RACE 2 - Max Verstappen

17

After a long discussion with Lewis and Toto, Daniella finally collected her belongings and was ready to leave the paddock. Most of the drivers and employees had already left and the area was not as crowded as it was before. After three days of testing and driving the car around, Daniella can't wait to go and relax in her hotel room and enjoy some food all by herself.

Daniella was walking and replying to some texts, not paying attention to her surroundings. The raging anger she was feeling earlier was almost completely faded but as soon as she heard her name called by the familiar voice her anger spiked up again. She turned around to see Pierre walking towards her.

"Hey," Pierre smiled and approached her. He too was leaving. "I thought you already left. But..."

"Go to hell Pierre," Daniella snapped and angrily rolled her eyes before turning back and walking towards her car.

"Wha...what did I do?" He was taken aback by her rage and was confused. "Dani..."

Daniella didn't stop or looked back at him.

He was about to follow her but stopped when he saw Esteban leave the Alpine hospitality and greet Daniella. Pierre noticed how immediately Esteban got concerned when he realized Daniella was angry. She said something and the Alpine driver glared at Pierre.

"Come on, I know what will cheer you up," Esteban said to Daniella as he put his arm around her in a friendly manner as they started walking.

"I don't want you to hit Pierre," Daniella tiredly replied. "As much as I would enjoy it, I don't want you to go to jail or get banned from racing."

"I am not going to do anything like that," Esteban let out a laugh. "What I was about to say is that Fernando gave me a bottle of tequila the other day and..."

"Bring it over to my room," Daniella instantly said.

"And let's invite Mick too," Esteban added.

"I will take care of the food," Daniella smiled. Some quality time with her friends is what she needs at the moment.

Both drivers high-fived and walked over to their cars, completely forgetting Pierre who was left there confused and was glaring at his former friend who walked away with Daniella.

***

Daniella was freshened up and changed into some comfortable clothes. After a while, Esteban came over.

"I thought one bottle is not going to be enough so," He pulled out two more bottles of alcohol and placed them on the table.

"We are going to be so drunk tonight," Daniella commented.

"I am already dreading the hangover," Esteban sighed but then shrugged away his concerns before pulling out his phone.

Not long after Mick arrived but he looked a bit grumpy and was not alone.

"Hi," Sophie Leclerc excitedly waved her hand as she moved past Mick, almost making him fall.

"I didn't know you were coming," Daniella smiled but shot Mick a confused look.

"Neither did I," Mick glared at his new teammate. He knew that she is too friendly for Daniella's liking and she invited herself over, something he is sure Daniella is not going to like at all.

"I hope that's okay," Sophie smiled at Daniella. "I know we don't know each other very well but I had nothing better to do and Mick said he is coming over here to your room and there are drinks so..."

"So you invited yourself over? Daniella asked as she raised her eyebrows.

Esteban felt an alert go off. He knows Daniella has been in a bad mood and he is completely sure she is about to go off on Sophie. He cautiously stepped closer, ready to pull her away from the rookie if needed or to even shut her mouth with his hand. He gave a warning look to Mick who immediately gulped as nervousness took over.