All the Way - an F1 story

3

28 March, 2021
📍Sakhir, Bahrain

The final notes of the Bahrain national anthem hung in the air as Calina was finally able to move from her marker on the ground.

A pair of strong hands pulled her back slightly as she began walking, scaring her half to death, and she turned to see her fellow rookie there, laughing at her reaction.

"Mick!" Calina gasped, slapping his chest lightly.

The older grinned mischievously. "Aww, is Calina nervous?"

She rolled her eyes, laughing at his teasing. "You're such a child, and to answer your question, I'm fine."

"You love me, Calina. You even decided to match with me." Looking down at their t-shirts, they were exactly the same.

"Yes, Mick. It's because I'm your biggest fan," Calina said sarcastically. "Are you nervous?"

"Only a little, but I'll be fine. You're gonna do great, Cal." Calina gave him a smile in thanks. She had loads of respect for Mick, and they were fairly close, having been friends since they were kids. Last year, while Calina wasn't allowed to compete with him, she was still there to watch and support him, and they were both really happy to be moving up to F1 together.

"You too. Good luck, Mick," Calina said, giving him a side hug.

Weaving her way through the crowded grid, she found Lella leaning against the pit wall. "You know, I find it funny how F1 wants to promote all this diversity and inclusion, yet yet we come race in Bahrain," she said once Calina was closer.

"That's the fucking beauty of it all, Lella," Calina replied, pulling the black t-shirt over her head.

Calina began to pull up the sleeves of her suit. She did some reaction exercises with Lella until it was time for her to get into the car. She put her helmet and gloves on, then proceeded to fist-bump each mechanic surrounding the car, before getting in, when Gianna then came to hook her up.

▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀

(P) Calì, how are we feeling?

(C) I really wanna get going.

(P) Same here. Nearly a minute to go.

Soon enough, the track cleared, and the green lights came on, signaling the start of the formation lap. Calina weaved about the track, warming up her tires and getting them ready for the start. Another lap was needed though, as the Red Bull of Perez had shut down.

Finally, Calina returned to her spot on the grid. Part of her was just itching to get started, while the other was extremely nervous, but she forced those emotions down. As she watched the red lights go on one by one, she moved her visor down.

One, two, three, four, five......

She released the clutch as soon as those lights went out, flying off the start. There was a gap in between the rows of cars ahead, and she went right for the middle, having the same idea as Lando, because they were side-by-side going down the straight. As they entered turn 1, Calina had the advantage, and she was able to dip into the turn just ahead of him, pulling away as they went through 2 and 3. The two of them were left fighting with Daniel in front, Calina trying to figure out a way to get past before 4, knowing those track limits were going to be trouble.

(P) Mazepin went out at the back of the pack. Try and find a way past Ricciardo.

(C) It's too close right now!

Calina didn't mean to sound so harsh, but she was trying to focus. As helpful as it was, the talking was distracting her.

(P) Not a problem. Safety car is coming out. Stay behind Ricciardo.