Homesick | Charles Leclerc

37.

Carlos wrapped her into a warm hug with a laugh. "Don't get him started," he said bitterly. "This is all we've heard about for the past three days." 

"Don't be late! Don't tell Lexi! Don't cheat!" Lando mocked Charles' accent. 

The group laughed as they all took turns greeting Lexi, their spirits only rising as Pierre playfully ruffled Charles' hair. 

As they prepared to hop into their go-karts, the atmosphere buzzed with a blend of anticipation and friendly banter. Max and Lewis were already in full competition mode, trading lighthearted jabs as they buckled their helmets. The racers within them were impossible to contain, even on a go-kart track. Lexi and Charles quickly got ready and changed into their race suits, before joining the others, playfully jabbing at each other as they fought over which kart to race with.

Engines roared to life, and the group sped off onto the track, the wind tousling their hair and the scent of adrenaline hanging in the air. Alexandra felt the thrill of the race as her go-kart zipped around the curves, Charles at her side, their laughter mingling with the sound of revving engines.

Throughout the race, the competitive spirits soared. Max and Lewis vied for the lead, trading positions with each turn, their playful taunts growing louder. Alexandra and Charles weren't far behind, their laughter and friendly rivalry adding to the excitement.

As the race continued, the track became a playground of laughter and friendly chaos. The once-serious racers now found themselves playfully hitting each other's karts, exchanging mischievous glances, and taunting with exaggerated victory celebrations before the race was even over.

Max and Lewis were relentless in their banter, each overtaking the other with theatrical victory gestures, only to be overtaken themselves in the next lap. Their competitive rivalry had transformed into a theatrical performance, with exaggerated expressions and gestures that had everyone in stitches. Charles and Alexandra, meanwhile, shared knowing smiles as they weaved through the twists and turns, their go-karts almost inseparable.

"If I win, I want the WDC trophy!" Max called out as he sped past Lewis, only to be met with a cheeky grin and a swift retaliation that sent Max's kart into a playful spin.

Alexandra joined in the fun, gently bumping Charles' kart as she passed him, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Whoops!"

Charles laughed, his competitive spirit firing up. "Oh, it's on!"

As they approached a particularly sharp curve, the group's antics reached a new level. Max and Lewis, side by side, turned the corner with exaggerated slides, their karts practically drifting. Their synchronized maneuver left everyone in awe and soon inspired everyone else to attempt their own daring moves. Laughter echoed around the track as go-karts skidded around corners and spun in wild circles.

Sebastian and Kimi were trying their hardest to knock people from the track, Kimi's maniacal laughter booming over them all as George and Lando desperately tried to escape. Lewis bumped into Lexi, laughing as she span out, and pausing in awe as she caught the wheel and corrected herself mid-drift. 

"Beep beep, motherfuckers!" Daniel yelled as he zoomed past. 

Amidst the chaos, the camaraderie was palpable. Friends who were usually pitted against each other on the Formula 1 circuit now found themselves sharing an unfiltered moment of lightheartedness. The competitive drive that had led them to become racing champions was now focused on creating the most entertaining and memorable race between them.

As the race drew to a close, the group's banter reached a crescendo. The final lap was filled with dramatic overtakes, theatrical gestures, and good-natured challenges shouted over the roar of the engines.