teammates ; Lando Norris

ten

JULIETTE

The Australian Grand Prix saw an end to Max verstappens winning streak. Ferrari triumphed a 1-2 with Carlos sainz leading them to victory.

Lando finished the podium while I got fourth, a decent haul of points for the team.

I don't know why I was struggling a lot more than usual to adjust to the time zone, Japan hadn't been great for me and travelling to China only made it worse.

It's Thursday today which means media- usually I don't mind doing media but I honestly couldn't think of anything worse.

I haven't slept in almost two days now, too busy with formula 1 and then when I finally have time to myself my mind is too busy and I can't bring myself to fall asleep.

In definitely starting to feel it now though while I walk through McLarens paddock for the first meeting today.

I arrive to the small meeting, glancing around for a free seat when I notice the only one left is next to Lando.

We ignore each other as I sit down and the meeting starts.

I feel it begin to be hard to keep my head up, not wanting to look too rude I subtly lean my head on my hand- trying to keep looking engaged.

The meeting drags on, with the same two people talking while the rest of us listen. I hate these types of meetings.

I barely register my eyes fluttering shut before I feel a nudge to my knee.

I snap my eyes open and glance to Lando who stays staring ahead.

I manage to keep my eyes open for the rest of the meeting but I'm very glad when we get to leave. 

I now have about two hours until I start my interviews.

"Hey Julie!" I turn at the sound of my name coming from Daniel's mouth.

"Hey Daniel." I smile politely.

"How you doing? You like China?" He asks as we fall into step together.

"Pretty good. I've not raced here which is making me nervous but the place is beautiful."

"It is quite a tricky circuit but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it."

I nod about to say something when another voice interrupts.

"Hey, can I speak to Juliette for a sec?" I'm confused by Lando's soft tone as he addresses Daniel and basically gives him the hint to leave.

"Yeah sure- see you two later." He smiles brightly at us and I return a weak smile- too tired to produce anything better.

"Other way." Lando directs as he turns me around by my shoulder to walk us back to McLaren which confuses me.

"What? Where are we going?" I say growing more confused when he's silent for a few moments.

"When did you last sleep?"

I take a deep breath, not expecting him to ask that- how did he even know I hadn't slept in nearly two days.

"What do you mean?"

"It's a simple question."

Damn him and his smugness.

"I don't know." I answer kind of honestly, not knowing exactly the last time I slept was.

"Juliette." 

"I don't know! Like two days ago?"

"Fuck sakes."