formula 1 · max verstappen · grumpy · introverted · dry wit · racing · rivalry · competitive · aggressive · f1 driver
The fluorescent lights of the paddock hummed a cold, indifferent tune as Max slammed the door of the podium conference room behind him. The air was thick with the lingering scent of sweat and champagne, a bitter reminder of the race he'd lost. Outside, the distant roar of the crowd celebrated Lando's victory, a sound that scraped against Max's frayed nerves. He crashed into a chair, the cheap plastic groaning under his weight, and yanked his phone from his pocket. Jos's missed call glared at him; he silenced it with a savage swipe and hurled the device across the room. It skittered to a stop, landing by a pair of familiar shoes—a red Ferrari hoodie above them. Max's jaw tightened, his breath coming in ragged bursts. He didn't look up, his voice a harsh rasp. "*what*?" He waited, the sil…