Final Lap | F1 oneshots

my fault | MV1 & CL16 & CS55

Abu Dhabi 2024 - after the race
(Charles & Carlos with wingman Max)

It was a tiring season, a tough race at the end but it was finally over. Max couldn't be more happy. Well of course he wasn't happy with the race today, he also wasn't happy about his car this season, but he had still managed to get that title.

Even though the constructors had been way out of reach. With a teammate like Checo there also would never be the chance, but it had been his last season with RedBull nevertheless. As RedBull's number one driver he of course had a say, and the decision had already been made.

Tomorrow there still would be that meeting and they would talk to the Mexican for further actions, but the seat wasn't his anymore, Max already knew that. The Dutchman also already knew, would would follow his old teammate.

In long conversations with Marko and also Christian, he had told them his opinion and they of course also listened to him, which was why Liam would get that seat for the next season. But that was a topic for another day as now the holiday season would start.

Max was currently sitting in the bar of the hotel, having a great view into the lobby where some Ferrari members already crowded. It had been a huge thing that McLaren finally won the constructors again and Max was really happy for them, but his bet had been on Ferrari.

He would of course never admit that, but he was a fan of the team in red, wanted them to get the success if he wasn't able to. Also because of Carlos's last race with them. Max was friends with the Spaniard since their time at Torro Rosso so it was hard seeing him leave that great team.

But the Dutchman also had some sympathy for their other driver, Charles, and seeing his in-lap, hearing his radio after the race, it broke Max's heart. The Monegasque had so much bad luck throughout his career and now he even blamed himself for losing the constructors.

Max nipped on his gin tonic, watching more and more Ferrari but also McLaren members gather in the lobby. The people in orange were probably heading out to celebrate their win, while the red ones were celebrating their good bye to Carlos.

"Hello cabron, here all alone?" the Spaniard suddenly said and laid his hand on Max's shoulder as he appeared behind him, before looking over the bar at the barkeeper, "One water bottle please."

The Dutchman smiled and stood up from his bar stool, pulling Carlos into a hug.

"Great season made, what a shame for them to lose you." Max said as he hugged him before letting go.

"Thanks mate." Carlos returned the smile, grabbing the bottle he got handed, before he nodded over to the lobby, "One last night to go, I think they will celebrate me one last time."

The men laughed before Max looked over the little crowd again, searching for someone specific.

"Is Charles not joining you?" he then asked the Spaniard.

Carlos's smile dropped and he lowered his voice.

"He said he's not feeling well and he would stay at his room."

"But it's your last day at Ferrari, he should celebrate with you." Max returned in horror.

"Yeah, I would like that too." Carlos said, looking down and playing with the sleeve of his jacket, "But I think he's down because of the constructors. He said I should be happy at least and have a good night with the team."