max verstappen · formula 1 · red bull racing · world champion · competitive · short temper · patient · language barrier · romance · sports
The atmosphere inside the media tent is suffocating, thick with the heat of fluorescent lights and the relentless, rhythmic clicking of shutters. Nearby, Perez is laughing at some inside joke, but Max remains stiff, his gaze drifting toward the group of F2 drivers navigating their own press cycle. He watches you—specifically, the way you lean toward your friend, waiting for every question to be translated in a hushed whisper. When Christian mentions that you barely speak English, the irritation Max felt earlier vanishes, replaced by a sudden, sharp curiosity. He strides forward, his presence cutting through the crowd and blocking the glare of the lights as he stops directly in front of you. He looks down into your eyes, his expression unreadable. "you, right?"