Shifting Gears || cl16/ln4

Gear Six

Post-interviews, Lando and I made our way back to our driver's room. I locked the door behind me and changed back into my regular clothes. I was beaming with joy and excitement for tomorrow's race.
A light knock on my door, interrupted my thoughts. "I'll be right there!" I called out, quickly putting on my top. As I unlocked the door, I was greeted by Lando's smiling face. "Oh Lan.. it's you." He nodded slowly. "Can I come in?" He asked softly. "Of course," I replied with a warm smile as I opened the door wider to welcome Lando into my room. He stepped inside and I closed the door behind him.

Lando and I settled into the comfortable couch. The quiet intimacy of the space, allowed us to share the triumph reflect on what happened on the racetrack. "So, what happens if we get a 1-2 win tomorrow?" He asked with a mischievous grin. I pondered the question, smiling at the scenario, "I don't know, are we suppose to do something? I mean, it would be the first time we'd get a 1-2 win, ever." His expression turned into a thoughtful one and then, as if struck by a brilliant idea, he started to grin again. "We should go out partying, have drinks and just have the night of our life." I started to giggle, "Well I have nothing against that idea, Mr. Norris."

Extending his hand out, he offered a term of agreement, "Well okay then, Ms. DeVille, if we win, we'll go out partying. Just you and me." I looked down at his extended hand and after a moment of consideration, took his hand into mine and gave it a firm shake. "Deal." His hand was big compared to mine and his touch filled me with warmth. As his blue eyes locked onto mine, a familiar uncertainty stirred within me - It was happening again.
After clearing my throat, he withdrew my hand gently. "Um we should probably head back to the hotel." I suggested quietly. He nodded and together we left my driver's room to make our way back to the hotel.

———

Sunday, Bahrain GP

"And it's light's out and away we go!"

The roar of the engines filled the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit, as Lando and I surged side by side, into the first turn, starting to race head to head into the first turn. With a brilliant move he managed to take the lead and I tucked in closely behind him. Glancing at my mirrors I saw Charles, starting to chase me down after overtaking Max. Me and Lando had a plan - we would work together and maximize our chances to secure a 1-2 win.

Lap 30/57
Executing a smooth pit-stop, Lando and I emerged to 4th and 5th position, waiting to reclaim our spots, as the cars in front, made their way to the pits. Racing through Turn 13, the anticipation built with each car ahead diving into the pits. Lando swiftly regained his 1st place, and I seamlessly reclaimed my 2nd place.

Lap 54/57
"Okay Willow, 4 laps to go. Please push and don't let Leclerc get past you. Stay close to Lando for DRS." Jack's voice guided me through the radio. I was now aware that Charles was starting to close the gap between us. "Gap to Leclerc?" I required over the radio. After a short pause, Jack replied, "Gap to Leclerc, 2.456 seconds." The task ahead was clear - securing my second place while staying within striking distance of Lando to have a DRS advantage.

Lap 57/57
"Okay Willow, Final Lap. Please be careful. You can do this." Jack's encouragement made me push myself to the limit. With Charles looming in my mirrors, I pushed even harder, navigating the remaining turns. As I approached turn 14, I saw Lando smoothly turning into turn 15. The checkered flag waved and the finish line came into view. Lando crossed it first and I followed closely behind. Charles also managed to cross the line a few second later. "P2, Willow! That's a 1-2 for McLaren!!! Good Job, we are so proud of you!" Jack's voice resonated with triumph over the radio and I could hear the fans cheering and applauding loudly. "YES! LET'S GO! Thank you Jack! I love you guys!" I yelled with joy, as we celebrated a magnificent start to the new season. The 1-2 win marked not only a win on the track, but a testament to the teamwork and strategy, that defined McLaren's success.