8. Jul - Qualifying day

And somehow it was already Friday - the first day on the track. Due to the fact that I always insisted on being in the paddock earlier than even our boss, Carlos also had to wake up earlier and accompany me. Of course, I have suggested to him a thousand times that we go at different hours - each according to his commitments, but my Latin partner was unwilling to let me out of his reach. The happy news was that I was able to keep the ruby ​​from him and Sainz didn't get to see me put the stone in my bag. So far my mission was going pretty well and I was beginning to have hopes that I could actually complete it without the knowledge of the two boys who were on the alert for my every move.

#

 Our working day started quite surprisingly. Charles arrived at the paddock with Fred, but the more shocking thing was when we saw Mattia Binotto. Of course, I couldn't miss the meeting with such a legend from the Ferrari team, and for this Carlos helped me - still so close to his former boss.

 Free Practice 1 went by without anything serious happening and there was no indication that Charles's engine electronics will again suffer in Fp2. On the other hand, Carlos finished P2, which once again confirmed his position as the fastest driver in our team. But anyone could boast titles in a good car... what if the car was as problematic as Charles's (I have a feeling that one of the mechanics was deliberately damaging the car after it passed my tests, otherwise the diagnostics latest software would have detected even the most subtle problem ).

At the end of the training, Mekies and I looked at each other meaningfully. It was known that I would be working overtime... and not just me, but our entire pitcrew. The practice wasn't over yet when Vasseur went to Charles' garage. He would probably tell him the next empty promises, which then I, in my role as a good friend of Charles, had to try to fulfill... And of course fail, because they are too much to fulfill.

 After the official end of the session, I first headed to Sainz's garage. He had just got out of the car when a rush of love emotion stunned me and I hurried to throw myself on his neck, while he was still with his helmet and balaclava.

 - Hey Muñeca! - he exclaimed and we both giggled.

- If you keep up this extreme pace this weekend you might bring home a podium again - I said patting him on the helmet.

 - If I get a podium, I will dedicate it to you! - he lightly touched the tip of my nose with his finger.

 I smiled shyly and rubbed his shoulders. Only the gold epaulettes were missing and Carlos would look like the man I saw yesterday. I was embarrassed when I realized this and my smile disappeared.

 - Come on, go change yourself! - I said quietly. - I'm going to go through the garage of a... wrecked car.

 Sainz rolled his eyes, then slapped me lightly on the gluteus and headed down the hall leading to his room. 

I waited until I was sure he had gone back to his room, then I ran to Leclerc's garage. I met Andrea standing with his back to me talking to Xavi. Traitor! I reached over and grabbed his arm without saying anything, without even a word to Xavier and led the Tuscan to a secret place away from everyone.

 - Andrea I need access! - I said quietly when we stopped.

 - Ah, not again Lissie! -  he rolled his eyes. - Don't drag me into...

- Australia was different - I interrupted him. - It's another thing now.

 I gave him a meaningful look and the trainer sighed heavily, looking around.

 - You have 10 minutes - he whispered, surreptitiously slipping an access card into my jacket pocket.

 - Just cover me - I said. - You don't know where I am and what...

 - The minutes are already 9 - the Tuscan said seriously.

 I hugged him in gratitude and ran to Leclerc's room. Without knocking, I unlocked the door with the card and entered. He was just taking off his fireproof, and I closed and locked it behind me. The Monegasque turned and gave me a blank look, not even smiling, and I sat down on the bench with a heavy sigh. We had been in the same room so many times that it didn't even strike any of us that he was undressing.

- How are you Charles? - I asked after a long silence.

 - Disappointment after disappointment - he shrugged and looked at me sadly. - And you? Yesterday at the theater...

 - Forget about that - I waved casually. - I stopped by ti talk about you.

 Charles turned and looked at me doubtfully.

- And Vasseur was here before you - he replied and sat down on the bench next to me to take off his suit. - He tried to convince me that tomorrow everything will be fine. But I don't believe... I don't believe in anything anymore.

 - Even in me? - I asked, and there was silence in the room.

 Leclerc remained in his boxers, sighed heavily and leaned back. I ran my eyes down his body. He looked exhausted, pale, emaciated, anxious... This was not the Charles I last saw in Monaco. His whole body was screaming that he needed help.

 - I trust you - he whispered and forced a smile. - I trust only you.

 I took his hand then quickly brought it to my lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of his palm, giving him a sympathetic smile. Leclerc intertwined our fingers and closed his eyes. I rested my head on his bare shoulder and relaxed. We stood like that in silence for a few minutes, but we didn't need to speak to say much to each other. Even in our silence there was a dialogue.

 - When you promise something, you always keep it, don't you? - he whispered and looked at me hopefully. I nodded. - Now will you promise me that everything will be alright?

 - You know I'll try - I smiled and sighed. - Yes, Charles... I promise.

He smiled bitterly and pulled me into his arms. Actually... did I miss him. And when we parted I caressed his face and ran my finger through the shadows under his eyes. 

- I'm going to work on your car - I whispered. - And I wish you luck for tomorrow.

 - Thank you, little one! - he whispered and placed a kiss on my forehead.

 I got up from the bench and headed for the door, but before I went out I noticed his jacket on the hanger. Charles had just stood up and stood with his back to me. I stroked it unconsciously, remembering how Leclerc had lent me his jacket the first day I needed a uniform.

 - And how nice is the time spent with you... - I whispered, and Leclerc turned around.

 - What did you say? - he looked at me confused.

 - Ah... don't forget to put on your jacket... It's cold outside.

 Charles nodded and gave me a small smile then I left his room. My ten minutes are long gone. In the corridor outside I met Andrea and passing him delicately handed the card back to him.

#

 A few hours later, I was walking around our room in a bathrobe and video-talking Fusaro. I worked in place on Charles' car until the end of the drivers' press conference and then both Fusaro and Carlos forced me to go to rest. But I could not rest until I was convinced that everything was all right. So Alessandro and I were having a video call, and my shouts at the mechanics could be heard throughout the hotel.

- No! Not like that! - I stomped my foot. - Marcello! Madre mia! Marcello, is this how a wrench is held?!

 I felt two hands on my waist and Carlos also appeared on the camera behind me. He and Fusaro waved.

 - Muñeca, it's almost 10 p.m., isn't it high time you let the mechanics rest?-Sainz whispered and kissed my cheek then rested his head on my shoulder.

 - Please, Carlos, make her understand us! - Alessandro made a puppy face, then we laughed.

 - We have to prepare the car for tomorrow - I shook my head.

 - But we are tired too - shouted one of the mechanics.

 - Yes, if we continue there is a danger that they will exchange the front and rear wings - laughed Fusaro.

 - Aren't they doing it without being overtired? - I rolled my eyes.

 - Come on, Muñeca, let them rest - laughed the Spaniard.

 - Yes, Lissie!  Tomorrow is the day - added Fusaro. - We end the conversation for today!

 - But... Alessandro! Wait!

 My friend waved at Carlos and me, then hung up the phone. I sighed heavily and threw the phone on the bed. I turned to Sainz and adjusted the collar of his polo shirt.

- It's good that only one of the cars gives a problem - I said with a bitter smile. - Otherwise I wouldn't be able to control all of this.

- You need rest, my princess - he gently caressed my face. - Netflix and a light dinner?

 - I'm not hungry Carlos...

 - You know what I said about your not being hungry, right? - he interrupted me.

 - It's very late...

 - The night is young - Carlos winked.

 He laughed. I couldn't resist, so I just had to agree. We both kissed gently then settled on the bed and Sainz got to work ordering our food. During this time we both kept our hands intertwined, and my thoughts wandered back to Charles and our little conversation today.

#

Saturday - Qualifying day. Carlos and I were in the paddock early, even one of his first visitors, as I insisted on being there earlier to see the cars... And that was the pretext so that I could also attend Arthur's qualification. The weather was changing all day. Last night we worked late on Charles' car, but because it was the first time we exceeded the time set by FIA before FP3, we didn't get a penalty. And thank God! Otherwise Vasseur would have killed me. We have fitted a new MGU-K to both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz's cars. Both drivers have now taken 3/4 allowed MGU-K components for the season. At this rate of changing parts, we hadn't even finished the half of season yet and the penalties were about to start.

 Fp3 - It was sunny at first but then started raining. Charles stood on the track despite Xavi screaming in his ears to come back to the pits for Inters. Then he did a 360, almost giving me a heart attack. Somehow smoothly after that, I lost touch with the entire system and retreated to our household where I could be alone with myself and strategize for the upcoming qualification.

 The time has come for the long-awaited moment of the race weekend after the race itself - the Qualifying. 18 turns, wet track, Inter tires for start and 22 degrees as the air temperature. The conditions were not great, not terrible.

 - How's the track? - I asked when the boys left our pits.

- It's drying - said Charles. - I think we should box for slicks.

 - OK, but be careful in the areas around turn 4 and 15, they are still wet - I warned. - Then enter the box.

 On the first fast lap the results were P4 for Charles, P15 for Sainz.

 - Sainz is in the elimination zone, give a second lap.

 Then he registered P4, followed by P2 from Charles.

 - It's a very nervous car, Sainz, are you sure you can handle the Softs? - I contacted my boyfriend.

 - Don't you believe in me? - he was indignant.

 - I do, but don't have results! - I stuttered. - Do something about that!

 7 minutes before the end of Q1 the boys entered a third lap fast. Sainz unfortunately made three wheel adjustments at turn 15 and finished P8  and Charles P3. 3 minutes before the end Leclerc was still in P3 and Carlos reached P11. Sainz had a chance for another quick lap and luckily registered it before the checkered flag. Finished at P4. They also waved a red flag just in time for Magnussen, who had problems with his car again.

 We waited about 5 minutes for the session to resume, during which time we discussed the future strategy to possibly set a good qualifying pace.

 When they restarted Q1 Carlos came out of the pits ahead of Charles. But the arrangement was different. And I immediately turned on the radio.

- Carlos, Charles should be in front of you - I said. - Carlos, Charles in front of you!

 Carlos drove off to the exit of the pit lane, ignoring my message.

 - Carlos, move aside and pass Charles, dammit! - I shouted.

 And Carlos finally did my bidding. I got mad. Why didn't he do what he was told?

 - It is a little bit unfair what you are asking me to do there. Sacrifice my tire temperature - he said in a sorrowful voice. - Whatever... Also I am P4 and he is P3. I am more at risk.

 I remained silent even though his words hurt me. He was exposing me to the whole team and to the whole world even with his announcement. It was like I was putting Charles before him. Like I had preferences...

 And everyone started logging their fast laps, Albon, Norris, Bottas... Everyone. Our pilots hit the elimination zone, along with Max, and I began to sweat with worry. I started biting my nails. Please Chess, help. And our pilots registered P3, P4.

 The truth was that I had never seen such a risky fast lap record, because just before they entered a fast lap Sainz overtook Leclerc, contrary to our orders to run the track in row 16-55.

 - Nice Carlos, nice! Good overtaking, in the last sector - Charles said in an extremely sarcastic tone.

 I kept quiet, otherwise I would have screamed. Not at Charles but Sainz's.

 At this point, Sainz also contacted us on the radio.

- Did you lose your mind over there on the pit wall? What kind of decisions are you making?

 I couldn't stand it and raised my voice:

 - Carlos, strategic decisions are in MY hands. I have no intention of giving you explanations about the basis on which my decisions were made. Your job is just to drive the car, so do it. Don't make me turn into Toto Wolff.

 Sainz fell silent and I looked at Mekis. He nodded at me as if to express agreement with my words. Q1 ended with P3 Charles, P12 Sainz.

 Q2 starts. We let out the pilots again. First Charles, second Sainz. And Leclerc registered P1 and Sainz P2, but then moved down the standings.

 - Charles, you have a clear track behind you, cool the tires, re-charge the battery and attack again - I informed him.

 The two drivers registered P2 for Leclerc and P4 for Sainz.

 - Charles, the best conditions will be at the end. Let's change to new Softs so you can do a quick lap without getting into traffic. I think it's good now to get back to the box. And you and Sainz.

- I trust your decision, darling! - he said gently over the radio.

 We called both guys in for a tire change.

 4 minutes before the end they were on the track again. The results were - P2 Charles, then overtaken by Carlos and eventually finished P6 Charles and P5 Carlos.

We had exactly 6 minutes rest before Q3. But I wasn't going to rest at all. No, now was the time to give some instructions and specifically to Carlos.

 - Carlos - I turned on the radio. - Listen to me very carefully, boy! Q3 is the most important part of the Quali. You two have successfully reached it, don't fail because of your ego that can't even fit on a double decker London bus.

 - Lissa, you don't understand at all! - the Spaniard shuddered.

 - Yes, Sainz, I can only clean, cook and make children! - I interrupted him and the entire pit wall turned to me.

 - Well, I can't deny that you are good at these things, but strategically you have to follow not only Leclerc, but also me - continued Sainz.

- You're behind the wheel, not me - I continued. - It depends on you the results you will register, provided that I give you the best conditions!

- I'm getting deja vu from Australia - Sainz sighed.

 - You're bringing us back to Australia without a second thought that your ego and your constant whining is screwing up the whole team! - I continued to shout to him.

 - We were both at risk, he was slowing me down! - Carlos raised his voice.

 - And how many times have you slowed down someone, even him? Shall I remind you that around the pool in Monaco Charles slowed you down? Shall I remind you of more cases?

- Lissa, if I had stayed behind, we both might not have made it here - insisted the Spaniard.

 - You will not undertake overtaking until I specifically said, understand it Sainz! - I shouted and hit the desk with my hand. - When will you finally learn that you shouldn't force things? When will you learn to obey what you are told?! The fact that we are a couple does not give you the right to change my strategies or interfere in their preparation or violate my orders at will! Do you understand me?!

 For a moment, Carlos was silent, the entire wall was silent, as if the entire track was silent. I was so angry that I didn't even realize that I had announced to absolutely everyone who heard our radio communication that we were together.

- I have nothing against your strategies, I just want you to think about me too... - Sainz said sadly. - It's just that everyone was ahead of us, if I had stayed behind him, we could have both dropped out...

 I sighed heavily and shook my head.

 - Just drive and don't change my strategies! - I hissed and ended the communication.

 I turned to my colleagues on the wall, who were staring at me, missing only the box of popcorn.

 - What are you staring at?! -  I asked rudely. - Always searching for the gossip!

 - Who does Sainz remind me of right now? - Mekies asked with a playful half-smile.

 I looked at him indignantly. Yes, I was constantly rebelling against the word of my biss. Carlos was acting just like me.

- You fight like a married couple - laughed Mekies, trying to break the ice.

 - He just needs to understand the boundaries between personal and work - I nervously ran my fingers through my hair.

 - I guess someone will be sleeping on the couch tonight - the race director nudged me in the ribs and laughed.

 - Laurent, watch your screens! - I cut him off and covered my face with my hands.

 I think I'm going crazy.

 Q3 has started. We didn't fit new tires to use fewer sets. After the first fast laps the results were P3 Charles, P4 Sainz.

 We called the drivers for box to change the tires, do an inspection of the car. Everything was fine and there were 3 minutes to go when we let the drivers out on the track again.

 P2 and P3. But what happened exactly flew the checkered flag when Lando registered P1, Piastri P2, but Max managed to dislodge them. And finally we finished on P4 and P5. For the first time, I felt like crying for no other reason than because our team was really falling apart, and I have a feeling Vasseur was going to be right.

Notes: Hello guys! Welcome back in the new race week with the new chapter. Today in a different hour, but still here haha :D 

Hope you liked the chapter - give a star/comment if so aaand see you in the next part! 😉 

Love you! 

N16 XOXOXO