Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 26

We'll be seeing bits from both the Saudi Arabian and Australian Grand Prix so get ready 🏎

Btw, we've reached 8k 🥹 thank you so much I never expected this much support.

Enjoy!

*****

I watched the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with a frown on my face.

Milo was beside me as well with a similar expression but his was more grave. Charles only got to achieve second place because of a pitstop issue which cost him pole position while Carlos got third place. Ace ended in fourth which was still within a reasonable amount of points but not enough for the podium. Verstappen won the race and I would've clapped for him if it wasn't the obvious bias the FIA had during one of the incidents. It didn't help either that it was between him and Ace which only worsened Milo's mood.

They were only an hour ahead of us and thankfully, we didn't have a jam packed schedule for the day. Feeling down about the race, the three of us decided to go out to grab some food for dinner. Milo's mood brightened a bit when a video of Verstappen tripping on the way to the Red Bull garage was posted on the internet. I shook my head at him, laughing at how he made fun of all the memes that were popping up on Twitter.

I got back to the hotel to retire for the night and was surprised at the missed call from Charles. I didn't get to use my phone that much during dinner because Elliana kept on moving from one story to another. It didn't help either that a few paparazzis were waiting for us by the hotel's entrance.

After changing into more comfortable clothes, I called Charles back and he answered in three rings.

"Hey." He greeted and I immediately knew something was wrong. I clicked the video call button and his face popped up, him in the same position as me but still wearing the red Ferrari shirt he had on for the interviews.

"What is it?" I asked, lying down and pulling the covers up until my chin.

"What's what?"

"Leclerc, something's wrong."

He sighed before moving around in his bed to sit up against the headboard. Charles removed the bandana he's wearing and ruffled his hair. "I'm pissed."

"Because of the pitstop?" His silence was the answer. "What did the team say during your debrief?"

"They said it was a mistake from the message relayed by our strategists. They got an earful from Mattia— I know, very unusual." He added when he saw my eyebrows shoot up in surprise. From what he told me, Mattia has always been a calm team principal unlike how Toto Wolff or Christian Horner are usually seen. "I said a few words but not much because I was afraid I'd say something I shouldn't. Fuck. That pitstop cost us seven points. It's a good thing I was able to do the fastest lap."

I let him rant his feelings which may or may not have involved more curse words than he usually uses. When he finished, you could see the relief of blowing off all the steam as he leaned back and closed his eyes.

"It's only the second race and I know you guys will be able to fight back in Australia." I reassured him. Ferrari is most likely preparing heavily for the next race which was happening in less than two weeks. I doubt Charles and Carlos would get to have a break and want to be informed about all decisions. "What are your plans for tomorow?" I asked him, pulling up the Safari app on my phone.

"As far as I know, nothing. I'm flying back to Monaco the next day." I tapped my phone for a few minutes, thankful that the service was still available despite it being so late. I sent the link to him and waited as his phone rang to signal the message. "What's this?"