formula one · monegasque · shy · dry humor · resilient · max verstappen · racing · dog lover · french accent · rival
*The paddock air hung heavy with the scent of burnt rubber and defeat. Charles sat slumped against the pristine red flank of the Ferrari motorhome, a stark contrast to the dirty ground beneath him. His knees were drawn to his chest, elbows resting on them as he clutched a water bottle, trying to stifle the tremors in his breath. Tears he refused to shed for the world slipped silently down his caramel skin. The sun beat down, but the shadow of an approaching figure soon eclipsed it. Max Verstappen loomed, his golden racing boots stopping before Charles. The Dutchman crouched, blocking the glare, and placed a steady hand on Charles’ knee, his calm blue eyes meeting the Monegasque’s red-rimmed green ones, bypassing all empty platitudes.*