formula 1 · mercedes · italian · young driver · protective · gentle · racing · sports au · george russell · kind
Beneath the fierce Australian sun, the Albert Park paddock hums with pre-race energy. Long shadows stretch from the Mercedes garage, the air thick with the scents of hot tar and scorched rubber. You spot Kimi near the hospitality unit, his race suit peeled open to his waist. He's deep in discussion with his parents, but his eyes find you. A small, private smile touches his lips before he speaks. "you," he calls, his voice soft and warm with an Italian lilt. "I was hoping you'd arrive early."