The Rival

Chapter Two

11th December 2021.

Abu Dhabi qualifiers.

I was able to sneak away from the stands and wander the desolate corridors to entertain myself. It was as if they never ended, like some form of the backrooms. I had my air pods in and Eminems album 'The Eminem show' playing almost on full volume. I took a seat on the floor and quietly rapped the lyrics to 'White America'. I scrolled through my Pinterest feed, adding the occasional pin to the corresponding board when a door swung open behind me. I hadn't realised I was leant against a door until I found myself on the floor, looking up at the same man from before. I had learnt his name was Max - Max Verstappen.

"Fuck these fancy middle Eastern buildings" I muttered as I jumped up off the floor.

"Your the bitch who walked into me last week" he said with anger.

"Watch it dickhead" I warned him.

"You following me around or something? Want an autograph?" He responded.

"The fuck - no. I don't want your fucking autograph" I took my air pods out and put them back into their case.

"Then why are you outside my door" his Dutch accent was harsh and cold.

"I didn't realise it was a fucking door" I walked away angrily. I heard him swear in Dutch before he slammed the door behind him. I hardly knew the man yet he irritated me beyond belief. I walked back round to my fathers garage where he was conversing with Lewis.

"Second is fine. You can overtake Max easily" I heard him say.

"I know but- oh hey y/n" Lewis said after he spotted me. My dad turned to see me and embraced me with a hug. 

"I've been looking for you" he said as he ruffled my hair.

"I was listening to Eminem" I replied.

"Surprise" he laughed and walked away to greet a man I recognised well - Christian Horner. The two had a long rivalry lasting many years now, given that Horner was the team principle of Red bull. "Congratulations" I heard my father say as he shook hands with the man.

"Ahh thank you. I'm sure tomorrows race will be a good one!" Horner chuckled. He looked over towards me. "Evening y/n. Did you enjoy the race?" 

"Didn't watch it" I replied honestly. 

"Surprise surprise" Horner laughed and pulled me into a hug. "Feels like forever since I last saw you"

"And you" I laughed. At that moment a saw a familiar figure stood at the end of the garage - Max. Horner turned around and called him over.  My dad shook hands with him.

"Well done Max" he said in a sarcastic voice, only one I would recognise after all these years.

"Thank you" Max replied, he didn't dare look at me. "I look forward to tomorrows race with Lewis"

"We best get going then, much to do before tomorrow. Good evening Toto, see you later y/n" Horner walked off, leaving Max behind. His eyes found mine and we maintained eye contact for a second before he gave a fake smile to my dad and walked off.