🏎🏎

I sighed in annoyance as I stared at the data sheets in front of me. This was the third race that had gone shit for me and I was starting to get frustrated.

I had two days before my flight to Barcelona was going to leave late Thursday evening. And I was determined to finish in the top 10 this race.

Everyone around me was forgiving, saying it was only my first year in F1. But with Lando finishing in the top 5 every race so far meant I had to step up my game. We both had the exact same car meaning our results should be similar.

Lando had invited me out for drinks after the race, but I declined as nicely as I could. I just wanted some time to sort myself out.

Another sigh escaped my lips as I moved the papers aside. My mind wandered to Dakota.

She intrigued me. Much like Daniel, her smile and laughter were contagious. Lando who was usually shy at first had immediately taken a liking to her. She had accepted his follow request on Instagram after all.

I wonder what she's doing right now. Wait, no I'm not. Who said that?

I stared at my phone for a moment before grabbing it to open Instagram. My fingers flew over the keyboard as I typed in her name.

I was surprised to find that she had already requested to follow me.

GPS said it's my turn 😎

MATE YOU NEVER GAVE ME MY SUNNIES BACK WTF

SHE'S A THEIF, I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THOSE FOR MONTHS

NO I DIDN'T DUDE, THESE R MINE

oh wait, they might be urs. I just found another pair in my closet 🥴

driving❌ selfies✔

you already know how it is 😃

I chuckled at the comments under her post. Daniel loved commenting on posts, even if he had nothing to do with them.

I hesitated commenting, but then decided to go for it.

what if I don't use a GPS, theoretically it could be my turn

Ok Mr. I drive cars in circles 🙄✋

thought u did something there "GpS SaYs it'S My TuRn"

since u don't use a GPS, kindly and respectively, get lost 😑

"What's got you all smiley?" Lando asked, walking into the room.

"Nothing," I replied, placing my phone face down. "How was sim?"

"Not bad, anything's better than neck training," he replied, taking a seat beside me.

I had already trained on the simulator yesterday while Lando was doing neck training. Both of us hated it.

The LED lights illuminated the conference room in a white glow. Woking was a cold and dreary place, much like the rest of England at the moment. Lando and I often returned to the McLaren headquarters between race weekends to help the engineering team. Using the simulator helped them gather data that could be useful for the race. It was also more practice for me, which I desperately needed.

It wasn't very hard for Lando considering he lived 45 minutes away. I on the other hand, lived all the way in Italy. Monaco was a 5 minute drive unlike England.

He offered for me to stay at his home instead of a hotel. I was thankful, I didn't feel like staying bored and alone in a hotel.

My phone buzzed again, catching Lando's attention.

He raised a brow at me and I shrugged, not picking it up.

"Alright boys," a voice interrupted our stare off. Zak and Andreas took their seats across from us at the long table in the conference room.

"So, Lando you've been doing quite well so far. Great job in qualifying and considering the car you're in, your race results are exceeding expectations. Any complaints?" Andreas asked, looking over his wire rimmed glasses.

"Ermm, no? Not really. Car's good and everything's going according to plan."

"Great. Now, Alessandro."

I had to keep myself from shrinking in my seat. I wasn't proud of the way my season had started off. It didn't matter if I was in a new car or new to F1. This was my whole life. I was supposed to be ready.

"Considering this is your first year in F1, decent start to the season. We want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible. Is there anything you want to change, or any questions or complaints?"

I stared at the white table in front of me. My mind was blank so I shook my head.

"Well, the retirement last race was unfortunate. Not your fault, or the teams. Just bad luck. Your times on the simulator look great so I'm optimistic for the next race."

I zoned out as they spoke to Lando about the data and strategy they had in mind. He had more experience so he was able to offer them his opinion.

"I'm feeling good about Spain. You boys know the drill, get us some good points, yeah?" Zak grinned, standing up.

"You got it," Lando grinned, waving before leaving the room.

I held back a sigh as I gathered my things to hurry after him.

"Sandro," Zak called as I was about to walk through the doorway.

"Keep your head up. You got this."

His words made me smile and I nodded quickly, making him chuckle.

Wow, I have the coolest boss ever.

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

"Mate, your phone's been buzzing with Instagram notifications," Lando said as I came down into the kitchen.

"Really?" I asked, furrowing my brows.

"Yeah, I dunno who it is cause you've got face ID on there."

"Doesn't everyone."

"Yeah, but I wanna know who's messaging you," he teased, wiggling his brows.

"Oh shut up, it's all the fans liking my photo's."

"What fans?" he mocked.

I let out a deep breath from my nose, narrowing my eyes at him.

Lando snickered to himself, tossing me a protein shake. I sat down on the couch, opening my phone after making sure the sneaky Brit was far away.

"Why is Dakota messaging you?"

I immediately tilted my phone screen so Lando couldn't see it. He stood behind the couch with a spoonful of cereal in his mouth, squinting at my phone.

"None of your business," I muttered making him scoff.

"She still hasn't accepted my follow request," he pouted.

"Maybe she doesn't like you then."

"What? That's impossible."

"Wellll..." I trailed off.

Lando narrowed his eyes at me, swallowing his cereal.

"Tell her to accept my request," he demanded.

"Uh no, you do that on your own time.

He huffed, snatching my phone away.

heyyy, this is Lando! PLEASE accept my follow request, thanks!

I scowled, snatching my phone back from him. My fingers flew over the screen as I quickly typed out a followup message.

sorry about Lando. He's desperate.

: hey, ngl I was surprised when your name popped up in my notifications. I don't see his follow request? I'll follow him instead.

"You idiot," I chuckled, showing him the screen. "You followed a fan account, not her actual account."

"What? No I didn't."

"Yes you did, her account has a dot between her first and last name."

"What the fuck? You're kidding me mate."

"Idiota," I muttered, shaking my head.

would you say this ranks high on the list of stupid things he's done?

no. not really. he's pretty stupid

had a feeling.

let him know I've accepted it

"Smooth, mate. Real smooth," Lando spoke up. I glared at him as he read my messages over my shoulder.

"Fuck off," I muttered, running a hand over my face.

"She's even got you blushing! This is hilarious," Lando snickered, pointing at my now pink face.

I sighed, making my way over the kitchen. I spotted his protein shake sitting on the table. It happened to be his favourite flavor and the last one in the box.

"Hey! That's mine!" he exclaimed as I took a sip out of it.

"Mine now."

I smirked, chugging down his favorite drink before tossing the empty bottle at him.