Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Saturday, 9:03 pm

Ollie
  hello everybodyy 👋👋👋

Lando
  NEW GRUOP CHAT???
  HELL YEAH

Charles
  Who made this?

Ollie
  i made it!
  i added everybody on the grid this season
  just a little something for us rookies to know u guys better :)

Kimi
  great idea!

Max
  This will either go horribly and we’ll all hate each other by the end of this
  season
  Or it’ll provide me with all the chaotic entertainment I need

Ollie
  i would be very upset if it was the first one

Lando
  YES
  CHAOTIC EANTERTAINEMNT!

Ollie
  this is not going how I expected it to go

Carlos
  What did you expect

Ollie
  idk
  but not this

Lando
  OMG HI CARLOS
  💞💞💞
  Carlos
  Hello Lando 💞💞💞

Esteban
  I didn’t know you were going to follow through on that Ollie

Alex
  whats this
  grid family?
  i like that
  finally a chat that is team principle free

Lando
  thank fucking god

Liam
  have we uh
  just decided to collectively ignore what happened between carlos and
  lando?

Gabriel
  i’m wondering the same thing

Jack
  me too

George has added Toto Wolff to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Lando
  WHAT THE HECK
  GEORGE

Lando has removed Toto Wolff from The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Lando has removed George from The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Max
  I’m cackling
  This is exactly the entertainment I was talking about

Ollie
  oh dear

Kimi
  george is texting me
  he’s telling me to add him back

Yuki
  what the fuck is this
  oh
  finally something interesting happening

Pierre
  How did I miss out on premium entertainment?

Isack
  this is awesome ollie
  should we add george back?

Lando
  no

Max
  No

Charles
  Maybe

Oscar
  What is this?
  My phone is blowing up

Lando
  GROUP CHAT!!

Oscar
  Do I want to be involved in this

Lando
  YESS

Alex
  can we add george back?

Fernando
  Respect every family member guys

Charles
  Am I surprised that Fernando texted before Lance did?

Lance
  No

Carlos
  That’s probably the most we’ll hear from him this year

Lance
  Yes

Carlos
  Oh there was more

Alex
  im adding george back

Lando
  YOU WERE TEH ONE WHO SAID WED BE FREEE FROM TEAM
  PRINCEPLIS
  THIS DUMB ASS ADDS HIS DAD THE SECOND HE GETS THE CHANCE
  TO

Max
  Fix your spelling

Yuki
  this is hilarious

Ollie
  what have i done?

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Sunday, 12:37 am

Lewis
  You guys are insane

Lewis added George to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Max
  Oh great
  Why did you add him back?

Lewis
  I think we should respect all members of the family
  Like Fernando said

Max
  Old

George
  I sincerely apologize
  I had no intentions of causing a ruckus, and I truly take responsibility for my
  wrongdoings

Lando
  just talk normally mate

George
  That was normal

Lando
  what teh fuck is worng with your
  **you

George
  What the fuck is wrong with you?

Lando
  Many things

George
  Okay wait
  I’m off topic
  I would like to explain why I added Toto

Oscar
  Why is my phone blowing up again?
  It’s too late for this
  I should’ve listened to myself
  I did not want to be involved in this

Oscar has left The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Lando
  No
  Oscar 😭😭😭
  I will mourn ur asbecne

Alex
  HI
  GEORGE
  UR BACK
  I MISSED YOU

George
  HELLO ALEX
  I MISSED YOU TOO
  💓

Gabriel
  i might be delirious from the five hours of sleep i had last night
  but
  did george just use a heart emoji?

Liam
  yes
  we are talking about this right?

Max
  Ew no
  George you were explaining?

Liam
  so we are ignoring whatever just ignoring the fact that george not only texted
  in all caps
  but also used an emoji for the first time in his life

George
  Yes
  I was explaining something

Jack
  i feel like that was pretty revolutionary but ok

George
  I saw the name of the group chat and my brain went ‘family = Toto’ so I added
  him without really thinking or wondering or reading the previous texts
  Please accept my apology

Max
  I will not be accepting your apology

Alex
  im just glad ur back 😁😁

George
  Back with you!

Gabriel
  he just used an exclamation mark
  i think someone kidnapped george

Jack
  yeah
  should we send a rescue mission to find him

Max
  Nah

Lando added Oscar to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Wednesday, 8:02 am

Nico
  Am I the last one to text in here?

Gabriel
  yeah old man

Nico
  I can’t even swear at you
  Because then it seems like I’m bullying a child

Gabriel
  sucks to suck

Nico
  No
  I want Kevin back
  Can I add him?
  Ollie can we add other people to this chat

Ollie
  does it seems like i have any fucking admin rights to this group chat
  just do whatever u want

Nico
  Cool

Lando
  only other drivers guys

Oscar
  Good god
  Why am I back in here
  LANDO

Lando
  💗💗💗

Nico added Kevin to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Max added Checo to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Max added Daniel to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Alex added Franco to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Lewis added Valtteri to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Yuki added Zhou to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Oscar added Logan to TThe Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Thursday, 10:17 am

Daniel
  WHOO
  HELLO EVERYBODY
  MISS ME??

Max
  I MISS YOU SO MUCH MATE
  Wish you were racing this year

Daniel
  Me too
  But life goes on

Liam
  hey Daniel

Daniel
  Wassup

Checo
  Hello guys

Daniel
  SERGIO
  CHECOOO
  PEREZZZZZZ!!!

Yuki
  DANIEL
  HELLO
  I MISS YOU
  COME BACK PLEASE

Isack
  and take my seat
  :’)

Yuki
  don’t worry isack
  you’re my favourite rookie

Pierre
  Does favourite rookie mean like friends?
  Or is it something more

Yuki
  favourite rookie means favourite rookie

Max
  Is he jealous of Isack?

Isack
  😳
  why do i want to stir the drama?

Max
  Stir it

Daniel
  FUEL THE BOILING POT OF JEALOUSY

Liam
  i would sleep with one eye open depending on what you say

Isack
  yuki is my favourite on the grid 😊😊
  he’s so nice to me and always treats me with respect
  love him

Yuki has hearted this message

Liam
  scratch that
  sleep with both eyes open

Pierre
  EXCUSE ME?
  YUKI IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
  YOU LOVE HIM??

Yuki
  now get out of here
  the red bull guys are chatting

Pierre
  THIS IS A SHARED GROUP CHAT

Daniel
  Man
  I do miss this

Checo
  I don’t

Max
  I’m so sad you guys left me
  All alone with these fucking children

Daniel
  Sorry mate

Checo
  Not my fault

Liam
  i feel really appreciated here

Isack
  u and me both

Liam
  at least you’re a favourite rookie
  if max could decide he would replace me with daniel in half a millisecond

Max
  You would be right

Kimi and Ollie
Thursday 11:32 pm

Bear🐻
  what the actual fuck did i do?

Ant🐜
i dont know
but it’s rly funny

Bear🐻
  im scared to check it now

Ant🐜
i think youve made something really special
everybody seems to be connecting and we’re getting to know everybody
which was the intention

Bear🐻
  true
  thanks kimi

Ant🐜
anything for you ollie 😊😊

Bear🐻
  aww
  u love me

Ant🐜
i didnt say that

Bear🐻
  idc
  if i think you did then u did
  anyway
  u have time to grab lunch together?

Ant🐜
how can i say no

Bear🐻
  u literally cannot resist me

Ant🐜
…
u make me want to say no

Bear🐻
  wait no 😭😭

Ant🐜
i might…
just to spite u

Bear🐻
  KIMI
  NO
  GET LUNCH WITH ME
  PLS
  I’M BEGGING YOU

Ant🐜
desperate

Bear🐻
  is that a yes?

Ant🐜
ig 🙄🙄

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Tuesday, 1:37 pm

Valtteri
  Hello guys
  Hello Zhou Guanyu

Zhou
  I动态立图
  Sorry
  Chinese keyboard
  **I don’t like that you’ve said my whole name
  What did I do wrong?

Valtteri
  I sent you something
  I was wondering if you got it

Zhou
  No
  I did not get anything

Valtteri
  Are you sure?
  I thought you would particularly enjoy it
  It’s a gift

Zhou
  No
  Nothing

Valtteri
  Don’t lie to me Zhou Guanyu
  I know you got it
  I sent it a month ago

Zhou
  Uh
  I don’t check the mail

George
  Why does Valtteri sound so threatening

Zhou
  Please save me

Valtteri
  I put a lot of work and effort into that

Zhou
  Why do you hate me 😭😭
  You know I’m traumatized by that

Valtteri
  So you did get it
  I was looking out your time management
  And making sure that you didn’t forget about me

Zhou
  I don’t think I could ever forget you
  But I’ll keep this calendar
  So
  Please don’t send me any more
  The pile of bottASS calendars in my closet is…distressing

Charles
  There’s a new edition??
  I didn’t get one

Zhou
  Do you want mine?

Charles
  Absolutely not

George
  I think you’ve traumatised that man

Valtteri
  Running joke
  He keeps all the calendars anyway
  I think he uses them as fuel for campfires

Kimi
  wait since bottas is here
  we can have a mercedes team meeting?

Valtteri
  Zhou and Charles get out of here

Zhou
  Thank goodness

Lewis
  Is it too late to pop in

George
  Yes
  Yes it is Lewis
  What does it feel like being in red?
  And I see you playing chess with Charles and Riccardo
  Fucking traitor

Lewis
  I just wanted to say hi 😟

Kimi
  hello

George
  No
  Kimi
  We talked about this
  We do not engage in any conversation with this man

Lewis
  I added you back into the chat

George
  Oh
  I suppose that is true

Lewis
  I kind of miss you

George
  That’s kind of sweet

Alex
  BITCH
  WHAT DID U SAY?

Lewis
  I miss George?

George
  You know what
  I miss you too Lewis

Alex
  i see through ur act lewis
  i know ur happy in red
  george is happy without u
  u know what u r
  a fucking traitor

Kimi
  👀

Lewis
  I sense something that I don’t want to be involved in

Carlos
  I miss Charles

Alex
  rude

Charles
  I miss you too Carlos
  Things just aren’t the same anymore
  Less colourful and joyful 😔

Lewis
  I don’t think I want to be involved in this either

Carlos
  What will I do without you by my side every day?

Charles
  I cannot believe we’re separated
  The Williams garage has never felt so far away

Lando
  this pyshicaly hurts me

Alex
  🤮🤮🤮
  take your pining somewhere else

Lando
  pining?
  what pining?

Charles and Carlos
Tuesday, 8:36 pm

Lord Perceval👑
  Just curious
  Did you ever have feelings for Lando?
  I always see Carlando stuff going around

Chili🌶️
This is really random
Why?

Lord Perceval👑
  Nothing I’m just curious

Chili🌶️
Ok…
Well yeah I guess

Lord Perceval👑
  Cool

Chili🌶️
You’re weird

Lord Perceval👑
  Like I said
  Just curious
  Also just curious
  Do you still have feelings for him?

Chili🌶️
Are you trying to set me up with him?

Lord Perceval👑
  NO
  God no
  I have no secret agenda

Chili🌶️
You seriously sound weird mate
Just tell me if you’re setting me up
Cause that’s what it sounds like

Lord Perceval👑
  I promise
  No setting up
  Just curious

Chili🌶️
You’re not
“Asking for a friend”

Lord Perceval👑
  Asking for myself
  That sounds weird
  OK
  LIKE I SAID
  Purely curiosity
  Nothing else

Chili🌶️
You sound suspicious

Lord Perceval👑
  I swear mate

Chili🌶️
And I feel like you’re up to something
And I don’t know what you will do with my answer

Lord Perceval👑
  Literally nothing
  But know about it

Chili🌶️
I don’t trust you

Lord Perceval👑
  Ouch

Chili🌶️
Wait that sounded a little harsh
I meant like I have a feeling you’re going to use this information for something else
Like to set me up or something
I’m sorry if that sounded mean
I apologize
I’d trust you with my life
Ok
I think I thought too much about it
I’m sorry
If you must know I do not have any feelings for Lando

Lord Perceval👑
  Really?

Chili🌶️
Yes
Did you think I did?

Lord Perceval👑
  Yeah

Chili🌶️
Not anymore anyway

Lord Perceval👑
  And you will soon see that I have to secret agenda
  No missions at all

Chili🌶️
That was stupid of me
Anyway
Wanna play chess?

Lord Perceval👑
  I feel like this is a tactic you’re using to make me less mad at you

Chili🌶️
Is it working?

Lord Perceval👑
  …
  Dammit let’s play chess

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Saturday, 10:03 am

Logan
  i miss driving :(

Oscar
  LOGAN
  I MISS YOU
  COME BACK TO ME

Logan
  OSCAR
  ARE YOU SHOWING EMOTIONS RIGHT NOW?

Lando
  ive been trying fr two years to get osc to smile at me
  or even frown at me
  he hasnt done ethier

Logan
  loser
  oscar just likes me more

Lando
  what?
  that cant be true
  i hang out wiht him allmost every day

Logan
  we call every day
  despite the time zones
  takes more effort than just meeting for work

Lando
  we dont just meet forwork
  we work out together
  we soetimes garb lunch o dinnner together

Logan
  we do all that stuff too
  except again it’s more effort because osc flies out to the us and i to
  australia
  long distance did not keep us apart

Lando
  stop talking like u guys r in a realtonship
  and dont u dare use the nickname i came up with

Logan
  osc osc osc

Lando
  bitch
  who do do u thikn u r??

Oscar
  Why am I enjoying this?

Charles
  You’re enjoying the fact that Lando is fighting over you

Lando
  what?
  fihgting over osc?

Oscar has left The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Charles
  Oh

Carlos
  You’re a great dad Charles

Charles
  Shut up

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Sunday, 6:57 am

Franco
  woah
  what happened

Checo
  Hello my fellow Latino

Franco
  CHECO!!
  i wish we could race together this year
  maybe next year
  same team
  come over to alpine

Pierre
  Absolutely not

Jack
  absolutely not

Checo
  Alpine?
  Absolutely not

Franco
  maybe we can join cadillac together

Checo
  Sounds better

Max
  Come back to red bull
  Please
  Down on my knees
  Begging for you

Liam
  again
  i feel real appreciated here

Ollie
  yikes
  is that how desperate i sounded?

Kimi
  yes

Jack
  sorry what?

Kimi
  ollie was begging to have a lunch date with me

Jack
  date??
  the phrasing…

Kimi
  dont overthink it

Max
  Danny
  Wanna go grab lunch?

Daniel
  Of course
  What are you feeling?
  It’ll be on me

Checo
  And you don’t ask me to have lunch?
  Who is your favourite partner
  Where do your loyalties lie

Max
  I didn’t ask you because you told me you were in Mexico

Checo
  Avoiding the question I see
  Max…who is your favourite teammate

Max
  Uh

Liam
  hello

Pierre
  What’s up

Alex
  👋

Carlos
  I was there first

Daniel
  That doesn’t mean shit

Checo
  I was the most recent

Daniel
  That doesn’t mean shit either

Max
  No comment?

Pierre
  Asshole

Alex
  we all know who it is anyway

Liam
  we do?

Carlos
  Way too obvious

Checo
  Didn’t know why I bothered to ask

Daniel
  And the winner is…
  Me!

Max
  I want sushi

Daniel
  Done
  Reservation booked for 1:05 pm tomorrow
  (I already knew you wanted sushi)

Max
  Did I ever ask you to take my hand in marriage?

Liam
  oh
  i see

Logan and Oscar
Sunday 9:37 pm

Sarge🦅
  oscar
  talk to me
  imma add you back to the group chat

Pastry🥐
Why
What do you want to talk about

Sarge🦅
  you know what

Pastry🥐
No

Sarge🦅
  yes
  you need to talk about your emotions oscar

Pastry🥐
When did you become a therapist

Sarge🦅
  since now

Pastry🥐
It’s not that important

Sarge🦅
  you expect me to believe that

Pastry🥐
Yes?

Sarge🦅
  im your best friend
  i know you’re upset

Pastry🥐
You don’t know what I’m upset about
And you don’t need to know
It’s not important

Sarge🦅
  you’re upset or scared that lando found out you have a crush on him after
  charles said what he did
  you’re also upset because you think lando has feelings for carlos and you
  think that carlos might reciprocate them

Pastry🥐
…
It’s still not important though

Sarge🦅
  you just left the group chat
  honestly man
  that didnt help your case
  if you really dont want lando knowing you like him
  leaving the group chat only made it worse
  lucky for you
  he’s a bit clueless so I dont think he’s figured anything out
  however
  it’s a bit obvious pastry

Pastry🥐
Ok fine
Add me back to the group chat
But I don’t want to talk about my feelings right this moment

Sarge🦅
  that’s ok
  but if you’re ever feeling sad or whatever
  im always down to video call
  even if it’s like two in the morning

Pastry🥐
Thanks Logan
Love you

Sarge🦅
  love you too

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Monday 5:02 am

Logan added Oscar to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Lando
  WELCOME BACK OSCAR
  I MISSED YOU

Oscar
  I did not

Logan
  jesus

Lando
  🥲

Chapter Text

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Thursday 7:01 am

Pierre
  FIRST RACE WEEKEND GUYSS
  I’M SO EXCITED TO SEE YUKI’S FACE

Yuki
  we should go karaoking
  HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIIIIIDE

Pierre
  I MUST’VE CALLED A THOUSAND TIIIIIIIMES

Jack
  i got a headache reading this

Lando
  AUSTRALIA WHOOOO

Oscar
 Literally praying right now
  I’m so nervous

Jack
  me too 😭😭😭

Daniel
  Break the curse guys!

Oscar
  That did not help with the pressure

Charles
  You’ll have another three home races if this one doesn’t work out
  So no pressure

Oscar
  I’m gonna fucking win Monaco

Charles
  I’m disowning you
  That was uncalled for

George
  I am incredibly excited
  Can’t wait to be back on the track

Lewis
  Me too

George
  I’m excited for my car to be faster than your Ferrari :)

Lewis
  Not cool

George
  But 100% true
  You traitor

Lewis
  Just a week ago you said that you missed me

George
  It’s fluctuating

Yuki
  TO TELL YOU I’M SORRY

Pierre
  FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU’VE DONE

Max
  Oh great
  They’re back

Alex
  just let them do their thing

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Thursday 10:16 pm

Esteban
  Long day
  Good job everybody

Ollie
  yess
  feeling good
  thx for all the feedback estie

Esteban
  No problem!

Kimi
  u guys are on a nickname basis?

Ollie
  i guess so
  i mean i call him estie and he calls me ollie which is technically a nickname
  but everybody calls me ollie
  so does it really count?

Kimi
  but you call him estie??

Ollie
  yeah?

Esteban
  I sense something…

Lewis
  That you don’t want to be apart of
  Yeah it’s happening a lot in this group chat

Kimi
  how come u dont have a nickname for me :(

Gabriel
  i can feel the jealousy seeping out of my phone

Ollie
  i dont want to give u a nickname

Gabriel
  😲😲😲

George
  Did you just make my Kimi cry?
  I will be avenging him

Max
  I agree
  Nobody hurts Kimi on this grid
  Fuck
  Did I just agree with George?

George
  Have your own opinions mate

Max
  🖕

Ollie
  wait sry
  slow texter

Kimi
  i get it
  im not special enough

Max
  I’m kicking Ollie and then I’m kicking him out of this chat

Ollie
  i didn’t want to give u a nickname because i just love saying kimi
  and then u turn and look at me with a smile on ur face and it’s like the whole world just got ten times brighter
  i love your name kimi

Gabriel
  that was basically a confession

Max
  Ok I am no longer kicking Ollie that was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen

Kimi
  oh

Ollie
  oh?

George
  This idiot
  Give me a second

Ollie
  did i say something stupid

Esteban
  So…
  How is everybody feeling for free practice?

Carlos
  Mediocre

Charles
  I’m optimistic
  Or I’m just delusional
  Hard to tell at this stage

Lewis
  I’m feeling good

Charles
  Lewis
  Good friend
  I know I drive for Ferrari
  But
  Leave when you can

Lewis
  Are you saying this just so Carlos can come back?

Charles
  Partially
  But also for your sanity and hairline
  It’s honest advice

Alex
  Nobody is stealing my Carlos from me
  CARBON FOREVER!!

Carlos
  😘😘

Lando
  EZCUSE ME
  UR CARLOS??
  WHO DO U TINHK U R

Charles
  YEAH
  CARLOS IS OBVIOUSLY MINE?

Lando
  no?
  he’s mine
  i was his first partner

Nico
  I exist

Gabriel
  then talk more you old man

Nico
  I hate you

Gabriel
  :)

Max
  Bitch what about me
  I was before both you and Nico

Carlos
  I do not belong to anybody

Esteban
  I thought we were talking about practice

Lewis
The conversation about practice was over before it started

Mercedes Family (no Toto)
Australia, Thursday 10:27 pm

Big Brother
  This is the right group chat right?
  This is the one without Toto
  I do not need a repeat of last time
  Toto did not need to witness my mental break down over Alex’s Instagram post
  Now he thinks we’re together and I can’t tell if he approves

Little Brother
  we can just change the name of the gc u know?

Big Brother
  I suppose so

Little brother renamed Mercedes Family (no Toto) to TOTO WOLFF IS NOT IN THIS GROUP CHAT

Big Brother
  I guess that works
  Anyway
  Kimi
  I need to talk to you

Uncle
  We’re using this group chat again?

Little Brother
  i dont want to talk to u

Big Brother
  Bitch treat me with respect I’m the older one

Little Brother
  valtteri george is abusing his privileges

Uncle
  No can do

Big Brother
  We need to talk about whatever just happened between you and Ollie

Uncle
  Something happened?
  What am I missing

Big brother
  Check The Grid Family

Little brother
  nothing happened between me and ollie

Big brother
  Like Gabriel said
  I could literally feel your jealousy through my phone screen

Little brother
  u two both exaggerate

Big brother
  Ok
  Whatever
  The main point is
  Why the heck did you respond to Ollie’s lovely message with ‘oh’
  That was really stupid
  And Ollie is freaking out thinking he said something that upset you

Little brother
  he’s freaking out?

Big brother
  Yes!
  If you stayed for a second longer you would’ve seen

Little brother
  wait wait wait
  what do i do?

Big brother
  Ok well
  Why did you do that in the first place?

Little brother
  i know this is going to sound stupid
  but what ollie said was just so sweet and kind and my brain started malfunctioning bc no way he just said that to me
  NO WAY HE JUST SAID THAT HE LOVES SAYING MY NAME
  AND THAT MY SMILE BRIGHTENS HIS DAY
  I’M FREAKING OUT
  I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY
  I STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY
  WHAT DO I DO??????

Big brother
  Text or call him whatever
  And tell him you’re sorry and explain why you responded to his messages with ‘oh’
  And then say some nice things back to him
  Honestly
  I’m sure you have some nice things to say to him
  Speak naturally to him

Little brother
  speak naturally?
  speak naturally to ollie bearman?????

Big brother
  Yes
  We are talking about the same person

Little brother
  i cant

Big brother
  Trust me
  You can

Little brother
  george
  i cant do this
  i cant do this

Big brother
  Yes you can
  I believe in you!

Little brother
  no
  im dealing with it tomorrow
  wait
  im going to see him tomorrow arent i?
  fuck

Big brother
  Kimi
  You got this

Uncle
  He’s not responding anymore

Big brother
  I don’t like that

Kimi and Ollie
Australia, Thursday 10:53 pm

Ant🐜
  im sry
  i should have been more
  articulate

Bear🐻
did i say anything to make you uncomfortable
cause im really sry if i did

Ant🐜
  hey
  im apologizing right now

Bear🐻
oh uh sry
go ahead

Ant🐜
  im sry i responded with ‘oh’ to everything u said
  it was actually really sweet
  i really appreciated it
  made my night if you will

Bear🐻
that’s a relief
but truly kimi
i meant every word of it

Ant🐜
  i think u deserve to hear something nice too
  u mean so much to me
  ur smile brightens my day and i cant help but smile when i see u happy
  i love how ur able to make any situation positive and u just have such a great energy
  u’ve been such an important person to me
  love you <3

Bear🐻
im crying

Ant🐜
  wanna call?

Bear🐻
yes
call me now
i miss uu

Ant🐜
  we just met less than five hours ago

Bear🐻
bitch just call me

Ant🐜
  jeez ok

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Friday 9:43 pm

Gabriel
  friday over!

Isack
  feeling good
  optimistic!

Alex
  actually feel like we might have a chance this year

Charles
  Pretty good day
  Especially meeting Carlos again
  That was my highlight

Carlos
  Missed you sweetie 😘😘

Charles
  Miss you too honey 😘😘

Gabriel
  ur highlight was meeting carlos
  but not getting first in free practice two?

Charles
  By a landslide
  I’ve gotta say
  Looking good in blue

Carlos
  I look good in anything

Charles
  Can’t argue with that

Lando
  sweetie?
  honey?
  am i missing soemthing here

Charles
  Drop by the Ferrari hospitality tomorrow honey?

Carlos
  Of course sweetie

Liam
  wtf
  take this somewhere else

Lando
  what am i watching unfold??
  carlos!?
  what?????
  wait
  what???
  sweetie??
  honey??

Alex
  👀👀👀

Carlos
  What’s wrong
  Is something wrong?

Lando
  no
  r u and charles toegther?

Carlos
  Like a couple?

Charles
  Not yet

Lando
  lovely

Lando and Oscar
Australia, Friday 10:11 pm

Lando
  oscar
  oscar
  oscar
  osc
  osco
  oscooo
  this is uragnt😭😭

Osco
What

Lando
  does carlos like charles
  or r they like
  just rly close friends

Osco
I don’t know
Ask Carlos
Aren’t you guys best friends

Lando
  yeahh
  i dunno
  he’s been texitng me a lot about charles
  and i saw them today in the pasdock togaehter and i swear
  they’re glued to eachother
  and like i think it’s kind of obviaos that charles likes him
  but what if carlos likes him back??
  i didnt ask
  i dunno
  feels weird?

Osco
If you and Carlos are best friends
It won’t be weird

Lando
  what if he like takes it the wroang way o soemthign

Osco
??

Lando
  what if he
  like
  thinks im asking because i have feelings for him or something

Osco
Do you?

Lando
  no
  yes?
  fuck
  idk
  it’s been weird
  i used to have feelings for him
  like
  a lot of feelings

Osco
Do you have any feelings now?

Lando
  idk
  it’s rly weird osc
  I rly enojoy spneding time with him
  and he has a rly comforiting prescence u know?

Osco
I don’t know

Lando
  well he does
  and i’ve had feelings for such a long time

Osco
What do you want me to do?

Lando
  idk 😭😭
  what if he likes charles
  i think that might break me

Osco
It will probably hurt
But you don’t know if that’s true
And if it is
Life goes on
You’ll still be a race car driver
You’ll still be living your dreams

Lando
  i guess
  if only i can make myself beleive that
  thx osc
  love u

Osc hearted this message

Oscar and Logan
Australia, Friday 10:20 pm

Pastry🥐
  I’m a fucking hypocrite

Sarge🦅
???

Pastry🥐
  Lando just told me that he likes Carlos and that he was scared that Carlos liking Charles would ‘break him’
  And I told him
  ‘If he likes Charles it’ll be totally ok because life goes on and what not’
  But then I continue to feel like shit because I just found out I have no chance with him and I still have to see him every fucking day
  Why can’t I listen to my own advice???????

Sarge🦅
let’s call

Nico and Kevin
Australia, Friday 10:30 pm

Hulk
  Why don’t you text in the group chat

K-MAG
I couldn’t give a fuck

Hulk
  You don’t sound cool babe

K-MAG
🙄🙄🙄
But seriously
I got a much needed break from all this madness
I don’t want to be dragged back into it

Hulk
  Fair enough
  But I’m still in it so by extension you have to be in it

K-MAG
No

Hulk
  It’ll make me happy?

K-MAG
…
Fuck you

Hulk
  Love you too

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Friday 11:35 pm

Kevin
  Hi
  I exist

Ollie
  hello kevin!

Gabriel
  👋👋👋

Kevin
  Are you Nico’s new teammate?

Gabriel
  si

Kevin
  I’ll be watching you

Nico
  Kev

Gabriel
  that sounds threatening

Kevin
  Nico is an incredible driver
  But he’s also old so don’t pull any weird antics
  And if he feels upset, stay the fuck away from him because I got it

Gabriel
  uh

Ollie
  that was a full on threat to gabi?

Nico
  And did you have to remind me of my age

Kevin
  Alright
  That was enough talking
  I’ll text again within the next decade

Lance
  Real

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Sunday 6:02 am

Liam
  why is it raining so hard
  i don’t like that

Isack
  me neither
  not for our first race 😭😭

Jack
  i’m really nervous now
  if i was nervous before
  i don’t know how to describe what i’m feeling now

Kimi
  maybe by some miracle it’ll stop before we race?

Ollie
  yes!
  stay optimistic!

Carlos
  I looked at the weather app
  It has never failed me before
  And it says no luck

Liam
  was that necessary?

Max
  rookies
  you will be ok
t  rust in yourself

Charles
  Yeah what Max said
  And Carlos don’t scare the rookies
  Let them have some hope before their soul is crushed and they never feel the warmth of the sun again

Ollie
  oh dear

Carlos
  That experience is isolated for Ferrari

Lewis
  ???

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Sunday 1:15 pm

Fernando
  Good luck everybody!

Charles
  Good luck!

Oscar
  I’m so nervous

Lando
  dont be
  u’ll do amazing osc!

Carlos
  Good luck everybody

Max
  Good luck to all the rookies

Liam
  thanks

Ollie
  thank u!

Kimi
  thx!!

Gabriel
  🙏🙏🙏

Isack
  merci

Jack
  thanks mate!

Fernando
  Thanks

Kimi
  🤣🤣🤣

Lando and Oscar
Australia, Sunday 4:46 pm

Lando
  hey
  u ok?

Osco
Yeah

Lando
  do u want to talk abt it?

Osco
No

Lando
  ok
  im here if u changeur mind

Oscar and Lando
Australia, Sunday 5:01 pm

Osco
  Lando?

Lando
yes?

Osco
  I’m in my driver’s room
  And

Lando
i’ll be there in five

Five minutes.

Oscar jumped at the knock that sounded on his door, and the small muffled voice that came from behind it. He couldn’t really hear the words. For the past hour, he’d locked himself in his driver’s room…crying. Crying so much that all he heard was his ragged breathing and his heart, which seemed to have crawled its way into his head.

The knock came again.

Oscar forced himself off the ground, wiping at his face with his sleeve. He hadn’t bothered taking off his driving gear, with this suit hanging at his waist, and his shirt sticking to his body from sweat and rain. His helmet had come off only to breathe easier. He glanced at his hands, knowing they were trembling. He slid his gloves back on to hide it. It was all kind of stupid. He was Oscar Piastri. He was deadpan when happy, deadpan when sad, and deadpan when angry. Now, he could barely control the shaking of his shoulders every time he gasped for air and the whole world was blurry no matter how many times he blinked.

He walked towards the door, each step feeling uneasy, as if the ground might suddenly tilt, sending him toppling. His gloved hand reached the handle. He took a shaky breath before unlocking the door and swinging it towards him.

He knew he had called for him, yet he was still surprised to see Lando standing there, eyebrows furrowed. For a second, they stood there unmoving, each waiting for the other to say or do something first.

It was the sudden restart of tears that urged Lando to move, stepping gingerly into the room and gently closing the door behind him. Oscar cupped his face into his hands and turned away from the other driver, not knowing why he asked his teammate over as it just made him both miserable and embarrassed. The tears came quicker at the thought of that…curse his brain.

His breaths became desperate gulps of air, and his whole body trembled with the effort to try to stop crying, but the more he thought about it, the harder everything was to control.

His mind went back to think about that moment when he slid, spinning into the grass. He thought about all the disappointment that must’ve caused everybody watching…He thought about his engineer speaking to him…hearing P9 ring in his ears. He thought about the dreaded team meeting that would analyse and scrutinize every mistake he made, and the looks that Andrea and Zak would give him. He thought about going home, not wanting to know how his parents and sisters would react to it all. He thought about the shame. From such a promising start, he’d let everybody down…one mistake, and everything was lost.
He thought about how hard it was to just breathe…and the fact that Lando was standing right behind him, listening to the sobs that started silent but were progressing to screams that held every single thought he just had combined. His fingers and lips were filling with a horrible tingling sensation, as if TV static had somehow made it into his veins.

A warm hand pressed against his shoulder. It was hesitant…but still reassuring.

“Hey, Osc…Let’s go sit down.”

Oscar let Lando guide him towards the small sitting nook between the closet and extra storage space, not letting his head leave his hands cause he could not look good.

He sat down, slightly panicked when he felt Lando’s hand…and his whole presence leave, but the Brit was soon back, settling down next to him.
Oscar wanted to say something, but all that could leave his mouth were the stupid sounds of him crying. The tingling sensation was almost unbearable. Lando put his hand back on his shoulder.

“It’s ok.”

His voice was gentle and soft.

“I’m here for you.”

Oscar hated that all he could do was continue to cry, his chest heaving as he gasped for air, but unsure if any entered his lungs anyway. The static was spreading down his arms and filling his chest. He didn’t know if he was thinking about anything in particular anymore. He was exhausted, yet he just couldn’t get himself to stop. Stop crying, stop the static, stop the frantic rise and fall of his chest.

“Osc, listen to me.”

Oscar tried. He tried to latch onto that soft, gentle voice and keep it…hang onto it as if he were going to lose it. Lando started talking about something. It was muddled, but his voice was warm and sincere. Oscar squeezed his eyes shut, hoping pouring all his energy into just listening --- immersing himself in a space that held just Lando’s voice and no other expectations. The details of what Lando was saying slowly started to come to his attention. The Brit was telling some sort of story…something about something stupid he’d done. Lando had his hand on his shoulder. Oscar focused on that too.

Only then did he realize that his breathing had slowed, his body had stopped trembling, and his tears had stopped carving down his face. Gingerly, he moved his hands down, quickly moving to dry the wetness of his face with his sleeve.

“Here.”

Lando placed a wad of tissues into Oscar’s gloved hand. Oscar wiped his face and blew his nose. Lando already had the garbage can ready too.
Oscar fumbled with the straps of his gloves, as now that he had stopped hyperventilating, his brain seemed to focus on creating a new, pounding headache. Of course…Lando was ready to help him, throwing his gloves off and onto the floor with a gentle thud.

“Thanks,” Oscar croaked out, wincing at how his voice cracked. Lando handed him a bottle of much needed water.

Oscar sighed after downing half the bottle, feeling the knot of anxiety and worry in his chest slowly untangling.

“Feeling better?” Lando asked.

Oscar nodded, moving off the nook to see his physical state. He cringed, noting his red, puffy eyes and the tear streaks down his cheeks. Lando appeared in the mirror. Oscar took a good look at him and remembered…

“Lando!”

Lando looked at him in alarm. “Yeah?”

“You won today!”

Saying it hurt a little, but his teammate didn’t deserve to be cooped up in here with him. He deserved to be drinking champagne, swinging his trophy around, and celebrating with the team. What was he doing here?

“So?”

“Did you celebrate yet? Take the photo with the team?”

Lando brushed a hand through his hair, shaking his head. Oscar noticed that Lando had also not taken off his racing suit. He felt the guilt rush through him. He shouldn’t have burdened Lando with all of his negative emotions. But at the same time…what could this mean? The fact that Lando was willing to stay cooped up in Oscar’s stuffy driver’s room rather than being sprayed with champagne and soaking in the laughter from the team…What did that mean?

“Hey, Osc. I’m here for you, ok? I already celebrated, so don’t worry about that. It was mostly just wet anyway. I’m glad to be inside.”

Oscar knew that Lando was probably just comforting him, but he sounded so genuine it was hard to tell.

“I also just wanted to tell you…” Lando started carefully. “You did amazing today. Don’t beat yourself up over it. It was already incredible that you dragged yourself out of the grass and finished in points. Everybody is saying that, and I mean literally everybody. Half the grid came up to me to tell me to tell you that you were amazing, and I watched a clip of you coming off the grass. The crowd went crazy. Nobody is disappointed. If anything, everybody is in awe and admires you for not giving up. You’re incredible, Osc.”

Oscar felt his eyes grow hot again. Lando moved forward, his eyes worried, but Oscar was not crying because he was upset or sad…more just relieved. Relieved that he didn’t let anybody down. Relieved to hear that everything was ok. Relieved that Lando was here.

“Thank you,” Oscar said quietly. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“Anytime,” Lando said with a small smile. He opened his arms. “Hug?”

Oscar couldn’t refuse.

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Sunday 9:25 pm

Lewis
  Today was a tough race
  Just wanted to say good job to everybody
  Especially to Lando, Max, and George 🏆
  I know a lot of us did not get the result we wanted
  But I have no doubts that everybody tried their hardest
  It’s the first race of the season
  Many more to come
  Let’s look forward to the next one

Esteban
  I agree with Lewis
  Let’s keep our heads high
  One race doesn’t define you

Ollie
  thx guys
  needed that

Jack
  me too
  i hope nobody is disappointed in me

Pierre
  You did a great job Jack
  Like Esteban said
  One race doesn’t define you

Jack
  it was my home race

Daniel
  Sorry
  Gonna butt in here
  Doesn’t matter that it was your home race
  Everybody in Australia was just happy to see you out there
  Yes you didn’t get the result you wanted
  But I can guarantee that you have done enough to just be where you are right now
  Losing a home race might hurt but you need to remember all the hard work you put in and be proud of that
  You did the best you could and that in itself is commendable

Jack
  thanks daniel
  i’m still going to cry a little though

Daniel
  I get it
  If you want to talk my door is always open

George
  Everybody did an incredible job today
  And we should give a huge round of applause for Oscar having the strength to continue the race

Alex
  yeah
  give urself a pat on the back osc

Lando
  NO USING THE NICKANME I GAVE HIM

Alex
sry
forgot u were lowkey possessive

Oscar
  Thanks guys
  I’m feeling a lot better now
  Ready to attack at Shanghai!

Yuki
  that was a shit race

Pierre
  YUKI

Yuki
  what
  oh
  we’re being positive
  great job everybody
  i’m definitely happy right now
  i can’t fake it
  pierre im going to go drown myself in the pool

Charles
  Take me with you
  Please

Carlos
  Add me into the mix

Pierre
  NO GUYS
  NO
  POSITIVITY REMEMBER

Charles
  The radio messages are still haunting me
  OF COURSE THE WATER WAS THE FUCKING WATER

Lewis
  AND JESUS I KNOW K1 IS AVAILABLE

Isack
  lewis
  while i catch u
  pls thank your dad for me
  i didnt get the chance to say it

Lewis
  Will do
  How are you feeling now?

Isack
  could be better
  was it embarrassing
  i know the media is talking about it
  and helmut

Carlos
  Jumping in here
  Every single person on this grid has made a mistake like yours
  You’re allowed to cry
  I would be more concerned if you didn’t cry
  Fuck the media
  What do they know

Liam
  everybody made mistakes this race
  the media and helmut’s opinions mean absolutely nothing
  Take care of yourself first
  and if that means crying
  by all means cry
  I will always be here for you mate

Isack
  thank u

Lando
  yeah
  defintely dont bttle ur emtoions
  that only makes things worse
  honeslty this goes for everybody on the grid
  cry if u want to
  ppl who say it’s weak are fucking idiots

Isack
  thx guys
  i really appreciated that

Yuki
  im cancelling pool plans
  all of this kind of touched me

Pierre
  That’s cute

Yuki
  you’re cute

Pierre
  What
  Wait
  What

Alex and George
Australia, Sunday 10:12 pm

Asian Tom Cruise
  GOOD JOB GEORGE
  THAT WAS AMAZING
  P3 TO START OFF THE YEAR
  IM SO PROUD OF U

Georgie🐷
You were incredible bringing your Williams to P5

Asian Tom Cruise
  feeling good 😁😁
  wait
  can we call

Georgie🐷
Yeah sure

Asian Tom Cruise
  toto is not there right?
  the last time he was there and it was really awkward

Georgie🐷
It’s ten pm why would he be here

Asian Tom Cruise
  i dunno
  but last time he kept trying to figure out some “ulterior motive” that i apparently had for calling u

Georgie🐷
Oh yeah
He thought we were dating

Asian Tom Cruise
  what

Georgie🐷
And he keeps trying to arrange some sort of family dinner?

Asian Tom Cruise
  im not having dinner with toto

Georgie🐷
Don’t worry
I told him to drop it
Anyway
Call?

George and Alex
Australia, Sunday 10:35 pm

Georgie🐷
  What happened??
  Why did you hang up

Asian Tom Cruise
WHY WERENT U WEARING ANY CLOTHES?

Georgie🐷
  I was
  From waist down

Asian Tom Cruise
GO PUT ON A SHIRT THEN I’LL CALL YOU

George🐷
  But my physique is impeccable
  It's such a waste to hide it

Asian Tom Cruise
Just go put on a shirt

Daniel and Max
Australia, Sunday 10:36 pm

Danny 🦡
  Great job today!
  Watched the race and didn’t blink once
  You were amazing :)

Maxie
Thank you!
I think I could’ve done better though

Danny 🦡
  Same old same old
  P2 was incredible mate
  Be less hard on yourself and enjoy the win

Maxie
Not a win

Danny 🦡
  Max…

Maxie
Sorry right
I guess it’s weird starting the year like this
And a certain someone has been making it a lot harder for me to feel good about myself

Danny 🦡
  Who!?
  I will 🔪🔪 with my own hands

Maxie
Appreciate it
But
I would be an orphan

Danny 🦡
  YOUR DAD?
  HE SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOU
  IF I CAN’T 🔪🔪
  I’LL GIVE HIM A PIECE OF MY MIND

Maxie
I kind of get it
Last few years were so good
That this finish maybe reflects a drop in my skill

Danny 🦡
  DON’T YOU DARE SAY THAT
  MAX DON’T YOU DARE
  TAKE IT BACK
  You are incredibly talented
  And if anybody says otherwise
  They’re idiots that have lost all my respect

Maxie
Thanks
That makes me feel better

Danny 🦡
  Always here for you :)

Maxie
Love you mate

Danny 🦡
  Love you too 💗

Ollie and Kimi
Australia, Sunday 10:42 pm

Bear🐻
  kimi
  kimi
  kimi

Ant🐜
ollie
ollie
ollie

Bear🐻
  r u busy right now?

Ant🐜
no
what’s up

Bear🐻
  i was wondering if you could come over

Ant🐜
come over?
u mean like to ur hotel room

Bear🐻
  yeah
  i just dont want to be alone right now
  stewing in my thoughts

Ant🐜
dont be too hard on urself ollie
u did amazing

Bear🐻
  pls
  u were amazing
  P4???
  On debut?
  filling in for THE sir lewis hamilton??

Ant🐜
i do feel pretty good
especially cause it's coming from u 😊😊

Bear🐻
  im glad
  now come over so i can give u the proper celebration you deserve

Ant🐜
???

Bear🐻
  ice cream and cars :)

Ant🐜
ur so cute

Bear🐻
  oh?
  am i?

Ant🐜
mhm
now open the door im waiting

“Hey Ollie.”

Ollie thought it was stupid…stupid how easily just hearing Kimi’s voice saying his name made him relax and tense at the same time. Stupid how that crooked smile somehow distracted him from all the previous disappointment.

“You’re fast,” Ollie said, side-stepping so that Kimi could step in. The Italian kicked his shoes off, sliding his feet into the extra pair of slippers.

“Only for you,” Kimi responded, turning his head back to send Ollie a quick wink. Something in his chest stumbled. He ignored it. “Where’s the ice cream?”

Ollie managed a laugh, relaxing at the easy-going atmosphere that was established between them…that has always been there since he first met him. Things just…clicked with Kimi in a way that he hadn’t felt with anybody else. He could be himself with him --- he could let loose and be a crazy ball of energy or he could break down and collapse in exhaustion and know that either way, Kimi would be there in all the right ways. On the good days, he’d laugh with him and watch as Ollie let all his energy out, and on the bad days, he’d be the support that Ollie had never once thought would waver.

He watched as Kimi flew onto his bed without asking, burrowing his head in the pillows and letting his limbs fall with a thud. Ollie grabbed the cheap ice cream he had bought the day before on impulse. He had subconsciously bought Kimi’s favourite flavour, a distant part of his mind recalling their teammate days where they would hide in odd corners of the hospitality to share snacks that their trainers definitely did not approve of --- and whenever Kimi pulled out hazelnut ice cream, Ollie knew he wouldn’t get more than five bites. Kimi was feral when it came to snacks, but it was another easy dynamic that Ollie didn’t mind settling into.

Ollie ruffled through his bag, pulling out the plastic spoon he had stolen from the hotel lobby. He plopped down on the bed, easing his back into the bedrest. Kimi shifted from his position, pushing himself out of the pillows to sit next to Ollie, close enough for Ollie to feel a comforting warmth from the other driver.

“Hazelnut? Good choice!”

Within the second, the tub and spoon were both out of his hands and in Kimi’s, but Ollie was beaming. Kimi validating his impulse ice cream buy was apparently enough to make his day, despite the horrendous result of the race…shit. He told himself he’d stop thinking about it…stop replaying every single mistake, stop thinking about what he could’ve done, stop thinking about the burning disappointment in his chest despite everybody telling him he’d done well. P14 was not well. Definitely not the result he wanted or expected for his not-debut, debut race.

“You did amazing.”

Kimi’s ability to cue into Ollie’s emotions never failed to startle him, and his voice rolled over him like a soft blanket, pulling out the tension he had been holding in his neck and shoulders…allowing him to relax his hands which had balled up at his sides.

He heard the sheets ruffle and soon felt Kimi’s warm body pressed next to his…their hands intertwined. Kimi brushed his thumb over the back of his hand. Ollie leaned into the warmth.

“It was only the first race. I know what you’re capable of. If they put you in a Ferrari, I would be scared shitless.”

That managed a small chuckle from him. Kimi laughed too, the sound vibrating through his chest.

Ollie didn’t even know how Kimi knew he was upset. He hadn’t said a word…and yet the Italian driver knew…knew within the seconds of Ollie’s mind wandering.

“Thanks, Kimi.”

He allowed himself to look at the driver he invited over. Kimi’s eyes were bright and alert, despite the late night. His lips were curved in a soft smile…one that forced Ollie to smile back, as if it were a built in response. Kimi laughed at the mini staring contest that began between the two of them, breaking the gaze, leaving Ollie in the moment, still slightly dazed.

“Where’s the remote control?”

Ollie strained to reach his bedside table, refusing to let go of Kimi’s hand. The Italian did not protest, clasping his hand tighter. When Ollie returned to his position, Kimi had bunched his knees to his chest and let his head fall onto Ollie’s shoulder. It was so comfortable…so easy, one would think Kimi owned Ollie’s right shoulder.

“This never gets old,” Kimi said with a chuckle as the movie started playing.

Ollie hummed with agreement. “How many times have we watched this together?”

The Italian driver took a moment to shove his mouth with ice cream. “Five? Ah, brain freeze.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. Everything with Kimi was just so comfortable…so easy. He was already dreading the next day where they would bid goodbye, albeit for only three days, but still…Ollie could spend years with Kimi and it wouldn’t feel like a minute had passed.

For the duration of the movie, they quoted lines and allowed themselves to get competitive, seeing who could remember the line quicker. At some point, the ice cream was finished, and Ollie had pulled the covers over himself. Kimi didn’t hesitate to slip in, and they leaned against each other, shoulders touching and legs tangled. The warm glow of the hotel lights was an added level of comfort.

As the movie slowed, there was something tugging at the back of Ollie’s mind…something he had left unspoken for a long time, but his brain was slow and sluggish, tired from the day and comforted by the warmth of both the blankets and Kimi. The thought could wait another day. His eyes drooped, and his body gave in to a much needed sleep.

The movie credits rolled. The remote control sat at the edge of the bed, untouched as both drivers were slumped against the pillows, turned towards each other, breathing in sync as they let their bodies rest amongst the soft glow of the lamp and the bustling city below them.

Lando and Oscar
Australia, Monday 12:02 am

Lando
  i know it’s late
  but i was just wondewring if u wanted to fly with me to china
  i know u porbaly have panlns
  but i thohgt it would be fun
  we can land and have some time to explore the cty and what not
  totally ok if u dont want to

Osco
That would be nice

Lando
  is that a yes then?

Osco
Hold on a second

Oscar and Logan
Australia, Monday 12:05 am

Pastry🥐
  LOGAN
  LOGAN
  HELLO?
  I NEED ADVICE
  HELP PLEASE

Sarge🦅
something must be terribly wrong if you texting in all caps

Pastry🥐
  LANDO ASKED ME TO FLY WITH HIM TO CHINA
  WHAT DO I SAY?
  DO I SAY YES?

Sarge🦅
say yes

Pastry🥐
  Really?

Sarge🦅
you like him right?
here’s an opportunity to spend some time with him

Pastry🥐
  I don’t want to give myself too much hope
  I also don’t know how insane I will act being that close to him

Sarge🦅
i don’t think you’re possible of emotions above standard happiness
if you’re worried
then say no

Pastry🥐
  But I want to go

Sarge🦅
then say yes

Pastry🥐
  But I don’t want to be insane

Sarge🦅
then say no

Pastry🥐
  But I want to go

Sarge🦅
NO MORE BUTS
I’VE DECIDED FOR YOU
Go say yes

Oscar and Lando
Australia, Monday 12:14 am

Osco
  Okay I can come

Lando
awesome
i’ve got our flight scedualed to leave tomorrow at 5:45 pm
that good for u?

Osco
  Yeah that works
  Do you want to come over for lunch then?

Lando
yes!
sounds good
send me ur adress

Osco
  👍

Oscar and Logan
Australia, Sunday 12:13 am

Pastry🥐
  I’m not freaking out
  I’m not freaking out
  I’m not freaking out

Sarge🦅
this might sound crazy but
are you freaking out?

Pastry🥐
  How did you know?

Sarge🦅
magic
what’s wrong now

Pastry🥐
  I invited him over to lunch
  OH MY GOD I CAN’T DEAL WITH THIS
  I’M GOING TO SAY SOMETHING STUPID
  THIS WAS A HORRIBLE IDEA
  I NEED TO TELL HIM TO CANCEL IT ALL
  FUCK

Sarge🦅
calm down
you’re fine
you’ve eaten lunch with him before
and you’ve flown with him before

Pastry🥐
  But this is different

Sarge🦅
how?

Pastry🥐
  IT JUST IS

Sarge🦅
relax and go with the flow
you’ll be fine

Pastry🥐
  Useless advice

Sarge🦅
why am i friends with you

TOTO WOLFF IS NOT IN THIS GROUP CHAT
Australia, Monday 11:34 am

Big brother
  KIMI
  WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU
  WHY AREN’T YOU PICKING UP YOUR CALLS??
  OUR FLIGHT LEAVES IN AN HOUR

Uncle
  Don’t forget about your math homework too
  Toto made both me and George refresh our memory on trigonometry to help you
  I did not do that in vain

George
  KIMI
  I SWEAR
  IF YOU MAKE US MISS OUR FLIGHT

Uncle
  He’s going to make us miss our flight

THE GRID FAMILY 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Monday 11:41 pm

George
  Hey
  Does anybody happen to know where Kimi is
  We have a flight leaving in an hour and he hasn’t shown up at the airport yet

Esteban
  No I didn’t see him
  Though I think the Haas and Mercedes teams stayed at the same hotel
  I can ask the team
  And Ollie

George
  👍👍

Oscar
  Is he not picking up any calls?
  Maybe call the hotel to see if he’s still there?

George
  Oh yeah good idea
  Okay, apparently he hasn’t checked out of his room
  I’m kind of worried now

Valtteri
  Maybe some people from the team are still there
  I can try to ask for somebody to check on him

George
  Yeah and if not
  Maybe we can get Esteban to check?

Esteban
  No need
  I found him

George
  You found Kimi?
  Is he alright?

Esteban
  Yeah
  Bumped into him running to his room
  He says he’s packing as quickly as he can

Ollie
  oh dear

George
  Ollie
  Do you happen to know why he’s so late?

Ollie
  uh
  yes

George
  Please explain?

Ollie
  no

George
  The younger generation
  I cannot deal with you guys

Lando
  grandpa

George
  I’m one year older than you

TOTO WOLFF IS NOT IN THIS GROUP CHAT
Australia, Monday 11:52 am

Little brother
  IM SRY
  IM SRY
  IM OMW
  I’LL BE AT THE AIRPORT IN TEN MINUTES

Big brother
  What happened Kimi

Little brother
  do i have to say?

Big brother
  I feel like you owe it to us
  Me and Valtteri had to learn math OVER THE RACE WEEKEND FOR YOU
  AND NOW WE’RE MISSING OUR FLIGHT

Little brother
  ur yelling
  i’ve made u yell
  im rly sry

Big brother
  It’s okay I’m not angry

Little brother
  disappointed?
  u know that’s worse

Big brother
  I’m amused
  So tell us
  What happened

Little brother
  FINE
  i went to ollie’s room last night
  we watched cars
  and i forgot to turn on my alarm
  and fell asleep
  and we woke up really late

Uncle
  So you went to Ollie’s room to watch Cars
  And you guys fell asleep together
  On the same bed I’m guessing

Little brother
  shit ig so
  FUCK
  FUCK
  FUCK
  do u think ollie cared?
  do i snore when i sleep??

George
  Yes you do
  But didn’t you guys just have like a sleepover
  That’s normal

Little brother
  yep normal just a sleepover

Uncle
  That was not just a sleepover

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Australia, Monday, 5:49 pm

Lando sent a photo

Lando
  abt to take off with osc!!

Charles
  I’ve never seen Oscar so happy
  And why is his face so red

Oscar
  Sunburned

Jack
  it rained all weekend

Chapter Text

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
China, Wednesday 7:02 pm

Zhou
  BACK HOME BABY
  The nationalism is strong in the air 💪💪
  我爱你中国 🥹🥹🥹

Valtteri
  I need your help for something

Zhou
  弄哦哦
  Sorry Chinese keyboard again
  **nooo

Valtteri sent a photo

Valtteri
  I’m delirious from jet lag
  So is George
  Kimi is on the verge of tears
  How do I answer this question so the team doesn’t fall apart tomorrow

Zhou
  Of course you ask me
  Just because I’m Chinese does not mean I’m good at math

George
  But are you…?

Zhou
  Ok fine 🙄🙄
  So we’re looking for a cosine graph
  And the pendulum is released at the highest point of 20cm
  So your graph would start at 20cm
  BUT also remember the pendulum is 16cm above the base
  So when finding your d value for the function you will be looking between 20 and 16 not 20 and 0
  Meaning your d value is 18
  Then you can find your a value which is

Kimi
  2

Zhou
  Yes good job
  Ok and what do we know about your c value

Kimi
  idk
  what abt my c value 😭😭
  IM SCREWED IM SCREWED IM SCREWED

Zhou
  You know what your c value is right?

Kimi
  horizontal phase shift right

Zhou
  And what do we know about horizontal phase shifts and cosine graphs

Kimi
  IDK
  FUCK IM SCREWED
  KILL ME NOW

Zhou
  It’s ok I’ll explain
  Can I call you?

Kimi
  yes
  pls

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
China, Wednesday 7:36 pm

Valtteri
  George
  We are free from hell
  That was incredible
  Thank you Zhou

Kimi
  🙏🙏🙏

Zhou
  Don’t worry
  It was pretty easy
  FUCK I’M THE STEOROTYPE

Kimi
  im going to ask toto to replace george
  he’s useless

George
  I helped you do 75% of your questions
  And unpacked your emotions
  I’m your therapist AND your math tutor give me a break

Kimi
  fine
  u can replace valtteri

Valtteri
  Yes
  Let me escape

Zhou
  No
  Suffer 🥰

George
  I thought Zhou was nice?

Valtteri
  Oh wait I need help with something else

Zhou
  No

Valtteri
  Please

Zhou
  No

Valtteri
  I’ll buy you food from that fancy hot pot place

Zhou
  …
  Fine
  What is it

Valtteri
  Direct message

George
  This can’t be good

Max
  Valtteri is definitely planning to burn down the Mercedes headquarters

Yuki
  isn’t zhou rich enough to buy himself food

Oscar
  I’m offended
  Why didn’t you think to ask me for help
  I’m 1/16th Chinese

George
  Kimi’s starting a new unit soon
  I’ll send you the homework

Oscar
  Oh god no

Zhou and Valtteri
China, Wednesday 7:42 pm

Guan🐟
  What do you want

bottASS
  It’s year of the snake this year right

Guan🐟
  Yes

bottASS
  I thought of a prank idea
  Wanted your seal of approval

Guan🐟
  Ok…

bottASS
  I will try to scare the team with fake snakes
  Like those fake rubber ones that look kind of real
  I’ll pull on them with fishing wire
  So they seem like they’re moving

Guan🐟
  That’s stupid

bottASS
  But George has a crippling fear of snakes

Guan🐟
  It’s still stupid
  Old ass man

bottASS
  But what if they actually get scared?

Guan🐟
  You’re going to do it with or without my stamp of approval

bottASS
  You’re right
  Just wanted to text you I guess
  Miss our teammate days

Guan🐟
  I guess that’s sweet
  I’m still taking you up on that hot pot offer

bottASS
  Can you book the reservation?
  The last time we went
  The hostess was definitely judging my mullet

Guan🐟
  How could she
  You’re mullet is the most gorgeous beautiful amazing thing I’ve ever seen
  It deserves to be in a museum
  I can’t take my eyes off of it because of how utterly beautiful it is

bottASS
  Are you being sarcastic
  That was a stupid question
  Of course you’re being sarcastic

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
China, Saturday 1:51 pm

Lewis
  WE ARE SO BACK, THAT WAS AN AMAZING SPRINT

Lando
  COGNARTUOSLIONS TO LEWIS OSCAR AND MAX!!
  🏆🏆🏆🍾🍾🍾

Oscar
  Thank you Lando

Max
  Thanks Lando!!

Lewis
  Thank you!

Charles
  Enjoy it while it lasts

Lewis
  That switch-up gave me whiplash

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
China, Saturday 7:26 pm

Lando
  YES
  OSCARRRRR
  FIRST POLL POSITION
  IM SO PRUDD OF U
  EVERY BODY CONGRAULTATE OSC RN

Oscar
  That’s really not necessary
  I feel like you’re happier about this than I am

George
  Great job Osc!

Max
  Killed it Osc

Lewis
  That was amazing Osc!

Charles
  So proud of you Osc!
  This is how I know you’re a real Leclerc

Alex
  amazing qualifying
  u deserve it Osc

Esteban
  That was a beautiful qualifying Osc!

Oscar
  Thanks guys
  I really appreciate it

Lando
  NO
  NOBODY CAN USE OSC BUT ME

Alex
  shall we say it together?

Charles
  Possessive

Lewis
  Possessive

Esteban
  Possessive

Max
  Possessive

George
  Possessive

Alex
  possessive
  ig it doesnt rly work on text

Lando
  if i catch any of u using osc again…

Alex
  nobody’s taking him from u lando

Oscar
  I’m all yours 😊😊

Liam and Isack
China, Saturday 8:01 pm

Cars addict
  i hate myself

Passenger princess👸
no
take that back
growth mindset liam

Cars addict
  growth mindset can go fuck itself
  is probably something helmut said to me after qualifying

Passenger princess👸
one bad qualifying doesn’t mean anything liam
better p20 for qualifying than for the race

Cars addict
  i think i’m getting fired

Passenger princess👸
hey
if u r
u get to hang out with me
which is cool

Cars addict
  true
  i miss vcarb
  less pressure
  less attention
  less helmut
  more isack!!

Passenger princess👸
i’ll be waiting for u pookie
learned that from iwasa

Cars addict
  why do i want to get fired 💀

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
China, Sunday 7:34 am

Carlos
  Good morning Charles
  How is checking Instagram going?

Charles
  What
  How did you know I was doing that

Carlos
  I’ve memorized your schedule
  You wake up at 7:30
  Check instagram for around ten minutes
  Brush teeth and get dressed in ten minutes (you always shower at night)
  And have breakfast at 8:00
  Am I right

Charles
  Wait stop
  This is scary
  Why do you know this and why are you reciting it

Carlos
  Bet with Alex

Alex
  im waiting for george to wake up

Charles
  A bet??
  On who knows who the best?
  I’m joining

Carlos
  What

Charles
  You wake up at 6:00 in the morning
  Brush your teeth
  Cycling from 6:30 to 7:00
  Shower
  Get dressed and fix your hair
  You should be eating breakfast right now
  You’re usually checking social media but I guess your texting

Alex
  shit

Carlos
  How do we determine who wins now

Alex
  wait
  george should be awake now
  he’s going to do ten sit ups and then get ready for ten minutes before grabbing a smoothie and avocado toast

Charles
  Peculiar

Nico
  This is weird
  You guys are not normal

Charles
  The only thing that’s weird is George doing ten sit ups the first thing he wakes up

George
  Fuck you

Alex
  i think he’ll get a strawberry banana smoothie today

George
  Are you spying on me

Alex
  i feel like i was more specific
  so i should win

Carlos
  Absolutely not

George
  Amateurs
  Alex wakes up at 7:00
  He snoozes his alarm two times so he actually wakes up at 7:10
  He’s chronically online so he tells himself he’ll watch TikToks for 15 minutes
  But in reality he watches them for twenty minutes
  He brushes his teeth and uses TikToks as timers
  He only showers at night so all he needs to do is get dressed
  He wears his cap backwards
  He eats oatmeal and Greek yogurt while scrolling on TikTok again
  Loses track of time and rushes to whatever he needs to do
  I’m surprised you gave up your TikTok time for this

Alex
  nvm
  george wins

Max
  What the actual fuck

Lando and Oscar
China, Sunday 11:02 am

Lando
  woudl uever consider giving me a nickanme?

Osco
No

Lando
  y not

Osco
I don’t really see a point in shortening your name
It’s two syllables long

Lando
  u hate fun
  im not calling you osc anymore

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
China, Sunday 1:45 pm

Fernando
  Good luck!

Max
  Remember to have fun

Yuki
  that’s bullshit advice
  race as if your life depended on it

Pierre
  Yuki
  There are rookies

Liam
  my life does depend on it at this point
  i think helmut is one second away from driving his car into me

Charles
  Good luck everybody!

Carlos
  Good luck
  The weather is looking good today

Oscar
  Any advice for starting on pole

Max
  Not giving away my secrets
  Just don’t do what Lando does

Lando
  ouch
  im working on it 🥲

Max
  Just kidding

Lando
  no ur not

Max
  You’re right

Lando
  🖕🖕🖕

Daniel
  GOOD LUCK

Franco
  im waiting for one of you guys to get appendicitis so I can drive

Pierre
  …

Jack
  …

Carlos
  😂😂

Alex
  🤣🤣🤣

Oscar and Lando
China, Sunday 5:07

Osco
  Get your ass over here

Lando
coming 🫡

The knock jolted him again, but this time, he felt a rush of excitement jitter through him, knowing exactly who he would see when he opened that door. This time, his eyes sparkled, red from the stinging champagne instead of tears. He was still in his fireproofs and race gear, but his gloves lay discarded somewhere on the mess on the ground, his hands favouring the cold of golden metal.

He reached the door, stepping back to throw it open, his breath shaking not from shame or anxiety, but from a mix of nervousness, adrenaline, and joy.

“Oscar.”

The sound of his name mixed with all the emotions was so overpowering it made him dizzy. He stepped aside, noting the rise in temperature, and knowing exactly why his face was burning.

The door had just shut with a gentle click behind him when Lando threw himself at him with so much force that Oscar stumbled back, crashing around the room as he attempted to keep his balance.

Of course, balance would have been much easier if Oscar could see, but his head was buried in Lando’s suit. Balance would also have been easier if Oscar wasn’t holding a large, metal trophy in his hand. So down he went, tumbling against the carpeted floor, breathless. Oscar hadn’t noticed he was laughing so hard until he realized how difficult it was to breathe. He was still laughing, head against the floor and hand pressed against his chest. Lando stood above him, grinning as his eyes glinted with elation and a hint of amusement. The Brit’s hands were propped on his hips, a proud smile playing on his lips from seeing the Australian’s chest heave up and down with breathless joy.

When Oscar finally managed to stop his sudden fit of laughter, he propped himself up on his arms, his face hurting from how wide his smile was. Lando offered him a hand, pulling him up. His touch was hot…too hot almost as Oscar recoiled his own hand the second he felt his balance restored.

He turned, searching for his trophy…and also because he didn’t need Lando to see the flush of colour that probably painted the entirety of his face. He hoped his neck wouldn’t betray him.

Lando made his way to the small nook and eased himself onto it, as if the space were his own. He swung his legs, his shoes making muffled bangs against the white cabinet beneath it. In Lando’s own hand was a silver trophy, adorned with the same delicate china designs. Oscar remembered why he had called Lando over in the first place.

“Let’s take a selfie.”

The Brit blinked, smiling slightly. “A selfie?”

“Yeah. For our fiftieth one two. That’s something to remember, is it not?”

Oscar searched for his phone. He knew that between the both of them, Lando was more likely to have called for a photo. Afterall, Lando had a whole Instagram account dedicated to photography, and his personal account was full of daily activity, saving and solidifying memories. Oscar’s photo album was quite bare, filled mostly with family and vacations. Although, Lando’s presence on his phone was more than he’d liked to admit. Mostly because the other driver had a strange habit of stealing his device to spam selfies and Oscar never bothered to delete them.

He unlocked his phone, shuffling over to Lando’s spot to take the photo. His left hand hefted his trophy while his right thumb trembled over the white button on his screen, ridiculously nervous as he waited for the other driver to get ready.

Lando brushed a hand through his hair and held his own trophy up and moved closer to fit in the frame. Oscar held the phone steady…forced his hand to stay still as he could feel the other driver’s breath brush softly on his cheek. The seconds seemed to pass like minutes as he waited and waited…

Lando gave the camera a bright smile and Oscar finally let his thumb fall over the button. The screen flashed, and Oscar let out a small puff of relief…Of course it was way too early.

“Another one.”

Oscar blinked, turning…his heart daring to flutter as he realized his proximity with the other driver. He silently cursed Logan for making him realize his feelings last year, as it was becoming almost unbearable now…knowing his feelings but being unable to do anything with them…not daring to do anything with them.

“Why?” Oscar managed, realizing he had been silent and still for way too long.

Lando smiled…and Oscar could recognize amusement in his eyes. “Doesn’t the fiftieth anniversary deserve a few more photos? And I didn’t run over here to just take one selfie.”

It felt way too silly to decline taking another selfie, so he sighed quietly, hefting his phone back up. “Ready?”

Lando hummed. Just before the screen flashed, the Brit turned to his trophy, planting a kiss on the metal.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I know. Another one.”

Ok…maybe this was kind of fun. A few silly photos never hurt anybody.

They both copied Lando’s previous pose for the next one…and Oscar’s thumb fell over that white circle way too many times as the Brit came up with pose after pose after pose. Sometimes he stuck his tongue out, and other times he demanded Oscar turn the phone horizontally…and…

“Last one. My arm is tired.”

“Weak,” Lando teased.

Oscar raised his arm one last time. They had placed their trophies down a long time ago, tired from hefting the heavy metal, so Oscar threw up his usual thumbs up, and gave a toothy smile that reached his eyes.

Lando’s right hand had made it to his shoulder, which Oscar definitely didn’t overthink about…

The screen flashed, and in the same second, Oscar could see Lando’s newly crafted pose. Puckered lips pressing an air kiss to Oscar’s cheek. His eyes weren’t even locked to the camera. His left hand held up a cheeky thumbs up.

Oscar turned so quickly he thought it gave him whiplash.

“What the heck?”

Lando threw his head back, laughing. He reached his hand out. “Let me see it.”

“No!”

“Let me see it!”

Oscar grappled with his phone as Lando’s arm reached for it, tackling the Australian for the photo.

Lando grasped the device and clicked on the photo, smiling as he saw it.

Oscar was trying not to smile, but couldn’t help the light tug on his lips when he saw it too before he remembered that this was a nightmare. Lando had become a lot more affectionate recently which Oscar didn’t mind…it was a testament to how close they had become. But that did not mean that Lando had resolved his burning crush on a certain Carlos Sainz.

He hadn’t heard the Brit talk about the Williams driver in a quick second, but he still saw how Lando gravitated towards the Spaniard. He saw the casual winks and shoulder grabs. This photo? It meant nothing. He’ll delete it tonight --- That's what he told himself anyway.

“Cute,” Lando muttered next to him, jolting him from his thoughts. “Sending it to myself.”

“Are you going to post them?” Oscar asked, a sudden rush of thoughts filling his head.

“Nah. Just for the memories. Today was amazing.”

Oscar didn’t realize how tense his shoulders had been and felt them slump just a little. “Yeah. It was. I really needed this.”

“You were amazing, Osc.”

Osc…

He cursed himself for warming up to that familiar name.

“I thought you weren’t calling me Osc anymore.”

Oscar wasn’t sure if he was hallucinating, but he thought he saw a rush of red flush up Lando’s neck. The Brit threw Oscar’s phone back at him.

“You were amazing…Oscar.”

Oscar smiled, rolling his eyes.

“Ew. No it sounds wrong. Too professional. Why can’t you just give me a nickname.”

“I’m professional.”

Oscar watched as Lando hopped off the nook and grabbed his trophy. He gave the Australian a glare before strutting out, throwing him a middle finger before the door clicked closed again. The silence following felt empty…Oscar sighed, taking Lando’s spot on the nook. He let his back fall against the wall and closed his eyes, rubbing his hands over his burning cheeks. He hated how he already missed Lando’s laugh…his presence. He hated how much he lacked control. He could try and try to stay away from his teammate but he always ended up next to him anyway. And he would regret it once his face was flushed and his heart was racing.
Oscar checked his phone. He had no idea what time it was in Florida, but he clicked on his chat with Logan anyway. His best friend was not sleeping tonight.

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
China, Sunday 5:32 pm

Charles
  Someone kill me right now

Lewis
  How the fuck did that happen
  This is actually ridiculous
  I’m going back to Mercedes

George
  Nope, absolutely not
  I’m blocking you on Toto’s phone

Carlos
  I’m sorry Charles
  But it wasn’t your fault
  Don’t be too hard on yourself

Lewis
  Thank you for your advice and support Carlos
  You’re too kind

Carlos
  🙄🙄
  I warned you
  That’s just the Ferrari experience
  If you can’t deal with it
  Give the seat back to me

Lewis
  Honestly yeah
  You look happier at williams

Pierre
  FUCK ME
  ONE FUCKING KILOGRAM UNDER
  CHARLES ONE FUCKING KILOGRAM

Charles
  I know
  But at this point
  I’m not even surprised anymore
  I’m not distressed
  I’m not depressed
  Just
  Numb

Lewis
  After the sprint too
  I can’t believe it

Yuki
  hey
  that race was shit again
  wanna go to the pool?

Pierre
  Yeah
  Take me
  Please

Charles
  If someone wants to drag me there I’ll go

Fernando
  I think we need to congratulate everybody who did well
  I’ll start
  Great job to our winners Oscar Lando and George
  It was an incredible effort
  Great job to Esteban and Ollie for getting into the points

Esteban
  Especially Ollie
  That was an incredible drive kid

Ollie
  thank u!

Kimi
  it was honestly amazing mate
  u deserved driver of the day

Ollie
  pissed abt it
  i mean
  u did great too
  but man i really thought i’d get it this time

Kimi
  no u deserve to be mad about that
  when bono told me i was thinking abt u
  im going to GET those voters
  democracy is a scam

Ollie
  i think u spiraled there mate

Isack
  all i see is kimi willing to destroy fundamental government structures for ollie
  which is romantic in a strange, world-threatening way

Fernando
  Also
  Special mention to Stroll
  Good job, son

Lance
  Thanks dad

Gabriel
  dad?

Nico
  It’s like us Gabi

Gabriel
  u could be my fucking grandpa

Kevin
  GABRIEL
  GABRIEL LOURENZO BORTOLETO OLIVERIA
  SAY THAT AGAIN

Gabriel
  y do u know my full government name
  what did i do
  am i in trouble??
  im scared
  😭😭😭

Nico
  Kev

Kevin
  GABRIEL LOURENZO BORTOLETO OLIVERIA
  WHAT DID YOU FUCKING SAY TO NICO

Gabriel
  nico could be my fucking grandpa?

Nico
  Kev

Kevin
  APOLOGIZE RIGHT NOW

Nico
  Kev

Kevin
  I HAVE GUNTHER ON MY PHONE
  HE’LL SHOW YOU THE CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING NO RESPECT

Gabriel
  i did not fuck smash a door 🙇

Nico
  Babe
  Stop it
  I don’t care

Gabriel
  WOAH WOAH WOAH
  HOLD UP
  BABE?

Kimi
  WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT

Ollie
  EXCUSE ME WHAT
  ARE YOU GUYS TOGETHER??

Isack
  DID NICO JUST SAY BABE TO KEVIN
  GUYS
  R WE SEEING THIS

Nico
  Did I say that

Gabriel
  I HAVE TWO FUCKING GRANDPAS??

Kevin
  Gunther is laughing at us

Nico
  You actually had him on the phone

Kevin
  Yeah
  Video call
  Not a great idea in hindsight

Nico
  Who in their right minds would casually video call Gunther Steiner

Kevin
  Who in their right minds would not video call Gunther Steiner
  Oh Gunther is getting mad at you right now
  He says your bleached hair was “fucking ugly” and the “worst thing he’s seen apart from the alpine buzz cut”

Gabriel
  i second that 🙋‍♂️

Nico
  And one wonders why I didn’t stay at Haas

Pierre
  Ok but did Gunther really have to come after my hair

Jack
  NO NO GUNTHER UNDERSTANDS HE UNDERSTANDS
  I HAD BEAUTIFUL HAIR AND SHAVED IT OFF FOR WHAT
  IS THE CAR SO FUCKING SLOW THEY’RE RESORTING TO CHOPPING OFF MY LUSCIOUS LOCKS??

Gabriel
  WAIT WAIT GUYS WE’RE OFF TOPIC
  NICO YOU ARE EXPLAINING “BABE” RIGHT NOW

Nico
  Have some patience
  Kev
  You ok with this?

Kevin
  Gunther knows about our relationship
  You think I care if these tiny children find out?

Nico
  True
  So
  Me and Kevin have been dating for around a year now

George
  **Kevin and I

Kimi
  erm actually 🤓🤓🤓

George
  You dare disrespect your brother like that??

Gabriel
  SHUT UP IM LISTENING TO GRANDPARENT LORE

Kevin
  I just realized there are well over twenty people in this chat
  And we’ve been private
  Too late to go back I guess
  Don’t post about this
  Or I will send Gunther to find you

Nico
  Yeah we would like to keep it away from the public
  For now anyway

Gabriel
  i’ve been blessed with another grandparent 🥹🥹

Ollie
  my lips are sealed

Kimi
  mine too
  congratulations on a relationship

Charles
  WTF DID I MISS ALL OF THIS

Yuki
  we actually went to the pool
  we did not drown unfortunately :(
  wait
  NICO AND KEVIN WHAT

Carlos
  We should’ve seen the hints
  They were kind of obvious looking back

Kevin
  Yeah
  Y’all are idiots

Nico
  Be nice

Gabriel
  no fun in being nice
  kevin is my favourite grandpa

Kevin
  i like this kid

Nico
  …

Alex and George
China, Sunday 6:10 pm

Asain Tom Cruise
  i know u might be celebrating
  but
  if u arent
  would u like to have dinner together

Georgie🐷
Cancelling plans

Asian Tom Cruise
  DON’T CANCEL PLANS IF YOU ALREADY MADE THEM
  i was just thinking of chinese take out
  and yapping with movie in the back

Georgie🐷
Sounds better than what I was going to do originally
Send me the location of your hotel

Asian Tom Cruise
  r u serious?
  what plan did u have originally

Georgie🐷
Nothing crazy
Just a team party

Asian Tom Cruise
  well if u want to

Georgie🐷
YES I WANT TO
Send the location
Hurry up

Asian Tom Cruise
  jeez give me a second

Kimi and Ollie
China, Sunday 7:34 pm

Ant🐜
  bella ciao bella ciao bella ciao ciao ciao

Bear🐻
i actually feel bad about this
was it mean

Ant🐜
  no
  it was fucking hilarious
  make it a signature for every overtake
  so cheeky

Bear🐻
i’ll say ciao when i overtake u next time
as revenge for my driver of the day

Ant🐜
  istg i have no idea how i got it
  i think toto made a thousand new accs just so i can win

Bear🐻
or it’s bc of ur good looks
which ig i unfortunately understand 😔😔

Ant🐜
  my natural beauty is simply overwhelming

Bear🐻
i wish u were wrong
now i have no chance for driver of the day 😭

Ant🐜
  sry mate
  im not sry 😜😜😜

Bear🐻 hearted this message

Carlos and Charles
China, Sunday 8:55 pm

Chili🌶️
  How are you doing?
  Just wanted to check in
  Also wanted to tell you that what happened today was not your fault
  And knowing you
  You’re probably blaming yourself
  So stop it
  It’s an order

Lord Perceval👑
Things could be a lot better
I just can’t believe it
Double DSQ
On top of that I didn’t even finish that good otherwise
I wouldn’t have been on the podium
And I’m in a fucking Ferrari

Chile🌶️
  I have a lot of things to say
  So
  Buckle up

Lord Perceval👑
I don’t know if I should be scared

Chili🌶️
  You’re an incredible driver and I know this as a fact because I was your teammate for four years and I’ve had a lot of teammates
  You’re without a doubt the best teammate I’ve ever worked with
  You know team strategy
  You know what it takes to win
  This run does not say anything about your skill

Lord Perceval👑
I wish you were still in the team
But thank you for still being here for me
It’s very nice knowing that I have someone to rely on

Chili🌶️
  I’ll always be here for you Perceval

Lord Perceval👑
Anyway play chess with me
I need to win at something

Chili🌶️
  Whatever you want
  I’ll go easy on you

Lord Perceval👑
Please
You’re getting fucking destroyed

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
China, Sunday 10:56 pm

Alex sent a photo

Alex
  landoscar confirmed??

Yuki
  wait where is that photo from?
  no fucking way lando posted that on his main account right

Alex
  private acc
  should’ve posted it on his main for the plot

Carlos
  Lando
  Oscar
  Want to explain?

Lando
  there’ss nothing to explain and there’s no polt
  it’s just celebrateory fotos from the doubel pdium

George
  You’re kissing him on the cheek

Oscar
  NO HE IS NOT
  THERE’S A SPACE

Isack
  all the time you have to leave a space

Fernando
  !!!

Carlos
  You summoned him

Fernando
  Maybe don’t leave a space this time

Max
  🤯🤯🤯

Oscar and Lando
China, Sunday 11:14 pm

Osco
  LANDO
  YOU SAID YOU WEREN’T SHARING THAT PHOTO

Lando
it’ just my privite acc
and it’s a cute ptoto

Osco
  You’re a muppet

Lando
hey
that’s my catchfrase

Red Bull Gives You Wings
Monday, 7:03

Kiwi
  what the fuck
  what the actual fuck
  someone take my life right now

Short
  what happened liam?

Shorter
  shit
  i feel horrible
  i’m sorry

Kiwi
  yuki it’s not your fault
  this fucking sucks though
  why did I have to find out i got sacked through social media

Super Max
  God
  They did that?

Danny Ric
  I’m so sorry Liam
  You didn’t deserve that
  I completely understand what you feel

Kiwi
  actually can’t deal with this right now
  i think i’m going to go through the six stages of grief

Super Max
  It’s seven stages

Kiwi
  great

Shorter
  gosh i feel terrible

Kiwi
  please don’t
  this was not your fault at all

Shorter
  i hate red bull
  why am i still here

Super Max
  I’m starting to wonder the same thing

Kiwi
  at least i’ll get to be with isack
  that’s cool

Short
  yes!!
  i’m waiting for you
  we will lipsync the kardashians and a bunch of other random shit
  admin will love it
  fans will love it
  u have to love it or else

Kiwi
  help
  getting threatened already

Super Max
  On the bright side
  The VCARB car is probably faster

Shorter
  probably
  i’m fucked aren’t i

Mexican Minister of Defense
  Yes!

Shorter
  you’re in this group chat??

Pierre and Yuki
Monday, 7:30 am

Gasoline
  CONGRATULATIONS THIS IS INCREDIBLE NEWS
  I'M SO PROUD OF YOU
  100% DESERVED THIS MATE

Chef Yuki🍣
thank you
but i feel bad for liam

Gasoline
  I understand
  It can’t be easy for him
  But you didn’t do anything wrong

Chef Yuki🍣
i’m happy but at the same time i feel guilty for being happy
liam only got two races
and then there’s all the pressure cause if i don’t perform well it will be embarrassing
and i will drown myself
and i’ll also be promoted (demoted lowkey) in my home race 😭😭
i don’t want to do bad there
helmut has it out for me fr

Gasoline
  You didn’t like beat up Liam for this seat
  (Though I would pay tickets to watch that)
  And don’t give yourself too much pressure
  It’ll always take time to adjust to a new car so keep that in the back of your mind
  You won’t be perfect off the bat
  So be proud of yourself
  And don’t be too stressed, it won’t help you at all

Chef Yuki🍣
stress = bad
who would’ve known

Gasoline
  I’m trying to help 🙄

Chef Yuki🍣
you’re terrible at it

Gasoline
  No I’m not
  Because I’ve booked us reservations at this fancy sushi place
  And we’re going to spend a whole night karaoking
  Save the date!

Chef Yuki🍣
…
FUCK i love you

Gasoline
  😘

Chapter Text

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Japan, Thursday 3:34 pm

Isack sent a video

Isack
  liam is officially here to make friends!!

Jack
  finally outgrew your ‘everybody is an enemy’ mentality?

Liam
  please don’t remind me of that

Lando
  u look significntly hapier

Liam
  i am significantly happier
  like
  my will to live came back to me

Pierre sent a photo

Pierre
  YUKI LOOKS SO FUCKING FINE IN NAVY
  CHARLES
  PUTAIN JE SUIS TELLEMENT AMOURESE DE LUI

Yuki
  thanks pierre!

Isack
  oui
  il est magnifique

Lando
  pierre was hte whole gang meant to see taht

Charles
  🤣🤣🤣

Pierre
  FUCK

Pierre left The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Yuki
  not a chance

Yuki added Pierre to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Pierre
  Fuck me

Charles
  No one is judging
  We all agree with you

Yuki
  :)

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Japan, Saturday 6:47 pm

Daniel
  MAX ON POLE WHOOO
  I have a surprise for you 😉

Max
  Felt pretty good
  I really needed this one for sure
  What’s the surprise?

Yuki
  how the fuck you dragged that car to pole is a mystery to me
  this qualifying was the worst thing that happened to me

Pierre
  It’s only your first qualifying in the red bull
  You’ll get used to it

Alex
  pierre dont lie to him
  u and me both know the truth

Yuki
  great 😀

Liam
  The VCARB is feeling pretty good

Yuki
  HAHAHAHAHA
  such generous support from you guys really

Pierre
  Be nicer to Yuki you little shits

Alex
  im being nice by not being delusional
  hope is the last thing u want in that second red bull seat

Yuki
  this is just what i want to hear

Max
  Honestly I don’t even know how I got pole
  It felt like a fever dream

Oscar
  Incredible drive mate
  I thought me and Lando had that in the bag

Lando
  yeah
  naybe crashed out a littte wehn u took awy pole

Max
  😜
  On a more serious note though
  What surprise Danny?

Daniel
  You’ll see tomorrow 😉😉

Charles
  Oooh mysterious

Lando
  just fuckng kis each other alreayd
  it cant be mroe obviosu

Checo
  I gotta agree with Lando on this one

Oscar
  I forgot you were in here

Alex
  but he’s somehow texted more than lance has

Lance
  Don’t expect anything more

Fernando
  I think social interactions are important son
  You have to make genuine connections

Lance
  Eh

Lando
  🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🦫🦫🦫EH🏒🏒🏒🏒🫎🫎🫎🫎🫎🫎❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ I LOVE CANADA EHHHHH

Lance removed Lando from The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Lance
  I am not sorry

Alex
  breaking stereotypes!!
  u go girl
  we love to see it

Fernando
  This is not how I raised you
  But it’s kind of funny
  But i don’t endorse this kind of behaviour
  But it did make me laugh

Charles
  Take your parenting crisis somewhere else

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Japan, Sunday 10:05 am

Alex
  charles
  u cant come into the williams motorhome every thirty minutes

Charles
  I did not do that

Alex
  james literally just pulled me aside and said that you’ve been loitering in front of the motorhome
  what r u doing

Charles
  Walking

Carlos
  Stalking

Charles
  I don’t know what you’re saying mate

Carlos
  You know if you want to talk to me
  You can call or text me and we can find time to talk

Charles
  I don’t want to set a meeting time to talk to you
  That is way too formal
  And plus I’m not here to talk to you

Carlos
  I can see you walking towards the Williams motorhome
  Turn around
  And walk back to Ferrari

Alex
  lewis pls collect him

Lewis
  Come back mate

Charles
  I WAS JUST TALKING A WALK

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Japan, Sunday 4:52 pm

Daniel
  CONGRATS TO OUR WINNERS
  MAX 🥇🥇
  LANDO 🥈🥈
  AND OSCAR 🥉🥉
  Great job guys

Max
  Thanks Danny!

Oscar
  Thank you

Charles
  I think Lance removed Lando and we never added him back

Oscar added Lando to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Lando
  ATTENTIKN EVERYBODY OSCAR IS A MSONTER OF CAPOITLISM
  I AHD TO PAY HIM TO GET ADDED BAKC 😭😭

Lance
  Deserved

Oscar
  I see an opportunity, I take it

Charles
  That’s my son!

Lando
  ur soemshow more of a menac than i am
  and thx dnaiel that was very kidn

Daniel
  😁

Liam
  i would like to congratulate isack for his first points!!
  and of course
  kimi for the records he set

Ollie
  congratulations guys!!

Isack
  ate up

Kimi
  🙏🙏🙏
  grazie

George
  Amazing job Kimi

Yuki
  home races have not been treating anybody well have they

Oscar
  Nope
  But still a good effort

Yuki
  i know
  i hope nobody is too disappointed in me

Checo
  I can assure you
  Christian is disappointed in you

Pierre
  What the fuck Checo

Daniel
  I shouldn’t have laughed

Lando
  me nether
  **niether
  ***nethier
  ****netheir
  FUCK

Max
  OH MY FUCKING GOD

Charles
  What happened??

Lando
  max??
  y isnt he resopding
  waht haoeppned to him

Yuki
  should i go check on him?

George
  No

Alex
  maybe
  this is mildly worrying

Yuki
  OH
  OHHH

Charles
  Great
  Yuki also stopped replying

Ollie
  do we need to be worried?

George
  Not for Max
  Maybe for Yuki

Alonso
  😬😬

Lando
  u know how to use emojis?????
  🤯🤯🤯

Kimi and Ollie
Japan, Sunday 7:34 pm

Ant🐜
  u busy

Bear🐻
no
what’s up

Ant🐜
  math

Bear🐻
NO
dont find me for that
i will block u

Ant🐜
  :(
  what if u help me finish
  and then we can hang out together

Bear🐻
…
dont tempt me u devil

Ant🐜
  ;)

Bear🐻
fuck
what’s ur room number again?

Ant🐜
  815
  come quickly quickly

Ollie checked his reflection for the tenth time. He’d done it in his own room, smoothing out wrinkles in his simple, white shirt. He threw on a hoodie anyway. He checked his hair, knowing it was useless. He’d taken a quick shower right before Kimi texted him, and now his hair was refusing to cooperate with parts of it still wet and other parts sticking up in odd places. Nothing he could do about that then. But what did it matter? He was only seeing Kimi. It was casual. He was meeting his best friend. His best friend who almost missed his flight because they fell asleep together…He thought about that way too often.

Now in the elevator, he ruffled his hair, hearing the dings as he neared the eighth floor. Now that it was dry, his hair was more reckless than ever, refusing to stay down. Ollie swatted at it. Of course, the attempt was futile.

Ollie barely knocked once before Kimi swung the door open, greeting him with a wide smile and bright eyes that reflected the warmth of the gentle lighting in the hotel room.

“You’re quick.”

Kimi stepped aside, letting the door click shut behind them. "You're hair is crazy," Kimi commented, taking in the nest that sat on top of the Brit's head. Ollie flushed with embarrassment, cursing himself as he wondered if he should've put more effort into it --- maybe he should've at least thrown on a hat, but it was too late for all of that now. However, before he could say anything, the Italian reached up, ruffling Ollie's hair even more, taking the Brit by surprise as he stumbled back at the messiness of it all as Kimi was up on his tip-toes, balancing chaotically to reach the top of Ollie's head. Once the Italian was apparently happy with his work, he settled back down, smiling. "It's cute."

Ollie gaped at him as Kimi turned on his heel promptly to walk to his desk. "Anyway, I’ve been doing this last question for thirty minutes and I just can't get it. I swear I was this close to tearing it in half.”

Ollie sat at the table which was littered with note packets, lined paper, and eraser shavings. He squinted at the question Kimi pointed at, reading the words on the page. Ollie mentally smacked himself. Why the heck did he think even for a second that he could help Kimi. He’d purged himself of most of the stuff he’d learned the second he could. The words floated around the page, making absolutely no sense in his head.

He tentatively looked at Kimi who stood with his arms crossed. “I feel like I did all my work correctly.”

“Mate, I have no idea how to do this.”

To his surprise, Kimi laughed, clasping his hands as he did so. “I thought you wouldn’t.”

“Why would you ask me for help then? Don’t you have Zhou on speed dial?”

Kimi sat down on the bed, smiling. “No. You’re my emergency contact for anything and everything.”

Ollie didn’t know what to do with the wink Kimi sent him, so he turned back to the math. “So…how are we doing this then?”

“I texted Zhou like an hour ago. I think he’s busy. So…George. He’s right next door.”

“You got me to drive twenty minutes over here when you could’ve taken five seconds to ask George for help.”

Kimi titled his head. “Yeah.”

Ollie wasn’t sure if he was supposed to be mad. He wasn’t mad. He was endeared, and it was stupid because he couldn’t stop the fond smile that spread on his face.

“You’re an idiot,” he huffed out.

Kimi grabbed his math off the desk. “If liking your company makes me an idiot, then sure.”

Ollie almost tripped over his own feet standing up. Was that always the nature of their friendship?

“So, are we going to George?”

Kimi hummed. “I’m actually unsure if he’s doing anything tonight.”

Kimi knocked on the door and as they waited for a response, Ollie noted the rhythm of their shoulders touching as the Italian rocked back and forth. Time seemed to pass slower and quicker at the same time. Ollie wondered if the hallway was always that warm.

The door opened and George appeared, propping the door open with his foot. “Oh, Kimi…Ollie. What can I help you guys with?”

Ollie felt a need to take a step away from Kimi at George’s intense stare. The Mercedes driver seemed to be analyzing Ollie, scanning him to discover and judge.
“Don’t tell me it’s your math homework. I can’t right now. I’m busy.”

Kimi crossed his arms. “You’re wearing pajamas.”

“Sleep is calling me.”

“It’s just one question.”

“Ask me tomorrow.”

“It’s due tomorrow morning.”

“That’s on you.”

Ollie blocked out most of their banter, going into a daze instead, his eyes fixing on a point over George’s shoulder. He frowned, noticing a shadow against the wall and a figure moving. He squinted. Was that Alex?

“What is Alex doing here?”

George jumped so high Ollie was afraid he’d hit his head against the top of the doorframe. “What?”

“Alex. He’s in there, right? I swear I saw him just then.”

The three of them stood in silence, and it was only broken when Alex walked over, giving the two of them a small wave.

“We interrupted something,” Kimi whispered, eyes jumping between George and Alex. “Let’s go.”

Ollie felt Kimi grab his arm, pulling him back towards his room.

“You guys interrupted nothing!” George called. Ollie turned to see just how red George’s face was. Alex didn’t look much better.

“Sure,” Kimi muttered, rolling his eyes.

And the two of them tumbled into Kimi’s hotel room, giggling like schoolboys who just pulled a stupid prank. Ollie heard George slam his door shut and they collapsed in fits of laughter…the type that made Ollie’s stomach hurt and his eyes water. Ollie wasn’t really sure what they were laughing so hard about, but every time he looked at Kimi and their eyes locked, he would double over once more, laughing until no sound came out of him.

Kimi clutched his stomach, laughing loudly until he collapsed onto his chair. Ollie managed to take a deep breath, his body shuddering from the occasional laugh that jittered through him.

“Did you see George?” Kimi asked, spinning his chair around. “They were definitely…”

Kimi puckered his lips.

Ollie chuckled, throwing himself onto Kimi’s bed. “You’re ridiculous. They could’ve just been hanging out. Like us.”

Kimi paused, staring out the window before he gave a slight shrug. “I suppose you’re right.”

Ollie wondered if the feeling of disappointment that he suddenly sensed came from himself or Kimi’s tone. The silence that descended between them was still warm…still comfortable and easy, so Ollie let the thought go, relaxing into the soft blankets.

Kimi turned back to his work, spinning his pencil.

“Are you going to do your homework?” Ollie murmured, trying to shake off the sudden drowsiness.

“Nah. I’m sure Ms. Rossi will understand. I’ve got a pretty good excuse.”

Ollie let his eyes fall shut. “Ms. Rossi sounds like someone who’d fly to Japan to collect your homework.”

Kimi laughed in response. “You tired?”

Ollie hummed, trying to lock his attention to Kimi’s voice and presence.

“When are you flying out?”

“Tuesday.”

“Wanna stay the night?”

Ollie thought about responding, but that thought quickly dissipated as his breathing slowed and his mind slipped, falling into some much needed rest and sleep.

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Japan, Monday 12:45 am

Lando
  did anybsdy find out what hapened o max and yuki?
  it’s keepoing me up

Max sent a photo

Daniel
  DANNY RIC IN THE HOUSE BABY

Oscar
  Oh
  You came to Japan to visit
  Wait
  Why didn’t you come see us??

Lando
  im hurt
  have u forgotten abt our teamate days??
  i thoght we were close :(

Daniel
  I would have
  But
  I made a reservation for dinner for the wrong time

Lando
  i wasnt envited to dinner???????

Daniel
  Sorry mate
  Just me and Maxie
  😊

Max
  Suck it

Yuki and Pierre
Japan, Monday 1:03 am

Chef Yuki🍣
  thank you for karaoke
  it reminded me of our teammate days 🥹
  i’m feeling a lot better now

Gasoline
Anything for you

Esteban and Ollie
Japan, Monday 9:25 am

Estie
  Ollie
  Pick up your phone
  We’re going to be late
  Did you forget to set an alarm I swear
  OLLIE

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Japan, Monday 9:30 am

Esteban
  Anybody heard of Ollie and his whereabouts because we have some media to do and he’s disappeared off the face of the earth

George
  He was with Kimi last night
  Are you guys late?

Esteban
  We will be
  If he doesn’t get his ass down here in five minutes

George
  I’ll see if he’s still there

Esteban
  🙏

George
  Ok he’s on his way
  That was very amusing

Esteban
  Ollie fell asleep with Kimi?
  He is not living this down

Isack
  GUYS
  THE SHIP HAS SAILED

Gabriel
  🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
  FINALLY
  I SWEAR
  I COULDN’T STAND ANOTHER DAY OF ‘we’re just friends’

Jack
  THANK GOD

Valtteri
  They had a “sleepover” again?

Isack
  AGAIN???
  WAIT
  AGAIN???

Gabriel
  have they somehow hid it from us all this time?
  they’ve been messing with us
  HOW LONG HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN TOGETHER

Ollie
  ESTEBAN DO YOU HAVE AN EXTRA HOODIE OR SOMETHING I DO NOT
  LOOK PRESENTABLE RIGHT NOW

Esteban
  I’m sure Kimi can lend you one

Gabriel
  pls send a pic of ollie in kimi’s hoodie

Esteban
  Will do 👍

Kimi
  guys
  we’re just friends

Isack
  OH NO YOU DIDN’T

Jack
  i think i just lost five years of my life
  no way he just said that

Carlos
  Oh I missed so much
  None of this is surprising

TOTO WOLFF IS NOT IN THIS GROUP CHAT
Japan, Monday 9:43 am

Big Brother
  Are you stupid Kimi

Little Brother
  what r u talking abt

Uncle
  This is direct evidence that you are stupid

Little Brother
  why r u guys hating on me 😭

Big Brother
  Let me remind you
  “We’re just friends”

Little Brother
  ok?

Big Brother
  STOP SABOTAGING YOURSELF
  WE ALL KNOW YOU LIKE OLLIE

Little Brother
  well
  we is wrong because i dont

Big Brother
  Kimi
  It’s very obvious

Little Brother
   is it?

Big Brother
  Yes

Little Brother
  fuck

Big Brother
  And
  I’m almost a hundred percent sure that Ollie has feelings for you
  So don’t mess this up

Little Brother
  how can u be sure

Uncle
  He is also very ah
  What’s the word for it

Big Brother
  Conspicuous

Uncle
  Yeah
  Whatever that word is

Little Brother
  ok so it seems like i’ve messed it up already then

Uncle
  I think you two are both dense
  So make it obvious that you like him
  And maybe he’ll catch on

Little Brother
  im wary of this advice

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Japan, Monday 6:07 pm

Esteban sent a photo

Ollie
  ESTEBAN
  I LOOK FUCKING UGLY IN THAT PHOTO?
  MY EYES ARE CLOSED

Charles
  Ollie is the same colour as my car
  And that hoodie is not big enough

Kimi
  kind of cute though

Valtteri
  👍

Esteban
  Kimi thinks you’re cute

Ollie
  😳

Isack
  we’re seeing this right
  this is mr. we’re just friends

Jack
we are seeing it
i swear i will plunder him if he says that again

Gabriel
  nah im driving my car into him

Kevin
  Love this kid

Gabriel
  thanks grandpa!

Nico
  I don’t like these two knowing each other

Oscar and Lando
Tuesday 3:34 pm

Osco changed Lando’s name to Lawn mower

Osco
  Nickname

Lawn mower
that’s foul

Alex and George
Wednesday 10:23 pm

Asain Tom Cruise
  do u think they forgot about it
  it’s honestly keeping me up at night 💀💀

Georgie🐷
What?

Asian Tom Cruise
  ollie and kimi
  seeing us together

Georgie🐷
They just saw that you were in my room
They didn’t see us making out

Asian Tom Cruise
  true
  gosh
  i miss u

Georgie🐷
When did you become cheesy

Asian Tom Cruise
  u love it

Georgie🐷
🙄🙄🙄

Asian Tom Cruise hearted this message

Chapter Text

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Bahrain, Thursday 6:06 am

Carlos
  Ready to attack at Bahrain 💪
  Love a night race

Lando
  it’s two early for htis

Carlos
  **too
  But you’re awake

Lando
  ugh why r u smart

Carlos
  Because I had to compensate for your stupidity

Lando
  i miss our banters :(

Carlos
  Me too
  Carlando on top

Charles
  HELLO
  I’M HERE

Lando
  hi?

Carlos
  Charles I did not forget about you
  I miss you too

Charles
  Sure

Lando
  ohh r u jelly??

Charles
  Jelly?
  Never heard of it

Isack
  famous last words

Max
  😂😂😂

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Bahrain, Saturday 9:54 pm

Carlos
  FINALLY Q3
  Also
  Good job Charles for P2

Charles
  A miracle happened
  Divine intervention or something

Carlos
  Or you’re just a good driver

Charles
  Aw you’re too sweet

Liam
  that was a very normal complement?

Charles
  No
  He loves me

Lando
  hahahahahahahahaha sure

Charles
  Oh look who’s jelly now

Lando
  fuck u

Oscar shouldered his bag, eager to get away from the track and to enter the soft comfort of his bed. His whole body was practically screaming at him to lay down in a normal position after he fell asleep in five different places that day. In hindsight, sleeping half in the closet of his driver’s room was a bad choice that he now paid the consequences for with severe back pain.

Oscar made his way to the exit of the motorhome, sighing as the warm, yet refreshing night air met him, providing some much needed relief from the stuffy environment and heat of the car.

He paused, taking a few moments to enjoy the fresh air when…

“Oh shit, why are you here?”

Oscar nearly jumped out of his body at the sudden voice that cut through the silence of the night. He would recognize that voice anywhere after hearing it almost every single day for three years, so when he turned, he wasn’t surprised to see his teammate leaning against the outside wall of the motorhome, his face turned and covered with the hood of his sweater, the strings pulled tight.

“Are you heading home?” Oscar asked. “We can walk together.”

Lando paused for a long time. Oscar’s stomach clenched, noticing a slight tremble in Lando’s shoulders and the way his fingers curled into fists, turning his knuckles white. He couldn’t help but surge forward, reaching the Brit.

“Hey…you ok?”

Lando turned away further, hiding his face. However, it was still obvious that he was crying as the sleeves of his sweater went up to his face, wiping furiously. Lando’s shaky breaths disrupted the calm of the warm night air.

“No,” Lando murmured. “I wouldn’t be crying if I was ok.”

“Fair enough,” Oscar responded. He quickly realized he didn’t really know how to comfort people…and he was starting to feel a bit panicked as a long silence stretched out between the two of them, interrupted only by Lando’s uneven breathing.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Oscar eventually landed on, clearing his throat awkwardly as his voice cracked halfway through.

Lando finally turned to look at him properly. His whole face was red and streaky, as if he’d been crying for the past two hours.

For a long time, Lando just stared past Oscar’s shoulder…Oscar wasn’t sure what to do with himself and felt the night heat start to become uncomfortable as his mind wandered in crazy circles, telling him to do something --- anything. Oscar fiddled with his fingers…Maybe he should say something. But before he could, Lando opened his mouth.

“P6,” Lando murmured.

Qualifying. That’s what Lando was upset about. Oscar should have known. He’d always seen the standards to which Lando operated by. The Brit seemed to see anything under the top three positions as a failure. Oscar has seen him angry and frustrated when he performed anything less than this standard. He’d seen the way his usually talkative teammate would go quiet and his eyes would go unfocused, mind plagued with his “failures” and “inferiority.” Oscar hated it, but he felt helpless in it all. He wanted to say ‘it’s ok’ and ‘I understand,’ but it didn’t feel like enough.

“Lando…P6 isn’t bad at all,” Oscar managed. “Everybody has good and bad qualifying sessions. This is just one of the bad ones, and it doesn’t say anything about how skilled you are. What you did today was enough. You are enough.”

Lando didn’t look convinced, but he nodded anyway, thumbs brushing along the hem of his sweater.

“Thanks Osc,” Lando said hoarsely, rubbing his red eyes. “I’m sorry…this was stupid. I don’t even know why I feel this way.”

“You don’t have to apologize for anything.”

Lando lifted his head up, giving Oscar a small smile. Oscar let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. The Brit was smiling again --- that was something.

“Oscar! Lando!”

The unmistakable voice of Carlos cut through the night, and it was enough for both of them to jump in surprise.

“Carlos,” Lando croaked, not hesitating for a second to fall into a soft embrace with the Spaniard.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

Oscar watched awkwardly from the side as Carlos muttered words of encouragement and comfort to the Brit. He watched how easily Lando seemed to relax into Carlos’ hold. He watched how quickly Lando’s breaths slowed and how the tension dissipated from his shoulders. He felt how his thoughts started spiralling, hating himself for not being able to provide the same comfort…hating what he was looking at because his stomach churned with unmistakable jealousy, and he was well aware of it. Oscar wondered if it was selfish to feel bad for himself when Lando was hurting.

Lando felt like shit…and it wasn’t just because of qualifying. Yes, he had been spiraling, his mind filling with unwanted worries. It was worse this time, coming off the high of his previous performances.

In the back of his mind, he knew that P6 wasn’t bad at all. It wasn’t his usual level of performance, but it wasn’t disastrous. So it was a mystery to him as to why he felt like the world was ending, but his fears were snowballing…one thought speeding into the next until his fears became something too tall to see but too big to ignore.

But…the mental battlefield in his mind extended past his supposed failure that night. It reached a personal part of himself that he really didn’t want to think about…not now anyway. Not when he had to prove himself tomorrow. Not when he had to achieve results or he’d mentally pummel himself…but again, this wasn’t something his brain was willing to let go of.

Oscar Piastri.

He didn’t expect nor want Oscar to see him that night. He would’ve stayed in his driver’s room, but his lungs practically screamed at him to get out of the stuffy heat and suppressing white walls, so his legs led him outside. Oscar was usually gone the second he could, so seeing Oscar walk out of the motorhome scared him shitless.

Lando had wondered if he should have just stayed quiet, but he knew his shaky breaths and blurry vision would betray him eventually, and guessed announcing his presence with words was better than announcing his presence with a choked sob.

He wasn’t sure how Oscar was going to respond, but what surprised him the most out of it all was how he responded himself to Oscar’s attempt at consoling. There were no hugs…just words and presence --- and that was all he needed…just knowing that Oscar was there…there for him.

And then there was Carlos.

A hug from Carlos never failed to make him feel better…and this one was just as warm and comforting as the countless hugs they’d shared over the years. But something still felt different. Lando had waited to feel something…a skip in his heart…maybe a thumping against his chest, but there was absolutely nothing. In fact, for a few weeks, Lando had waited for the usual slew of emotions that came when talking or simply texting with Carlos, and it was almost concerning when nothing came.

It felt wrong…it felt impossible.

He had had feelings for Carlos for years. Surely…surely he still had them? Because what did it feel like to not have those feelings? What did it feel like to not feel excited and nervous whenever Carlos asked to hang out or grab lunch? What did it feel like to not hear his heart playing in his ears when Carlos pulled him into a hug or patted his back? What was it like to not need to hide his flushed face whenever Carlos complimented him?

So he was left questioning everything.

Was he a good driver? Does he still have feelings for Carlos? Was Oscar on his mind more than usual?

“I’m walking out. You guys want to join?”

Oscar responded too quickly. “I have something to grab from my room. You guys go ahead.”

Lando could feel Carlos’ waiting stare as Oscar walked back into the motorhome, speeding his way towards his driver’s room.

“I’ll uh…wait for Osc. I have some team stuff to discuss with him.”

Carlos had a grin on his face. “Of course you do.”

Lando blinked as Carlos walked away without another word. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, walking back into the motorhome and navigating his way to Oscar’s room. He remembered when he had first sprinted his way to Oscar’s room in Australia, finding it almost unbearable to see the Australian not in his usual, composed state, his heart clenching when Oscar’s shoulders trembled. He remembered wanting to do anything for Oscar to stop and smile at him…he remembered the slight flutter of pride in his chest when he did manage to get Oscar to throw him a wide smile in China.

He knocked on Oscar’s door, leaning in as he heard frantic shuffling.

The door flew open, and Oscar’s eyes widened with surprise, no doubt believing that Lando had left with Carlos.

“What are you still doing here?” Oscar asked.

“I thought that it’ll be nice to walk out with you,” Lando responded as casually as he could.

For a slow five seconds, Oscar just stared at him, left hand clenched so tight around the handle his knuckles turned white.

“Okay,” Oscar finally responded. His voice sounded slightly strained.

“What did you need to grab?”

Lando had a suspicion that Oscar hadn’t actually left to grab anything. Oscar forgetting something sounded impossible. He assumed Oscar had left due to his unfamiliarty with Carlos.

“Uh…this…my…lucky duck,” Oscar landed on, plucking a yellow duck from off his table, showing it off on his palm.

Lando couldn’t help but laugh. He also couldn’t help the slight jump of his heart…as Oscar smiled at him, cheeks flushed.

Oscar and Charles
Bahrain, Saturday 9:53 pm

Son
  Dad
  Logan is not responding to me

Dad
Okay?
What do you want me to do

Son
  Talk to me
  I’m losing my cool

Dad
You?
Losing your cool?
Is that even possible
What happened

Son
  I’m so confused right now
  I think I told you that I have feelings for Lando

Dad
Yes you did
After I adopted you

Son
  Oh really?
  We should celebrate the anniversary then

Dad
It’s coming up
Anyway
What did you want to say?

Son
  Like a month ago Lando told me he liked Carlos
  And then today
  I swear Lando hugged Carlos as if his life depended on it
  And Carlos was like being all nice to him and what not and it was very hard to watch
  I felt like I was interrupting something
  And on top of that Lando and Carlos are shooting a golf video thing tomorrow?
  Lando was telling me about it and he seemed very excited
  BUT Carlos asked Lando to walk with him and I didn’t want to be awkward so i told them to go ahead
  But Lando shows up at my driver’s room like five minutes later saying that he wanted to walk with me
  What the heck does this mean
  Sorry for dumping this on you
  In hindsight it seems kind of stupid

Dad
Mixed signals
I’m going to be honest
If I were to look plainly
I would have said that it was very possible that Lando has feelings for you
Which is why I’m surprised he told you he had feelings for Carlos
But feelings can change
And Carlos and Lando are really good friends so I wouldn’t overthink a hug

Son
  I guess
  I’ll sleep on it
  Fuck
  Why do I like him so much

Dad
  Lando’s a great guy
  You two suit each other

Son
  Hopefully

Charles stared at the messages Oscar sent him. And then he stared at his response. And he stared at the fact that Carlos was in their conversation. And he started to rethink everything he had allowed himself to think in the past weeks.

But it was all so stupid. All over a boy, as if he were back in high school, worrying and stressing over what a glance from a crush meant because that was more important than homework.

He had always known that Carlos was close with Lando, and that they had a really special bond when they were teammates. He was aware of it all when Carlos joined Ferrari. He always had suspicions that Lando had feelings for Carlos…

But he had still fallen hard.

Because he felt comfortable and at ease with Carlos. Carlos was there for the highs, the mediocre days, and the bad days. He would even be there for the truly terrible and ugly days when Charles wanted to disappear into a black hole. And nobody made him laugh the way Carlos did --- the type of laughter that sounded like sunshine and left him breathless. He had never made so many memories where he could think back on and smile stupidly out of fondness.

And yet…there was always Lando Norris.

Lando, who Charles just learned might still have feelings for Carlos. Lando, who somehow came up in half the conversations he had with the Spaniard. Lando whom Carlos refers to as handsome and sweet and an endearing idiot.

None of that particularly encouraged Charles to confess to any of the bubbling emotions in his stomach, and Charles hoped it would shimmer down anyway. He was still hoping…after three years, because things take time…right?

But now, on the bed of his hotel room, he felt terrible, because the bubbling emotions seemed to only grow, rising to an angry boil, threatening to overflow.
The burden of qualifying P2 wasn’t helping either, cause now he had to see it through. His mind was running scenarios of him missing out on the podium. Maybe he would spin. Maybe he would lock up or make some terrible error that sends him into the barriers. What if he has a slow pit stop? Or his engine fails? What if he just can’t defend against the cars behind him and he falls behind?

He snaps out of his thoughts at a knock on his door, and he isn’t particularly surprised to see Lewis, despite the late hour.

Charles would say he’d built a good rapport with Lewis. He was a supportive teammate, and somewhat like an older brother --- someone to trust and look up to. And Lewis somehow always knew when Charles was getting in his own head.

“How are you doing? Stressed for the race?”

Charles hummed, stepping aside to let Lewis in. “I have horror movies playing in my head right now.”

“Thought that would be the case.”

Charles felt comfortable enough to tell Lewis about his worries and the stress he feels from expectations, and he is incredibly grateful for his teammate’s patience and advice, even if he still preferred a late night with Carlos at the motorhome where they sat together and watched stupid videos on Instagram.

The second knock on his door made him jump.

“Room service? Andrea won’t like that.”

Charles laughed lightly as he crossed the room to reach the door. “He would have a heart attack if I did that the night before a race. So, no. I don’t remember asking for anything from the hotel.”

He cracked open the door and nearly jumped a foot in the air. His hand slipped off the handle and the door slammed shut.

“Charles?” Lewis asked, concerned. “What? Who was it?”

Charles blinked. “Shit,” he muttered.

It was Carlos. He had just slammed the door on Carlos…because it was too much to see him after the mental fatigue he gave himself from thinking of said person. And now, he was overthinking again. Was Carlos still there? Should he open the door again? What if Carlos left? How would he explain this to him?

“Who was it? Are you ok?” Lewis asked, concerned.

His phone rang in his hand. Carlos was calling him. Was he still outside? Charles stole a glance through the peep-hole and saw Carlos still waiting. He cracked open the door again, sliding through.

Carlos ended the call and looked at Charles, eyebrows creased.

“What was that?”

“Sorry. Didn’t expect to see you.”

Charles felt uneasy as a short silence stretched between them. Carlos’ usually warm presence felt…off. He seemed to be formulating his next sentence carefully. He wasn’t smiling. Charles almost wished he stayed inside.

“You were talking to someone? Are you in a meeting or something?”

Lewis.

As if on cue, the door opened and Lewis poked his head out.

“Oh. Hey Carlos.”

Charles felt tense as Carlos’ eyes flicked between him and Lewis. The Spaniard stepped back. “I won’t…interrupt,” Carlos eventually said after a few more tension-packed silence passed. “See you tomorrow.”

Carlos turned, walking quickly down the corridor. Charles’ brain scrambled to come up with something to say, but apparently he couldn’t rely on it as he was left standing, mouth opening and closing like a fish as no words came out. Carlos rounded the corner and Charles felt his chest tighten with an unmistakable feeling that he had just lost something.

Carlos and Charles
Bahrain, Saturday 11:05 pm

Lord Percevel👑
  Did you have something to say when you came by?
  Lewis and I were just talking about the race

Read by Chili🌶️

Pierre and Charles
Bahrain, Sunday 8:03 am

In love with Carlos
  Carlos is making a video with Lando

In love with Yuki
And you’re jealous

In love with Carlos
  No
  I’m upset that he didn’t tell me about it

In love with Yuki
Why would he have to tell you
Is this important?

In love with Carlos
  I tell him about my day all the time

In love with Yuki
Maybe he just didn’t see why you would have to know
Cause I don’t really see why you have to know this information

In love with Carlos
  Because I’m close to Carlos and he should be able to just talk about whatever with me

In love with Yuki
And he does
Do you know how often I listen to you talk about the random shit Carlos tells you?
Sometimes I drone it out and sleep

In love with Carlos
  That’s why you’re so quiet
  I thought you were just being a good listener
  Bitch

In love with Yuki
Sorry not sorry
You think I want to hear you swoon over him for five hours every day?
It’s a fucking chore
But anyway
I think you’re overthinking
Maybe he just forgot to tell you
Or he has other things to tell you

In love with Carlos
  Apparently not
  He’s ghosting me right now

In love with Yuki
You did something stupid didn’t you

In love with Carlos
  Have some confidence in me
  I’m not always Azerbaijan 2019

In love with Yuki
I find that hard to believe

In love with Carlos
  What did I ever do to you?

In love with Yuki
You existed

In love with Carlos
  Fair enough

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Bahrain, Sunday 12:31 am

Jack
  i hate my life
  i was going to get points and the fucking safety car just ruined everything
  someone kill me now

Pierre
  It’s just bad luck

Jack
  if i got points this race
  maybe alpine would extend my fucking six race contract

Liam
  alpine is fucked up

Isack
  i feel like we cant say anything

Fernando
  Let’s congratulate our winners
  Oscar, George, and Lando!

Oscar
  Thanks!
  Good stuff to win our second home grand prix

Charles
  At this point
  Everything is some sort of home race for you

Oscar
  Searching for my american roots soon

Logan
  i’ll adopt you

George
  Thanks Fernando

Lando
  thx
  but that race was still shit

Charles
  Someone who gets it

Lewis
  Does positivity exist in this group chat?

Carlos
  Positivity can go fuck itself

Lewis
  I see

Liam
  i feel like carlos and charles have a lot more reason to crash out compared to lando
  dude
  you finished p3

Lando
  and it was terrrible

Oscar
  You need to give less pressure to yourself
  P3 is incredible mate

Lando
  if i can convince my brain that

Max
  Fix your mentality dude
  If you’re always going to get upset over anything but P1, you’ll end up doing worse
  Your biggest rival is yourself
  And that would suck if you don’t fix it

Isack
  sounds kind of harsh

Lando
  it’s not that easy to just ‘fix my mentality dude’
  u say it as if i can change everything over night

Oscar
  **overnight

Lando
  not helping

Max and Daniel
Bahrain, Monday 12:42 am

Danny🦡
  Are you ok?
  You’re probably beating yourself up over P6 aren’t you

Maxie
I don’t even deserve to feel upset
I need to focus on next week
But all I can think about is how I could’ve done better on this race
All the fucking mistakes I made

Danny🦡
  Who told you you can’t be upset
  Feel whatever you want
  This was just a blip and you’ll be back on the top in no time

Maxie
It shows a lack of consistency
And if I don’t get my shit together next week
Life would seriously suck

Danny🦡
  That’s not true Max you know it

Maxie
Tell that to my dad

Danny🦡
  Is he bothering you

Maxie
No
I just didn’t expect him to be here this weekend
I think it threw me off
But I don’t want to blame someone else for my shortcomings

Danny🦡
  Max promise me you’ll tell me if anything is wrong
  I’m here for you
  So if anything comes up
  Talk to me about it

Maxie
I’m not a fucking baby, Danny
I can handle myself and my emotions

Danny🦡
  Just promise me
  Please

Maxie
Fine
I promise
But don’t expect to hear anything because everything is fine
I just need to focus and things will work out

2025 ROOKIES
Bahrain, Monday 12:55 am

Andrea🤌
  guys
  justice for ollie

Bear👨
  huh

Gabi
  what happened

⚖️son
  ???

Andrea🤌
  ollie 100% deserved driver of the day

Bear👨
  oh yeah
  pissed about that
  again

Gabi
  p20 to p10 in a haas??
  u were insane
  i wouldve voted for u if i could

Bear👨
  well
  it is what it is unfortunately

Andrea🤌
  :(
  u deserve five times better
  no a hundred times better

Jacket
  where is the justice for jack doohan
  i feel like i deserve it too

Andrea🤌
  no

Jacket
  what the hell

Had🫙
  idk what u expected
  ur not ollie bearman aka the love of kimi’s life
  so kimi doesn’t fucking care abt u

Jacket
  oh sry mb

FERNANDO ALONSO
  What does ‘oh sry mb’ mean
  Also remind me why I’m here again

⚖️son
  it means oh sorry my bad
  and you’re here bc you’re THE rookie

FERNANDO ALONSO
  You young lads are addicted to the internet

Had🫙
  says u
  mr. tiktoker of the year

FERNANDO ALONSO
  😬

The Big Three of 2019
Bahrain, Tuesday 3:10 pm

Little Lando Norris
  what r the chances that i dont like carlos anymore

Princess George
  Zero

Little Lando Norris
  rly?
  cause i was thinking abt it recently
  and i dont think i have feelings for him anymore
  at least
  not a lot of feelings

Rookie of the Year
  well it seems like u know yourself
  so idk why you’re asking us

Little Lando Norris
  but alex im not compltely sure
  i’ve liked carlos for so long idk what it feels like to not like carlos

Princess George
  You’re so weird

Little Lando Norris
  fuck u

Rookie of the Year
  u recently filmed that video with him
  did u feel anything?

Little Lando Norris
  see thats the thing
  i didnt feelo anything
  but at the same time i kind of did
  but ifelt like i tikd myself i would be nervous when i saw him so then i became nervos
  like i gaslighted myself into being nervos or something 💀💀

Princess George
  Your typing is atrocious

Little Lando Norris
  IM HAVING AN EMOTOINAL CRISIS AND THS IS WHAT U CARE ABT??

Princess George
  Yes
  It bothers me a lot

Rookie of the Year
  lets be civil

Princess George
  **let’s

Rookie of the Year
  i hope your cars engine blows up

Princess George
  **car’s

Rookie of the Year
  FUCK U KYS

Little Lando Norris
  u guys were the wrong ppl to ask for help or advie

Fernando Alonso
  Great
  I’m in this one too

Chapter Text

Carlos and Lando
Jeddah, Wednesday 5:54 pm

Smooth Operator
  Charles plays chess with Lewis
  They were ‘lying in bed’

Cabrón
not in the same bed

Smooth Operator
  But still
  Charles hasn’t played chess with me in a week

Cabrón
a hole week?
no way 🫨🫨🫨
god forbid!

Smooth Operator
  You’re being sarcastic

Cabrón
obvieasly so
r u jellus

Smooth Operator
  No
  Even if I was it wouldn’t matter
  Because I saw Charles with Lewis
  Lewis was in his hotel room

Cabrón
lewis and charles?
ig it cuold be posible
age is just a number

Smooth Operator
  I don’t care if Lewis and Charles are together (age is just a number)
  I do care if Charles stops playing chess and padel with me

Cabrón
mate
what abt me
ur my go to padle partner

Smooth Operator
  And Charles is my go to padel partner

Cabrón
what the fuck

Smooth Operator
  So what do I do

Cabrón
well im ofended
and unconvonced
ur definienatly jealous and deeply in love with charles

Smooth Operator
  No
  Trust me

Cabrón
nope im never ttursitng u ever agian

“Is he ok?”

Even a second of silence on the radio made Oscar’s heart pound painfully against his chest. The inside of his helmet went silent as the sound of the car completely melted away. He fought back the feeling of dread that tried to settle in him. It was too early to feel that way.

“Is he ok?” he asked again, aware of the slight nervous edge to his voice. He wasn’t sure if he was shaking or if it was just the vibrations of the car. He forced his eyes ahead --- away from the familiar papaya car in the barrier.

How many seconds have passed?

“Tom. Is Lando ok? Is he out of the car?”

Another breath. He tried to remember what the car looked like. A bit wrecked at the front. So why didn’t he have an answer?

“Yes, yes. Oscar, he is ok.”

The tension seeped out of his shoulders as he exhaled. Slowly, the familiar sound of the engine replaced the quiet ringing noise in his ears. “Don’t take so long next time.”

“Yep, sorry. He took a second to respond.”

“Lando?”

“Yep, but he is ok. He is out of the car.”

“Is he going to get checked?”

“Unsure yet. Focus on yourself, Oscar. He’s walking. Focus on the last few minutes.”

Of course he didn’t focus. The rest of qualifying felt like a blur as he went over all the possible injuries Lando could’ve sustained and how he’d be able to cut his media time shorter to check in on his teammate.

“That’s P2. P2.”

The trickle of disappointment into his chest was heavy as he stepped out of his car, his mind suddenly preoccupied by which corners he could’ve saved a few hundredths on and the feeling of the track with his tires.

“Oscar.”

He turned, meeting the driver who took pole.

“Is Lando alright? I saw him in the wall. I assume you know more about it,” Max asked.

He felt a sudden surge of anxiety and worry, and maybe a little bit of guilt for a few moments, as he had completely forgotten about his teammate’s crash. Max seemed to be taking his silence as a bad omen as his eyebrows creased with worry.

“Hurt?”

Oscar didn’t know exactly, which gnawed at the inside of his stomach. “I was told he is fine. I’ll check on him.”

Max hummed, clapping him on the back. “Great job today.”

“You too.”

And for the rest of media, Oscar was itching to get away as quickly as he could, answering questions with whatever came first into his head and keeping his words clipped. After the qualifying conference, he practically raced out of the room, dashing to wherever he thought he’d find Lando.

What he didn’t expect was to find Lando’s driver’s room empty. He searched around the motorhome without much success either. Lando’s phone went to voicemail.
Did he go to the hospital? His heart started to pound again as his breath came up short, his chest and throat tightening. He wasn’t sure if it was from the running or something else. He asked around, silently praying that someone would give him any form of an answer. He thought back to the car in the wall as he zoomed past it. Was the crash somehow worse than he remembered it to be? Is that why Lando took so long to respond? What if he had actually been seriously injured? But Tom had said he was alright. Did his condition suddenly worsen?

“Last time I checked, he was in his driver’s room,” an engineer told him. “We’ve been told he’s alright though.”

“So where is he? He wasn’t in his driver’s room. Has he left?”

“I’m sorry, Oscar. I’m not sure.”

Oscar bit back his frustration as he stalked away, checking Lando’s driver’s room for the third time that night. Anxiety clawed at his throat as he decided he needed a second to just take a breath. He walked to his own driver’s room, making a mental note on where he would search next.

He walked down the familiar path to his room, digging out his phone to leave a few texts…

“Osc.”

The voice was quiet and thick, but he knew exactly who it belonged to.

He whipped his head up, seeing Lando standing at the door of his driver’s room as if he were about to knock. Lando didn’t look physically hurt, but Oscar could practically see the Brit’s mind turning --- analyzing every move only to come to a conclusion that was no doubt diminishing his self-worth in some sort of way.
But he was ok.

Oscar didn’t wait. In two long strides, he was next to Lando, teammate in his embrace. He let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding.

“I’m a fucking idiot,” Lando whispered into his chest, voice shuddering and quiet. He could feel the Brit’s shoulders trembling with the effort to hold back tears, full of bitter disappointment.

The words hit him like bricks and he held on tighter to Lando, as if he’d lose him to some sudden gust of wind. He pressed Lando’s head closer and placed what he hoped was a reassuring hand on his back.

“Don’t say that,” Oscar murmured. “The only thing that’s important is that you’re safe.”

Lando pulled his head back, shaking his head. “I made an error, Osc.”

“We all make errors. You can’t expect to be perfect all the time.”

“I can’t convince myself that this is acceptable,” Lando shuddered out. “What if I keep making errors? What if I won’t ever get another win…another podium-”

“Stop it,” Oscar cut in, wincing internally as he hoped he didn’t sound too harsh. “One bad result isn’t anything. You know that.”

“I do, but I just feel so uncomfortable with this result.”

“It’ll take time.”

Lando fell back into Oscar. For a long time, they didn’t say anything. Oscar kept his hand on Lando’s back, hoping that it had some sort of comforting effect. He wondered how much time had passed since he last spoke. He frowned at Lando’s slow and rhythmic breaths…and his closed eyes. Had he somehow fallen asleep?

Lando knew what comfort and warmth was, though if he could add another definition to the dictionary, he would seriously consider putting Oscar Piastri in it. If not, at least a synonym. He didn’t think his teammate would be one for long hugs or unwavering and quiet patience, but he was glad he was, cause god knows he needed it.

The silence was peaceful and calming, quieting his inner turmoil enough to be able to wrench his mind from replaying that stupid corner over and over again. He relaxed, allowing his eyes to flutter shut as he felt the tension in his jaw and chest fall away. All the while, Oscar kept him completely steady…

In the silence, something was loud. A rhythmic thump that played in his ears. It was fast. Was it his? No…

Lando smiled gently, knowing what it was.

“Your heart beat is really loud…”

Oscar jumped, breaking their hug. “...and fast.”

The Australian looked at him as if he was an alien. “I thought you were asleep.”

“Almost. But your heart beat made it really hard. It was intense.”

He chuckled lightly, watching as Oscar laughed incredulously, turning his head to the side as he attempted to hide the flush of pink across his cheeks. “Nature of the race weekend,” Oscar mumbled. “Adrenaline.”

“Not because of a certain British racing driver?”

Oscar’s laugh washed over him like music. Oscar’s gaze fell on him and his eyes darted for a second before settling to hold the Australian’s gaze anyway. His vision narrowed onto Oscar’s face, flickering all over as if he’d never seen him before…noticing all the small details he’d missed. Lando blinked slowly as he tried to process the sudden wave of emotions that had smacked into him within the second. The rush of sudden heat was unmistakable.

They stared at each other for a second too long. Lando could feel Oscar’s slow breaths brushing against his cheek. He could feel the creep of heat crawling up his neck. It was tense. Oscar moved an inch closer. Lando fell back.

The Australian blinked, frozen as Lando coughed quietly, trying to stay calm amidst the rush of internal thoughts that threatened to spill out.

“It’s late. Let’s walk back together.”

Oscar’s eyes turned calculating, his brows furrowed. Lando’s insides felt like they were twisting into one giant knot as Oscar nodded slowly, retreating into his driver’s room to grab his things.

He brushed a hand down his face. What was he doing?

It was all so messy and unclear…and it required too much thinking. Lando didn’t do thinking. Oscar emerged out of his room with his bag slung over his shoulder.

“Let’s go?”

Lando hummed, and the two of them walked down the hallway.

The space between them was loud.

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Jeddah, Saturday 9:02 pm

Lando
  finally back at the hotel
  today was fucking long

Carlos
  Sorry about qualifying
  Are you feeling okay?

Lando
  im feeling better
  i still kind of hat emyself

Carlos
  Most important thing is that you are ok

Max
  You’re ok?

Lando
  yes yes im ok

Max
  Good

George
  Good!

Lewis
  Good!!! 💪💪💪

Yuki
  gosh darn
  we could’ve eliminated an opponent
  not good :(

Lando
  ykw thats pretty fare

Charles
  Guys
  I actually hate my car

Lewis
  Me too, mate
  It’s physically painful to experience

Carlos
  A good day for me
  A certain Ferrari driver is starting behind me

Lando
  is this a dig on lewis

Lewis
  You can just say Lewis
  You’re being a bitch either way

Carlos
  I don’t know what you guys are talking about
  I just felt like celebrating a good qualifying
  A Williams in front of a Ferrari who would have ever thought
  Guess the Ferrari car is shit now?
  Or driver skill 📉

Charles
  What the heck mate

Lewis
  I definitely don’t have thoughts about strangling someone right now

Pierre
  Woah woah woah
  We do not want to fight guys

Yuki
  yes we do
  fight fight fight fight fight

Carlos
  It’s not my fault they’re angry

Charles
  Not your fault!?
  You were just being incredibly rude and insufferable
  Thank fucking god you stopped texting me
  If this is what you’re truly like

Max
  I shouldn’t be cackling right now

Daniel
  Maybe not

Carlos
  I’m just saying what could be true

Charles
  Lewis is right
  Stop being so bitchy

Carlos
  Overreaction?

Charles
  I am not overreacting and I am this close to kicking you out of the group chat

Carlos
  Oh I’m so scared!
  No
  I don’t give a fuck if you kick me out
  And I don’t overreact

Alex
  yeah no
  im with charles and lewis

Carlos
  Not my fault all of you guys are blind to talent

Charles
  What the fuck is wrong with you

Max
  Woah ok
  That’s gone a bit too far mate

Pierre
  Coming from Max…
  Yikes

Carlos
  I guess I’m the only reasonable person here

Lewis
  Who do you think you are?

Carlos
  Better than you

Lando
  carlos whats wrong

Charles
  You stay the fuck out of this

Lando
  ???

Carlos
  Don’t talk to Lando like that

Lewis
  Don’t talk to Charles like that
  You were teammates, and I’ve never heard Charles say a single bad thing about you
  In fact Charles has nothing but praise for you and then you come in and pull this shit

Carlos
  Since when were you and Charles so close

Charles
  None of your fucking business

Charles left The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Lewis
  Look what you’ve done
  I’m going to go talk to him

Lando
  jesus christ
  carlos?

George
  This type of behaviour mustn’t be tolerated

George removed Carlos from The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Lando and Carlos
Jeddah, Saturday 10:06 pm

Cabrón
  carlos
  what hapened to u
  cause max called u rude
  and that means u were like rude rude

Smooth Operator
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck
How do I delete my existence?

Cabrón
  im guesong u didnt mean what u said

Smooth Operator
I only half did

Cabrón
  ???

Smooth Operator
I didn’t mean to lash out at Charles
But Lewis kind of deserved it

Cabrón
  mo he did not

Smooth Operator
Oh so you’re on his side too

Cabrón
  no carlos
  wait
  is this abt lewis palying chess with charles still
  istg
  is it?

Smooth Operator
No

Cabrón
  ok so u r jealous bc of the lewis charles hotel faisoc

Smooth Operator
Not a fiasco
And no
I’m not

Cabrón
  ur impossible mate
  im going to tell you exactly hwo i see it
  ur jealous of lewis bc you tink he and charles have a relationshop
  u dont like that they play chess together and god forbid a teammate wants to check up on their teammate so in ur brain it means lewis and charles must
  like each other
  and you hate the idea of anybod ybeing close to charles but urself
  which u need to fix bc even if you somehow get with charles now (he hates u now so u have a lot of work to do)
  u willl have to dealw ith the fact that he will have other friends

Smooth Operator
I don’t like Charles

Cabrón
  i cant help you anymore mate

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Jeddah, Sunday 11:17 am

Ollie
  im a child of divorce

Oscar
  Did they get split custody?

Kimi
  sry abt the divorce ollie
  in a time of difficulty
  i will always be here for u
  want to get ice cream together tomorrow?

Ollie
  100%

George
  Did Kimi just capitalize on a traumatizing situation as an excuse to take Ollie on a date?

Valtteri
  He did
  And I’ve never been so proud

Oscar
  And nobody’s taking me for ice cream?
  Wow

Lando
  dw
  dinner and ice cream has just been planned 😉

Max
  I am not a child of divorce
  But

Daniel
  Yeah yeah
  Save the date maxie

Max
  😘

Jack
  so r they dating or not

Liam
  i wanna say yes
  but both max and daniel are real characters
  so they could be leading us on for fun

Daniel
  😉😉😉

Liam
  like
  what does that mean

Daniel
  🤫

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Jeddah, Sunday 6:27 pm

George
  Best of luck everybody!

Oscar
  Is it possible to feel incredibly nervous and on the verge of falling asleep at the same time?

Lando
  thats al of us

Max
  Not me
  I’m five red bulls in
  Nothing can stop me

Oscar
  Oh dear

Ollie
  i keep waiting for carlos to make a weather report
  and he hasn’t
  which is sad bc he also hasn’t texted me one
  my father is leaving me on read

Alex
  i can see him checking the weather rn

Lando
  why dont we just add him abck to the gc

Lewis
  Absolutely not

Alex
  uh he just said 'good weather'
  and then 'unfortunately'

Lando
  probably wanted it to rain
  he’s emo now

Lewis
  Why?
  He seemed pretty loudly egocentric just a few hours ago

Lando
  You know Charles

Lewis
  Yes I do

Oscar
  So do I

Lewis
  I also know Carlos

Oscar
  Me too

Lando
  GIVE ME A SECOND TO FINISH TEXTING JESUS

Lewis
  Jeez ok

Lando
  carlos refuses to admit that he has feelings for charles but it’s the most
  obvioaus thing i’ve wittnessed in my life

Lewis
  What so Carlos likes Charles and instead of being a normal person he lashes out and bullies him?

George
  Seems like a Max thing to do

Max
  I will put you in the wall George

George
  Case in point

Lando
  but yk when u like someone and sometimes you’re just extra mean to them

Lewis
  By that logic
  Carlos could also have feelings for me

George
  And Max definitely has feelings for me

Max
  You wish

Lando
  what???
  this is not what i meant
  OBVIOUSLY CARLOS AND CHARLES LIKE EACH OTHER SO IT MAKES SENSE

Lewis
  No I’m not buying it
  I think Carlos is just an asshole

Lando
  well i talke to him abit
  he has somee regrets

Lewis
  If he’s willing to apologize I won’t remove him if you add him back in

Lando
  gimmie a second

Ollie
  we can add charles back in

Ollie added Charles to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Lando
  Ok so he’s not willing to apologize

Yuki
  IM ON SIX RED BULLS
  NOTHING WILL STOP ME NOW
  NOT MAX
  NOT SOCIETY
  WHOOOOOOOO

Isack
  pls what

“Fuck! Is he ok!?”

“Yuki, keep going if you can.”

“Tell me! Is he ok?”

“Yes, yes he’s ok.”

“Fuck me.”

The silence was heavy, almost crushing him. Sitting in his locked driver’s room, it was all suffocating, as if the air stopped circulating, and that soon, he’d run out of oxygen completely…which Yuki would be fine with if that meant he wouldn’t have to face Pierre again. He cringed internally, imagining what it would feel like to see Pierre look at him with eyes flashing in disappointment and anger. His fingers curled against his palm, shaking with the effort to not punch a wall or himself. What was he thinking? What was he doing? He drove like a madman and what had it cost him? It cost him the possibility of points, it cost him his race, it cost him Pierre’s race. A part of his soul would wilt if his mistake cost him the years he’d spent hoping and building towards something bigger for the two of them…Something he’d spent sleepless nights over and yet still refused to put a name on it.

He squeezed his eyes shut and immediately regretted it. It was almost as if the crash had tattooed itself onto his eyelids, replaying it in slow motion every time he blinked…He saw the second his car lost it…the second he lost control and what followed was the panicked dance of both cars trying to avoid an unavoidable disaster. He remembered the look of Pierre’s car in the barrier, completely wrecked. He remembered being almost able to hear Pierre’s voice on his radio, cursing him out and…

He opted to stamp his fist into the carpeted ground, his whole body shuddering with frustration that had nowhere to go. He resisted the urge to scream as loud as he could, knowing the scream would just be a desperate cry for his ex-teammate anyway.

A slight shuffle outside his door shattered the silence that had started to build on his shoulders. He straightened up, jumping slightly as he heard a soft knock…a simple two taps was all it took for him to know who it was.

He scrambled to his feet, almost tripping on his hurried way to the door. He yanked it inwards, eyes looking up to lock his gaze with…Pierre. He wasn’t sure if he smiled at all or if he just started crying. Either way, the French driver had stepped in, shutting the door gently before wrapping his arms around Yuki, one hand in his ruffled black hair and another reassuringly on his back. Yuki relaxed, the previous tension and worry fading into the background as he followed the slow rocking rhythm of Pierre’s movements.

Pierre drew back enough to look Yuki in the eyes. Their foreheads pressed together and his hands rested gently on Yuki’s face, wiping away any tear that dared to make its way down.

“I knew you were beating yourself up,” Pierre whispered, half scolding. His breath brushed gently on Yuki’s face. Have they ever been that close before?

Yuki tore his gaze away, training it on the floor instead. “I’m sorry.”

Pierre lifted his face up, forcing the Japanese driver to look. “Don’t be. It’s just a mistake.”

“Don’t hate me.”

Pierre’s mouth opened in slightly shock and sudden frustration. Yuki cursed at himself. Did he make Pierre hate him now? Was that possible?

“Why would I? I wouldn’t dare. I could never hate you, Yuki. Even if you cost me a win. Nobody’s perfect. These mistakes happen, but you’re different too…I…”

Yuki hesitantly scanned Pierre’s face, noting a slight shift in the Frenchman’s tone. His voice had become hushed. His eyes searched for something in Yuki…His hands trembled just slightly, barely noticeable. Yuki sucked in a breath, waiting for the suspended silence to pass. Pierre was on the edge of something…they were on the edge of something.

Pierre’s eyes became unfocused and focused at the same time. Yuki waited.

And their lips met, Yuki stumbling at the sudden intensity as his brain tried to catch up with the action. Pierre kept a steadying hand on his waist and they broke apart for a second, just enough for a breath before Yuki searched for Pierre’s lips once more, smiling when they met once more because it was all ok…All more than ok.

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Jeddah, Sunday 10:26 pm

Isack
  that aged poorly 💀💀

Liam
  what?

Isack
  yuki’s nothing can stop me now comment
  speaking of it
  u guys ok?

Pierre
  Yeah the crash wasn’t too bad

Yuki
  im more than ok right now

Liam
  are you being sarcastic
  i cant tell

Pierre
  The two of us are just ecstatic

Oscar
  That sounds sarcastic

Yuki
  i dunno is it??

Liam
  why are you guys being cryptic?

Lando
  OSCARRR

Oscar
  Landooo

Lando
  CONGRATULATIONS THAT WAS AMAZING

Oscar
  Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

Pierre
  I don’t know why I waited for Carlos to come and congratulate Charles

Ollie
  we all did
  should we add him back?

Lewis
  Not until he apologizes

Pierre
  Well since he’s not here
  CONGRATULATIONS CHARLES
  FIRST PODIUM WHOOO

Charles
  Thank you guys
  It’s a good day
  Night
  Whatever

Alex
  pretty good race today
  WITH THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP 💪💪 we persevere

Isack
  friendship is a scam
  I WAS STUCK BEHIND YOU AND CARLOS FOR THE WHOLE FUCKING RACE

Alex
  no no no
  friendship is magic 🪄
  my little ponyyy

Isack
  FUCK YOU

Max
  Fucking hell
  FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK

Daniel
  Maxie
  What’s wrong

Max
  He’s calling me
  Do I answer?
  Shit
  What do I do

George
  Who?
  Use your words young lad

Max
  Everyday you remind me why I hate you

George
  Good
  I’ve been trying to keep it that way

Daniel
  Max what’s wrong

Max
  Forget about it

Daniel
  I have a feeling I know

Max
  If you know don’t say it

Daniel
  Ok Red Bull emergency meeting

Red Bull Gives You Wings
Jeddah, Sunday 10:31 pm

Danny Ric
  I don’t know if you feel more comfortable talking here but just know
  Everybody here will support you no matter what and that this is a safe space
  Nobody is going to tell anybody anything

Kiwi
  my therapist said this to me

Danny Ric
  That’s nice Liam

Mad Max
  Ok fuck I’m picking up

Shorter
  i’m confused who’s calling you and why are you freaking out
  it’s freaking me out that you’re freaking out because i’ve never seen you like this
  other then that one time you came in my driver’s room for a reason you wouldn’t tell me
  and then your dad appeared out of nowhere
  oh

Danny Ric
  Max if you don’t want to talk to him you don’t have to

Short
  what’s happening 😭😭

Kiwi
  i’m just as lost as you are

Mad Max
  My life is a shit show

Danny Ric
  You’re done calling?

Mad Max
  Yeah
  Yuki where’s the pool

Shorter
  tenth floor

Danny Ric
  Max no

Kiwi
  isack and i are completely lost
  who called you

Mad Max
  My dad

Short
  is it bad

Mad Max
  Yeah

Shorter
  everything ok?

Mad Max
  Not really
  No

Danny Ric
  Wanna talk about it?
  No rush
  But again I just want you to know that everybody here will support you no matter what
  We promise

Shorter
  we’re family
  i know i insult you a lot
  but it’s out of love

Kiwi
  our lips will be sealed if you want to talk

Mad Max
  I just wish he’d leave me alone
  It’s fucking tiring

Shorter
  block him

Mad Max
  No
  He’s my dad
  Plus
  He’s coming to Miami
  So
  Can’t really block him in person

Shorter
  if you drive your car into him you could

Short
  true

Kiwi
  violence is not the answer

Shorter
  IT’S THE QUESTION

Kiwi
  THE ANSWER IS NOT YES OH MY GOD

Mad Max
  Ok I just have to do good in Miami
  And everything will be fine

Danny Ric
  Max take things easy
  Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or you’ll do worse

Mad Max
  That’s why I wish he wouldn’t come but what can I do

Danny Ric
  Yuki’s idea sounds fine

Mad Max
  I’m not running over my dad
  But thanks guys
  For letting me talk here

Danny Ric
  Anytime

Shorter
  if you ever need me to do the car thing

Mad Max
  Jeez Yuki are you normal
  You’re more violent than usual

Kiwi
  what’s usual
  i don’t think i’ve see him usual yet

Short
  pray you don’t

Alex and Carlos
Jeddah, Sunday 11:03 pm

Bonara
  good race today
  power of friendship 💪

Car
Si
Good job

Bonara
  u r unhappy

Car
No?

Bonara
  i know why you’re unhappy

Car
I swear
If you’ve come to tell me to apologize to Lewis
I’m not doing it

Bonara
  well i do think you’re an idiot
  and you’re being unfair to lewis
  u snapped at him bc of ur own feelings that lewis has nothing to do with

Car
What are you talking about?

Bonara
  U KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABT
  well lando told us his suspicions abt u and charles and it was kind of obvious either way
  but if you are being rude and petty for stupid stupid reasons
  it’s not helping u
  i know you’re not a bad person
  so i know you’re feeling bad rn
  at least apologize to charles
  but apologizing to lewis would be good too
  cause honestly
  everything you said was completely uncalled for

Car
Is there a point in apologizing now?
I’ve left it sit for too long right

Bonara
  maybe
  but it’s worth a try
  go congratulate charles first or something

Car
Well
Since you apparently know about my feelings

Bonara
  it’s so obvious it hurt

Car sent a photo

Car
I know he’s just drinking water but
Camera man needs to learn his place that should’ve been me
And
He’s fucking gorgeous oh my god I need to apologize to him

Bonara
  u have a huge jealousy problem
  AND YES GO APOLOGIZE NOW
  ur so in love with him it’s gross

Car
Nah you and George are worse

Bonara
  what

Car
Ollie told me things

Bonara
  u know kids these days
  can never trust those little fuckers

Car
🤨🤨🤨

Carlos and Charles
Jeddah, Sunday 11:10 pm

Chili🌶️
  Great job today Charles
  You really deserved that win and I’m really sorry for what I said
  I mean it
  I really do apologize
  What I said was insensitive, unjustified, and rude
  I didn’t really think before I said it and I really regret it
  I didn’t mean a word of it and I shouldn’t have let my emotions take hold of me like that
  I hope you can forgive me

Read by Lord Perceval👑

Carlos and Lewis
Jeddah, Sunday 11:15 pm

Carlos
  Hey Lewis
  I'm here to apologize
  I’m really sorry I didn’t mean to say what I did
  And I guess I never wanted to apologize because it meant that I had to reconcile with my emotions
  That’s not really an excuse though I still shouldn’t have lashed out at you or Charles
  I promise I didn’t meant anything I said

Lewis
Thank you for apologizing
Have you apologized to Charles

Carlos
  Yeah
  He left me on read

Lewis
Ouch

Carlos
  Yeah

Lewis
He was very upset
Uh
I don’t want to overstep
But
You have feelings for Charles right

Carlos
  Apparently everybody knows so yeah

Lewis
Try everything to fix it then
I have no doubts that Charles had feelings for you

Carlos
  Had
  I see

Lewis
Well he’s been pretty upset recently
I hope your apology clears some things up between you two
But don’t wait for him to talk to you first even if he’s left you on read
Reach out to him in person too
Just…don’t assume that if he doesn’t talk to you it means it’s useless
Trust me

Carlos
  You would know?

Lewis
Unfortunately

Chapter Text

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Thursday, 6:53 pm

Lewis added Carlos to The Grid Family👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

George
  He apologized?

Lewis
  Yeah
  A while ago
  I forgot to add him back

George
  Old people things

Fernando
  Welcome to the club

Alex
  sry to interrupt
  anybody want to play padel
  sudden urge

George
  Me
  I’m coming
  No objections

Lewis
  Nobody was going to object

Alex
  anybody else

Charles
  Can I come?

Alex
  sure

Carlos
  I would like to play

Alex
  yeah ok we set
  i booked a court for 2pm
  and then we can grab dinner too

George
  Sounds good!

Carlos
  👍👍👍

Charles and Oscar
Thursday, 9:12 pm

Dad
  Do you happen to be free at 2pm to like 8pm tomorrow

Son
No
I’m in Australia right now

Dad
  Do you know anybody who would be free at that time tomorrow

Son
To do what

Dad
  Play padel

Son
Go ask the big group chat

Dad
  I don’t want to

Son
Ok…
I just read the group chat
So you’re trying to get out of playing

Dad
  Yes

Son
Why
Carlos?

Dad
  No
  Well half-ish
  Something did come up
  It’s not mandatory for me to go
  But
  I’ve been putting of responding to Carlos
  And I don’t want it to be awkward

Son
Are you still mad at him

Dad
  He apologized but I’ve never seen him like that
  So it’s weird
  And I don’t know what to think about it

Son
Maybe sleep on it for another night and things will make a bit more sense
But he seems to have resolved any ill feelings between him and Lewis

Dad
  Yeah but I don’t know if I want to see him
  It was already kind of painful last weekend to just be near him

Son
You can just tell them that something suddenly came up
And that you have to attend to it

Dad
  They’re going to think it’s because of Carlos
  And that I’m just making an excuse

Son
I mean
You kind of are
And honestly
Whatever you say they probably would think it’s because of Carlos

Dad
  Fuck

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Thursday, 10:04 pm

Charles
  I am so sorry
  But something came up
  And I won’t be able to make it to padel tomorrow

George
  Ok…

Alex
  it’s bc of carlos

Charles
  No!
  I swear

Alex
  well
  anybody else want to play padel?

Lando
  i’ll come
  i was going to order fifty spirng rols and game
  but jon is asking me to log my maels and i think he can tell when im lyign
  once i put a chickens alad when i actually had two kinder joys
  and he looked at me dead n the ey
  and asked
  did you have two kinder joys

Oscar
  That’s because you handed it in to him holding the wrappers of two kinder joys

George
  Lando
  How are you real?

Lando
  the point is
  i’ll come

Alex
  ok cool

Charles
  Sorry guys

Carlos and Lando
Thursday, 10:15 pm

Smooth Operator
That was fucking painful

Cabrón
maybe he wasn’t lying
and he actually had soemthing come up

Smooth Operator
  Coincidence of a century

Cabrón
i dunno oscar sas he believs in him

Smooth Operator
  I think he hates me

Cabrón
i think y’all just need some time to figure things otu

Smooth Operator
  Maybe

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Thursday, Miami 2:03 pm

Pierre sent a video

Pierre
  You guys look so disappointed 😂

Lando
  is that ferraris miami livry 💀💀

Charles
  I don’t know what I expected
  But it wasn’t that
  Somehow my depression just worsened

Lewis
  I couldn’t even fake my reaction
  I’m just not going to think about it

Gabriel
  at least it’s not the sauber livery

Gabriel sent a photo

Gabriel
  can we normalize driver voice in these 😭😭😭

Isack
  GUESS WHO HAS THE BEST LIVERY IN THE HOUSE

Liam sent a photo

Liam
  y’all got nothing on summer vcarb livery

Isack
  so happy honestly
  i feel so cutesy

Liam
  and demure

Gabriel
  stop with the brain rot

Isack
  u say it as if you’re not

Gabriel
  i only consume sophisticated brain rot
  tralalero tralala

Kimi
  what

Gabriel
  dont tell me u have never seen italian brain rot

Kimi
  i have not heard of it no

Gabriel
  wtf
  how

Alex
  i’ve seen it
  i like bombardino crocodilo

Kimi
  what are these 😭😭

Yuki
  man i wish i was in the vcarb
  it’s pink

Pierre
  The Alpine is pink

Yuki
  sorry but this vcarb livery is gorgeous
  man why do i miss out on good things

Pierre
  Guess what you didn’t miss out on

Yuki
  No

Pierre
  What?

Yuki
  i don’t want to guess

Pierre
  Insufferable

Yuki
  😘😘😘

Max
  Did something happen between those two
  Something feels different

Pierre
  What are you on mate

Isack
  No
  Something has changed

Max
  Thank you

Isack
  AND IT’S THE VCARB LIVERY WHOO

Liam
  WHOOO

Max
  Nevermind

Gabriel
  someone remove them

Lando and Oscar
Thursday, Miami 7:02 pm

Lawn mower
  osc
  i feel so much pressure rn

Osco
Why?
That was a stupid question
It’s normal to feel pressure
Wanna talk abt it?
Or did you just want to tell me that

Lawn mower
  i think ppl’s oppinions are getting to me
  is that stupid
  i mean ive been in this soprt for six years
  and i care abt randos on the internst
  but soemtines it fucking hurts to see what ppl have to say

Osco
I know what you mean
But you just have to switch off your brain to those things

Lawn mower
  it’s not that easy 😭
  how do u do it

Osco
I don’t really know
I guess you just look at it and shrug it off
I mean my parents will always tell me that I’m doing amazing
And the team
And you
I can’t count the amount of times I felt better because you assured me that I was
doing great
Listen to your loved ones
They know you the best and 99% of them time they are correct
From my experience anyway

Lawn mower
  i mean my parents always support me too
  you do too
  and it makes me feel better in the moemnt
  i just dont know why but someitjsl those conmnets hurt way to much
  what do i do

Osc0
I guess there isn’t an easy answer
But maybe it would help to stay off social media for a bit?

Lawn mower
  i try but i always end up cheikcing it

Osco
You could just completely delete all your socials for like a week or two
Have your managers upload stuff for you

Lawn mower
  ig i can try that

Osco
And if anybody bothers you in person I’ll drive my car into them

Lawn mower
  woah
  when did you get so voilemt

Osco
Just for you 😊

Lawn mower
  is that sweet
  ykw yeah
  im into it

Osco changed Lawn mower’s name to Disco ball🪩

Disco ball🪩
  i like this one a bit more

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Friday, Miami 9:00 am

Alex
  sprint number two
  y’all ready???

Jack
  no

Lewis
  Lord give me strength

Charles
  I hope my ugly ass car locks in
  Sorry
  That was rude to my car
  I sincerely apologize
  I love you car

Alex
  well he’s officially lost it

Carlos
  Did someone check if Lando’s disco ball helmet is safe?
  I’m not going to lose my vision am I?

Lando
  hehehe

Carlos
  That’s not reassuring

“At that’s pole. Great job, Kimi.”

Air rushed into his lungs and for a few seconds, nothing felt real. It didn’t hit him as he drove his car to the special first-place sign just for him. It didn’t feel real when George came to congratulate him. It didn’t feel real when he stepped out, seeing Lando and Oscar on his right and left.

For the whole hour after, he was completely dazed and confused. What was he supposed to do? The conference was a daze. He answered questions, but his mind was still on that moment he had heard those words echoing through the radio.

And who knew getting one’s first pole position was so tiring? He practically dragged himself back to his driver’s room, still receiving claps on the back and congratulations as he passed by staff and other workers. The adrenaline could only sustain him for so long.

Once he was in the safety of his room, he lay on the couch, his whole body still faintly buzzing with emotion. He couldn’t stop smiling. He laughed to himself, burying his face slightly into the side of the couch. He let a few seconds pass…then he sat up, reaching for his phone. There was one person he was still waiting for --- one person he suddenly wanted to see so badly that his body filled with a sense of urgency.

He scrolled through the sea of notifications that he had received from the past two hours. His family and friends from home…other drivers…his eyes narrowed when he reached the contact he was looking for, a sudden drip of disappointment heavy in his chest. Ollie: no message.

He was probably being unreasonable. Qualifying had only ended two hours ago and Ollie had had a rough session. Kimi winced at himself. He was being selfish. But he couldn’t fight back the bitter taste that suddenly arose in his mouth. His hand hovered over Ollie’s contact, wondering if he should call him. But that felt desperate.

He threw his phone down, unzipping his racing suit to his waist as it suddenly got harder to breathe. He paced the room and glanced at himself in the mirror, surprised that the smile had somehow fallen from his face.

Then, the door slammed open. Kimi barely had a second to process anything when something heavy and warm slammed into him. He stumbled back, footing unstable until his back met the wall.

A second passed, but it took less than a second to take everything in…the red, black of a racing suit, the sound of a bright laugh, a steady, unwavering warmth that he had learned to associate trust and comfort with.

“Ollie.”

Sudden waves of joy and excitement brought all the adrenaline back, as if saying his name was all the energy he needed.

The Brit pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes. His hands cupped either side of Kimi’s face, trembling with what seemed like both excitement and nervousness. His gaze was warm and bright.

“You did it, Kimi,” Ollie said, seemingly more excited than Kimi himself. “I quite literally raced after here once I heard your interviews were over. I wanted to tell you how proud I am in person,” Ollie took a breath and also laughed. “I barged in here, you know? So many people stared at me…and I think it was Bono? He asked me where I was going. All I said was ‘Kimi,’ and he seemed to understand…”

Kimi heard Ollie’s voice. It was sharp and clear. It was music, but he wasn’t really catching up with the lyrics. His eyes wandered Ollie’s face, catching the way the corners of his mouth curved when he smiled, the way his eyes smiled. He noticed Ollie’s hands still on his face, keeping them close --- not like Kimi had anywhere to go between the Brit and the wall. He noticed the heat. It wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt easy and familiar.

“Kimi? You weren’t listening to what I was saying!”

Kimi’s brain couldn’t come up with a response, still caught on the feeling of Ollie being right there. He wondered if they were close enough for Ollie to hear his heartbeat which seemed to play all around him, beating so loudly that Kimi couldn’t even hear his own breaths. He wondered if they were close enough…

Ollie had stopped laughing, but not out of concern from a lack of response. His eyes flicked down. Kimi’s breath caught against his lips. He didn’t have a moment to think before he was reaching up, hands messily placed on Ollie’s face. Ollie met his lips roughly, both of them too caught in the sudden fever of the moment to think about taking anything slowly. It was pure sensation, and when Kimi pulled back, he couldn’t remember anything but the sound of his pounding heart and the feeling of Ollie’s lips against his. He blinked up at the Brit, breathless and suddenly panicked. Ollie was not smiling down at him, but his hands had stayed on his face, tight and rigid. Kimi racked his brain, trying to remember if Ollie had kissed him back at all. He flicked his gaze away.

“Kimi?”

Ollie’s voice was low and hesitant. He backed away, and Kimi knew why George thought he was an idiot because he gave Ollie a wide stare before bolting out of his own room.

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Friday, Miami 5:16 pm

George
  Today! History was made!
  Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the youngest driver to achieve pole position!
  Let us put our hands together for this incredible achievement

Lando
  u talk so stange

George
  Stange?

Lando
  yk what i meant 🙄🙄

Alex
  guys we’re supposed to be congratulating kimi

Lando
  oh shit sry
  CONGRAULATIONS KIMI THAT WAS INCREDIBLE U R WIHTOUT A DOVBT ON UR WAY TOO ACHEIVE AMAIZING THINGS IN THIS SPORT
  you dusurve it

Kimi
  thank you sm guys
  felt amazing 💪

Gabriel
  it was amazing

Jack
  sensational

Liam
  so good mate

Isack
  ate it up

Kimi
  im getting emotional again 😭🙏

Max
  That was so good and a good argument for why you are my favourite rookie

Isack
  rude

Yuki
  don’t worry you’re my fav

Isack
  yuki is a real one

Pierre
  Isack is also my favourite rookie by extension

Isack
  wdym by extension 💀
  did you guys enter a contract for marriage

Jack
  i wouldnt be surprised

Isack
  WAIT GUYS
  HOW COME OLLIE HASNT COME TO CONGRATULATE YET?
  I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO BE FIRST AND HOGGING ALL OF OUR KIMI TIME

Kimi
  im sure he’s just busy

Gabriel
  OLLIE
  COME OUT COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE

Ollie
  ok that was just creepy

Jack
  so u r here
  want to explain yourself?

Ollie
  sry just had some things to figure out

Isack
  vague

Ollie
  but true
  congrats kimi
  u rly deserved this and im so proud of u

Kimi
  thanks ollie
  it means a lot coming from u

Gabriel
  im rioting if they haven’t made out yet

Ollie
  that’s weird mate

Gabriel
  the only thing that’s weird is the fact that u and kimi aren’t together yet

George
  I agree

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Saturday, Miami 8:23 am

Carlos
  It’s going to rain through the sprint race
  According to the weather app

Ollie
  weather reports are back in business!

Kimi
  no why is it going to rain
  im so nervous
  HOW THE FUCK DO I START ON POLE

Oscar
  I honestly don’t think any advice could make it easier
  Just focus and try not to overthink too much

Kimi
  that is literally not possible

Ollie
  u got this

Kimi
  thanks

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Saturday, Miami 2:22 pm

Kimi
  i didn’t get it
  shit

George
  It’s tough
  But it’s also a good effort
  I’m proud of you
  And now you’ll know what things to fix the next time you’re on pole

Kimi
  i still want to drown

Charles
  i want to drown
  at least you finished the race

Kimi
  hard to argue with that

Lewis
  Why the fuck can I only get results in sprint races

Carlos and Charles
Friday, Miami 2:25 pm

Chili🌶️
  It’s only a sprint
  You will bounce back tomorrow 💪

Lord Perceval👑
Thank you

Chili🌶️
  Anytime

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Saturday, Miami 7:14 pm

Kimi
  rollercoaster of a day
  did i just qualify third?

George
  Yes you did
  Great job Kimi

Kimi
  :)

Max
  Thank goodness
  God knows I needed this right now

Daniel
  Good job!
  Insanely close between the top three

Carlos
  ALEX WE COOKED

Alex
  WE DID
  POWER OF FRIENDSHIP OR SOMETHING I DONT FUCKING KNOW BUT
  Q3 WHOO

Ollie
  when did my father learn brain rot vocabulary

Gabriel
  he’s teammates with alex what did you expect

Lewis
  What if I drown myself

Daniel
  Let’s all stay positive

Lewis
  You’re right
  I have to stay optimistic
  Tomorrow the sun with be shining and the mechanics would have turned the car into a McLaren
  My tyres will cooperate perfectly with me and so will race strategy
  There will be a safety car exactly when I need it and only for me so I can overtake everybody and win the race

Carlos
  I’m diagnosing him with optimistic delusion
  He isn’t completely deluded to the point where he thinks he’ll be the first man on mars but it’s pretty bad right now
  He hasn’t got to the point of depression
  Or absolute madness though I left the team before I could become a madman

Fernando
  I’ll add that period of time where you start praying to no one in particular
  And the period where you smile with the world’s weight on your shoulders knowing that if you stopped smiling, the world would come crashing down and
  make you into a red pancake

Daniel
  Wait I have an idea

Daniel added Kimi to The Grid Family👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Daniel added Sebastian to The Grid Family👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Kimi
  What

Kimi
  woah

Sebastian
  What is this?

Daniel re-named Kimi to The Iceman🧊

The Iceman🧊
  wrong kimi 😭

Daniel
  Oh sorry

Daniel re-named Kimi to The Iceman🧊

The Iceman🧊 re-named The Icemean🧊 to Kimi

Alex
  what the fuck

The Iceman🧊
  What am I doing in here
  What is this

Sebastian
  Is this a group chat for all the drivers?
  I retired for a reason

Daniel
  Read what Lewis said above
  What mental stage is he at as a Ferrari driver

The Iceman🧊
  He’s fucked

Lewis
  HAHAHAHAHA
  You don’t mean that you tease

Sebastian
  I think Carlos is pretty accurate with his rating

Fernando
  Guys
  Save me from these children

Sebastian
  No can do
  I’m out

Sebastian left The Grid Family👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Fernando
  No 😭😭😭
  Kimi stay with me

The Iceman🧊 left The Grid Family👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Fernando
  …
  Gosh diggity darn

Alex
  ok
  WHAT???

Gabriel
  no fucking clue man

Ollie
  did fernando just say
  “gosh diggity darn”

Fernando
  Yeah
  Something wrong with that kid?

Ollie
  im in a fever dream

Fernando
  I have been in one since I joined Ferrari

Isack
  are we sure ferrari is the dream?

Charles
  No
  Run for your lives

Ollie
  oh dear

TOTO WOLFF IS NOT IN THIS GROUP CHAT
Saturday, Miami 8:25 pm

Little Brother
  GEORGE VALTTERI
  I NEED HELP
  RIGHT NOW
  EMERGENCY
  IM ACTUALLY GOING INSANE

Big Brother
  If it’s because you have homework tomorrow
  No
  That’s on you for being irresponsible

Little Brother
  SHIT I HAVE HOMEWORK
  BUT IT’S NOT WHAT I WAS GOING TO TALK ABT
  BUT NOW I DON’T HAVE TIME TO TALK ABT WHAT I WAS GOING TO
  TALK ABT BC OF MY HOMEWORK

Big Brother
  Wait
  Is it gossip?
  Homework can wait

Little Brother
  …

Uncle
  No I agree
  Homework can wait

Little Brother
  if i fail my finals i blame you two

Big Brother
  What is it I’m impatient

Little Brother
  It’s about uh
  Ollie

Big Brother
  !!!
  What about him
  Good?
  Bad?

Little Brother
  see i dont know
  or it was good
  and now it’s bad

Big Brother
  You were being an idiot
  What did I tell you about being an idiot

Little Brother
  do not be an idiot i know
  but i was an idiot

Big Brother
  Ok what did you do

Little Brother
  i kissed him

Big Brother
  WHAT

Uncle
  Certainly not what I expected

Big Brother
  How is that bad?
  Did he reject you?
  Was the kiss bad?
  You guys only kissed right??????

Little Brother
  YES WE ONLY KISSED JESUS

Big Brother
  Ok so what happened

Little Brother
  well i don’t even know if he kissed me back
  and ollie didn’t say anything so i kind of panicked

Big Brother
  Oh no

Uncle
  Did you run away

Little Brother
  YES
  how did you know 😭😭

Big Brother
  Because you’re an idiot
  Well
  You ran away and?

Little Brother
  I DONT KNOW THAT IS THE PROBLEM
  OLLIE HASNT TEXTED ME OTHER THAN TO CONGRATULATE ME ON THIRD
  AND I DONT KNOW IF IM SUPPOSED TO BRING THIS UP
  WHAT IF HE DOES NOT WANT TO TALK ABT IT?
  AND HE HASNT COME UP TO ME IN THE PADDOCK

Big Brother
  Probably because you ran away from him after YOU kissed him

Little Brother
  fuck

Big Brother
  I think you guys need to talk about it

Little Brother
  it feels so awkward to bring it up now

Big Brother
  Wait
  When was this kiss?

Little Brother
  yesterday
  after my pole

Big Brother
  YOU WAITED THAT LONG TO TELL US?

Uncle
  Unbelievable

Little Brother
  I DO NOT KNOW WHY BUT I THOUGHT THINGS WOULD CLEAR UP
  OR I WOULD SUDDENLY UNDERSTAND WHAT TO DO BUT I DONT FUCKING KNOW WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW AND IM PANICKING

Big Brother
  Maybe just text him or ask him ‘hey can we talk about what happened the other day’

Little Brother
  what if he says no
  what if he doesn’t like me

Big Brother
  Then I’ll run my car into him for being an idiot

Little Brother
  you havent run your car into me yet

Little Brother
  Sibling privileges unfortunately

Little Brother
  wdym unfortunately

Big Brother
  🤫

Little Brother
  great

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Sunday, Miami 8:01 am

Logan sent a photo

Logan
  guess who’s heree

Oscar
  LOGAN
  HOW I’VE MISSED YOU

Logan
  wouldn’t dare miss a race in america
  seeing u is just a bonus…i guess

Oscar
  I should’ve seen through your act
  You and your nationalistic tendencies

Logan
  im emotional just thinking abt the american anthem

Daniel
  Not more emotional than me
  Tear up every time

Zhou
  Just become American at this point

Daniel
  Think about it
  If I was American
  I would have three home races

Logan
  it’s useless
  we’re both off the grid 🥲

Zhou
  Nobody let Oscar become American
  I’m gatekeeping him as an honorary Chinese citizen
  We need the representation in this day and age

Oscar
  Aww gatekeeping me

Lando
  NOBODY GATE KEEPS OSCAR BUT ME

Oscar
  …

Alex
  he reminds me of this emoji 👹👹👹

Lando
  👹👹👹

Logan
  it’s uncanny

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Sunday, Miami 9:30 am

George
  I completely forgot to advertise for Kimi

Kimi
  what?

George
  Your Netflix documentary came out
  Everybody go watch it
  There will be consequences if you don’t

Alex
  such as?

George
  Toto Wolff knocking down your door and waterboarding you
  Everybody make sure to watch it!

Kimi
  i forgot that existed 😭
  pls nobody watch it
  get waterboarded instead
  that’s a one in a lifetime experience

Max
  I will be watching it 👍

Charles
  We should just throw a watch party
  Invite Toto too
  Getting waterboarded is not on my bucket list
  Sorry Kimi

Kimi
  guys pls just forget this exists
  for my sanity

Charles
   Life is unfair and we do not always get what we want

Lewis
  That hit hard

Ollie
  i feel that was more abt ferrari than anything else

Gabriel
  i already watched the documentary

Kimi
  WHAT??
  GABI WHAT
  IT CAME OUT LIKE TWO HOURS AGO
  WAS IT GOOD
  HOW UGLY DID I LOOK

Gabriel
  it’s only like 45 minutes long
  it was rly good i enjoyed it
  and u were rly ugly

Kimi
  FUCK

George
  Oh and the documentary is sponsored by WhatsApp
  WhatsApp offers free communication with enhanced privacy
  It is easy to use and is friendly for old and young alike (ex. Lewis and Kimi)
  WhatsApp has group chats, private messaging, AND voice and video calls that do not require data or wifi!
  Download WhatsApp NOW

Lewis
  You did not have to do me like that

Max
  We all have WhatsApp

Alex
  we’re texting using whatsapp george

George
  That appears to be the case
  I feel stupid now

Max
  You are stupid

Gabriel
  …

Charles
  Gabi I swear

Gabriel
  i am stupid

Jack
  i am stupid

Lando
  i am stpuid

Alex
  i am stupid

Lewis
  I am stupid

Charles
  Not my teammate 😭😭

Pierre
  I am stupid

Oscar
  I am stupid

Charles
  NOT MY SON TOO

Daniel and Max
Sunday, Miami 10:24 am

Danny🦡
  Where are you

Maxie
In Miami

Danny🦡
  Obviously 🙄🙄

Maxie
So why did you ask

Danny🦡
  Ok sorry
  Where are you in Miami

Maxie
At the race track

Danny🦡
  I KNOW THAT

Maxie
SO WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME

Danny🦡
  ARE YOU IN THE MOTORHOME?
  DRIVER’S ROOM?
  HOSPITALITY?

Maxie
Oh
I’m in my driver’s room

Danny🦡
  Ok
  Coming over

Maxie
Wait you’re here!?
THANK HEAVENS

Danny🦡
  I am a gift from the heavens I know ☺️

Maxie
I am ordering one five minute long hug

Danny🦡
  That hug will set you back a hundred dollars mate

Maxie
How much for a kiss?

Danny🦡
  I guess there’s a discount for the package
  Seventy five for them both

Maxie
You got a deal
NOW HURRY UP WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU

Danny🦡
  Coming!
  🏃💨

Maxie
Sorry it looks like you farted

Danny🦡
  You’re lucky I like you

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Sunday, Miami 12:34 pm

Lando
  WE GET TO LEGO RACE?
  WAIT THIS LOOKS AWSOME
  THE CAR SLOOK AWESOME

Pierre
  Let’s try not to crash

Yuki
  you better watch out

Pierre
  You wouldn’t dare

Yuki
  i dared in jeddah
  and what was the outcome
  if i knew that that was going to happen earlier
  i would’ve crashed into you ages ago

Pierre
  Can’t argue with that logic

Charles
  What was the outcome other than you two retiring the cars

Max
  Are you dense

Charles
  Probably
  I am stupid afterall

George
  It’s actually after all

Max
  🤓👆

Charles
  Wait nobody explained
  It is like that time when I saw a joke I did not understand on Instagram
  And the guy explaining was not there

Gabriel
  rip paragraph guy

George
  Obviously Pierre and Yuki took the next step in their relationship

Max
  Obviously 🤓👆

George removed Max from The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Charles
  Pierre is this true??

Pierre
  😉😉😉

Charles
  Yuki??

Yuki
  yeah
  would’ve crashed years ago if that’s all it took for this bastard to kiss me

Pierre
  Ok so we’re not hiding it

Charles
  PUTAIN PIERRE
  Pourquoi ne me l'as-tu pas dit plus tôt??

Pierre
  Je voulais voir combien de temps il te faudrait pour comprendre
  tu es plus dense que je ne le pensais

Charles
  😔😔😔

Esteban
  j'ai été convoqué
  on parle français maintenant?
  Ah félicitations

Isack
  Merde
  c’est vrai??
  So happy for you Yuki

Yuki
  merci merci

Charles
  Je me sens encore trahi

Liam
  wtf
  NOT RIGHT BEFORE THE RACE
  WHY DID YOU DROP THIS BOMB BEFORE THE RACE

Yuki
  so you’re distracted during the race and crash into the barriers

Liam
  glad to know love hasn’t changed you at all

Lando
  this is still lesss exiting than the lego cars

Lewis
  WAIT WHAT
  NO I BARELY HAVE TIME TO DIGEST THIS
  STUPID LEGO RACE

Lando
  dont u dare call the lego race stupid

Lewis
  CONGRATULATIONS
  JESUS
  THAT’S CRAZY

Carlos
  Is it though?

Alex
  it rly isn’t
  i thought they started dating two years ago
  if im being honest
  it’s more surprising news that they only started dating two weeks ago
  congrats anyway

Daniel
  Finally I don’t have to keep my lips shut on your stupid crush

Yuki
  i’m surprised you survived for that long

Daniel
  Yeah because you threatened to run me over otherwise

Yuki
  🥰🥰🥰

Lando
  LEGO RACE TIME
  AND CONGTRAULTIAOSN I GUESS 🙄🙄
  I HOPE YOU TWO CRASH AGAIN

Jack
  wtf
  WTF GUYS WTF
  PIERRE DONT CRASH
  I’M IN THE CAR WITH U??

Pierre
  Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do

Lando knew exactly where he was going. It was almost routine. His heart thundered with each step he took, racing shoes padding along the floor, urging his tired legs to go faster. He hefted his trophy. It wasn’t first place this time, but his smile stayed, and as he approached a familiar white door, his heart swelled, his whole body singing with anticipation.

He knocked once, softly. When there was no response, he pushed open the door, stepping in without a second thought.

“Oscar, that was an insane drive. I’m honestly so-”

He paused as his eyes swept over Oscar’s driver’s room. His heart stopped beating for a second as his gaze landed upon Oscar, sitting on his couch, comfortable. His smile was wide and bright. His eyes glinted. His arms were swung on the back of the couch…

And then he saw Logan, sitting next to Oscar, leaning into Oscar’s embrace. They had been looking at something on Logan’s phone, clearly having laughed hard with their flushed faces.

“Logan,” was all Lando said after a beat of silence.

Logan looked at him for what felt like a second too long. Lando felt uncomfortable…almost exposed as if Logan’s gaze was trying to uncover something that Lando didn’t even know. His eyes shone with a mysterious gleam…amusement?

Then, Logan fully leaned against Oscar, dropping his head on the Australian’s shoulder. Oscar chuckled lightly before finally looking at Lando. He took in the scene in front of him. His hands clenched against the cold metal of his trophy, muscles tense.

“I thought you’d come,” Oscar said, his smile curving wider. “I don’t even have to text you for you to come barging in.”

Oscar untangled himself from Logan, standing up to meet Lando. His heart jumped, restarting.

“Uh…I…I knocked,” Lando managed, voice dry. The trophy felt oddly heavy in his hands.

Oscar’s face contorted into a look of confusion. “Didn’t hear it.”

“You guys were…uh…”

Logan leaned casually into the couch, looking so comfortable it somehow made Lando mad. He had a smug smile. “We were just watching some funny TikToks.”
Why did he look at ease --- like he owned this driver’s room, like he belonged in it?

“Should we take a selfie?” Oscar asked, voice slightly hesitant.

Lando smiled, remembering their selfie operation in China. “Yes-”

“Selfies? Let me join,” Logan said, quickly coming to stand next to Oscar. Lando watched him carefully…His eyes flickering between the two friends. He watched as Logan swung his arm casually on Oscar’s shoulder. And then how it went to Oscar’s waist, pressing the two of them closer together…and Oscar seemed perfectly fine with it…at peace, even. Comfortable. He didn’t flinch, didn’t pull away. Lando’s stomach shifted uncomfortably. His vision narrowed at each movement.

“Ok, everybody smile.”

Lando almost flinched, looking into the phone camera. His smile had somehow completely fallen…he almost looked like he was frowning.

He flashed a quick smile, trying to ignore the closeness of the two next to him.

“Let me see the photo,” Logan requested. Lando watched as Oscar handed him his phone, their hands brushing at the exchange. He stood back…observing.

“You look cute!” Logan exclaimed.

Lando almost rolled his eyes. He wasn’t sure why, but every time Logan spoke, he bristled with annoyance. He almost missed Logan’s gaze snap towards him, staring for just a second, as if he were trying to gauge Lando’s thoughts. He scowled back. To his surprise, Logan crossed his arms, smiling to himself…as if he were pleased.

“What is your problem?” Lando asked before he could stop himself.

Logan raised an eyebrow. Oscar looked up from his phone. “Me?” the Australian asked, frowning.

Lando blinked, voice catching in his throat. He shut his mouth before he was going to say something stupid out of the sudden rising anger as Logan kept giving him that amused stare.

“You ok, mate?” Oscar asked, laughing, slightly uncertain.

“You two take some more selfies,” Logan suddenly said, filling the gaping silence as Lando tried to find something to say amidst the swirling madness in his brain--- none of which made any sort of cohesive sentence or finished thought. “I’ve gotta catch up with Alex. Catch you guys soon?”

“Yeah,” Oscar said, giving Logan a small wave. Logan had the audacity to wink back.

It was a relief when he left. Lando turned to Oscar, a smile coming easier than before.

“You’re weird today.”

“I’m weird everyday.”

Oscar laughed, slinging his arm over his shoulder. “Ok, let’s take a few more selfies.”

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Sunday, Miami 4:43 pm

Lewis
  Horrible race
  But I’m not even upset
  Can everybody send all the photos and videos they took from the Lego race?

Pierre
 👍👍👍
  Honestly it was the best thing that ever happened to me

Yuki
  unfortunately we didn’t crash 😔

Oscar sent a video
Oscar sent fifteen photos
Alex sent five videos
Alex sent twenty five photos
Lewis sent ten videos
Lewis sent fourteen photos

Lando
  lewis you were cackling 😭😭

Oscar
  I also haven’t heard Lando laugh like that since the beginning of this year
  Music to my ears

Isack
  say what??

Carlos
  How the fuck do you think Lando’s laugh is like music?
  He sounds like a crying muppet

Lando
  osc just loves me like that

Isack
  say what???

Yuki sent two videos
Yuki sent seven photos

Lando
  MAX I KNEW YOU PLAYED DIRTY
  HIT OUR CAR BEFORE WE EVEN STARTED
  oh i forgot george removed him

Lando added Max to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Max
  Please you’re being dramatic

Jack sent three videos
Jack sent sixteen photos

Liam
  i didn’t know pierre was actually evil
  why does he look and sound like a villain in the videos 💀💀

Pierre
  Human nature
  Lego racing brings out the worst of all of us

Isack sent five videos
Isack sent thirteen photos
Lance sent one photo

Fernando
  You took one photo of the whole thing??
  What were you doing the whole time

Lance
  It’s on you for expecting anything more

Nico sent two videos
Nico sent five photos

Gabriel
  NICO I SWEAR
  I ALMOST DIED BC OF U

Nico
  Overreaction much?
  Plus it’s your fault for braking like that

Gabriel
  THE CAR WAS GOING AT LIKE TEN MILES PER HOUR
  HOW THE FUCK DID YOU FALL
  ALMOST GOT CRUSHED BY UR FAT ASS

Kevin
  I like this kid more and more every day

Nico
  What a lovely, functioning, and normal family I have

Ollie
  at least u guys aren’t divorced

Oscar
  And at least Gabi’s more loved than a sausage dog

Charles
  Honey it is not like that

Esteban sent three videos
Esteban sent twenty photos
Kimi sent five videos
Kimi sent seventeen photos

Lewis
  Wait, Kimi who were you calling during the race

Kimi
  my mom called 😭😭
  i didnt hand in my math project and ms. rossi sent her an ‘urgent email’ abt it

Ollie
  i did warn u abt ms. rossi
  quote “ms. rossi sounds like the type of teacher to fly to japan to collect ur maths homework”

Kimi
  but zhou was busy and i didnt understand part of the project

Zhou
  Somebody pay me I swear
  I’ve spent more hours tutoring kimi word problems than driving this year

Valtteri
  Tell me about it
  Me too

Kimi
  sry

Gabriel
  u r not sry

Kimi
  no im rly not

Lando sent a video

Lando
  i know the lego racing is fun
  BUT CAN WE TALK ABT THIS??

Oscar
  LANDO
  I FUCKING HATE YOU
  WHY WOULD YOU REMIND ME OF THAT

Isack
  OH MY GOD OSCAR DOING THE GRIDDY??

Fernando
  I did it better 💪💪

Lance
  100%
  I’m getting second hand embarrassment

George
  Yeah Oscar that’s embarrassing

Charles
  I’m cackling
  And embarrassed to be your father
  Why are you so bad at it

Oscar
  GIVE ME A BREAK
  CAN SOMEONE TALK ABOUT THE FACT THAT I WON INSTEAD??

Lando
  No this is the funniest thing that hs happened and u WILL eb haering abt it for the next week
  i wil be remineding u every hour

Oscar
  Great
  Can’t wait

George and Alex
Sunday, Miami 5:16 pm

Georgie🐷
  My stomach hurts so much
  I feel like there’s a fucking baby in there or something

Asain Tom Cruise
babe no
we’re not ready for one yet

Georgie🐷
  Alex I swear to god

Asain Tom Cruise
  sry
  i’ll be over in five

George wished he was lying about his stomach pain, but ever since the race ended, he’d been struggling to stand straight without his body wanting to rip itself in half. The podium ceremony had somehow been the most grueling half-hour of his life, and media was absolute hell. Just recently, a headache decided to make itself comfortable as well. He lay in bed, sweaty and dizzy from the pain. He had just managed to take a hot shower, which made him feel momentarily better, but all the pain settled right back the second he walked out of the bathroom.

There was a gentle knock on the door. He loved Alex, but the mini flip his stomach did when he opened the door did not help him with the pain.

“How bad is it?” Alex asked, easing George back into the bed. He tried to kiss George, but he shuffled away.

“Don’t want you catching whatever I have,” George mumbled, dejected.

Alex rolled his eyes, setting down next to him. “Being sick together means we can stick together.”

“But then you can’t take care of me. I need my princess treatment.”

Alex laughed lightly, brushing a hand through his hair. “Of course, your highness.”

George sighed into the soft pillows, thinking about…Alex. Him and Alex. Half a month has passed since they first started their relationship --- and of course, Kimi just had to have math homework to be dealt with. They had kept it quiet, mostly for George. He had a lot of respect for Nico and Kevin, and recently Pierre and Yuki, but he just couldn’t help but think…overthink about the possible consequences. If they told the other drivers, what if they accidentally slipped and told the media? Then the whole paddock would blow up with this news. What if it’s taken negatively? What if the outside pressure strains their relationship? George hadn’t even told his own parents yet. Mostly because he’s waiting to tell them in person. It felt too big to tell them over a phone call, so the only person who knew about their relationship was Alex’s family. George, without any of his knowledge, had somehow agreed to attend three family dinners. Alex claimed to have no choice. But it had all been somewhat overwhelming to think about. As much as he loved it all, it was a mental battle he wasn’t prepared for.

“You ok?” Alex asked, pulling something out of a plastic bag. “...princess,” he tagged on.

George snapped out of his thoughts, Alex’s voice acting as an anchor. He noticed how his shoulders had tensed. He tried to force himself to relax. “Yeah.”

“Who am I kidding? I’ve known you since karting. You’re clearly overthinking.”

George sighed, but with a smile. “Yeah,” he admitted.

“Ok, no overthinking when you’re sick,” Alex ordered. “Soup instead.”

George glanced over. Alex was now balancing a bowl of chicken noodle soup in his hands while fiddling with the wrapper of a plastic spoon. “You will eat this,” Alex said with a fake sense of sternness. “And if you ever want to tell me what you’re overthinking about, don’t hesitate. Not a second.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Give me the soup.”

The rest of the night was comfortable. It was warm, slow. It was everything George needed to unwind from the straining and exhausting day. He sighed, relaxing into Alex’s embrace…their hug a secret to the world under the safety of soft blankets.

Alex’s hands brushing through his hair was a rhythmic lull. George’s eyes were heavy. He pressed himself closer to Alex, relaxing against his chest.

“I’m going to kiss you,” Alex whispered.

“No,” George responded, half-asleep.

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Fine.”

Lando squinted through the thick crowd of people on the dance floor and the bright, neon lights. The music pounded in his head, and for once, he wished they’d turn it down as he pressed his phone to his ear, trying to hear the voice on the other end.

Eventually he gave up, shoving his phone back down his pocket and sipping slowly on his third drink of the night. It was weird…being the person waiting.

He’d become too accustomed to Oscar’s punctuality. Never more than a minute late to all briefings, interviews, and photoshoots. He was used to Oscar’s amused smile when Lando would rush in five minutes late, or Oscar’s surprised eyebrow raise when Lando was there five minutes early.

Of course, this party wasn’t a formal event. But Oscar told Lando he’d be there thirty minutes ago. And thirty minutes had passed terribly slowly as Lando sat at the bar, checking the time so much that he might as well take off his watch and hold it in front of him to save the time of lifting his wrist.

Just as forty-five minutes was about to pass, Oscar broke through the crowd. Lando was about to wave at him, but instead choked on his drink when he saw Logan appear two seconds later. Oscar caught his eye, rushing over, placing a hand on his back as he coughed pathetically. When he was finished almost dying, he snapped his head up, glaring at the two new arrivals…mostly at Logan. Why was he everywhere that Oscar was? He still remembered that smug smile he had worn earlier that day. Was he trying to communicate something to him?

He scowled at his drink. None of it should matter so much anyway. He downed the glass.

Oscar quickly situated himself next to Lando, handing Lando another drink while sipping on his own. “I’m sorry we’re late.”

“We’re?” Lando asked wearily. “Didn’t know Logan was coming along.”

Oscar blinked. “Of course he’s coming?”

Logan leaned forward. “Didn’t matter who won, I was going to their after party. Just happened to be you guys. I’m a bit of a…lucky charm for Oscar, I’d say.”

Oscar laughed lightly, leaning against the bar. Lando had to resort to staring at his drink so as to not shoot Logan a murderous glare.

“I can explain the lateness,” Oscar continued on, brushing past Logan’s comment. “I wanted to look…presentable…” Oscar’s eyes darted to Lando before quickly looking away. He took a long draw from his drink. “But my closet is made entirely out of McLaren team kits and shorts, and for some reason, I couldn’t find the button down I packed for this trip.”

“Idiot,” Logan added.

“Anyway, I had to borrow something from Logan so I didn’t look like an absolute buffoon. It was all so last minute…” Oscar trailed off again, taking more interest in his drink.

Lando stared dumbly at him. So Oscar was borrowing clothes from Logan. Something about that felt so…intimate. But then again, why would that matter? It was none of his business. So why was he so caught up upon it?

In the absence of a response, Oscar continued on. The whole night was flipped. First, he was waiting on Oscar, and now, he had somehow become the listener while Oscar rambled. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Not drunk already, right?”

Lando managed a weak laugh. “No. Tipsy.”

“I’ll match you,” Oscar replied, tilting his head back to down the rest of his drink before ordering another one. Logan slid next to Lando as Oscar battled his indecision on what to try next. It was almost endearing to look at…Oscar’s face confused as he tried to follow with the bartender’s descriptions. He smiled stupidly, unbeknownst to himself.

“You’ll have to keep an eye out for him,” Logan muttered.

Lando pursed his lips, turning to look at Logan. “What do you mean?”

“He has horrible tolerance. And he never manages it well.”

“Ok…?”

“Yeah, so don’t leave him alone and make sure he gets home safe.”

Lando blinked as Logan stood up. “Where are you going?”

Logan just winked at him before disappearing into the crowd of dancers.

“He’s going already?” Oscar asked, easing back down next to Lando.

Lando shrugged, fucking confused and lost. Logan was weird. The whole night had been weird and it had barely started.

Halfway through the night, Lando had somehow made it onto the dance floor with Oscar. Oscar, who couldn’t dance for his life braved the dance floor…further evidence of the night being weird. But Lando wasn’t minding it as much as he did before.

Oscar laughed brightly, his usual tight and strict demeanor fading. He flung his arms over Lando’s shoulders, swaying with the beat. Lando’s heart stumbled as he followed. Oscar’s breath was hot against his neck. His own breaths didn’t seem to make it out of his mouth.

Oscar was half asleep by the time he called an Uber. Lando wasn’t doing so well himself, but he was sober enough to understand what Logan meant by Oscar’s low tolerance. He’d barely had three drinks.

In the Uber, Oscar’s head slumped against Lando’s shoulder. He tried to ignore it. His thundering heartbeat made it harder than it had to be. He forced himself to look out the window, trying to use the vibrant city lights to ignore the heavy weight and proximity of the Australian against him.

It was almost a relief when they arrived at the hotel.

However, getting Oscar to his hotel room also proved a challenge as he couldn’t find Oscar’s key card. Half stumbling and half thinking, Lando decided to lead a drunken Oscar to his own hotel room, easing him into the soft pillows. Oscar was asleep before he could pull the duvet back.

Lando contemplated the bed, but he woke up the next morning on the couch, head pounding and ears ringing. He groaned, running his hand down his face as his hangover made him regret his decisions the previous night.

The shuffle on his bed made him jump. Lando glanced over. Oscar was still there, hair splayed against the pillows, and mouth slightly open, his breaths blowing strands of his hair around. A soft glow from the morning sun catched his face so perfectly. It was almost unfair.

Lando stood over the Australian, heart seemingly caught in his throat as he struggled to breathe like a normal person. He looked like some Greek god, sleeping, peaceful…features perfectly soft and angular at the same time. Oscar shifted, mumbling something as he turned, jolting Lando out of his dazed stare. He cursed under his breath, walking to the bathroom and seeing his flushed face. He pressed his hands against the dry hotness of his cheeks and sighed. There was nothing to deny now.

Oscar and Logan
Monday, Miami 11:10 am

Pastry🥐
  LOGAN
  LOGAN WTF

Sarge🦅
how was your night 😉

Pastry🥐
  I WOKE UP IN LANDO’S HOTEL ROOM??

Sarge🦅
oh
that escalated 💀
do you remember anything?

Pastry🥐
  I remember that I scheduled your murder five days from now

Sarge🦅
please i was doing you guys a favor
from what i gathered
lando definitely likes you
you could tell he was getting jealous he glared at me so much
it was honestly kind of fun

Pastry🥐
  But you just left me there with him??
  What if I did something stupid and ruined our relationship

Sarge🦅
you clearly didn’t if you ended up in his hotel room
you sure you don’t remember anything??

Pastry🥐
  Ok you’re making it sound like we did something
  We didn’t even kiss
  I think

Sarge🦅
wtf
so all my hardwork and lando is still fucking idiot
you’re an idiot too

Pastry🥐
  **hard work
  But you’re sure he has feelings for me?

Sarge🦅
positive
i’ve never thought it was possible to be physically hurt from a side eye until lando
also how tf do you deal with his spelling

Pastry🥐
  He’s the only exception

Sarge🦅
  gross

THE BIG THREE OF 2019
Monday, Miami 11:24 am

Little Lando Norris
  i have feelings fo oscar

Princess George
  Yay congratulations

Rookie of the Year
  cool

Little Lando Norris
  u guys suck

Princess George
  What do you want us to do

Little Lando Norris
  i dunno
  i kid of dont knwo what to do next
  i wasnt sure how he would raect to waking up in my hotel room
  BUT IT WAS ONLY BC I COULDNT FIND HIS KEY CARD AND WE ERE BOTH RLY DRUNK
  but he didnt rly have a reaction he just seemed midly embarrased and we got rbeakfast together

Princess George
  Just ask him out

Little Lando Norris
  he lieks me right???

Rookie of the Year
  probably

Little Lando Norris
  how can u be sure
  wait
  does he like logan??

Rookie of the Year
  logan?
  nah
  they’re besties

Little Lando Norris
  they were so colse the other day tho
  liek logan was flirting iwth him
  but in a weird way

Princess George
  What does that mean

Little Lando Norris
  he’d look at me evetime he was close with osc as if he were trying to see my reaction
  and he winked at me after he left the party
  wait is he fliriting with me??

Princess George
  No you’re proper insane

Rookie of the Year
  sounds like he’s trying to make u jealous for some reason

Little Lando Norris
  why??

Princess George
  I don’t know
  Figure it out yourself

Little Lando Norris
  u guys actually suck

Rookie of the Year
  😜😜😜

Fernando Alonso
  🍵

Little Lando Norris
  jesus
  i forgot u were in ehre

Fernando and Mark
Monday, 12:35 pm

Nando
  That little British boy fancies your driver

Marker
Why are you talking like that

Nando
  Sorry
  I just listened to two British boys and one half-British boy talk about one british boy’s love life

Marker
What the fuck
Wait
You mean George?
George has feelings for Oscar?

Nando
  NO
  I feel like it was quite obvious which British boy I was talking about

Marker
Not George?
Oh!
Lewis
Wait
That’s weird
FERNANDO HE’S FORTY

Nando
  Age is just a number, no judgement
  BUT NO IT ISN’T LEWIS
  AGE HAS NOT TREATED YOU WELL HAS IT

Marker
Says you

Nando
  I’m glowing

Marker
🙄
Wait so who do you mean

Nando
  LANDO
  OBVIOUSLY IT WAS LANDO

Marker
Oh…
That would make more sense
I’m still shocked from when I thought it was Lewis
So this isn’t that shocking right now
It’ll hit me later

Nando
  In hindsight I don’t know if Lando wanted other people to know
  But it is his fault for adding me to their 2019 rookie group chat

Marker
This sport is so weird
What do I do with this information

Nando
  Maybe find out if Oscar feels the same
  It’ll be fun asking around like we’re young again

Marker
This is why you don’t live down that rookie joke

Nando
  I apologize for wanting whimsy in my life

Marker
I thought that part of you died with Ferrari

Nando
  …

Marker
OK IT HIT ME
WHERE IS THAT FUCKER
I NEED TO INTERROGATE HIM

Nando
  No, you’re not interrogating Lando

Marker
I need to see if he’s good enough for Oscar

Nando
  You’re not his dad

Marker
You’re no fun

Nando
  Yeah
  All of that died the second I joined Ferrari
  You knew that

Marker
Get a therapist

Ollie and Kimi
Tuesday, 10:09 am

Bear🐻
  hey kimi
  im having a birthday party
  i know it’s short notice
  it’s just my close friends
  im throwing it at my home back in chelmsford on thursday
  wanna come?

Ant🐜
fuck i dont think i can make it
do u think i can skip school for this
no my mom would kill me

Bear🐻
  no dont skip school that’s unbecoming of a young lad

Ant🐜
but it’s ur 20th
ur old

Bear🐻
  thank u for reminding me
  but srsly
  dont skip school for this
  it’s ok if u cant make it

Ant🐜
im so sry
i rly wish i could go 😭😭
i'll make up for it i promise

Bear🐻
  i wish u could come too :(
  but it’s all good
  i expect a gift tho 😉

Ant🐜
greedy

Bear🐻
  it’s literally my birthday

Ant🐜
i stand by what i said

Kimi and Ollie
Thursday, 12:00 am

Ant🐜
  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BESTEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD
  i love u sm and im so happy that we’re living our dreams together
  you’ve done sm for me
  i’d be here for hours if i tried to thank u for each time u supported me, encouraged me, helped me, or just made me happy and put a smile on my face
  it seems crazy now that ur 20 to think back on our prema days doesnt it
  but it’s all been amazing and the best few years of my life
  so happiest birthday
  u deserve all the treasures and happiness the world can offer

Bear🐻
KIMI THAT IS TOO SWEET 😭😭
wait im calling u

Kimi picked up not two seconds after Ollie called him.

“Happy birthday!” Kimi exclaimed so loudly that Ollie almost dropped his phone on his face. The Italian’s smile stretched from one ear to the other…he looked so bright that Ollie almost forgot that it was his own birthday and not Kimi’s.

“Thank you, Kimi,” Ollie said softly, smiling. Ollie had spent the last few days worried about him and Kimi. They hadn’t really talked on track, and they texted sparsely ever since the day he barged into Kimi’s room unprompted and the Italian kissed him. But now, they were both curled up in their separate beds, calling each other at midnight, and everything seemed normal again --- just like the late night calls they’d do during their Prema days where they’d talk to each other until they fell asleep and end up calling for nine hours because neither of them had hung up.

It was normal…Ollie let that thought sit in his chest. He wasn’t sure if he wanted normal. But for now, it released some of the tension he’d been holding from all the uncertainty and overthinking.

“I really wish I could make it to your birthday,” Kimi said, frowning. “School fucking sucks, mate.”

Ollie chuckled, shifting on his bed to lay on his side. “Should’ve dropped it. Actually, the fact that you’re in school shows that you don’t love me. You should’ve known that my birthday landed on a weekday, and for that reason only, you should’ve dropped school.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I don’t love you.”

Ollie feigned hurt as he dramatically pressed his hand against his chest. Kimi giggled, and Ollie was filled with so much…want. It almost hurt as his chest swelled. He wanted Kimi next to him, and he wanted to hug him. He wanted them to whisper and laugh in the dark about nothing in particular. He wanted to kiss him again, and he didn’t want Kimi to run away like they’d done something wrong. He wanted to say all of this to Kimi, but he was wary about disrupting normality…to shatter the delicate layer of hesitant comfort the two of them decided to build without so much as sharing a word with each other about it.

“I miss you,” is what he said instead, voice low and uncertain. “I wish you were here.”

Kimi went silent for a little bit. “I miss you too.”

The silence was heavy, but not uncomfortable. Ollie let his eyes drop slowly.

“I really wish you were here, Kimi,” he muttered slowly, voice thick with sleep.

A few seconds passed. Kimi was wide awake, staring at his phone. Ollie’s screen was too dark to see much, but his voice cut through like a knife. Something sat in Kimi’s chest --- anticipation.

“Ollie…I think we should talk about what happened in Miami.”

He waited. Five seconds passed like hours. His breath was lost somewhere in his throat.

“Ollie?”

He blinked…and smiled softly to himself. Ollie was asleep, and Kimi’s hesitancy is the reason for his downfall once again. He pressed himself into his pillows, not exactly upset. He was slightly disappointed, but at least he knew that he was able to talk about it. He wanted to talk about it, almost desperately. He silently hoped that his next opportunity would come soon…and not at twelve thirty in the morning.

He let the call run as he pulled his blanket up to his chin. For now…it’ll be just the way it was.

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Monday, 10:13 am

Jack left The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Pierre
  Shit

Charles
  Poor kid
  Fuck Alpine

Liam
  no jack come back 😭😭

Liam added Jack to The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁

Isack
  wtf is wrong with alpine
  like srsly
  someone burn them down and bring jack back

Yuki
  i’ve got gasoline
  and matches

Max
  I’m coming with

Jack
  fuck me

2025 ROOKIES
Monday, 10:24 am

Jacket added Franco to 2025 ROOKIES
Jacket changed Franco’s nickname to Pinto Bean

Jacket
  i shouldve known this day was coming

⚖️son
  it was so unfair
  ur contract and alpine’s decision
  they’re srsly fucked up

Gabi
  i agree
  fuck alpine

Bear👨
  u didnt deserve that

Andrea🤌
  let’s go burn alpine to the ground

Had🫙
  i’ll borrow the supplies from yuki

Pinto Bean
  im rly sry
  this feels awkward
  i feel bad

Jacket
  hey you dont have it any better
  fucking five race contract
  you should tag along on our arson run

Pinto Bean
  im down
  jack
  why did we ever agree to join alpine

Jacket
  i dont fucking know

⚖️son
  lack of good judgement

Had🫙
  nah we cant say anything

Jacket
  at least you guys get a contract that doesn’t say ‘we don't actually believe in this driver’ in the subtext

Pinto Bean
  and who’s team’s team principal resigned mid-season possibly bc of crime

Gabi
  oh i forgot that happened 💀

Bear👨
  jesus alpine is a disaster

Andrea🤌
  actually praying for u guys now 😭😭

FERNANDO ALONSO
  You didn’t deserve that kid

Jacket
  FUCK
  i forgot you were in here

FERNANDO ALONSO
  You young lads are all the same
  Anyway
  You’re still young and you certainly have potential
  Anybody could see it
  Except Alpine because they’re fucking idiots who can’t figure out shit (this is not emotionally charged from my personal experiences)

Pinto Bean
  sure…

FERNANDO ALONSO
  Anyway, I was saying that you have many years ahead of you to achieve great things

Jacket
  thanks fernando
  the wise old sage

Had🫙
  LET’S GO BURN DOWN ALPINE!!

Bear👨
  he’s rly taken after yuki hasnt he

⚖️son
  im afraid so

Chapter Text

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Imola, Sunday 10:27 pm

Esteban
  How was burning down alpine?

Pierre
  Delightful
  But in my dreams 😔😔

Esteban
  I’m sorry about the move Jack
  I’m always available to talk if you want to
  Or just to hang out

Jack
  thank you sm i appreciate it
  i’ve come to terms with losing my seat
  but it’s been hard on social media
  it’s hell rn

Carlos
  Jesus that’s terrible
  We stand by you

Lando
  take a break from it all if u need it
  if u nee to talk
  u can talk to any of us

Oscar
  Yep my door is always open

Lewis
  Here for you mate
  Don’t hesitate to reach out

George
  Yes and I will be your legal representative in court if it comes to it
  People making those fake rumors won’t stand a chance

Max
  You dropped out of school at sixteen

George
  I was still captain of the debate club

Max
  Nerd

George
  There’s no winning with you

Nico
  We are all here for you Jack

Jack
  thanks i rly appreciate this all
  so can i show up unprompted in all you guys’ driver’s room or team hospitalities?

Alex
  by all means
  waltz right in

Jack
  great!
  the alpine coffee tastes horrible

Alex
  dont abuse ur privileges

Jack
  no u have to pity me

Alex
  …
  i do

Franco
  im honestly having a hard time believing im supposed to drive in like four days time
  i feel terrible
  i didnt want to enter the sport like this
  and i feel like everything happening on social media is my fault and i will compensate for any damages

Jack
  i think you’re snowballing mate
  no hard feelings srsly
  and nothing is your fault so don’t you go blaming yourself around me

Franco
  i’ll blame myself when you’re not around
  is that better?

Jack
  if you insist i guess?

Franco
  👍👍👍
  AH IM SO NERVOUS
  JACK HELP ME I DONT WANT TO BE AT ALPINE

Jack
  nobody does

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Imola, Thursday 9:56 pm

Kimi
  guys im nervous
  im bringing all my classmates and teachers (field trip 😜)
  and it’s my home race and home races have been ah…

Yuki
  fucking terrible?

Kimi
  yeah

Zhou
  Speaking of classmates and teachers
  Did you hand in your homework

Kimi
  yes
  ms. rossi wasnt very pleased abt the lateness
  but i got a good grade

Zhou
  What’s the percentage?

Kimi
  100%

Zhou
  I’m so proud 🥹

Kimi
  it was actually a 95%
  i rounded up

Zhou
  …
  KIMI THIS IS NOT HOW I TAUGHT YOU

Yuki
  why do you sound like a parent

Max
  No Kimi’s my son

Kimi
  ???

Alex
  i thought he was toto’s son

Kimi
  i have parents
  that share a last name with me

Max
  I declare you to be Andrea Kimi Emilian Verstappen

Alex
  why did u add ur middle name too 💀

Kimi
  so who’s my mom

Ollie
  franz herman

Yuki
  fuck franz
  he’s coming for my seat

Max
  Don’t worry about him
  He’s looking to join endurance racing I think
  Or maybe he’ll take a seat with Cadillac

Lando changed Max’s nickname to Franz Herman

Pierre and Yuki
Imola, Saturday 5:27 pm

Gasoline
  Are you ok??

Pierre and Yuki
Imola, Saturday 5:30 pm

Gasoline
  Yuki please respond
  Are you ok???
  Are you at the medical center?
  The crash was really bad

Pierre and Yuki
Imola, Saturday 5:34 pm

Gasoline
  I’m going to the medical center now
  If you’re not there I’m going into your driver’s room

Pierre and Yuki
Imola, Saturday 5:43 pm

Gasoline
  Ok I’m going to your driver room
  Don’t make me ask Christian where you are

Pierre and Yuki
Imola, Saturday 5:48 pm

Gasoline
  WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU
  ARE YOU OK!?

Pierre and Yuki
Imola, Saturday 5:52 pm

Gasoline
  Now I’m looking for Christian
  Yuki don’t make me do this 😭😭

Chef Yuki🍣
jesus christ pierre

Gasoline
  YUKI
  HELLO
  ARE YOU OK??

Chef Yuki🍣
yes i am ok
did you not see me walk off?

Gasoline
  I did but a lot of things can happen in an hour
  Your car fully flipped Yuki
  Over the barriers
  I swear my heart stopped beating for five seconds
  But really
  You’re feeling ok?
  Nothing hurts?
  No headache, bodyache?

Chef Yuki🍣
a whole lot of heartache maybe
that was a stupid error
i destroyed my car
got knocked out of q1
and my life flashed before my eyes

Gasoline
  At least you’re safe
  Where are you

Chef Yuki🍣
i’m in the motorhome lounge

Gasoline
  Okay I’m coming to kiss you

Chef Yuki🍣
Disgusting

Gasoline
  ???

Chef Yuki🍣
sorry max is next to me
please come kiss me

Gasoline
  👍👍👍

Chef Yuki🍣
Y’all are so gross 🤮🤮🤮

Gasoline
  Shut up Max

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Imola, Saturday 6:19 pm

Charles
  What the fuck

Lewis
  Charles
  What happens now

Charles
  I don’t know
  Did we get knocked out of Q3

Lewis
  Yeah

Charles
  Fuck

Lewis
  Yeah

Kimi
  george im quitting

George
  It’s one qualifying
  You have time to recover during the race

Kimi
  But this is my home race
  I GREW UP NEXT TO THIS TRACK GEORGE

George
  Just focus on the race
  Sleep early and focus on feeling the best you can physically

Charles
  Did you see the Tifosi Lewis

Lewis
  Yeah

Charles
  They’re probably disappointed in us

Lewis
  Yeah

Kimi
  every single person in italy is disappointed in me rn

Ollie
  that’s not true
  im in italy and im not disappointed in u

Kimi
  ig so
  <3

Isack
  we’re just letting them flirt like this now?

Oscar
  Rollercoaster of a qualifying this time around
  Honestly prayed
  I would’ve drowned myself if Max took pole from me

Franz Herman
  Just you wait for tomorrow

Oscar
  What the fuck
  Who are you

Franz Herman
  Your worst nightmare

Oscar
  Oh wait
  You’re Max…right?

Franz Herman
  You tell me

Fernando
  I had the best qualifying of my life
  Me and my son

Lance
  👍

Pierre
  Yeah you guys were quick
  And so was Isack

Isack
  pretty happy

Carlos
  I’m really happy

Alex
  over the moon

Charles
  Good for you 🖕

Alex
  u learned pettiness im so proud of u

Lewis
  🖕

Yuki
  happiness is a scam

Franco
  i agree

Carlos
  You two are all good right?

Franco
  im ok
  i just want to drown in a lake of my own tears

Yuki
  what franco said

Carlos
  normal stuff in this sport

Lewis
  🖕

Carlos
  ???

Lewis
  I don’t fucking know just let me be

Charles
  Let’s drive our cars off cliffs

Lewis
  Good idea

Kimi
  yes pls

Yuki
  i would if i still had a car to drive

Fernando
  💀

ROOKIES OF 2025
Imola, Saturday 7:04 pm

Andrea🤌
  JUSTICE FOR OLLIE
  AGAIN

Bear👨
  i had the pace to make q3
  if race control would WAKE UP FOR ONCE AND DO THEIR JOBS

Had🫙
  working hard or hardly working

Pinto Bean
  sry the red flag would be my fault

Bear👨
  i just hate the false sense of hope they gave me

Andrea🤌
  i hate them too
  my car is in good shape to run into things rn
  and im rly tempted

Bear👨
  run into me
  pls

Andrea🤌
  anything for u
  wait
  NO NO NO
  I DONT KNOW HOW TO READ
  I WILL NOT RUN INTO U

Bear👨
  shucks
  almost worked

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Imola, Sunday 12:43 pm

Ollie
  that was the most delicious tiramisu i’ve had in my life
  sry it was so good i just have to talk abt it
  i would marry whoever made that

Kimi
  i made it 🙋

Gabriel
  u rly think that’s going to work

Ollie
  💍💍💍

Gabriel
  oh
  i was not familiar with ur game

TOTO WOLFF IS NOT IN THIS GROUP CHAT
Imola, Sunday 1:07 pm

George
  Valtteri, Toto is playing favourites
  He gave Kimi words of wisdom and told him not to worry and what not
  But blew me off when I asked for some advice too

Kimi
  ur the senior driver

George
  BUT HE NEVER TOLD ME THIS WHEN I WAS IN SILVERSTONE DURING MY FIRST YEAR WITH MERCEDES

Kimi
  i dunno
  youngest child perks

George
  But with Lewis I was the youngest child

Valtteri
  Are you sure you aren’t a middle child?

George
  …
  Fuck

Kimi
  😜😜😜

The Grid Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏁
Imola, Sunday 7:35 pm

Franz Herman
  YES YES YES
  THANK FUCKING GOD WE’RE BACK

Nico
  Who the fuck is Franz Herman

Esteban
  Yeah did I miss something??

Daniel
  WHOOOO
  GOOD JOB MAXIE