Love at full Throttle | Charles Leclerc

01 | Starting line

The sun was setting over the racetrack as I stood at the edge, taking in the scent of burnt rubber and the distant hum of engines. The start of a new season always fills me with a sense of anticipation and excitement.

As a child growing up in a small village in southern France, I was captivated by the sound of engines racing through the countryside. My father, a mechanic, would take me to local race events where I would watch the cars speed past, leaving trails of dust in their wake. It was then that I knew I wanted to become a racing driver.

After years of hard work and countless hours spent honing my skills on the track, I finally achieved my dream. As the new season approached, I was filled with a combination of nerves and excitement. This year was going to be different. This year, I would prove myself as one of the best drivers in the world.

I had been racing in Formula One for a few years, and my success had earned me a spot on one of the most prestigious teams in the sport, Ferrari. The season opener was just a few weeks away, and I had been training relentlessly in preparation for the first race. I spent most of my time at the team's headquarters, working closely with the engineers and mechanics who would help me achieve my goals on the track.

As I walked through the garage, I couldn't help but admire the sleek lines and aggressive stance of my car. It was the culmination of countless hours of development and testing, a masterpiece of engineering and design. I had always been fascinated by the technical aspects of racing and enjoyed the constant challenge of improving my car's performance.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. I turned to see my teammate Carlos, walking towards me. We had been rivals since our days in the junior racing categories, constantly pushing each other to achieve new heights.

"So, what do you think of the new car?" Carlos asks, nodding towards the sleek machine parked at the end of the garage.

"It's a beast," I reply, grinning. "The engineers have done an amazing job with the design and performance upgrades."

"I agree," Carlos says, his eyes glinting with excitement. "I can't wait to see what it's capable of on the track."

"It's going to be a challenging season, that's for sure," I say, my expression turning serious. "Red bull's car looks extra competitive."

"That's what makes it exciting," Carlos replies. "We'll have to be at the top of our game to come out on top."

I nod, my mind already turning towards the first race of the season. "I've been training harder than ever," I  tells him. "I want to start the season off strong and show everyone what we're capable of."

"I hear you," Carlos says, clapping me on the back. "Let's bring home the championship for the team."

"Fuck yeah,"

Across the garage, I couldn't help but stare at the engineer's daughter, Sophia. She was talking with one of the mechanics, her dark hair falling in soft waves around her face. I  had never been one to be distracted by anything other than racing, but something about Sophia has captured my attention.

I watched as she laughed at something the mechanic said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. I felt a twinge of jealousy, wishing I could be the one to make her laugh like that.

But there was one problem. I'm a Formula One driver, with a demanding schedule that left little time for anything else.  I can't afford to be distracted by something as trivial as a crush. I need to focus on racing, on winning the championship.

But no matter how hard I tried, I can't shake the feeling that there was something special about Sophia. She was unlike anyone I've ever met, with a grace and charm that was impossible to ignore.

The engineer leaves her side as she strolls over to the car and looks at it in awe.

"Is there something you need help with?" I ask, my tone neutral. She jumps a little startled by my presence, I guess I sort of creeped up behind her.

Sophia turns to face me, a friendly smile on her face. "No, I'm just admiring your car," she says, her tone light. "It's amazing to see it up close."

I nod in agreement. "Do you know much about racing?" I ask, trying to keep the conversation going.

Sophia shakes her head, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Not really," she admits. "My dad is an engineer, so I've grown up around cars and engines, but I don't know much about racing itself."

"Roberto's daughter right?" I ask and she looks surprised, probably because I knew who her father was right away.

"Yeah,"

"Well it definitely has its challenges," I say. "But it's also incredibly rewarding. There's nothing quite like the feeling of crossing the finish line first."

Sophia smiles, a warm and genuine expression that made me feel like I was finally starting to break through her guard. "I can imagine," she says, friendly. "It must be amazing to be able to do something you love and be so good at it."

She thinks I'm good at it too. That made me feel a little too giddy.

"Are you ready for the new season?" She asks. I don't think I'll ever be ready if I'm behind honest but I have no choice.

"Yeah," I tell her. "I've been training nonstop the whole break."

I couldn't take my eyes off her beautiful face, it was like starring at a goddess. Her full pink lips moving as she speaks to me with that seductive voice of hers. And her gorgeous round hazel eyes, sparkling under the sunshine.

What the fuck is wrong with me? I barely found interest in girls, especially knowing what I do for a living.

Except for Sophia. Shes been here a few times before, a couple races back. I didn't think I'd see her again until today, lifting my mood a little.

"I wish you luck Charles, get that championship for us and yourself alright?" She grins and I stare back awestruck. Hearing my name roll off her tongue like was nothing I've ever felt before.

I need to get my shit together.

"Thanks," I cough out, trying to get it together.

Ryan,  a mechanic here approaches us slowly. "Hey soph," he calls out.

My mood immediately shifts to annoyance when I see him, the guy she was laughing with earlier. I have nothing against him but ever since Sophia arrived this morning, he's been glued to her side 24/7.

"Hey," she greets him. He greets me to and I do the same before he turns his attention back to Sophia. "Wanna grab breakfast?"

"Sure, I'm actually starving," she tells him and he nods at her in agreement. "Alright, let's go. Good luck at practice Charles," he says and I mutter a quick thank you before they leave the garage together.

I was in denial when I said I had nothing against him. I definitely do now.

"What's with the scowl on your face?" My brother laughs, walking towards me. I don't say anything when he looks at the two who just left and back at me.

Arthur's brow raises in suspicion. "The new girl huh?" He asks and I quickly shut him off. "What about her?"

"You seem to like her company, that's all," he shrugs and I send him a glare. "I do not, she was just looking at the car and so I started a conversation."

"Right," he says sarcastically and I roll my eyes at his reply. "I better get going, practice is in fifteen minutes and I need to warm up." I say, leaving his side.

I make my way to the back of the paddock where my room was to do some stretching, I try not to make a big deal of Sophia leaving with that guy.

It's just breakfast right?