teammates ; Lando Norris

one

Juliette

It was official. I was a McLaren formula 1 driver. Starting for the 2024 season I will be driving alongside Lando Norris.

After two years in formula 2, someone has finally seen the potential I have and is willing to take the risk of employing a woman as a driver.

I couldn't thank Andrea Stella enough.

Despite coming runner up last season in formula 2, he chose me. Me.

At only nineteen years, currently eighteen years old but I'll turn nineteen before the season starts in march-  I will be the sixth female formula one driver in history.

Alongside Lando Norris. Twenty four years old, egotistical and a right dick.

Or so I've heard.

I've never really spoken to him. I have seen him about at some races where f2 and f1 overlapped but just to the extent of a couple glances.

Apparently he got way worse during the second half of the season where McLaren got quite a competitive car.

Which does excite me- the fact they were able to fight for podiums gives them a good chance to continue that on to the 2024 season.

Maybe even fight for wins.

It will be quite tough joining a decently competitive team but I guess it won't be as bad as joining Ferrari, RedBull or Mercedes straight away.

And I guess Lando Norris is decently experienced with this being his sixth year in the sport.

I guess I could possibly learn a thing or two from him.

"Juliette!"

I turn my head at the voice of my best friend's voice- Jasmine. She has been with me for as long as I can remember.

She's self employed and creates websites and does a lot of digital stuff so she is quite well off and is therefore able to travel with me quite a lot.

"I can't believe you messaged me this!" She says referencing the fact I messaged her about me getting the call I'd be driving for McLaren.

"I know, I was just so excited- I wasn't thinking straight." I say with a wide grin forming on my face as she comes into view.

She has keys to my house in France so she will quite often just show up unannounced.

She immediately crushes me in a hug and I stumble back forward with a laugh.

"I'm so happy for you!" She squeals. For someone who doesn't usually get dramatic, or show a lot of emotion- this is a lot of emotion for jasmine.

"Thank you- I still don't even believe it." She eventually pulls away from the hug "Well believe it girl."

The grin didn't wipe from my face all day as I digested the news.

I was already flying out to the McLaren technology centre tomorrow to confirm the signing within the team and actually sign the official contract.

Which also meant meeting Lando Norris.

It was already December and the season starts In March which is quite late for a driver signing but I'm not complaining.

It also means I need to be on my A game in preparing for the jump to f1.

I just need to get through tomorrow first.

Before I knew it, I was in a car being driven to the MTC. My leg was anxiously bouncing up and down in the backseat and I'm glad the driver can't see because I'm pretty sure he's a McLaren worker.

I've met with Andrea Stella a couple times, but nothing too serious. I've also never met Zak Brown which I will be. 

Zak brown is quite a daunting man. I think my first impression will be very important in getting him to like me.

The car suddenly stops- snapping me out of my thoughts and I look around slightly panicked.

"Oh- thank you." I smile nervously at the guy and he nods before I get out of the car. I watch as he drives off further into the MTC.

I walk through the front entrance, my steps definitely going slower than usual due to my nerves.

I make my way towards the front desk before I notice Andrea Stella a few steps away from me. 

"Hello Juliette." He catches my attention and I turn to him with a smile.

"Hello, Andrea." I smile politely as I walk in step with him.

"Don't be too nervous." He says with a light chuckle and I let out a breath.

"Is it that obvious." I laugh nervously.

"Slightly, but don't worry so much- you already have the job." He tells me patting my shoulder lightly which does actually make me feel better.

We get to a decent sized meeting room where we find Zak Brown sitting in his chair at a desk. 

"You must be Juliette, it's so nice to finally meet you." He smiles standing up immediately and giving me a friendly handshake.

"It's lovely to meet you too."

"Please take a seat." He goes back behind his desk and I take a seat In front of him. Andrea coming to sit next to me.

We go over the contract together in a lot of detail. Not missing out any aspect of it. Which I'm glad for to be honest, although I doubt anything would make me pass up this opportunity.

"There we go." After around an hour of talking through everything I'm finally signing the contract.

I've already signed a couple places but this is the final signature needed. The main signature needed.

I sign it carefully- my hands slightly shaking but I do it perfectly anyway.

I smile looking up at the two of them and they return my smiles with their own grins. 

"Welcome to the team." Andrea says warmly and I feel like he's a really good person to be team principal.

"Thank you again for this opportunity- I won't disappoint." I say glancing between the both of them.

"Come on- we all need a picture to remember this moment." Zak says standing up and we both follow suit standing up as well.

Before either of us can open the door someone else comes barging right through- not even bothering to knock.

Lando Norris.