop of Mark's, now dead body, as he carried you out of the room. "Arm in arm, lips to lips. we're chained and long together . . . I own you."

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

You sat on the counter, watching Sebastian cook breakfast over the stove. It's been months now. And he's been singing the same song, driving you nuts. "I don't need to buy love. you're a slave to my love." He chuckled as he flipped the pancakes, turning to you with a smile. "Sing with me, Y/N."

you gave him a small smile, shaking your head with a small giggle. 'Just play along. play along.' you thought over and over. "In every way, you're mine."

You grew used to his gentle yet dark eyes. Sleeping beside him was no longer tough if you just let him. He's not going to hurt you, you learned. He's too obsessed with you, too in love. too busy worshipping you.

Showering wasn't hard if you ignored his hungry stares or roaming hands. eating felt like dying because the food, yet delicious, was made by the hands that drained the blood from your co-worker’s and friend's corpse to teach you a lesson. His mouth felt like fire when it touched you, and if only you really were on fire to rid yourself of the skin he touched and ruined.

You spend your days with him, pretending to be happy. Being hand fed and carried around. Being spoiled with gifts didn't make you as happy as you wished it would. The princess treatment felt like hell.

But you had to learn to love it. You had to learn to live like this. This was your life now after all. "Arm in arm, hand in hand. We will be found together. Heart to heart, lips to lips. We're chained and long together." You and Sebastian sang together.

You eyed his bare back gritting your teeth, watching the man that had turned your life miserable pour pancake mix onto the pan. red, was what you saw and blood fell from your angry eyes.

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"Augh, dang it. I forgot to get towels." Sebastian sighed as he looked around the steamy bathroom. He turned back to see your shaking boy sitting in the tub, waiting.

"Stay right there, I'll be—" the blond leaned down, kissing you gently. "I'll be right back." He promised with a smile that you returned before he left. As soon as the door shut behind him, your smile dropped and body shaking stopped.

And with the courage you've built up, you disappeared.

"Schatz?" [darling] Sebastian looked around the bathroom confused, holding the towel he promised you.

"Schatz? Y/N?" He called through the house, stepping down the stairs holding up the towel around his waist. He was starting to get worried, jogging around and searching frantically.

"Y/N? My love?" He called louder and louder, going through each door, room and closet, the panic of losing you starting to set in as cold seat trailed down his skin and forehead. "Nein nein nein! Nein, Y/N! O GOTT, NEIN." [no no no. no, y/n. oh god no] he cussed and cussed as he started to heave.

Running and re-checking every spot in the house, Sebastian gripped on his hair, feeling tears beginning to pool in his eyes, already missing and needing the feeling of your skin on his.

prick, he felt the needle slide in his neck.

And within seconds his body collapsed on the floor. He felt someone turn him over with their foot, and when he was finally rolled on his back to see his assailant, he saw you, gently kneeling down and sitting on his chest.

"I, own you." You sang gently, throwing the needle aside as you gently wiped your warden's hair off his beautiful eyes and sweat from his forehead. "I don't need to buy love. You're a slave to my love." you raised the kitchen knife above your head, gripping it tightly with both your hands. "In every way you're mine." you ended the song.

"Y/N—" he hiccup, tears trailing down his eyes and temple, looking up at his inevitable fate. "Please, Y/N—"

Plorkk!

you hated that your name was the last thing on his lips. Blood spurted on your face as you watched the boy beneath you choke and heave on his own blood.

When that was finally over, you pushed yourself up on your feet, dragging yourself a few good steps away from the fresh German corpse. Tears mixed with the blood on your face as you processed the events. Laughs turned into sobs as you fell on your side, hugging your bare body, curling in on yourself.

What have you done?

[fiveredlights]

there's glitter on the floor after the party: the deleted scenes

i'm sure it'll make someone happy because i think we all need it! just as a note, this is all unedited so some of it might make no sense and that's okay.

(i recommend the google doc for easier reading otherwise the whole thing is under the cut)

Chapter one: 2023

I don’t have anything to show…anything I did cut has already been long deleted. My bad. The first two are very sparse because I was cutting unwanted things as my Google docs was lagging whenever I opened it. The only thing I remember writing that chapter was that it was meant to coincide with Daniel’s return to COTA in real life but I ran out of time so I pushed it back to Las Vegas. 

Chapter two: 2024

CUT: Daniel winning the championship

WHY: Felt too rushed and easy. No emotional pay off, you were only just introduced to Daniel in RBR again. Also don’t ask me what happened to Max for him to not just clean sweep 2023-2027. Also don’t ask who won the championship in 2026. I declare that your favourite driver won it and I definitely did not forget to give a championship. 

DANIEL: Oh my god, it’s just surreal like I don’t know how to describe it. Especially after the past couple years, it’s just—yeah. And to do it with Max too, it’s just something special for me and the team. 

MISCELLANEOUS: 

73 Questions With Daniel Ricciardo | Vogue

3.3M views 2 days ago …more

Vogue 4M

[00:00:00]

DANIEL: Hello Vogue, didn’t see you there. Welcome to my home away from home.

[00:13:33]

PRODUCER: One sentence you could tell your younger self? 

DANIEL: Doors are meant to be opened. 

[00:15:09]

PRODUCER: Worst thing about racing in Formula 1?

DANIEL: Accidents, hands down. It’s horrifying as a driver to watch someone crash, because that’s when everything sort of gets a reality check in the cockpit. Like we are racing around at three-hundred kilometres an hour, and there is a real chance that something could go wrong. I’ll never forget Max’s Silverstone accident, just—yeah it just a horrible thing to witness.

—

emotionalsupportredbull

not daniel fidgeting with his necklace when he talks about max’s silverstone crash… you ain’t slick boy

#yes i have deluded myself into thinking it’s from max #i’m already depressed i don’t want to hear it #join team emotional support redbull delusions

348 notes

frenchpine

qu'est-ce que tu sais, espèce de salope française qui aime l'érable et qui parle bizarrement ? sors avec ça (What do you know you maple-loving weird speaking French bitch? Come out with it)

#je ne veux pas te traiter de salope #ou peut-être que c'est le cas (#i don’t mean to call you a bitch #or maybe i do)

392 notes

(i promise i wrote this before he decided to rear end daniel in china. i pinky promise.)

landando

daniel “doors are meant to be opened” ricciardo

#what is my man on #doors are meant to be opened 😭😭 #he didn’t open a door one time and it’s haunted him for life

78 notes

Chapter three: 2025

CUT: Red Bull marketing video

WHY: Chapter was already very long. Also I couldn’t find any good questions.

Daniel and Max play the F1 newlywed game 💒💍

827K views 10 hours ago #Gives you wings #F1 … more

Oracle Red Bull Racing 1.58M 

INT. RED BULL RACING HOSPITALITY - DAY

[00:00:00]

MAX: Hello everyone and today we are playing the newlywed game. 

DANIEL: Are you excited? 

MAX: I mean I have to say yes otherwise I look like I’m in an unhappy marriage. 

DANIEL: Wow—

MAX:—Also the name doesn’t even make sense. Newlywed? That isn’t us.

DANIEL: [To off screen] Guys, I would get someone to approve your overtime, we’re gonna be here a while. 

[00:02:01]

OFF SCREEN: Who is more likely to overpack for a holiday?

DANIEL: Don’t look at me!

MAX: We have three suitcases. 

DANIEL: It takes effort to look this good. 

MAX: Three suitcases every single race weekend.

DANIEL: What’s the next question? 

CUT: Lucinda’s vaguely threatening email

WHY: Broke the fourth wall. Glitter on the floor is meant to be solely a third POV view and I couldn’t justify it. 

CONFIDENTIAL: PRESS STRATEGY REGARDING MAX VERSTAPPEN AND DANIEL RICCIARDO

From: lucindasalzar@/press.redbull.racing

To: maxverstappen@/redbull.racing, danielricciardo@/redbull.racing

CC: christianhorner@/redbull.racing, teamdaniel@/press.redbull.racing, teammax@/press.redbull.racing

Date: 21 Nov 2025 at 3:04am

Hi all, 

Please see attachment below for finalised details regarding your press strategy and talking points this weekend. Media have been advised to not ask any questions about the ring and we’d like to keep it that way. Remember to keep it vague if you do get asked, and if you don’t feel comfortable a simple no comment will suffice. 

Please email for any further clarification or questions and good luck this weekend. (And please no spur of the moment Las Vegas—Elvis impersonator weddings you two.) 

Best regards, 

Lucinda Salzar (she/her)

Head of Communications, Red Bull Racing. 

E: lucindasalzar@/press.redbull.racing

P: +44 ** **** *****

CUT: The chaotic Abu Dhabi super seat swap

WHY: I had to cut this because I altered the timeline, Las Vegas was going to the second last race. In an earlier version Max and Daniel were gonna come back in 2026 and also drop the Matilda news at the same time but I wanted more content just out of Maxiel so I had to leave this on the cutting board. Some of it made it into the published fic but the original thing was more chaotic. (Also I changed the Red Bull junior driver at least once a week because they kept dropping them. It went from Hauger, to Crawford, to Maloney and then I just gave up because I could not keep up.)

lights-out-away-we-go

red bull needed to replace two drivers and they did in THE MOST CHAOTIC way possible. okay, just listen: 

the official red bull reserve driver is liam lawson (of alpha tauri, so he obviously gets pulled up)

alpha tauri then call on zane maloney to replace liam (alpha tauri’s reserve driver)

BUT, daniel’s car still needs to fulfil the mandatory rookie free practice session (max’s was completed in mexico when maloney drove)

red bull can’t get zane in daniel’s car again cause he’s got to drive liam’s… so they’ve got to find someone who has the super licence points … we’ll come back to this

so right now car 3 is being driven by liam lawson, car 40 is driven by zane maloney. i hear you ask… who is driving car 1? it’s none other than yuki tsunoda (of alphatauri)

I KNOW, but red bull have quite literally run out of contracted reserve drivers and i believe because every driver is technically employed by red bull (whether they drive for RB or AT) they’re able to pull them up or down without the FIA kicking up a fuss

i’ll wait for why red bull pulled up both AT’s 

this means yuki tsunoda’s alpha tauri will be without a driver and once again, red bull call Pepe Marti

#i don’t even know if this is 100% correct i could be so wrong

13,482 notes

—

SKY F1 SPORTS- 2025 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX - FREE PRACTICE 1

David CROFT: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to our final race of the 2025 season, to our first free practice session under the blistering sun of Abu Dhabi and if this is your first time watching, welcome along cause this will certainly be an interesting race weekend. Now, eagle eyed viewers may have caught that AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda is in the Red Bull, and his team mate is sitting in the next garage over not in a car. Anthony Davidson is with me—Ant, care to explain to our viewers at home the driver seat swap chaos that’s happening down at Red Bull? 

Anthony DAVIDSON: Hello everyone, wherever in the world you may be watching and yes, chaos is the right word for it isn’t it? I’ve got about five pieces of paper and I’m going to do my best to explain, what I think, is the most complicated driver situation in F1 history. 

CROFT: Yes, for those who didn’t join us last time out or who may be new to F1, I promise driver seat talk usually isn’t this complicated but we’ll do our best to make sense of it all. Now we’ve got to start at the last race for it all to make sense. Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo had a nasty crash with Enzo Fittipaldi of Haas that left him with a concussion and bruised ribs, which is why presumably he isn’t racing today, and we wish him well in his recovery. Red Bull’s other driver Max Verstappen was also not able to race this weekend for an unspecified reason, so Red Bull are left with two empty seats.

DAVIDSON: We know that Red Bull’s official reserve driver is Liam Lawson, so that’s no problem there. He’s driving Daniel’s number 3 car, but here’s where the trouble starts. Car number 3 still needs to complete its mandatory FP1 session, which Zane Maloney was planning to do this session. But you’ll notice that Zane is in Liam’s car right now, the Alpha Tauri—and this is because he’s Alpha Tauri’s reserve driver. 

CROFT: Still following everyone? So far, car number 3 is being driven by Liam Lawson, car number 40 is being driven by Zane Maloney. But Liam Lawson isn’t even in car number 3 at the moment, it’s Pepe Marti, who is currently racing in Formula 2 and part of Red Bull’s junior academy. He’s competing the mandatory rookie FP1 session for car number 3.

DAVIDSON: So now we move onto Max Verstappen’s car, which is being driven by the other AlphaTauri driver, Yuki Tsunoda. Which now means AlphaTauri needs a driver to replace him and it’s Red Bull junior driver, Isack Hadjar who is in car number 22. 

CROFT: Right, so it’s Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson in Red Bull for the race, Zane Maloney and Isack Hadjar in the AlphaTauri’s and Pepe Marti in Liam or Daniel’s Red Bull for FP1. Confused? Don’t worry, so are we so bare with us if we accidentally get names and teams wrong because I believe this is possibly the biggest driver change in F1 history.

DAVIDSON: Yes and because I know people will be asking, “Why didn’t Red Bull just put Maloney in Daniel’s car for the whole weekend?” and we have an answer and officially, it’s because of contracts. Whatever behind the scenes isn’t allowing him to drive that Red Bull which is why they called up Yuki instead. Maloney has also said he feels more confident driving the AlphaTauri all weekend rather than the Red Bull, so that also may play a factor in this. 

CROFT: But also this is a perfect opportunity for Red Bull to compare both drivers, should the opportunity for one of them to make the move into Red Bull when the time arises. 

Chapter four: 2026

CUT: Netflix Drive to Survive script

WHY: Once again, I was lazy and didn’t want to write a script. I kinda wish I did though, I think it would’ve given Las Vegas 2025 more substance, especially because you only see it through a fan perspective whereas DTS allows you to get the driver’s perspective, but I do plan to finish this off…. eventually….

Netflix- Drive to Survive

Season 9, Episode 3 “Redemption”

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is back in town but it’s not all good fortunes for those driving. The biggest paddock secret is unveiled.

—

INT. KITCHEN - MORNING

We see scrambled eggs on a frying pan. 

OFF SCREEN:  Daniel? Where is my jumper? The blue one? 

The camera zooms out from the eggs to see Daniel, wearing a light blue jumper, grimacing at the camera. 

DANIEL: (Under his breath) To be fair it was my jumper first.

The camera swings to Max in the doorway, arms crossed as he narrows his eyes at Daniel. 

MAX: I heard that. 

(In the garage, during the crash.)

RED BULL TEAM MEMBER #1: Has anyone told Max? 

RED BULL TEAM MEMBER #2: We’re not telling him.

RED BULL TEAM MEMBER #3: Seriously? 

RED BULL TEAM MEMBER #1: He thinks his husband is dead, we’re telling him!

INT. HOTEL ROOM

PRODUCER: Do you have some fears about allowing the world to know about your relationship? 

DANIEL: God, of course I have. We both have. But we spent so long being—not scared, but worried let’s say about the consequences of us just being together. But then Las Vegas happened and all I wanted was Max to sit by my bedside and make a stupid joke about me being in hospital again. And it was when Christian literally had to fight multiple people to get Max into that hospital I realised that what we were doing was unsustainable. 

PRODUCER: Unsustainable? 

DANIEL: Are you married? 

PRODUCER: Yes? 

DANIEL: Have you ever watched your partner crash into something at three hundred kilometres an hour and no one telling you if they were even alive? Because I’ve done that. We’ve done that. Multiple times. 

Montage of different Max & Daniel accidents. 

DANIEL: And then you have to go on with your day, going to debrief, doing press but all you really want to do is go to them and make sure that they’re even alive? 

PRODUCER: …

DANIEL: So yeah. Unsustainable. 

—

333 update account @/official333

📺 | Drive to Survive (Netflix) 

Daniel talking about his relationship with Max on and off the track: 

Q: Do you think it’s been challenging to balance out the relationship given your unique relationship with Max? 

Daniel: No, and I think people over dramatise the complexity of it all. I mean sure, it has been somewhat difficult, especially at the beginning but in the end it is just racing, you know? We’re both aware that we are something different from the other drivers, but I like that. Not many people get to do what they love with their partner right next to them, so I definitely take every race we do together for granted. 

476 replies 88 reposts 8,372 likes

CUT: Alternate ‘M’ reveal

WHY: I genuinely spent like half an hour thinking if fictional Max and Daniel would show Matilda, I had earlier drafts where they hide her face until I was like okay, this is fictional. Bad things do not exist in this universe, so it’s fine. Plus, Matilda is so cute I can’t hide her.

[Video: Daniel, standing in front of a door. 

DANIEL: I know a lot of you guys might have noticed that I’ve been dropping clues towards who this mysterious M is and it’s finally time to reveal who it is. 

He opens the door and pans the camera to Max. 

DANIEL: M stands for Max. Sorry to break the news, it’s not that exciting. Wait, who’s that? 

The camera pans further down to show Max holding a baby, she’s sleeping soundly in Max’s arm.

Photo: A baby. She’s wearing a light blue onesie, and her hand is wrapped around a mini honey badger soft toy.]

Liked by lucsalzar and others

danielricciardo Everybody meet Matilda. Matilda, this is everybody. 

View all 5,638 comments

georgerussell63 They learnt what hard launching is and said we’re going to do it for everything… Congrats 🙌 

landonorris be prepared for the onslaught of driver themed onesies coming your way… 

1 March

CUT: The half-completed TIME article about Daniel

WHY: I did not have it in me to write another 1000 word article. I spent around a week just writing Daniel’s The Players’ Tribune article. But what I did write, I did like. Was also around the time TIME named Taylor Swift as their person of the year, so that’s where I got that inspiration. 

How 2025 was the year of the Honey Badger—Daniel Ricciardo on winning his first Formula 1 Championship during a historic year.

by Tylda Rune-Liberi for TIME

February 15, 2026 9:33AM EST

It’s 2017 and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was asked in a press conference what race he would like the new owners of F1 to host. His answer? Las Vegas. In 2023, five years on, his wish was granted. Two years later, in 2025, the race he had proclaimed as a dream race would turn into stuff of nightmares. 

Leading the race and looking like he would take a first win at Las Vegas after a podium in 2023, it looked like everything was going Ricciardo’s way until a bizarre accident with Kick Stake Sauber’s Theo Pourchaire causes a major accident, leaving Ricciardo wedged in the cockpit for over half an hour. 

Pourchaire had given way to Ricciardo as he was being lapped, before attempting to unlap himself, choosing the wrong moment as Ricciardo was heading into the pitlane. Radios released after the accident have Pourchaire admit he “didn’t think he was going into the pit lane.”

It’s a horrifying crash to watch—even with the knowledge that both drivers would be okay, and it would soon be clear that no one felt it more in the pitlane than Ricciardo’s own teammate: Max Verstappen. 

Formula 1 drivers all drive with the knowledge that a crash could happen at any given moment, but this accident was different. 

[Photo: Daniel, in a dark navy denim blue overshirt and jeans.]

Ricciardo and Verstappen have had a long and varied partnership throughout their career, first starting in 2016 where Verstappen was brought up mid season from then-Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso (now Visa Cash App RB), winning his debut race with the team, where it looked like the win would go to Ricciardo instead. They would go on to be teammates for another two seasons, before Ricciardo announced a shocking move to Renault (now Alpine). 

One thing that stood out about their initial partnership was how their off track friendship never seemed to waver, even in their most turbulent of times (see Hungary 2017 or Azerbaijan 2018). In an era where friendships between teammates seemed to famously end in failure, in the likes of fan dubbed ‘Brocedes’ (Nico Rosberg & Lewis Hamilton; best friends growing up who’s friendship ended in rivalry fighting for a championship) or former Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber (Multi-21 Seb?), it was an outlier that the two remained such good friends, even after Ricciardo had departed Red Bull. 

Even Ricciardo mentions that Lewis Hamilton had gone up to him to ask how Verstappen and Ricciardo had managed to keep their friendship going even though they had tussles on track. “I don’t really know,” Ricciardo says. “I mean it’s definitely all in hindsight now, but I think it was because we—or at least I—knew that our friendship was really important. Like it was no matter what happens I don’t go and screw up this friendship I have with Max.”

Ricciardo would go through a bumpy time in his post-Red Bull career, going through two seasons at Renault, two seasons at McLaren before a 6 month break where he was named ‘Third Driver’ for Red Bull, a 6 month stint in Red Bull sister team AlphaTauri (formerly Toro Rosso, now Visa Cash App RB) which was marked with Ricciardo missing 5 races due to a hand injury during a free practice session in Zandvoort before returning back to the very seat he left six years earlier, Red Bull announcing Ricciardo’s return at the 2023 Las Vegas race. 

A move that was then deemed as a surprise move by many pundits, all was put to rest when Riccardo finessed his AlphaTauri in the podium position, grabbing the team 3rd place and their first podium since Pierre Gasly in 2021. 

Something was different about this second stint, and it wasn’t the journeys they’ve both gone on since they both parted ways. There was something different about them together. 

[Photo: Max and Daniel laughing in the Red Bull garage.]

Nine years on since their first race together, it was oddly reminiscent of their first. Verstappen crossed the line to win a race his teammate had been poised to do so. Only this time, the celebrations were much different. 

With Ricciardo in hospital, Verstappen quickly left the race track after a tuned down podium ceremony, skipping out on mandatory post-race media duties, where competitors and team can attract fines for doing so. (The FIA opted not to fine Verstappen and Red Bull in this instance.) 

Even during the red flag it was clearly Verstappen was antsy, with his radio calls after finding out his teammate was in an accident conveying his state of worry. Leaked video from inside the Red Bull garage has Verstappen mention not finishing the race, wanting to be by Ricciardo’s side instead. 

///

“I remember I posted the post and people were like ‘Oh, maybe he meant it in a friendly way’ and I was like f***, I’ve got to actually spell it out for them.” Hence, the iconic post that broke the F1 world was born. 

[Daniel’s tweet.] 

It’s 2020, and the Australian Grand Prix has just been cancelled due to COVID. 

All the drivers and teams are left scrambling to try and leave the country before the borders close, and Daniel Ricciardo has just invited Max Verstappen to stay over at his house in Perth. 

“I don’t think I can even call it a friendly gesture, because as much as I like the other guys on the grid, there’s no way I would’ve invited them over.”

///

“Yeah, I won a championship. But I’m still the same person.”

Ricciardo’s often been somewhat of an open book, he says—whether it was for the better or for the worse. Every aspect of his life has been so highly publicised, from winning races to what it looks like when he’s not, it’s remarkable how he still holds nearly the same candour, even if his name and career has seemingly been dragged through the mud a thousand times over by the media. 

Last year he publicly came out in a F1-related podcast, to what he says was very unplanned. “I didn’t plan to come out, let’s say, it just kind of happened. 

“I didn’t even plan to come out, let's say, it just kind of happened? I was recording a podcast and I was talking about 2022 and how it unfolded, the support systems around me and I said “my partner”, and a part of me went Oh, shit! I hadn’t talked about my relationships at length before that, and I knew people were going to absolutely run with it and then I was like—well, might as well just go the whole nine yards, so then the second reference to my partner I very deliberately dropped in he. And that was it.”

“I remember so vividly, I went home that night and I told Max, oh I think I did something stupid and his mind immediately went to me accidentally leaking like team secrets or something big like that, and I was like no, I may have accidentally came out and within like three seconds you could see is brain just switch. 

“There is no we found the elephant in the room or whatever. The elephant has always been in the room and it’s just decided to make its presence known.”

“Look, I definitely understand some of the criticism that some people may have with F1 or Red Bull or us capitalising on our relationship or whatever, but I think now more than ever there’s a need to perhaps know who the drivers are when they aren’t driving.” Ricciardo adds. 

“Because it’s all fine and good if John Smith is winning races and driving amazingly, but if you know next to nothing about the person because it seems like they’re packed up and shipped race to race, you’re not going to root for the guy because they’ve made no connection.”

Ricciardo quickly clarifies that it’s not a negative for sports people or celebrities to maintain their personal lives, but he sees it more as a way to express or show what he wants to show in his own lives. “We spent nearly five years it near complete secrecy from the outside world and whilst I’m not saying that we should’ve just been public right from the start—we probably wouldn’t have survived—I was just wanting to post a photo of Max burning dinner or something and not have gossip magazines or Instagram accounts dissect every pixel of it.”

Did Ricciardo get pushback from the FIA or his team? It’s a difficult question to answer, he tells me. NDAs and whatnot. He says, “The team was wonderful about it, though. Had multiple team members come up to us willingly to fight the higher powers if needed which was very sweet.”

“Let’s just say there were conversations that I had been made aware of that had made me feel like we weren’t even allowed to look at each other when we were in the paddock. I felt like they were asking me to only refer to him as my teammate, stuff along those lines.”

///

“One of our friends told us at our wedding something along the lines of for F1 drivers, you did move pretty fucking slow in your relationship! And Max was like yeah, did you know who we were in 2018?” Ricciardo laughs loudly, scaring one of the cats who seemed ready to take a nap. 

///

“I used to rely so much on what other people thought of me, it wasn’t enough that I thought I was the best guy out there, you also had to think I was the best guy out there.”

///

Racing has always been part of Ricciardo’s life, but he doesn’t want it to be the only thing now in his life. He wants you to ask about things not related to racing, like how much he loves his family or how he thinks the Buffalo Bills are the greatest NFL team on earth. 

“I’m not going to do this forever, you know?” He says, finishing the can of Red Bull he’d been slowly sipping throughout the course of this piece. “I hope when I look back at these years of my life I’m going to be equally proud of what I did in the car and what I did outside of it.” — With reporting done by Tylda Rune-Liberi and Nicolas St. Revelate. 

CUT: Max and the team getting called up to the FIA

WHY: The FIA seems like an organisation who might send me a cease and desist if I wrote them as quietly homophobic. I don’t have money for a lawsuit. Also wanted to keep the universe happy because the real one is not. Still think my Mad Mex reference is funny.

Autosport @/autosport

Breaking: Max Verstappen summoned to the stewards after allegedly breaking parc ferme rules. 

12 replies 90 reposts 821 likes

—

F1 - 2026 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX - POST RACE PRESS CONFERENCE - TRANSCRIPT

23.3.26

Q: Sorry, Daniel just coming back to you now. We’ve just received word that Max Verstappen has just been summoned to the stewards for breaking parc fermé conditions, any reaction on that? 

Daniel RICCIARDO: For what? 

Q: Uh, we think it might be related to post race procedures around weighing. Not entirely sure yet, his meeting is at 6:15pm.

DR: Well there goes our dinner plans. To be fair our dinner plans were literally just Mad Mex in our hotel rooms before flying to Perth, but still. 

Jack DOOHAN: Mad what? 

DR: Mad Mex? You know, the Mexican fast food place. Surely you’ve had it. 

JD: Oh, I thought you said Mad Max and I was like, “He finished P4 that doesn’t seem too bad.”

DR: Did Max not do the weigh in or what? 

Q: He did, after your podium. Sorry mate, even more bad news for the team, they’ve been summoned to the stewards as well.

DR: If I find out I’m going to lose another podium about ten years on after the race here I’m gonna be pissed.

Q: This one is related to Article 26.13 b, where “Unless authorised by the FIA, no one under the age of 16 is permitted in the pit lane at the following times: b) The period commencing fifteen (15) minutes before the pit exit is opened to allow cars to cover reconnaissance laps and the time when the last car enters the parc fermé after the sprint session or the race has ended.”

DR: What cause we had our daughter with us at the podium celebration? 

Q: Quite possibly, yeah. 

DR: That’s interesting. I—yeah, I’m just gonna say that’s interesting.

Oscar PIASTRI: Kevin had his kids with him in Monza twenty four, didn’t he? 

DR: Yeah, I’m sure the team will have a lot to say so we’ll just leave it at that. 

CUT: Reaction to Australia winning

WHY: Timeline changes. Original timeline was Australia 2026 being their first race back after Las Vegas and relationship/kid reveal. I apparently also cut the all Australian podium. Can't remember why.

[Photo 1: 

Photo 2: 

Photo 3: 

Photo 4: Lucinda holding the constructor trophy on the podium, Daniel giving a big grin next to her.]

Liked by jackdoohan and others

danielricciardo Never thought I’d be able to share a podium with two other Aussies but what better time than at our home race. @/jackdoohan @/oscarpiastri @/redbullracing 🇦🇺❤️

View all 5,382 comments

ausgp Surely this gets us a public holiday?! @/auspm 

oscarpiastri We’re about to get even more annoying… 

—

Oracle Red Bull Racing @/redbullracing 

Don’t mind us, we’re just in a puddle of tears over how cute @/Max33Verstappen and @/danielricciardo are 😍😭🫶

[Video: Taken from behind the parc ferme barriers, Daniel holding Matilda as Max hugs him, one hand around his waist and the other around the back of his neck.]

—

jeanie 🤠 @/COTADANIEL

flabbergasted about how well max and daniel hid their relationship from the world because man that he looks at daniel like he hung the moon stars and the sun and we’ve just been blind to notice

jake @/381racers

Maxiel admin logged on today thank you universe 🙏

—

DANIEL: Yeah, I just didn’t think I was able to have this, you know? If you had told me like seven years ago that hey, “You’ll be winning again and Max and your kid will be right along with you”, I would’ve laughed in your face. There is still absolutely more work to do, but I’m just glad I get to have my little moment without like some of these outside factors screaming and kicking at us. 

CUT: Jake @/381racers meeting Daniel

WHY: Felt too indulgent. Loved it, but I think the idea pushed the boundaries/fourth wall maybe A Little too much, even for my low standards.

jake @/381racers

Only felt right that I get this signed 

[Photo: Jake’s infamous tweet “Max Verstappen can you fight?” printed out and framed. Max has signed it and wrote “Yes he can.”]

—

jake @/381racers

First photo really Daniel did you have to shame me further . I thought we had a promise. Anyways, here's the video of me meeting them.

[Video: Jake meeting Daniel, in Red Bull hospitality. They’re both sitting down in chairs, and Jake has his hands on top of a frame placed face down on the table. 

JAKE: Do you remember like two years ago in COTA you wore a leather jacket outfit and basically the internet blew up because of how good you looked? 

DANIEL: Yeah, with the cowboy hat and everything! 

JAKE: And there was a tweet that trended on that weekend—

Daniel sits up in his chair, eyes widening in realisation of who Jake is. 

DANIEL: Oh my god you’re “Max Verstappen can you fight?” guy?!

JAKE: Embarrassingly, yes. 

DANIEL: (offscreen) How did you find him?! 

OFFSCREEN: Remember when I said I was going to bring my boyfriend this race? 

Daniel looks back and forth behind the person offscreen and Jake multiple times before bending over and laughing hysterically. 

OFFSCREEN: Yeah, I’m not happy about it either. 

DANIEL: Oh my god did I like cause you two to meet? 

jake @/381racers

No I too am not happy about my internet history coming back to bite me 

CUT: Interview with Lawrence Baretto

WHY: I ran out of time. I had planned to post this at the end of Jan, but since I didn’t post that NYD bonus fic, I didn’t wanna go a month without an update so this got culled. Also my vague illusions to Max’s dad felt a little weird.

Exclusive: Daniel Ricciardo on retirement, 15 years of F1 and family with Lawerence Barretto

When I ask about his daughter and if they have any interest in making her follow in her parents footsteps, he shuts down my line of questioning pretty quickly. 

“No,” he immediately says. “I’m not going to write out a path for her to follow, or put expectations for her to go into karting because of a family legacy. I think Max knows it a little bit more than me, how the expectations of someone who’s meant to take care of you can tarnish the thing you love.” 

Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and former F1 driver hasn’t been seen in the paddock since 2023. Both declined to comment when asked. 

“If she wants to start karting, then we’ll probably have a very long conversation about how it’s important that she finds it fun and if she doesn’t then she doesn’t. It’s not important to me that she wins or whatever, I just want her to enjoy it.”

Chapter five: 2027

CUT: Drive to Survive script

WHY: I did not have the energy to write a full script, and I felt like there were too many events to write about and I could not do it justice. Also I would like idk if Max and Daniel would show Matilda on DTS which is crazy because Matilda is not real…

—

Drive to Survive

Season 10 Episode 10 “One final rodeo…”

After fifteen years in the sport, Formula 1 says goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo. 

[00:20:26]

INT. HOTEL ROOM INTERVIEW

PRODUCER:  We don’t have to talk about Las Vegas. 

DANIEL:  No, it's fine. Probably should. Uh—yeah. 

PRODUCER:  We can take a minute. 

DANIEL:  Yeah, thanks. I didn’t talk about it last year did I? 

PRODUCER:  No. Okay, we’ll cut. 

CUT TO BLACK. 

Sound of car crashing into wall, before it fades in to show the Red Bull in the pitlane wall. Cuts to people reacting—Red Bull employees, fans in the grandstands and then a birds eye aerial view of the crash, showing the medical and extraction crew. 

PIERRE HAMLIN (V.O): Daniel, are you okay? 

Cuts to Max’s T-CAM footage, him driving past the car. 

MAX (V.O): What the fuck happened? 

PIERRE: Daniel, please just press the radio button so we know you’re okay. 

Cuts to Daniel’s T-CAM footage, his helmet leans against the left side of the halo, indicating he’s unmoving. 

PIERRE: Daniel, can you hear me? 

Cuts to showing the Red Bull pitwall, everyone looking at each other worried. 

DANIEL (V.O): The first thought I had was: Shit. This is really bad timing. Second thought I had was: Max is going to kill me.

Cuts to Daniel's forward facing cockpit onboard, him moving his head and looking up and down the cockpit.

PIERRE: Daniel?

DANIEL: Yep. Fuck. My chest, fuck. Shit, is um the other driver okay?

PIERRE: Yes, he's okay but don't worry about him. Do you think you can get out of the car?

DANIEL: Yeah no, I don't think that's happening with breaking something. Fuck, my ribs. Oh god. I think something's broken.

PIERRE: Okay Daniel, the medical team are nearly there but do not move if you think it will cause more damage. The car is safe, so do not worry about anything else.

DANIEL: Yep, okay. Um, will someone tell Max I'm okay? Just, don't freak him out yeah?

PIERRE: Copy Daniel, it will be okay, it will be okay. Just keep radio on please.

DANIEL: Okay. Fuck, this sucks.

INT. STUDIO

TEXT: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver

MAX VERSTAPPEN: Been a while. 

PRODUCER: Didn’t think you were going to agree. 

MAX VERSTAPPEN: Would be a big thing if you made it look like we hated each other again! 

PRODUCER: We asked Daniel what his first thought was when he had that accident. He said “This is really bad timing” and that you were going to kill him. Why? 

MAX: Well, because of Matilda.

EXT. PORT HERCULES, MONACO— MORNING

 Long shot of Port Hercules, Monaco, filmed from a balcony. It’s peaceful, quiet—the city sounds filling the background before we hear a baby scream in joy. 

DANIEL: Matilda! 

Matilda is on the floor in the living room, on a playmat and she plays with wooden blocks. Max is next to her on the ground, with his back leant against the couch, Daniel is on the couch. 

DANIEL (V.O): Yeah, she’s one of the best things to happen to me. For a long time my whole life was just racing, but now she’s my whole life. Like it’s okay if I have a bad race or whatever, I’ve got to move on quickly because she’s there at home waiting.  

MAX: Having a kid does change you, I think. Daniel will not say his driving has changed, but it has. 

PRODUCER: In what way? 

MAX: I think now he is more focused on winning every race, not that he wasn’t before. But because maybe he knows that every race matters more now. You hope that the others around you will not be too reckless so that you can go home after the race. 

EXT. CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS — MIDDAY

TEXT ON SCREEN: 2025 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX

RED BULL EMPLOYEE #1: Hey, welcome back Danny! 

DANIEL: Thank you, thank you. Hope you didn’t miss my handsome face too much. 

RED BULL EMPLOYEE #1: I didn’t know Jake went on holiday! 

DANIEL: I’m gonna crash the car just for that.

RED BULL EMPLOYEE #2: No, we’re just kidding. So how’s the baby? 

DANIEL: She’s great, do you wanna see a photo? 

RED BULL EMPLOYEE #1: Oh, she’s adorable. Matilda was her name? 

DANIEL: Yeah, yeah. We had a list but I think Matilda was the only one that stood out to us. She just looks like a Matilda you know? 

///

The camera swings to the right, as Daniel’s head sticks out from the door. 

DANIEL RICCIARDO: You aren’t talking shit about me, Maxy? 

MAX VERSTAPPEN: Of course I am. 

///

MAX: I have raced with Daniel in every single year of F1. I think it will be weird.

DANIEL RICCIARDO I think I was a pretty good darn car mechanic. 

CUT: Max’s interview with GQ

WHY: If you haven’t learnt by now, I am very lazy. Honestly, I just wanted this chapter out and I knew I didn’t have the time to write a whole article. Also I don’t think Max would be this open about this relationship but maybe Daniel made him more open in this universe. I still stand by the first sentence, it is possibly the truest thing to come out of the fic.

You can’t talk about Max Verstappen without eventually talking about Daniel Ricciardo, and you can’t talk about Daniel Ricciardo without eventually talking about Max Verstappen. This was a true statement in the earlier part of Verstappen’s career, but now perhaps even more so. “He’s made me a much better person,” Verstappen comments when I ask him about his husband. “I maybe wasn’t the best person to be teammates with when I was first in Formula 1, but he stayed friends with me. Even after he left and I was not being nice to him, he still stayed. That was very important to me.”

There’s a certain aura of happiness that comes from Verstappen when he starts talking about Ricciardo, and he says it’s probably one of the most documented love stories of F1. 

It started in the early morning after the final race of the 2018 season, and a drunk voicemail to Ricciardo kicked things off. “I was still mad that he was going, and I had too many gin and tonics and I called him at like 12 am or something. Obviously he didn’t answer because he was sleeping but I said really embarrassing stuff in that voicemail.” He left one more a couple hours later, asking Ricciardo not to mention it. 

“He really took that to heart.” Verstappen laughs. “I don’t really know why, we would talk when we saw each other on race weekends and pretend that everything was fine between us.” 

They were seemingly friends only when it was the race weekend, but off track they had never been further apart. There was a lot of resentment and unsaid conversation from Verstappen’s side, self proclaiming that his stubbornness had put a pin in their relationship. “It’s easy to say now looking back, but I thought Daniel leaving Red Bull was also leaving me. And I didn’t take it well.”

But a little bit of push and shove from his fellow friends made him realise that having Ricciardo in his life was more important than whatever feelings he had towards him leaving. 

///

Verstappen proposed two years later in December 2022 at that same house. “Coordinates of the house and everything on the ring,” Ricciardo comments when he drops in to grab something from the office. “Cried like a baby when I realised.”

Deleted Epilogue:

WHY: I still can’t decide if Matilda would go down the F1 path. If she did, she is definitely a Ferrari driver. Just to mess with her dads. I think she would sign with Red Bull in the junior seasons, maybe do two seasons with Red Bull then switch to Ferrari. A Sebastian Vettel if you will…let’s hope it turns out better for her than him. 

[Photo 1: A Ferrari car crossing the chequered flag.

Photo 2: Matilda on the third step of the podium, holding the trophy in the air, the Australian flag wrapped around her shoulders.]

Photo 3: Matilda hugging her parents in parc ferme.]

Liked by danielricciardo and others

mvr one home race down 🇦🇺, one more to go 🇳🇱 😉

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scuderiaferrari 👏🎉

23 March

—

SKY SPORTS: 2048 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX

David CROFT: And Matilda Verstappen-Ricciardo absolutely sends it down the inside and makes it stick, and what a move! Gosh, I was not expecting her to pull it off but she absolutely does and gets a roar of a cheer from the home crowd, Verstappen-Ricciardo is currently in P3. 

Jenson BUTTON: I mean, we should not be surprised. Daughter of Max Verstappen, a six time World Champion and Daniel Ricciardo, another World Champion. A lot of racing talent in that family, I thought the last of the late breakers was Daniel but she has really put a new meaning on late!

DC: And speaking of there is Max and Daniel Verstappen-Ricciardo, who I imagine are probably the most nervous parents in the paddock right now! A lovely nod and clap of encouragement as we watch the reaction of Matilda’s overtake for P3. 

—

matilda verstappen-ricciardo @/MVR 

if you’re wondering if it’s embarrassing to have your parents show up at work to congratulate you just wait till one of them interviews you in front of the tv…. thanks dad i’ve never felt so uncool before

138 replies 98 reposts 20,482 likes

—

POST RACE: PARC FERME INTERVIEW

Daniel RICCIARDO: Matilda! 

Matilda VERSTAPPEN-RICCIARDO: Oh my god, please be cool about this. 

DR: Just wait till I convince F1 to let me and Max double host it. 

MVR: This is actually my worst nightmare. Like maybe three other people will understand what I’m feeling right now. 

DR: 

///

MVR: I mean I’m not worried about a legacy, if people think I’m here to start or continue a legacy then they can think that, but I’m here to race. Not carry on whatever my parents did. 

[petit-papillion]

I'm not sending this message to be hateful or to criticize but I honestly think that we overrate Charles too much. I like him a lot but I find it exaggerated to put him on the same level as max. Maybe at one time Charles could have reached the same level as Max or really had a rivalry with him but now I think it's too late. he missed his chances. Charles is a very talented driver but not a generational driver. I think he made bad career choices, that he should have left Ferrari because even if the team makes progress, it will never regain its former glory. I think Charles is destined for 2nd place. Especially now that Lando is improving a lot, he is starting to surpass Charles in terms of skill just as his team is surpassing Ferrari. I think Lando will be the one to become Max's rival and win a title before Charles. It must be recognized that Ferrari will always make mistakes, and when she doesn't, it benefits Charles's teammate. I doubt that Charles will be the priority with the arrival of Lewis. Charles should have left Ferrari when it was time, now it's too late. I think that that's too bad. But Charles and Max are absolutely not in the same category, Max is too far ahead of Charles and has been for a very long time. I think it is too late for Charles and Ferrari, they missed their opportunity. I can't see Charles becoming champion in front of Lando or Max

Hello Anon. Not really sure what brought on these thoughts, but I respectfully disagree with several of your points.

Not a generational driver? To be honest, I think that term is overused and puts unnecessary expectations on a driver. So much also depends on having the right car, the right people pushing you forward, the right mindset, the right opportunities. Maybe THE generational driver is a woman who only drove karts for fun and never pursued a career in professional racing.

Should've left Ferrari? Where exactly do you suggest Charles should've gone in the last 5 years? Red Bull? Already have a number 1 driver in Max. Mercedes? Had a number 1 in Lewis, and then their car was shit for a long time. George only has 1 win under his belt. McLaren? Also shit for the longest time and Lando is their golden boy who only just this year got his first win. Ferrari may have fumbled some opportunities, but Charles is the only one with a Top 3 finish in the WDC in the past 5 years from a team that is not Red Bull or Mercedes. And besides that, he is a Ferrari man through and through, something I wrote about in early December - a couple of months before his new contract was announced:

Not number 1 priority at Ferrari once Lewis arrives? It's possible. Only time will tell. But Ferrari does not give long contracts like they've given to Charles to anyone else, so there's that.

Not in the same category? It's true that Max is far ahead, just like Red Bull has been ahead of Ferrari. At the same time, it's not like anyone else has been able to come close to Max and the RBR's car's superiority until recently. Fred is doing a fine job making improvements in the team, but it takes a while to turn the ship around.

Lando to become champion before Charles? Again, it's possible, because a lot depends on the car they drive. It takes a combination of a skilled driver and a fast car, as we have seen with Checo not being able to do what Max can with the same car, and Lando not winning any races in an inferior McLaren. The experience driving a fast car may need to be developed as well, and Charles certainly is not the only one who has made mistakes under pressure. I literally just finished watching a race where George and Lando both made mistakes that cost them the lead in a race either of them could've won.

By the way, here is Max this race weekend being asked if he had to bet on just one driver to become world champion, who he would pick:

🎥 archive33mv

Finally, just so there is no misunderstanding: I will always keep hoping that Charles achieves his dream of becoming WDC, just as I never gave up hope he could win in Monaco. I am not as delusional to think it will be easy. Or even if he manages to win it, that he is at the same level as Max is right now. But I would like him to get there...

[vsyrworld]

get to know my favorite driver's ship

this was made by me and for me and i wrote fanfic about them!!!

(fyi; i started watching f1 in 2015 so ofc you guys KNOW what my FIRST and ULTIMATE ship)

(older f1 ships: )

Brocedes :D (childhood friends, teammates, rivals, anything but a lover - crofty 2021)

OH COME ON. I will write an essay about their history. BUT ANYWAY, despite their toxic year in 2015/2016, I still adore how young nico and lewis friendship or whatever they had in Greece back then and I still keep this ship alive until the 2021 season. Their battle on the track was BEYOND TOXIC, yet their battle off the track (media drama) is HILLAARIOUS. How come Lewis accidentally spills out, the name that shouldn't be spoken for Half of DECADE. God both of them are dramas king. NICO PODCAST omg the talk with Alain prost and they compared his vs Senna battle with HIS AND Lewis's battle PLUS when Nico's storytelling his "friendship" history in ITALY at the SPONSOR EVENTS *CRIED* and lewis always mentioned how he loves ice cream and do cheating day in imola and monza BECAUSE IT WAS NICO WHO INTRODUCE THE FOOD THERE. ugh I hate and love them at the same time. (I do include some Seb/NICO too because I like see Lewis getting rilled up)

2. Kimi and Seb (I ADORE THIS A LOT)

my calm and serenity wise iconic ferrari couple. I feel like Kimi was the rock ice and water for Seb to prevent him from burnout because of ferrari. during 2017-2018, Seb pushed hard (same like Charles) and yet the car reliability fuck his championship standing. and kimi (--kimi was the last ferrari champion hiks) kimi just so attentive to seb and I genuinely like both of them being rebels to whole ferrari tradition (like they don't do rollercoaster thingy, they DON'T master Italian, they just become their self and being so comfortable in their own bubble, fuck world). I had noticed also Seb (and Gio) is the only teammate that can make Kimi laugh. I just super super adore them!

3. Maxiel (TRADITIONALSHIP! I REFUSE OTHER SHIP FOR MAX BESIDE DANIEL. I REFUSE!)

ugh should I explain them? THE CHAOTIC GAYEST ENERGY IN WHOLEEE 2016 GRIDS COME ON. I love how Daniel basically took young rookie Max under his arm and just had fun on and off the track with It? The biggest flop was when Max was just so hotheaded and they crashed in Baku. I thought their relationship gonna be stranded but GUESS WHAT? MAXIEL IS STILL ALIVE UNTIL NOW HELLO? and their relationship is so real not only for the camera but also out the camera. The other highlight moment is when Max is already 'too big' daniel really steps down from RBR because he knows, Max will outshine him, and he knows (what he learned from brocedes too) that it's better to go the other way.

(newer)

4. Dando (COMFORT SHIIP Not romantically also)

I thought daniel was max soulmate but LANDO excuse me? They can share daniel If they want. i just love how lando becomes so silly and blushes like school teenager around Daniel. i love how they INFLUENCE each other. I think because I feel nostalgic with them because they really similar with Maxiel in 2017 era, just one season before Daniel goes to renault, Maxiel was strained on thin paper. Dando other hands, well Daniel mostly, struggled in McLaren (with the papaya fans also still adore Carlos that time and refuse to let go him) plus Lando was shining bright just like Max 2016. Again, daniel he stepped OUT (this time). I guess, that similarity made me miss maxiel too.

5. last one C2 (Charlos) gosh, please!! ultimate!!!

loving and adoring them was expected though. It wasn't because they're both handsome (I already know Carlos was goofy ever since his Renault era so I never consider him as a handsome man) BUT DANG BOY, RED ON CARLOS WAS SOMETHING ELSE? RED ON CARLOS, BLACK ON CARLOS WAS SAKDAJSKDFHLKJSAFHKJAF.

-- okay back to the c2. It was a slow build okay? I realized that they are special during Carlos's first podium, Monaco 2021. Charles WAS LIKE ME. Blushing giggling, shy gazes toward Carlos. they are so endearing. Both of them are the victims of the Ferrari team. But I think they both understand each burden (Charles being the predestinated one, and Carlos had to prove his talent bcs he is a two times world champion son) plus, the way Ferrari screwed Charles in 2019. The team was cracked but with Carlos, I didn't expect this cursed team is heal :"D (Crying) and Charles become more relaxed, more enjoyed, even his coping mechanism is with laughter and Carlos just matches his energy. Idk , they gave me... a relationship through ups and downs.

and I realized there are so many people trying to pit them against each other, their fans are constantly arguing about who is the best and better driver, always dragging one of them down, but guess what is Carlos and Charles's response? it's completely differs from real life. They knew and fucking see it their fans tension. Carlos's anger to the Spanish media has already proven enough he had enough of these things. Charles also said in an interview that "what he saw about him and Carlos is nowhere true". they are the best PR relationship couple out there, but I also can see a genuine, how they know each other so weell. How Charles kept the football game updated just because of Carlos, how Carlos knows his favorite food, how they had their own internal jokes,

they are both soo lowkey on the camera during and outside the race. and I think that Is why people never hype them like carlando or everyone's favorite childhood rival to lovers lesttapen. And I thought they didn't really hang out with each other that much but WHAT WAS THAT SUMMER BREAK? HUH? YOU IN MALORCA AND WENT TO SOUTHERN FRENCH? What were the matching Instagram feeds color and aesthetic at New York? WHAT WAS THE THING ABOUT PASTA CARBONARA UN LUNGA NON PENNE? WHAT WAS THAT THING CHARLES SLEPT ON THE FLOOR just to accompany Carlos watching World Cup? The dolomites? The Sardinia?

there are soo many thing that they keep it so low-profile and under camera, and yet their conversation is so domestic.

[skitskatdacat63]

hi there! not sure if you listen to chappell roan but as a vettonso enthusiast i'm curious about your thoughts on vettonso x my kink is karma?

...admittedly vettonso is far more of a fascinating dynamic to me than an actual ship of mine but i was listening to 'my kink is karma' yet again and i couldn't help but think how vettonso-coded it was - very rbr seb vs. ferrari nando /wec nando watching the downfall of 'ferrari seb' in a schadenfreude way

disclaimer that the song's a bit more angsty/bitter but i feel like it fits the rbr seb vs. ferrari nando perfectly

(First of all wow that music vid and song!!! I've been thinking lately about trying to get into her music, cause I've seen her a lot on tiktok and I gotta say you're pushing me 🤭🤭 Also to imagine vettonso as the people in the music video....god. Fernando in the red lingerie?????)

Haha dw about it being overly angsty, tbh a lot of my vettonso stuff seems pretty positive but god I absolutely fucking love the bitterness and angst of them so so much! I point our cute moments and then write meta about how depressing and toxic they both are. But yeah you're so right! This fits them so well, I'm actually dying, just that whole verse is really especially fitting. "Stole my cute aesthetic," literally!! "You crashing your car, you breaking your heart" what if I died??

My thoughts on that part of their relationship is basically. I think eventually, when Fernando came back to f1, he had more sympathy and connected more with Seb after seeing Seb go thru the same shit he did with Ferrari. But I agree with you so much that this song is the vibe of them directly during that era of the seat transfer. First Seb stole his championships, than he stole his seat, and Fernando was in McHonda hell. So even if he comes to sympathize with Seb, as you said there's definitely a feeling of schadenfreude. It's hard to not feel weirdly pleased at the same time when he realizes Seb isn't some fail proof god, he's just as suseptible, just as breakable. There's some level of satisfaction in seeing your rival get broken down in a similar way to how you yourself were broken down. Seb thought he could waltz in and immediately succeed where Fernando failed, but nope, just as cursed and depressing. Ferrari fail boys beloved!

The line "it's coming around" is so fitting. I feel like it probably removed a lot of the upset Fernando had about losing again and again to Seb, bcs he then gets to see Seb lose in the exact same way, falling apart at the last moment, and then all of it falling even further away from him, in an honestly even more painful manner than Fernando himself imo. Agh and the thing about not being jealous, but enjoying watching his downfall. I wonder if he ever felt any premonitions about Seb's career. Like "enjoy your day in the sun now, but itll get dark soon dw." And the "while you're hating yourself, I'm feeling myself" is sooooo wec era. Bcs like Fernando was literally winning races and world championships when Seb's situation kept deteriorating more and more.

[justaredheadf1fan]

What the hell was this, Australia?

Sup people!

No, I did not wake up to watch Quali at 7am. I mean, I could still be asleep but here we are 🤣

Quali - Saturday

Let's see what this mess of a weekend takes us now.

Sargeant having some trouble there. CHECO GOES OFF. YES!!!!! Red Flag and it's a RBR. Life is good. He'd been having a tone of trouble during FP3. But why is it never his damn teammate!?

That was a rather quick one, pretty quiet so far apart from the Checo snafu. Sharl is going through it apparently, poor boy is struggling.

Q1 is coming to an end and expectations are running wild at the moment.

Merc babies please proceed to move your asses out of the drop-out zone, I'm about to have a heart attack. LOL LANCE P1. There we go, babe!

I was gonna say "the Ferraris are fighting!" but I see Sharl getting P1 from Stroll and Carlos just being around. And Norris keeps just going off track like he's talking a walk.

That bird has been reborn after that near miss 🤣 How on Earth is Nico right there on the top? He's doing quite a good job lately. Lewis joining the party right at the end.

The battle begins, I know how this ends but seeing it myself hours later feels exactly as exciting as it would've at 7am.

LEWIS GOES P1!!! Shame it just lasts for a minute, but God does it feel right!

Rain is on the way and there's just time for one last push. Okay I believe I've just seen the reason why Sharl was all salty right after Quali.

What the fuck was Nico doing? Shit and Alonso gets P2, Jesus this is a fucking nailbiter!! But here come the Merc boys, right the last second they make it!! God, what is this!!!!!

Just watched the interviews post Quali and it's so funny how Lewis and George are so in sync for everything, including leaving Sid the sloth behind without missing a beat 🤣 I love to see it, why lie about it.

More of this stuff tomorrow I hope, it's an amazing start, way better than I anticipated, so hoping for the good stuff again.

Race - Sunday

G'day everyone, I'm dead right now. Why is it so early? 🥹

This is about to start now, and I can't be any happier that McLaren is looking so bad. Well deserved.

It's go time. GEORGE TAKES P1, SHARL OFF TRACK TO THE GRAVEL AND LEWIS FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE GETS P2!!!!!! Safety Car coming out after Lance pushed Sharl off track to the gravel. Boy what a start!

Fraudstappen (yes, I'm coming back to this because he deserves it) complaining on the radio about Lewis pushing him out. Are you fucking kidding me? You fuck up the start because every time you have Lewis close you lose your shit and then you can't even defend your position, so "he pushed you off". Go fuck yourself.

That said, even Carlos had a better start. Quite impressive. But why does everything bad always happening to Charles? It's so unfair, my baby does not deserve this.

George shut up. Please, I love you a lot but lately you're getting on my nerves. Yes, Lewis is attacking, he's come to take no prisoners. But that's Lewis Hamilton you're talking about and last time you fucked around and you might just find out now.

ALBON IS OUT! SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN 10 LAPS! AND LEWIS IS P1, STOP THE COUNT! STOP THE FUCKING COUNT! And this turns into a Red Flag.

My, poor Sharl. So unfair. Why can't he have something nice? What is it that he has to do? Oh God and that camera angle from Nico????? Scary as fuck tbh.

So, it's a Standing Start now. I'm scared but I know Lewis can do this with his eyes closed. Alonso just behing Cuntstappen, this calls for a crash between the two. IN ALONSO WE TRUST.

COME ON LEWIS, HERE WE GO. FERNANDO FOR FUCK'S SAKE GET THE MORON. The restart is being investigated now due to half the cars stopping in the same spot. Jesus.

DRS enabled and Alonso flopped. I hate this. I mean, who wouldn't catch the leader with an illegal car? No surprises. But still he cries when he's been passed fair and square. Asshole. How is it possible getting 2 SECONDS in HALF a lap? And no team complains or does anything? It's unbelievable.

So Alonso suddenly has pace again and it's just in time to get to Lewis, but he "couldn't" do anything to catch Fraudstappen. What a surprise.

GEORGE HAS FIRE ON THE BACK OF HIS CAR. LEWIS ALL ALONE NOW, SHIT. He had to stop at the exit of the pit lane and it's now closed. Facing a VSC now. It's 3 cars down so far today. Shit Australia, don't make it worse now.

Back to racing again, just hope Alonso flops the same way he does agains the idiot. This feud with Lewis (only Lewis) is just uncalled for. He's the only driver he's doing this with. Never fights Cuntstappen but Lewis appears and it's his time to start doing something every single time.

At least if anyone can manage the tyres and do a fantastic job defending his position, that's Lewis. I just wish he could catch Sid the Sloth again and slap him in the face, but as I said, with an illegal car even the rest of us could win that easily.

Alonso back to playing his game again. Can this race please end already? This has been enough. I'm dying here. And Carlos... Yes, that overtake on Pierre was fantastic but he manages that once every 8 races? He's above Sharl on sheer luck, not because he deserves anything, same as his seat in Ferrari, purely because of his last name, because he shouldn't be there, he's done nothing really worthy of getting a Ferrari seat. And I'll die on this hill.

Lewis setting Fastest Lap twice is just something worth watching. Other than this, I really want to go back to sleep, this is bullshit.

I hope Pierre catches Carlos, he deserves it. Cuntstappen going off to the grass and losing 3 full seconds. Can't he just have a PU problem? Can't care enough either about Norris getting passed Nico. McLaren needs to flop 100%.

KEVIN NO!!!! HE HAS A FAILURE AND HAS TO STOP ON TRACK. SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED. He's lost a wheel too!? I can't believe this. Will they finish under SC at the race that Masi's watching? Or will they race until the end? RED FLAG. AND IT'S A STANDING START? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry but no. This is fucking stupid and unacceptable. It's so clear. They set the precedent in Abu Dhabi and they just feel like they can do it all over again anytime they feel like it. Un-fucking-believable. This sport is so unserious.

God, I hate this shit. I can't cross any more fingers right now. AND YESSSSSS CARLOS HITS FERNANDO!!!!!!! NOOOO ESTEBAN AND PIERRE NO!!!!!! ANOTHER RED FLAG!!!!

And this is what happens when the FIA does whatever they want to fuck around with one driver. They put every single one of them at risk, because on a 2-lap race everyone will risk it. Fucking morons, this could've been avoided by not restarting or just by restarting under SC (which would've been nonsense too tbh). This is shameful.

Now what? We don't have any news from Esteban and Pierre, are they even okay? I really do, that was so unlucky for both of them. Shame they had to pay for this bullshit. We need a body to control the FIA. I'm sorry but they shouldn't be in charge on their own anymore. This is absolutely stupid, dangerous and someone will get killed again if they keep acting like this. They can't be trusted.

So I guess it'll be a rolling start and it'll end up the way it's looking now? God I should've never got up to watch this 🤣 In the mean time, Lewis is vibin' and Toto is making friends. Please, let this be done.

5-second penalty for Carlos for hitting Alonso. All in favor of Carlos crashing against Fernando, but the penalty is well deserved. The FIA should've done this differently once again? absolutely. But fuck him anyway 🤷🏻‍♀️ He's the one that's caused everything on that restart, directly and indirectly.

That said, something was just brought to my attention through here as the restart appears on my screen. A certain individual was not positioned correctly at the restart. Guess who? And guess what will happen? Nothing. I do hope Mercedes and Aston Martin complain. I mean, they were super tough about this exact thing with both Esteban and Fernando, but now they're gonna give a pass to this person? That's unexpected, huh?

The only thing in this world making all of this worth is Lewis' smile. Seriously, we don't deserve him. Especially Mercedes right now, but that's a whole other story. The Cool Down room giving us one of those unexpected moments between Lewis and Alonso. It's funny, actually.

It's finally over, I just need to go back to sleep before I pull my hair out after this shit. Good thing it's another 2 weeks before the next one. This is not the sport I used to love, in all seriousness. This is just a circus. There's no sport in this left.

Peace out!

[danthropologie]

AMuS says that Mick is Merc’s 2nd choice for reserve if they don’t get Daniel. Personally I think that Daniel should do Mick a solid and let him go to his Dad’s old team

Maybe this whole thing was a scheme on Daniel’s part to clear out all of Merc’s reserves so that they’d have to keep Mick 😎

and this plays PERFECTLY into the narratives that i've created in my own mind.

picture this: daniel starts talking to mercedes in good faith. it happens shortly after the whole mclaren saga and coming back from summer break, along with some talks with a few different teams on the grid, just to figure out what his best options might be moving forward. as things go on, more and more it starts looking like a reserve role might give him what he's looking for: the time to rest and rebuilt that he needs while still keeping a foot in the door. as talks with merc progress, rumors start going around and articles start coming out about daniel going after their reserve role specifically. christian of course sees those articles and hears those rumors and says: 'oh bet? well not on my fucking watch' and slides into daniel's DMs. he reminds daniel of everything he's done for him, how good they were together, tells him that if he's looking for a reserve spot, he can always come home.

daniel of course is intrigued by this offer, but what is he supposed to do about merc! they've already come so far in their conversations! he decides to continue simultaneously talking to merc AND rbr (on the down low) in order to figure out which is the best fit, until someone leaks info about the rbr talks to ted!! it throws a MASSIVE wrench in the whole thing because no one is supposed to know that he's talking to red bull yet!! ted tries to walk it back but the damage is done, and merc starts looking around for alternative options if daniel falls through. daniel somehow learns that his alternate would be mick, and obviously he knows the horrendous vibes vibes of haas—thus why he himself turned them down—and decides that he needs to keep going with this merc thing, for mick's sake. he continues talking with merc in bad faith, making it seem like he's really interested. his team pushes out articles. red bull remains quiet and out of the picture. EVERYONE, merc included, thinks that they have it all wrapped up, so they clear out their current reserve driver roster.

but then betrayal! daniel signs with rbr at the very last minute, leaving merc with no one but mick! but turns out it's a happy ending after all cause daniel gets to go back home, christian gets his golden boy back, mick gets to go to one of his dad's old teams, toto gets a schumacher, and everyone is (mostly) happy with their choices (daniel's so charming that toto doesn't even hold a grudge about it) :')

[racingliners]

F1 Re-Watch 2022: Round 20 - Mexico City

If you want to know just how unobservant I was to much of the 2022 season, I had no idea the race’s name was changed until today 🙃 (still just gonna tag everything as the Mexican GP bc I am lazy)

Anyhow, this is also the last race I remember absolutely nothing from bc I didn’t watch it (I kid you not prior to today my Mexican GP 2022 tag is literally just Seb and Bono gifs) 

So, no thoughts, head empty, I’m a tad scared but let’s jump in

Okay I tell a small lie, I do remember the Mariachi version of the F1 theme doing the rounds on the interwebs. But in terms of racing??? No clue whatsoever.

I haven’t even looked up the results so woooo (though let’s be real Verstappen is gonna win isn’t he?)

ngl I do love the Mexico circuit, it’s really good despite being so flat, and ot’s great that a historical circuit has been able to make a comeback and stick around

OMG THEY PLAYED THE MARIACHI VERSION OF THE F1 THEME DURING THE STARTING GRID

okay F1, you have that one right.

Speaking of,✨ starting grid whiplash ✨

Lance P20 bc of a penalty. Pain.

Seb P16. More pain. At least he’s next to Mick.

Ouch Charles P7.

BOTTAS P6?????

aaaand Lewis P3, we stan.

Well that was made much more bearable by the Mariachi theme, 11/10 would recommend to a friend.

How tf did Bottas drag his Alfa into P6 though??????

[Formation Lap]: Almost a 50/50 split on the grid between starting on the softs or mediums, inch resting.

Somewhat unrelated I’m finally getting used to seeing the silver Merc again when the 2023 season picks up again next week dvubheush

oh god what if there’s carnage at the start??? I am NOT emotionally prepared

boys please don’t be dumb it’s 9pm as I watch this and I don’t want to deal with nonsense

[Start/Lap 1]: No carnage but Lewis went full ZOOM into P2!!!

I didn’t need to look at my screen to realise Perez got past Russell for P3 there was a VERY loud cheer

“Vettel and Stroll had a brilliant start” INJECT IT!!!!!!!! 💚💚💚

P14 for Seb and P15 for Lance THAT’S MY BOYS!!

[Lap 3]: And the race has instantly calmed down ubhesu

Comms are making it sound like it’s the first time the top 6 cars have been top 6 in the race??? either that or it’s been a while since it happened but that’s a fun-ish stat

the replay of Lewis’ start *chef’s kiss*

[Lap 5]: Bottas looking to pass Alonso for 7th

The downside of watching a full season over the course of so many weeks is that whenever you hear ‘Plan A’ on a team radio you immediately think of Ferrari and cry

[Lap 6]: Lewis fastest lap, it’s been so loooooong

[Lap 7]: Dan trying to pass Zhou for P12

ayyyy Seb’s joined the party!!!

Livery watch: all together now, Aston Martin preeeeeeeeeeetty

[Lap 8]: Ah so RBR are on the softs, and Merc on the mediums. inch resting

I mean Ferrari are also on the softs, but we all know how little I trust their pitwall at this point

Wait this was Dan’s 230th race???? That’s WILD

[Lap 9]: Aaaaaand Dan takes P12

Meanwhile Lance got a little bit violent getting past Gasly avhageg

[Lap 11]: Bottas is still in P8 behind Alonso, not quite gaining time but not losing any either.

[Lap 12]: Ted brining a Seb update, 100% the content I am paying for

Him and Lance are still vibing in P14 and 15, hardly anyone has changed positions.

It’s all a bit... static

[Lap 13]: avhaeugh not Pierre and Lance pushing each other off the track 😭 

BOYS

[Lap 14]: Lewis is starting to gain on Verstappen you say???

*dives head first into the sea of delusion*

[Lap 16]: the AMR22 has re-gained tractor status as Lance is being chased down by Alex

[Lap 17]: Alex running on pet power and dreams, lad is SPEEDY

5 sec pen for Gasly’s violence on Lance

“I hope they serve the penalty properly” Hearing this after Bahrain 2023 makes it 11 times funnier

[Lap 18]: And Lance is first into the pits and gets another set of softs

[Lap 19]: “Consider Plan C” I refer back to my comment during Lap 5 🥲

Charles in 2022 🤝 Seb from 2015-2020: Having Ferrari’s braincell

SEB ONBOARD!!!! Still in P14 but idc bc I love him

he’s also 8 tenths behind Zhou

[Lap 22]: still a two second gap between Verstappen and Lewis.

I know I said I didn’t want carnage at the start, but I did want some racing

[Lap 23]: I don’t think anyone else apart from Lance has stopped yet

[Lap 24]: And, here comes Perez for his first stop, for a set of mediums

ouch 5 sec stop

Nicky also pits

[Lap 25]: “My tyres are OK mate” LEWIS????? Are you okay??? Blink twice if you need help

rip “Bono my tyres are gone” 2014-2022

[Lap 26]: and while I recover from my shock Verstappen pits, also softs to mediums

[Lap 27]: Perez having DRS issues????

well they must have been fixed bc he just passed Charles for P5 (though Charles is yet to stop)

[Lap 28]: Anyway Lewis leading his second race in a row, INJECT IT

oh it’s a Merc 1-2!! 2016-2018 me would be so disappointed in me celebrating that avdfuvhu that’s called growth

[Lap 29]: Angela sighting!!!! 

Charles also makes his first stop for mediums

And Lewis pits as well, likely reacting to Ferrari.

Mediums??? So they’re doing a two stop then

[Lap 30]: It is not it’s the hards

[Lap 31]: still loads of cars yet to stop

[Lap 32]: And as I say that Lando pits for the hards

“Lewis is matching Max Verstappen lap for lap” Inject it, tattoo it into the sky, write it out on post-it notes and hand them out to strangers 

[Lap 34]: Ocon next to pit for the hards 

[Lap 35]: Russell joining the one stop for hards party

lol at the order being RBR; Merc; RBR; Merc; Alonso

El Plan intensifies 

Seb watch: HE’S INTO P11 BESTIES!!!!

He’s still yet to stop but I truly do not care

[Lap 37]: oh not McLaren wanting to try Plan C for Dan

I kid you not, I hear Plan X over the radio and I do not trust it no matter the team so thank you so much Ferrari

[Lap 38]: Russell being told to lift and coast at the 150m board for the rest of the race??? W13 intensifies 

argh Perez is starting to catch Lewis, it was a lot of fun while it lasted

[Lap 39]: Seb pits for mediums, and he comes out in P16.

[Lap 40]: Sainz passes Alonso for P5 for some mild Spanish on Spanish violence

ah, Alonso was on his in lap as he’s pitted for hards

[Lap 42]: Ocon with a noice move on Bottas for P10

oh, Bottas is fighting back, MIDFIELD SPICE WELCOME TO THE PARTY

[Lap 43]: “This tyre isn’t good mate” I’ll take that as a ‘Bono my tyres are gone’ resurrection

and followed up by a Bono sighting 🤍

[Lap 44]: Seb up into P14, we’re once again diving into the sea of delusion in the hope of Team Green points

Also Ted timed Gasly’s 5 sec pen with his watch to see if Alpha Tauri timed it correctly asavhaeu

Ted Kravitz for FIA Prez I think he’d do a wonderful job

[Lap 47]: And with Zhou pitting, everyone has finally done at least one stop

the strategy has been all over the place this race, I guess in part to the mix of starting compounds

oh no Lance is the only one two have done 2 stops 

[Lap 48]: Seb watch: P13!!! The hopium is still alive and well folks

“He [Verstappen] is out on the track I promise you” avuheugh you know a driver has been dominating a race when you barely see them on the TV feed

[Lap 49] so Seb is roughly 15-ish seconds away from P10 🤞

Lewis is still having engine clip outs I am no joking when I say I will sledgehammer the W13

[Lap 50]: Cut to Martin Garrix bc there is barely anything happening on track

[Lap 51]: and as I say that Yuki v Dan for P11

THEY TOUCHED

oh dear, Dan almost flipped Yuki

but Seb is up into P12, the racing gods taketh and the racing gods giveth

[Lap 52]: Ah Yuki’s pitting for a new front wing, and the old one does not want to come off

oh no Ted thinks he has suspension damage 😭

Dan you plonker (in this case I do not support his wrongs)

oh no it was sidepod damage ☹️

[Lap 54]: Seb v Gasly v Zhou 🍿

oh wow Dan slammed with a 10 sec penalty.

[Lap 56]: Seb down to P14 and defending from Zhou, this is why we’re self aware about when we go delusional

[Lap 58]: welp I was not aware about RBR potentially matching Seb’s their record of winning 9 races in a row 🥲

okay I’ll let Zhou have P14 bc that was a pretty nice move on Seb

[Lap 61]: oh hello Dan v Alpine

to be fair he’s on the softs and they’re on the hards but he’s ZOOMING

[Lap 62]: 10 laps remaining klaxon

and Dan passes Ocon for P7

[Lap 65]: “Does that look like it’s terminal now? Oh that’s a Williams” Oh Ted

and there stops Fernando

oh it’s a VSC

[Lap 69]: And suddenly it’s 3 laps remaining

Seb still P14, no team green points today 😭

[Lap 70]: and Merc pit Russell to go for the fastest lap

and Dan has somehow managed to pull a 10 sec gap over Ocon so he’ll keep P7 even with his pen

[Lap 71/Finish]: Oh, Verstappen broke the record of most wins in a season huh.

Anyway LEWIS P2!!!!

Taking all the tiny crumbs I can get

And Russell did bag fastest lap at the end, such a drama king

Well... that was... somewhat average. Lewis getting P2 at the start was the most that happened in the top 6 and the midfield spice was very few and far between, though the bits we did get was fun to watch.

So a very straight down the middle 5 front wings out of 10. Next race - Brazil!

[oreosmilkshakes]

Animals

Summary: Not everything is as it seems. Pairing: Sebastian Vettel x GN!Reader Word Count: 8,915 Warnings: Details of torture/gore, canon character death, slight details of sexual stuff, mention of drug usage and yandere. (+18)

A/N: Woo! New fic! This is something new I have done and honestly, I am quite proud of this one. Heed the warnings! This is set during Seb’s RBR years. 

Taglist: NIL

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Finishing P1 in Australia should have made Sebastian happy. He was in the media pen, an umbrella overhead to shield the driver from the scorching Australian sun. After Petrov, it was his turn to be interviewed but Petrov seemed to have a lot to say for he was P3 in the race. In the meantime, with his bottle in hand, he had his focus solely on one person and one person only. His Adam’s Apple bobbed as he swallowed another gulp of water, bright blue eyes fixated on a figure just a few metres short from where he stood. Said figure had a big smile on their face, one Sebastian grew to appreciate and love dearly. His heart swelled, swearing he felt his breath hitched as that smile grew bigger by the second. Were they smiling at him? Sebastian could not see among the sea of photographers snapping pictures of him and the other drivers.

As if a miracle came, the sea parted. Sebastian’s happy exterior fell, the smile everyone grew to love was now in a deep frown. Even his eyes darken. Jenson Button had an arm around Y/N’s shoulder, laughing along with what they were talking about. Sebastian brought the bottle down, his fingers squeezing the metal until his knuckles turned white. How dare they! How dare Jenson! Putting his arm around his Y/N! His sweet Y/N was further tainted with the Brit’s touch and Sebastian hated every second of it. The longer he looked, the angrier he got. Thankfully, Britta was there to pull Sebastian out of his staring.

She had a hand on his arm. “Seb? It’s your turn,”

Sebastian jolted a little from the touch, glancing down at the hand on his arm. He bit back an unhappy noise, turning to face the interview.

“A fantastic start for you, Sebastian, the reigning champion. Tell us, how did this win feel?” Sebastian smiled. “Well, it felt really good. I mean, we’ve good points into the championship so it’s a good start,”

“Yes, I think the fans and I agree here. You can hear the fans cheering for you,” The interview commented.

“I’m really glad to see the fans again, especially my fans. The fans are one of my sources of pushing hard for each race and, uh, yeah, good start to the season,”

The interviewer smiled. “Well, thank you Sebastian,” The interviewer moved on to the next driver.

Sebastian eagerly turned back to see if Y/N was still in their spot but to his disappointment, they were not there.

Soon enough, he will get to see them again.

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“Congratulations, Seb. That’s another P1 under the belt. Good job,”

“Yes! Yes! Good job, boys! Feels good to win again!” Sebastian had one hand on the wheel and another holding a ‘number one’ finger up, going around the circuit before entering pit for Parc Ferme. Turning off the car and disengaging the steering wheel, he pushed himself up and out of the car. He turned to see the cars lined up, finding Jenson behind him. He froze, frowning under his helmet as the Brit removed his gloves and approached Sebastian. “Hey! Well done, mate!” Jenson exclaimed, sending a pat to Sebastian’s shoulder. The German fought the urge to squirm. “Thanks, you too,” He forced out, making his way up to the podium stand. The crowd of teams had gathered below. Sebastian walked out to the podium, raising up the trophy as soon as it was handed to him. Red Bull cheered loudly for him but Sebastian ignored them. He was focused on finding his Y/N. “Wooo! Jenson!” Y/N screamed, hands cupped around their mouth to extend their voice. Sebastian’s head snapped to the prominent scream, jaw tight as he stared at Y/N. They had that gorgeous smile on their face again. He had to try and muster up the courage to talk to Y/N but he could not. He was a coward.

Too many doubts entered his tainted mind.

What if they didn’t like me? What if they don’t love me the way I love them? If Y/N don’t love me the same way, I will kill myself

Sebastian gripped the trophy. He refused to let that side of him show. He was going to get that courage to talk to Y/N. It would be even better if he was close to them. Perhaps he should give them something. Sebastian grinned, knowing just the item to get for his love. There were plenty of malls in Sepang to explore. One fine day, Sebastian had overheard Y/N talking to others that they were looking to get a new pair of casual shoes, no matter the brand. Keeping that gift idea in mind, he was going to purchase the best and only the best shoes for his love.

A knock came to Y/N’s hotel room door. They raised an eyebrow.

“Who is it?” They called out.

“It is the hotel manager, Mx Y/L/N. There is an item here for you,” Y/N furrowed their brows. They did not receive any notification pertaining to this. Getting off their bed, they made their way to the door, opening it. The manager smiled, a large black paper bag in hand. “I was told this was a gift for you, Mx Y/L/N. However, there was no name indicated to the sender,”

Y/N swallowed, eyeing the box wearily. They nodded, taking the bag in hand. “Thank you,” The manager smiled and left, leaving Y/N alone with the mysterious box.

“I swear, Jenson, if this is a prank..,” They mumbled, shutting the door with a foot and made their way to the bed. Setting the bag on the bed, they dug a hand into its content, feeling a large rectangular box. They pulled it out a large box, brows furrowed in confusion. An anonymous gift and a large box? Their suspicions and worries grew. They placed a finger under the lid, lifting the top of the box off and to their surprise, it was actually a gift and one that they always wanted. A pair of Air Jordan III that were a combined colour of black, grey and white with tinges of orange. They picked up the shoe, examining it closely. The size was perfect too! There was a note too. They picked up the small note, flipping it back.

‘Please accept this gift as a token of appreciation’ was all that was written on the little note. The handwriting was gorgeous, assuming it was from Jenson. They had to thank him in the next race.

Sebastian set down the pair of binoculars, licking his lips. His lips spread into a grin, his heart was racing at the sight of Y/N’s elated expression. He could not wait to see Y/N again in China.

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It was finally Free Practice 1 in China and the paddock was bustling with crews from different teams. Sebastian was on his way to his motorhome with Britta and Antti by his side when he spotted his love with Jenson in the distance by the Mclaren motorhome. He slowed his steps, passing by Massa.

“Hey, Felipe,” Sebastian called out.

“Vettel! Come,” Felipe smiled, calling the young man over to have a convenient conversation with him. Instead of listening to what Felipe was talking about, Sebastian peered in to listen to his love and Jenson.

Y/N smiled widely, Jenson raised an eyebrow with a smile.

“What are you smiling for, love?”

They looked down, Jenson followed.

“Thank you for the new shoes, Jen,”

“I didn’t-,” They interrupted Jenson with a friendly kiss to the cheek.

“I really love it, Jen! It’s gorgeous,” Jenson, with reddened cheeks, scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. “You’re welcome, I guess?” He mumbled the last part.

Sebastian was furious. A fucking kiss?! Sebastian growled in anger, storming off.

“Hey Seb-,” A shocked Felipe called out but the young Red Bull driver was already far away.

In his motorhome, Sebastian yelled in frustration, sending a fist to the wall. “Stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Wie kann er es wagen! Ich werde ihn verdammt noch mal umbringen,” (Translation: How dare he! I will fucking kill him). Sebastian slid his reddened hand down the wall, heart racing and adrenaline filled. He was going to get back at Jenson. For everything that he has done. Touching his Y/N, talking to his Y/N. Even breathing near his Y/N. A dark grin spread across his lips, mind forming ways of getting rid of Jenson. Soon enough, he will get what he always wanted: Y/N.

For the next two days, Sebastian had to suffer with this immense anger in him. All he could think about was Y/N and winning the Chinese Grand Prix. When he did, he was satisfied with the placement Jenson had attained, a mere P4. To others, it may be good. But to Sebastian, it was enough to take the Brit down.

Back at the hotel, Sebastian had just returned from a night out of drinking with his Red Bull crew. With his phone in hand and full concentration, he accidentally bumped into someone. He dropped his phone from the impact. “Shit,” He hissed, turning to the other. “Watch-,” “I am so sorry, Mr Vettel!” Y/N gasped, turning to the reigning champion. “Oh my god, Mr Vettel. I’m sorry, I should have watched where I was walking,” Y/N’s cheeks were red from embarrassment, leaning down to pick up Sebastian’s phone. Sebastian was stunned. Was this a dream? He was so close to his love. He could smell the ambrosial scent coming from them.

“Mr Vettel?”

Sebastian snapped out of his trance, looking down at his phone in their hands. He smiled. “Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t looking either,” They chuckled, shyly looking up at Sebastian.

“Congratulations on P2, Mr Vettel,” “Please, it’s Sebastian. Or Seb, whichever you prefer. Mr Vettel is my dad,”

They laughed, nodding. Sebastian swore he felt his breath hitched at the sound. He moved a hand to rest on Y/N’s shoulder. “Thank you, Y/N. And nice shoes. Very stylish,” “Oh, thank you. Jenson gave it to me,” “Did he now? That’s very nice of him,”

Y/N cleared their throat. “I better get going…Jenson is waiting for me,”

Sebastian saw red. “Oh, of course. Don’t want to keep him waiting,”

“I’ll see you, Sebastian! Enjoy your night” With a sweet smile and a wave, Y/N left the hotel premises.

Sebastian held up the keycard to Y/N’s room, a smirk on his lips. “Thank you, Y/N. I’ll be sure to enjoy it very, very much,” He chuckled darkly, taking the lift up to Y/N’s floor. Approaching the door, he tapped the card against the reader. Sebastian inhaled deeply. He felt dizzy just taking in his love’s scent. He had to pick something out for his shrine. Over the years, he has collected several items ranging from clothes, jewellery and even hair. Sebastian smiled to himself, brushing his fingers against the bedsheets. The luggage bag was laid open on the floor. Sebastian got excited, kneeling down to rummage through the heap of clothes. Most of it were team uniforms until he picked up an undershirt. He brought the white fabric to his nose, inhaling deeply.

Sebastian moaned, gripping hard on the poor fabric. He stuffed it in his jacket pocket, looking around. He stopped on the bedside table, a familiar looking bracelet laid by the lamp. Sebastian got up, approaching the side table. He picked up the bracelet, examining it closely. That was when he was reminded.

Winter break, 2008

The season was over. The year was ending. Sebastian’s obsessions were insatiable. The young driver was in Australia, trailing Y/N’s every step in the shadows. Y/N had visited Australia for the winter break and they were with some friends Sebastian recognised. Night falls and Y/N was out with friends having some drinks with them.

“You guys head back to the hotel first. I’m going to the pharmacy,”

“Alright. Be careful,” Sofia, one of Y/N’s friends, warned.

Y/N smiled. “I will,” The three friends left Y/N behind. They got their phone out, dropping a reply to one of their texts when a pair of hands pulled them back harshly against the wall. A glint of metal shone under their neck, Y/N froze. “Lookin’ pretty fancy there,” The mugger grinned, pressing the blade hard against Y/N’s neck. They whimpered, pressing their back against the brick wall uncomfortably.

“What-What do you want?” “Pretty bracelet. Looks expensive too,”

Y/N shakily removed the bracelet, placing it on the mugger’s palm. “ ‘preciate it,” He sent a punch to Y/N’s abdomen, they hunched over from the impact. The mugger took off running with the bracelet, Y/N had tears in their eyes.

Sebastian saw red. Under the hood of his hoodie, he saw red. His fist was clenched, jaw tight as he felt an uncontrollable rage burn within him. He lifted his head, watching as Y/N wiped their eyes and quickly headed back to the hotel. His beloved was hurt, robbed of their precious bracelet. Sebastian was not going to let this slide easily. He was going to get to work.

Comforted by their friends, reporting the incident to the police, Y/N learnt that this mugger was well known around these parts and the police had been looking for him for months now. At this rate, Y/N was sure they were never going to get their bracelet back. That bracelet was given to them by their late grandmother, a dying gift before she passed. It was an item they had since young and now, it was in the hands of a cruel lowlife mugger. All Y/N had to do was wait and pray there was good news.

The next day was an entire day spent in the hotel. Everything went calm and well until Chris switched on the television. His eyes widened.

“Uh..Y/N? I think you might want to see this,”

“Local mugger found murdered in canal at 2.12am last night. Henry Jones was found with multiple stab wounds to the abdomen and neck. Police reported that there was little to no evidence as to who had caused this..” The newscaster reported.

“This is the same man who robbed you, right, Y/N?” Y/N swallowed, frozen in their spot.

“Y/N?” Sofia called out. They jumped a little. “Huh? Oh, yeah..yeah..It’s him,” Y/N felt extreme relief that this issue had been dealt with. The only problem was now their bracelet.

Y/N went down to the police station the next day, inquiring about the items found among the Brown’s possessions.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mx Y/L/N. We’ve searched the home clean, every crook and cranny and there was no bracelet,” The officer spoke. Y/N’s heart shattered. They swallowed. “Are you sure?”

The officer nodded

Y/N could only shed tears out the second they got back to the hotel.

Leaving Australia had been hard. Y/N headed back to Belgium with a heavy heart. They dragged their luggage through their apartment door. The luggage was laid on the floor, shoes placed on the rack nicely. Y/N huffed, laying on their bed with a louder sigh. “Damn it,” Y/N stood up, approaching their work table. They rubbed their wrist subconsciously, defeated. They pushed past the papers strewn across the Mahogany table, stopping as they felt a hard item beneath some papers. Pushing it aside, their eyes widened, gasping in shock. Y/N picked up the item, their bracelet! It came along with an envelope. Y/N furrowed their brows. A note? Setting the bracelet down, they tore open the envelope. Inside was a small note.

I got this back for you, my dear Y/N. He got what he deserved. No one can hurt you but me. Dearest, your one true love.

Y/N dropped the letter on the table, swallowing. ‘Who was insane enough to do this?’ They thought. They looked out the window, moving to the curtains. Looking at the opposite building, they could not help but feel that there was someone watching them. They shuddered in fear, pulling the curtains shut.

Sebastian chuckled to himself, getting off the side of the roof. He was satisfied with what he had done. The fear stricken look was enough to send shivers of ecstasy crawling down his spine. Y/N was his and there was no changing that.

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“And Sebastian Vettel wins the Turkish Grand Prix! What a fantastic drive from the young German!”

Despite that, the Mclaren garage burst into celebration. Their boys had scored some good points even if Lewis and Jenson had clinched P4 and P6 respectively. Y/N smiled, applauding along with the team as the cars pulled up in Parc Ferme. They were happy with Sebastian’s win. Y/N appreciated how hard working Sebastian pushed for each race. The man was still so young, in his prime and it reminded them of Jenson’s 2009 win. Then again, Y/N was not much older then Sebastian was and they admired his achievements.

Sebastian had a towel in hand, wiping away his sweat. He approached the Red Bull garage, eyeing the group of Mclaren mechanics in the distance. He scanned the crowd, spotting Y/N among the sea of people. They turned their head, looking in Sebastian’s direction with a wide smile. Sebastian froze.

‘They are looking at me,’ He thought, swallowing.

Y/N jogged up to Sebastian, stopping short of the man.

“Hi Britta! Hello, Mr Vet- I mean, Sebastian. Congratulations on the win, Sebastian,” They held a hand out, that sickeningly sweet smile gracing their lips. Sebastian looked down at the offered hand, his finger twitched. With shaking hands, he took it. Internally, Sebastian had alarms going off in his mind.

‘Mine, mine, mine, mine,’ The words repeated. Y/N pulled their hand away first, giving Sebastian one last smile before leaving for Jenson. Britta waved, unaware of Sebastian’s nature.

‘They touched my hand..So soft, as expected..’ He looked at his hand, the soft touch lingered on his calloused palm. Sebastian needed to see Y/N again. He wanted to see them again. Excitement grew in his chest. Tonight will be a good night indeed.

Sebastian thought everything was going so well and just as he planned. At this rate, he would be getting his Y/N by the end of the season. He was not going to let any obstacle get in his way. He was not going to let Jenson get in the way.

“Great job, Sebastian! Absolutely great job,” Came on the radio.

“Woohoo! Yabba dabba doo!” Sebastian cheered, going around the track and pulled up in the pit. Another win under his belt for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Sebastian handed the trophy to Britta, removing his cap to mess up his damp hair. Leaving the garage for the motorhome, he took a stroll around the back road to cool off the remaining adrenaline left. It was another win for Sebastian and another loss for Jenson.

“Jenson, hey, it’s okay, P6 is a well deserved position,”

“Yeah but I really struggled, Y/N. I struggled to keep that position,”

“Shh, it’s over. The mechanics will get down to the car and find out the issue, okay?” Y/N moved to dab a towel over Jenson’s forehead.

Sebastian furrowed his brows, overhearing the conversation by the side of the trailer for privacy. Too private, in Sebastian’s opinion. He peeked around the side and his fury sprang to life once more.

Jenson rested his hands on Y/N’s waist, he shared a laugh with the other. Y/N rested a hand on his chest, eyes locked with one another. Jenson leaned in close and closer.

Rage overtook Sebastian. He sent a hard punch to the metal of the trailer, the impact split the skin of his knuckles. The sound was loud and resonated throughout the back.

Y/N jumped in shock, pulling away from the Brit. They jogged to see the commotion but as they got there, nothing.

“What happened?” Jenson appeared behind Y/N, looking over their head to find the source of the loud sound.

“I..don’t know,” They shook their head.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” They mumbled, leaving Jenson behind. Y/N was angry at themself. How could they be so stupid? Jenson was their boss and on the first day of their job, they made a promise to themself never to have a relationship with anyone at work. They almost broke it and they were utterly upset at that. Y/N needed some time off to themself, taking the earliest flight to Belgium the next day.

As for Sebastian, he was back in his home in Switzerland. The lights of his basement were dim. He held up a sharp blade, the metal glinting under the low light. He turned from the table to his poor victim strapped on a chair.

“You know..I always thought a ‘happy ever after’ ending was something I will get,” Sebastian pulled a chair, sitting down. “But then I realised that none of this is a fairytale,” He chuckled.

“I mean, this isn’t Disney or some children’s book from the library,” He stroked the blade against the thigh of his victim. She whimpered behind the gag, shaking her head with tears stained cheeks on her delicate face. Sebastian leaned over, pulling over a trolley of toys. He set the blade down, picking up a small plier. He took her hand, brushing over the nails. “If I can’t have that happiness, I think the whole world shouldn’t deserve it, don’t you think?” He pinched the plier between a nail, ripping it off. The woman screamed, it drowned behind the thick fabric around her mouth. Blood dripped from the wound, more tears flowed. One by one, each fingernail. His victim had passed out from the pain, a smirk on Sebastian’s lips.

“Oh, I am going to do so much worse to you..Sofia..,”

And he kept his promise. A lone well deep in the surrounding woods, a well drained of its water and replaced with blood. Sebastian threw the bag of nails down the deep well, laughing to himself. Sofia, Chris, Mei Li, Alex, Summer. Bodies of Y/N’s friends, souls trapped in a dark, endless well, lost and forgotten.

--------------------------------------------

Jenson threw his gloves to the table, frustrated with the outcome of his race. A DNF for Silverstone. What was worse was that Great Britain was his home race. He was forced to retire after a cock-up during his pit. The pit pace was fantastic, it was fast as expected. All was well until he realised a big mistake was made. His front right tyre was not fastened as he had hastily left the pit in an attempt to give chase to the finishing line. Apologies went around Jenson’s garage and a quick word of motivation was given by Martin Whitmarsh to up the team’s spirit.

The Brit sighed, fastening the headphones to watch the remaining of the race with his team. He felt a hand on his shoulder, turning to face the kind smile of his closest friend. “Chin up, Jen. We’ll get that win in the next race,” Jenson grinned, wrapping an arm around Y/N’s shoulder. “Thanks, love,”

The Mclaren team cheered as Lewis passed the finishing line for the position of P4. A solid good job in earning points for the team despite Jenson’s retirement.

After the race, journalists wanted a word with Jenson about the bizarre incident.

“It’s really disappointing,” Jenson admitted, a defeated expression on his face. “I really believe we could have beaten the Red Bulls today. Early on, things were looking sweet. I definitely could have beaten Webber,” “Well, Jenson, could you please share into detail about the incident?” Jenson inhaled deeply, his shoulders sagged. “The front guy lost the wheel nut and when he turned to take another, his hand moved and the front jack man thought it was the message to go. The lollipop man works off him and I was sent on my way before we realised it was happening,” Jenson paused, glancing at Y/N.

“It’s a mistake, you know? These things happen in the heat and battle and we’ve just gotta make sure they don’t happen very often. We all make mistakes. The guys have already come and said sorry for what they did. And I, uh, I want to say sorry to all the fans who were cheering us on. We wanted to give them something better,” Jenson nodded.

“Thank you for that, Jenson,” The journalist nodded, moving on to Sergio Perez.

From the corner of Sebastian’s eye, he watched as Jenson walked away with Y/N. Oh, if only he knew who sabotaged him.

Sebastian 4: Jenson 0

After Silverstone, it was Germany and Sebastian was very much looking forward to the race. It felt really good to be back home and he wanted to take some time off after the three practices to spend some time with Y/N.

As he left the hotel, once again, he bumped into another’s shoulder. “Oh,” Y/N jolted, looking at Sebastian. They smiled. “Hi! I’m sorry again. I can be very clumsy sometimes,” They sighed, shaking their head at their meeting.

Sebastian grinned wide.

“You’ve got nothing to apologise for, love. Say..Are you free right now? I was thinking we could get some coffee together,” He offered, a sweet smile on his face.

Y/N was taken aback. Sebastian Vettel wanted to go out with them? They swallowed, cheeks dusted red. “I-I..Yeah! I would love that, Sebastian,”

The German driver’s smile grew wider. He moved a hand to Y/N’s hand, taking it in his.

“Good. Let’s go,” He tugged them out, they followed Sebastian out of the hotel with their hand still with his.

Y/N set their cup of coffee down, sighing softly. They adjusted their scarf around their neck, clearing their throat.

Sebastian set his cup down as well, looking at the scarf. It was another anonymous gift given by him when they were in Canada.

“A pretty scarf. Who gave it to you?” They looked down, touching the soft fabric. “Oh, this? It was a gift from a friend,” They lied, lips pressed into a thin line. They felt anxious, these anonymous gifts were progressively increasing.

Y/N was so deep in thought that they had not realised Sebastian was leaning in closer, taking a good and close up look of the other. It was a chime from Y/N’s phone that snapped both out of their trance.

They looked down at the text and sighed.

“I’m sorry, Sebastian. Jenson needs me. He needs my help for tomorrow’s race,” They stood, grabbing their coat. “Thank you for the coffee, Sebastian, I really enjoyed it,” One last smile and they left, leaving Sebastian seated alone in the cafe. A scowl was on his face. Jenson, Jenson, Jenson. He was getting sick and tired of hearing his name. How much longer could he take it? He wanted Y/N to speak his name. To moan it. To scream it. He inhaled deeply, taking the final sip of his coffee before leaving the cafe. He could see the distant retreating figure of his love. They were not getting away easily.

Y/N took long strides across the streets, the hotel was not far now. They were extremely focused on their phone. They had been texting their friends but it has been a week since they last replied. It was a norm because their friends were constantly occupied with their jobs but they were getting worried.

The lift doors opened and Y/N stepped in. Another figure stepped in, standing behind them. The ride was quiet, piano music playing silently in the background as the lift brought them up to their level. As soon as the door opened, Y/N stepped out. Until they felt hands on them and a cloth covering their nose and mouth. They struggled against their assailant. The world spun around them, their throat and nose felt itchy. Soon enough, the last thing they remembered seeing were the bright lights of the hotel hallway.

Sebastian smiled to himself, picking Y/N up bridal style. Oh, how he wanted to feel their bare skin against his own. He leaned in, inhaling their smell deeply. How intoxicating! Sebastian pushed through Y/N’s hotel door, kicking it close with a foot. He set them on the bed, carefully removing their shoes and socks. His fingers touched the pad of their foot, keeping a massive smile on his mouth. Sebastian leaned down, inhaling deeply.

“Mm..mich ficken..,” (Translation: Fuck me)

He moaned, pressing a kiss to the skin. He moved over to the side, a hand cupping their face. He brushed their hair out of their face, leaning in closely. “Ah..Meine liebe. Du wirst mein Tod sein. Ich bin kurz davor, dich zu haben. Ich werde nicht aufhören, bis du mir gehörst,” (Translation: My love. You will be the death of me. I will not stop until you are mine)

Sebastian cooed, leaning down to press a delicate kiss to their lips. He shivered, the sweet lingering feeling stayed on his lips. He wanted more. His fingers moved to remove their scarf, chucking it aside. He worked through their clothing until they were bare chested. Sebastian leaned in, pressing his nose to their chest. At the same time, his lips left behind kisses to the soft skin, another moan left his lips.

“More,” Sebastian grunted. He got on the bed, carefully straddling Y/N’s lips. They looked so peaceful when unconscious. He was almost turned on by the side.

His hands grabbed the lapels of Y/N’s shirt collar, his lips attacking their skin. Bites,light flicks from his tongue, lips sucking. He left behind an array of artwork on Y/N’s skin. Dark marks littered all around their neck, collar and shoulder.

The driver chuckled to himself. “Wunderschön,” (Translation: Gorgeous)

Sebastian picked up another piece of undergarment, stuffing it into his jacket pocket. His phone was filled with obscure photos of Y/N too. He left behind a Y/N in their pyjamas, tucked under the thick duvet. He was more than satisfied. Next day was going to be a good day and a good race.

Y/N entered the Mclaren paddock. Their hands were stuffed deep into the Mclaren hoodie, lips pressed nervously into a thin line. Their mind was racing, hands shaking underneath the fabric. They remembered seeing themself in the mirror, covered with angry marks that they had no idea how it got there. Y/N was too afraid to tell anyone so they decided to cover it up with some thick foundation and a hoodie. They had not realised Jenson was calling them until he placed a hand on their shoulder. Y/N flinched slightly, looking up at the taller Brit.

“Woah, hey. You alright?” Jenson leaned down slightly, a worried expression across his handsome face. Y/N nodded, hugging the older male tightly.

He wrapped his arms around them, gently rubbing their back in a comforting manner. “What’s goin-,” Y/N pulled away, a big smile on their face. “It’s nothing, Jen. Just wanted to give you a good luck hug for this race,” They leaned up, planting a kiss to his cheek. “Well..Thanks, darling,” Jenson had a small smile to his face, pulling his balaclava and helmet down before getting seated in the car. Y/N placed the headphones on, their gut feeling was telling them that this race was not going to be a good one. They swallowed, taking a seat beside one of the mechanics with eyes fixated to the screens above.

True enough, Y/N’s gut was right. Once the five lights were off, Jenson had a terrible start after a wheelspin. He lost three places and was stuck behind Petrov. He finally passed the Renault driver after lap 17. He raced around the track up until lap 24 where he was called by his race engineer to pit for a new set of tyres. However, Jenson felt something was extremely wrong with the car. The steering was getting heavier, the car was getting harder to drive. He watched as Sutil and Rosberg passed him again. “I’m having some problems with the car. Steering’s getting heavy,” “Copy that. We need you to box now,”

Jenson struggled to get back, fighting against the force of the car.

“Jenson, we have to retire the car. I repeat, retire the car,” “What? What’s the problem?” Jenson pulled up to the pits, the crew was already waiting for him.

“Hydraulic problem,”

Jenson stopped the car, slamming a fist to the steering.

“Fuck!” He hissed.

Sebastian smirked under his helmet upon hearing the news from his engineer that Jenson had retired. It was all him. Sabotage was truly a treat.

After the race, as he walked by Jenson, he overheard the Brit’s words.

“I’d just overtaken Nico for sixth when my power steering started to get heavy. Soon after, we retired the car on safety grounds because we had a hydraulic issue,”

Sebastian has never felt such satisfaction. He would feel even more satisfied to see his car burst into flames. But no, it was too soon. He wanted to play further with his prey. He also wanted to spend more time with Y/N.

--------------------------------------------

Five races after Germany. Out of five races, Jenson has won two of them and Sebastian was beyond pissed. On the bright side, Y/N had been spending more time with Sebastian much to Mclaren’s dismay. They did not like the idea of one of their own mingling with another team’s driver but Y/N did not care. It was not as if they had feelings for Sebastian. But Sebastian viewed it otherwise. The more time he spent with Y/N, the more he thought that they loved him. He thought that they loved him so much that they were willing to spend a lot of time with him. He had a gift with him every single time they met and Y/N would always graciously accept his gifts. It made Sebastian extremely happy that his plans were going accordingly. He was going to confess soon and he hoped Y/N would accept his love.

Sebastian held one of Y/N’s hand. 

“I really like you, Y/N. I was thinking, uh, if you wanted to go out with me properly? Like go on dates and be my lover,”

Y/N was taken aback, a stunned expression on their face.

“I-I..Uh..,” They saw Sebastian’s smile falter slightly.

“I’m sorry, Sebastian. I..I don’t see you that way. I’m really sorry,”

Sebastian sat silent for a good few seconds, processing their words that rang endlessly in his ears. “Sebastian?” They called out quietly.

The German smiled again.

“That’s okay,”

Y/N sighed softly in relief.

“Thank you for the confession. I really appreciate it. I’m just sorry I could not fulfil it,” A chime came from their phone again. “I have to go. Thank you, Sebastian,” Y/N stood, leaning over to plant a friendly kiss on his cheek before leaving.

He watched as they left, nails digging hard into the wooden table.

Sebastian roared in anger, throwing a lamp across the hotel room. The entire room was trashed with broken glass and perishable items all on the floor. That was the last straw. His head felt like it was imploding. He felt as if his whole world had crashed, shattered into nothingness.

First, Y/N rejected his love. A very big mistake indeed. If he found out who was occupying Y/N’s mind, Sebastian was going to crush him. Secondly, he had not had his fill of weed for the past two weeks. At least the drugs were able to subdue his insanity temporarily. Without it, he felt like a ticking time bomb. For now, nicotine patches were what he could make do with while he was in South Korea.

After his win in Korea, Sebastian spent the entire resting week going about on the internet, stalking every social media page Y/N was on. He found pictures of them on Instagram and Facebook, keeping those photos in his gallery for private purposes. This went on further until India where he stumbled upon two figures in the secluded corner. Jenson had his lips on Y/N. Sebastian heard soft moans coming from his lover and from Jenson. He swore he felt his heart shatter at the sound of pleasure coming from Y/N. Those sounds were solely for him and him only. How could they betray him like this? Sebastian should have seen it coming. He felt tears welled up in his eyes. The next thing he knew, he felt broken and unable to concentrate on what needs to be focused.

This loss of touch from the world caused him his loss in Abu Dhabi where he suffered a puncture from not taking care of his tyres properly. How could he? He wanted to get back at Jenson by winning races and then rubbing it in his face. Sebastian will have his revenge. He had been planning since 2008 and he has had enough.

When he replayed his imaginary plans in mind, he could not help but smile, constantly in a good mood. What got him further in a good mood was his win in Brazil. The Red Bull crew had all gathered around Sebastian and Mark, celebrating loudly as Mark clinched a fantastic P1 and Sebastian winning his second World Championship. The other drivers on the grid congratulated both Bulls for a good win.

His happiness faltered when he had not seen Y/N among the crowd. Or Jenson. Even Lewis had congratulated him for his win and it disappointed Sebastian that Jenson and Y/N was nowhere to be seen. No matter. Sebastian had plans for Jenson and they were really good plans indeed.

--------------------------------------------

Sebastian was at his balcony, smoking a roll of weed. He inhaled deeply, pushing the finished blunt down on the tray. He coughed softly, allowing the cold, fresh, Swiss air to fill his lungs after a rush of adrenaline. Behind, the dinner table had flipped over. Ceramic plates were in pieces on the floor, there was blood on the floor, a trail leading to the back of the house. Glass was among the mess on the floor.

Sebastian chuckled darkly, making his way to his basement. Jenson was slumped against the wall, heavy metal chains cuffed to his bruised wrists and ankles. There was blood everywhere, a small pool of it in a bucket. Sebastian picked up a large, sharpened blade. He tilted Jenson’s head up, the British man looked up at him weakly. “P-please..Seb..Stop..,” Jenson moaned weakly, spitting out blood.

“Stop? Why the fuck should I stop? Hm? Tell me, Jen,”

Jenson had tears of pain streaming down his cheeks, the pain was overwhelming. He swore he had broken a few ribs from the harsh punches, his fingernails were all gone and two of his fingers laid in the bucket of blood. Sebastian licked his lips, slashing the blade across Jenson’s face. The man screamed in pain, blood splattered across the wall. “Scream, little pig. I want to hear some music from you!” Sebastian roared with laughter, picking up his camera. The shutter clicked repeatedly, photos were taken from different angles. Sebastian had various brutal pictures printed out to be mailed to his Y/N. He had already sent some to Y/N. He knew how weak they was. How their weakness caused such overwhelming fear in their hearts that they could not run away. Sebastian wiped his bloodied gloves with a clean cloth. Four days with Jenson, the man was already half dead. All he needed to do was lure Y/N to him with the pictures. Time to play the waiting game.

Y/N came home from the supermarket with a smile. They stepped into their apartment, closing the door with an elbow. They sighed, setting the bags on the counter top. Sitting down on a bar stool, they took out the various mails from their bag, going through them one by one. A letter from the phone company, another from the energy company and another large odd string folder. They furrowed their brows, focusing on this particular mail. Slowly, they removed the string. Y/N dug their hand into the folder, taking out three large printed photo films with their backs to them. The first one had writing on it.

Such fun

Y/N had expected a picture of something lively. But they were wrong. They flipped the photo over, screaming in shock.

Jenson, hair coated in blood with his body held up in chains. Y/N felt tears welled up in their eyes, dropping the first film down.

The second film had writings too.

This is my vengeance on you, my love

The next photo was a picture of two severed fingers in a bucket full of blood. More tears streamed down their face. They dropped that picture as well.

The last photo. Such haunting writings.

If you ever want to see Jenson again, my love, come find me. Come save your Jenson. If you tell anyone about this, I will kill him. I will know if you did. Come, my love.

There was an address below it. They did not recognise it but they had to do something. ‘Who would do such a thing?! What the fuck?!’ Y/N thought, shaking hard on their seat. They felt more tears on their cheeks. They had to do something. But what? What could they do? They could not go to the authorities or Jenson would die. That meant that there was only one thing left to do…

Go to the address.

--------------------------------------------

The house was dark. It looked too clean to be abandoned.

‘Who lives here?’ Y/N thought, resting a hand against the front door, only to realise that it was open. They swallowed, stepping into the building with a piece of hardwood they found outside. The house was really dark, the only light came from their unlocked phone.

“H-hello?” A dark shadow moved in the corner of their eye. They gasped, turning towards that direction with their phone. Nothing. Y/N swallowed, heart racing in their chest with a thin sheet of sweat coating their forehead. Another shadow, Y/N stepped back until their back hit something soft. They jumped in shock, turning around and ready to hit whoever or whatever was behind her.

“Woah, woah!” Sebastian caught the wood before it could land on him.

“Sebastian?!” They stepped back.

“Yeah..It’s me,” “What? What are you doing here?”

Sebastian furrowed his brows. “Question is, what are you doing here?”

Y/N swallowed. “I-I don’t know.. Someone is hurting Jenson, Sebastian. I got–got some photos in the mail and..and..,” They shuddered. “I got them too,” Sebastian admitted.

“Wait, what?”

Sebastian looked down, nodding. “I’m guessing you’re here too because of the address written on the photo?” Y/N nodded.

“Whoever is it..This is fucked up,” Sebastian inhaled sharply.

“Come on..Let’s find Jenson,”

Sebastian and Y/N stayed close to one another, going through different doors and long hallways to find Jenson but nothing. “No..,” Y/N teared up, feeling helpless that they could not find Jenson. “Hold on,” Sebastian peered around a corner. “Look, there’s blood. Jenson could be down there,”

Y/N scrambled to Sebastian’s position, gasping loudly at the sight of blood.

“Jenson!” They screamed, running down the stairs. They pushed past a set of doors, the foul smell of blood struck their nose. Y/N gagged, they could barely see the room due to its dimly lit settings.

“Jenson? Jenson?” They called out, stepping further into the ominous basement. A soft rattling of chains caught Y/N’s attention and she could make out a figure among the darkness.

“Jenson! Oh my god, Jenson!” Y/N ran to the weakened British male, covering their mouth at the sight. Four fingers in the bucket, face beaten and cut beyond recognition, his leg was bent the wrong way. “Jenson!” They cried, kneeling in front of the male. Y/N cupped Jenson’s cheeks, crying hard at the horrifying sight. Jenson looked up weakly, wincing.

“Y-Y/N? No..No,” Jenson moaned.

“I’m going to get you out of here, Jen,” “No..No..You shouldn’t be here,” Y/N shook their head, looking around to see if they could free Jenson of his binds.

“No, Jen, I’m getting you out of here,” “No! You don’t understand! You’ve walked right into his trap!” Jenson yelled, shaking hard as he looked up.

A dark laugh, Y/N turned towards the doorway. Sebastian clapped, laughing maniacally as he stood under the low light.

“S-Sebastian?”

“Mmm..you innocent little thing,” Sebastian twirled a knife between his fingers.

Y/N grabbed a scalpel, holding it up in front of them.

“You..You monster! Why?! What did we ever do to you?!” Y/N yelled, more tears flowing down their cheeks.

Sebastian grinned.

“I love it when you cry..,” He mumbled to himself.

“Well, you see.. I’ve had enough of you and Jenson. Always acting like you two were something more and depriving me of that one thing I always wanted: You. All my gifts..How could you think they were from Jenson? It hurts to see you running to Jenson, thanking him when you should be thanking me,” Sebastian sighed.

“Of course, I let that slide. I can be forgiving too, you know? But then you two started fucking around with one another and you rejected my love for you. It made it seem like my shrine for you was fucking useless, you know? You hurt me, Y/N. Don’t you think it’s only fair that I do the same to Jenson?”

“You’re fucking insane! I’m going to tell the police and everyone about you,”

Sebastian growled. Within seconds, Y/N was pinned against the wall, the scalpel on the floor and his knife pressed against the base of their throat. “Y/N-,” Jenson coughed out weakly, unable to watch the scene before him.

The blade of the knife dug deeper into Y/N’s skin, penetrating it. Sebastian watched as blood trickled down their neck, a satisfied grin to his face.

“You hurt me too many times, Y/N. So, I did the same to you. Have you ever wondered what happened to your friends?”

Y/N froze, their eyes widened.

“What..What did you do to them?” “Hm..Same thing I will be doing to Jenson. The world is a happier place when all you need is me,” Sebastian leaned down, licking up the blood.

“No! Fuck you, you monster!” Y/N flailed, landing a punch to Sebastian’s cheek.

The German man laughed, landing a return hit to their face. And again, and again and again until blood flowed from their nose and a bruise was forming on their cheekbone. Sebastian grabbed Y/N’s collar, dragging them towards another set of chains across the room. Y/N whimpered, spitting out blood as they slumped against the chains. “I think it’s time we say goodbye to Jenson, don’t you think?” Sebastian approached Jenson, grabbing his jaw to force the Brit to look at him. “F-Fuck you, Vettel. You..You’re a sick and twisted fuck-,”

Sebastian shoved a knife through his throat, the man gurgled.

“Jenson! No! Jen!” Y/N wailed, tugging hard against the chains in hopes to save him. But all they could do was watch helplessly as Sebastian pulled out the knife, stabbing him over and over again mercilessly. Y/N got lightheaded, the last thing they saw was a large pool of blood.

--------------------------------------------

Hours turned to days, days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months and months turned to years.

Y/N honestly did not know how long they had been with Sebastian. They did not know what was going on in the outside world. They did not care anymore. Sebastian could come and go and Y/N could not remember why. ‘Racing,’ Oh, right. Racing. They looked down at their bandaged ankle, suddenly remembering what caused it.

“Say you love me,” Sebastian grabbed Y/N’s jaw. They struggled, shaking their head furiously.

“Say you love me!” He snapped, landing a slap to Y/N’s swollen cheek.

“Fu-Fuck you!” They spat.

Sebastian grunted, releasing their face from their grasp. “Still so stubborn,” He returned to the table, picking up a heavy baseball bat.

“Fine. You brought this upon yourself, liebe,”

Sebastian struck the bat hard on Y/N’s ankle. They screamed in pain as Sebastian struck it again and again and again.

“Please! Stop! Stop! I love you!” They cried, tears flowing again. Sebastian froze, a big smile on his face now.

“I love you too. See? That wasn’t so hard,” Sebastian set the bat aside, bandage in hand this time. The German planted a sweet kiss to Y/N’s lips, hands careful to wrap the broken ankle up.

“Next time, don’t disobey me, okay? I love you,” Y/N whimpered, nodding.

“I love you too,”

Sebastian was satisfied.

Y/N awoke from their sleep, looking around the dark room. Sebastian was nowhere to be found. Everything was so quiet and they were so hungry. They slumped against the wall, looking towards the other set of chains. Jenson..Oh, Jenson. Just thinking about him made Y/N cry. They did not know what happened to him at all. Y/N cried silently, head snapping up when the front door burst open.

“Hier!” (Translation: Over here!) A voice shouted. Several footsteps descended from the stairs, bright light on Y/N’s face. “Jesus Christ, what the hell did he do to you? Hey! We have one here!” A policeman shouted.

Y/N looked up, struggling to move away.

“Hey, hey don’t worry. We’re here to help you,”

‘What? Was this real?’

“He’s-He’s-,”

“We got him,” Bolt cutters snapped the chains apart, paramedics came down to assist Y/N up. Y/N felt tears in their eyes again, crying softly on the stretcher as they paramedics brought them up. The last thing they remembered seeing was the red and blue lights flashing before passing out.

Freedom

Freedom at last

--------------------------------------------

Epilogue

After the whole incident, Y/N was finally up to date with what was happening in the world. Sebastian had cruelly held them in his basement for four years. The trauma held on tightly onto them. They had to go through various rigorous therapy to get themself out of the tortured mindset. As much as they wanted to forget about it, they could not. The last time they heard about Sebastian was shortly after they woke up in the hospital. They followed through his case in the distance and learnt that the German was too mentally ill to be placed in prison. So they held him in a mental hospital where he had been in since 2015. The worst part was that they were unable to track down Sebastian’s dumping ground.

Currently, it is 2019. Y/N was back in Formula 1 working closely with Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. After that whole event, Lewis was always there with Y/N. Everywhere he went, they followed and everywhere they went, he followed. Y/N was placed under better protective care when they were with Lewis.

The Brit set his cup of coffee down. He had taken him and Y/N out for a drink. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was the next day and Lewis wanted to have some time to relax. What better way than to spend it in a quiet cafe with Y/N?

Lewis stood.

“I’ll be right back, love,” He left shortly.

Y/N smiled, nodding as they returned back to the newspaper in their hand. Flipping to the next place, their smile faltered.

“No..,” Y/N swallowed, reading the title over and over.

Former Formula 1 driver, Sebastian Vettel, missing from German hospital.

All were in caps. Suddenly, memories of 2011 flowed back. Their hands gripped the paper tightly, shaking lightly as they continued reading.

Both local police and Interpol have been notified of this and are on the worldwide hunt for him. He was missing from 14 March and there had been no sightings of him yet. Please contact the authorities if anyone has any information or sightings of him. Do not approach him. Sebastian Vettel is a very dangerous man..

Y/N closed the paper shut, folding it harshly before throwing it in the rubbish bin. They wiped the tears from their eyes, taking a deep breath and slowly calming themself down. There was no way Sebastian could find them, right? After all, it has been years and there has not been any new news about Sebastian. The cafe was practically empty now and Lewis had yet to return. Y/N released a heavy sigh, feeling a warm hand on their shoulder, hot breath to the back of their neck. 

“Lewis, I think we should go-,”

“Miss me, darling?”

[valyrfia]

UGH I love RB Charles-Max discourse.

I completely understand the criticism I really do. BUT those criticisms of not having two WDC contenders on a team only applies when you have a midfield car where strategy (and inevitable prioritisation) to compete with other teams is essential. But, when you’re a top team with an overly dominant car (I think we are at the start of a red bull domination era that may last some 5/6 years the way we are in Ferrari/Merc depression era for another couple of years) that issue just isn’t the same.

The issue with Charles and Max is that the second seat has been notoriously difficult to fill and everyone that teams with them is stuck in their shadow or can’t compete at their level. RB would defo be taking a risk in abandoning their current strat of placing all hopes on Max but at the same time I don’t think they’re incapable of actually giving equal opportunity to the drivers and the only reason that people think that right now is because Max is completely outperforming his teammates so obviously he is their favoured ‘golden boy’.

I also think that in the situation of having to battle with other teams Max and Charles would work very well together. They have an extremely similar driving style that would make collaboration without communication very easy.

In truth the biggest challenge would be to extricate Charles from Ferrari since it seems like they are trying to build themselves back up around Charles and have another Schumacher era with him. It will defo be up to him to make that decision and up to RB to convince him.

we’re definitely entering/are already in a red bull domination era that will last for a while. if red bull want to play it safe, they'll sign daniel again and sit back and enjoy max absolutely demolish another 4 world championships. however, i think their best strat is to sign another n1 driver in order to really establish their complete dominance over the sport and there's only really one option to compliment max and it's charles leclerc. max and charles have already proven that they can work together to get points (thinking of brazil 2022 and max not letting his teammate pass so that charles got 2nd in wdc) + they know each other's driving the best out of anyone else on the grid because they've been racing vs each other for so long.

i am delusional but i don't think that ferrari is going to fight for charles (not in the way they should) because of their own pride. especially with charles equal with points with carlos at the moment, they'll use that as an excuse that charles has fallen off (he hasn't, they just don't service his car correctly but i doubt they'll admit to that). the reason why i believe this is because it's completely the wrong strategy and it's ferrari and whoever is making their strats at the moment is just consistently making the wrong call.

i think lestappen rbr 2024 is more likely than we think. i also reckon red bull will push for it to keep max on the grid longer (since he's talking about retiring after 2028 right now, i think because he's bored that there's no real competition - if you introduced charles leclerc in a competent car i think he'd change his tune)

[ferrariinchident]

Seb Songs!

Ok so I’ve made a playlist of songs that make me think of Seb during different eras & here’s some highlights + reasons why:

Aston Martin Seb:

‘Guys My Age’, Hey Violet - “you hold me like a woman” arghhhh. Making eye contact with AM Seb across the club while you’re on the dance floor and he’s leaning against the bar, drink in hand. You dance knowing he’s watching. He then grabs you from behind and pulls you into the nearest bathroom before [redacted] 

‘Fire In My Head’, Two Feet - Like this song is so sexy to me. Very much letting Seb do naughty things to you in your hotel room post Baku podium. Then in the shower, then in the bathtub, car... you get the idea. 

‘The Wall’, PatrickReza - Another sexy song. Just gives me Seb driving you home in a Vantage at night, one hand on the wheel the other on your upper thigh. Wordlessly pushing you up against the wall as soon as you’re inside the door, one hand pinning your wrist above your head while he kisses your neck... well you get the idea... 

‘Afraid’, The Neighbourhood - Hey, it’s another feeling some type of way song. Driving into the sunset in an Aston. 

‘I Wanna Be Yours’, Arctic Monkeys - slowww warm grabby couch make-out. Eye contact.

‘Do I Wanna Know’, Arctic Monkeys - DB5 Seb. uh huh. “crawling back to you”. 

‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’, Arctic Monkeys 

‘R U Mine’, Arctic Monkeys - Seb wanting to know you’re his. Heavy vibe, kinda maturing from Ferrari rock seb. 

‘Around My Neck’, FINNEAS - “what do you want done to you”. I mean… pretty self explanatory.

Ferrari Seb:

Very much Seb’s full on rock era. Driving flat out through the countryside his F40, ray bans on, cocky smirk as he knows he’s driving faster than you’d like. Arghhh all these songs just fit that vibe so well. 

‘Chelsea Dagger’, The Fratellis 

‘Lonely Boy’, The Black Keys 

‘Howlin’ for You’, The Black Keys 

‘Take Me Out’, Franz Ferdinand 

‘Gold on the Ceiling’, The Black Keys 

RBR Seb:

‘Sex on Fire’, Kings of Leon - specifically 2013 championship winning Seb, idk just the vibe of the song. 

‘Are you Gonna Be My Girl?’, Jet 

‘Come a Little Closer’, Cage The Elephant - Prime Seb knowing he’s all that. 

Any more song suggestions? I’m always looking for songs to add 🤠

[contact-right]

felineee tell me more about the bradnate formula 1 au?!1 Came across it and i'm curious. The boys in tight race suits>>>>>>>>>>

Anooooonn!!!! YES, you know it haha. Thank you so much because I do have a massive earworm about this au and now I can ramble about it. More under the cut because I went off lol.

Okay okay, so Brad is totally an aggressive driver. You give him an inch and he will squeeze through. He will never intentionally endanger anyone, ever, the sport is already dangerous enough as it is, but he will take risks that some may consider a bit overboard. Brad disagrees, of course, he knows what he's doing. There's a reason he's in the cockpit and the naysayers are on the couch watching him on their tv. Brad has a talent for approaching corners at maximum speed, braking much later, and going for a tighter line than other drivers. A bit Schumacher-esque if you will. With a weird setup no one else will ever be able to drive in. Brad is never overly emotional on radio. He's cool as a cucumber and always respectful of his team and drivers around him. Except in rare instances, like when something happens outside of his control. The engine giving out or someone else pushing him off the track with a dumb move. Brad will bitch then, and it's the stuff of legend.

Nate can be equally aggressive, and they're both very similar there, but he's a bit 'cleaner' than Brad. Also, he can recount all the rules and regulations out loud in his sleep and uses it; ea vettel's double overtake in the pit lane during the 2016 chinese gp while there was a safety car, which was totally allowed, but I remember being confused for a moment lol. Nate is definitely that type of dude. He's a steel wall when he's defending, won't easily give way in corners and has great tire management. He's more chatty on radio and likes to know what's going on at all times on the track. Equally respectful of his team but does have some moments where he alters/defies a few strategic decisions when he feels his view on the current situation is more accurate.

What else... Okay, so I like to think Brad and Nate have known each other from way back. Like early karting days or a bit further ahead in F2. In the beginning, they did have a rivalry, but that quickly changed into a friendship born out of mutual respect, admiration, and understanding. They acknowledge each other's talent and easily got along and kind of fell into a groove. Like the 'I didn't realize we were friends but guess what now we're suddenly hanging out almost 24/7' kind of thing. They also really enjoy battling it out on the track.

When the story starts, they're both in F1 and on opposing teams. I think I'd put Nate driving for Mercedes and Brad for RBR. Nate already won a championship last season (2 already, maybe? like maybe his dad was a famous driver so the door to getting a seat was a bit easier for him than for Brad. He did have to prove himself of course, and he's very talented, but you know nepotism and all that. And while he's very proud of his dad and looks up to him, he's very keen on making a name for himself). He started in F1 for McLaren or something something, before getting a contract with Mercedes and driving alongside Mike. Mike already won a few championships, and he likes to give him some pointers. Brad started with Williams or something something driving with Tony before moving on to RBR with Ray. Brad and Tony are still best buds and Ray definitely did a stint with Nascar in-between seasons at one point because of course he did. This season RBR's cars can easily keep up with the cars of Mercedes thus Brad and Nate are battling for the world championship.

The press likes to spin a heated rivalry between these two as mentioned in the post, and Brad taking advantage of that to be a little shit (this man hates the press with a passion and gets a kick out of pestering Nate), and Nate reciprocates in kind, but what if they do actually get a bit more spicy?? Like Brad being a heathen trying to overtake in a sharp corner and Nate being very stubborn and not giving way at any cost and they end up crashing, taking them both out of the race, and Brad is pissed and Nate is pissed and you know, tension, drama fueled by a bit more scathing remarks during the next press conference, a little angst here and there because what if the other got seriously hurt? And you know, they're both very driven (pun intended) to win. It's one of the reasons why they get along so well. Understanding and a shared passion and yada yada.

And somewhere deep down, they probably know they're in love, but they just don't realize it yet. Like maybe somewhere at the end of the season, or no to make it more dramatic, right before the summer break, there's another incident on the track and after they both safely get off, they're really riled up and beyond frustrated and there is this moment of 'I want to punch you or kiss you.. wait what?' And maybe they do, kiss that is, but it's complicated. In whatever way you spin it, sadly F1 is still currently not the most supportive lgbtq+ environment ever. If it ever came out it would be a big deal. Nate being the sacrificial lamb that he is, tells Brad that they can't, even though it felt anything but, but Nate knows how much Brad wants to win that championship. How much he just wants to drive. They both live for it and he's afraid it will be taken away. Of course Brad doesn't take it well, he isn't stupid, he knows, and tries to shrug it off and brush it under the rug. That never happened, let's move one. Which of course proves to be very difficult. Nate meanwhile feels terrible about it too, thinking he did the right thing, for himself and for Brad, but it's just a big mess. Their friendship deteriorates and isn't the same. There's no easygoing 'let's meet somewhere quiet to escape all the bullshit for a few minutes' hiding behind a motorhome and talking about everything and nothing.

I don't know if I ever do end up writing it lol. Like I love the idea of it and that sport is insane. The fucknuttery that happens and the drama, man it's unreal and hilarious. And Rudy and Pappy being Ferrari bro's. Tony using his platform to shed some light on different issues. Brad actually liking Trombley's deranged rookie driving because he admires the audacity. Twitter drama. Ray starting the Twitter drama. Brad unintentionally starting the Twitter drama. #peanutbuttergate2021

But I'm not a full-fledged expert on the sport whatsoever so I'm afraid of making silly mistakes and on top of that I don't even have a driver's license yet lmao. Maybe I'll make a fun manip one day or something if it never happens haha.

Anyway thanks for the ask anon, sorry this took a bit longer to answer. I love you 💜💜

[alexalblondo]

I took your quiz and got the Pierre Monza Win and tbh the accuracy 😭😭😂😂! But your take on it is spot on. Like I think Pierre is extremely talented no doubt, cause he pushed that midfield car to the max in Monza, and Carlos was just behind him with a much better car, but Pierre didn't let him pass through which shows talent. But he did get lucky too. Like a lot of factors worked for him. And he shouldn't criticize Marko and Horner at every chance he gets, like lets be real they are literal scumbags but it's not something that's a hidden fact. And yes Alpha Tauri adores that boy and they are literally building the team around him. But I do think he should move to some other team, because the Rbr drivers academy boys have a lot of potential too and I really don't think Pierre is going to get promoted to Redbull so it's better for him to watch out.

Yes to all of this which is exactly what I meant 😍

Really do wish him all the best and hope he gets a seat in a non-toxic team (like as non-toxic as any F1 team will ever be) but damn, until then mans needs to stop lightning the bridge on fire while he is still standing on it like I am not saying he needs to be a pushover but maybe play along a little?

The only guy whose ever been successful despite acting like that was Fernando Alonso and even then you‘d hardly ever hear him talk shit about his team UNTIL he had fully proven himself which isn’t something Pierre has done yet so until he can show us all the contract he signed with Alpine or sth, Pierre, honey, please shut up because I don’t like you enough to deal with so much anxiety because of you and it‘s literally turning me into a Christian fan