Chapter Text
The press conference following the Russian grand prix, where Lando had admittedly performed very poorly, was truly horrendous. It could easily be described as the worst experience the young driver had ever faced. Firstly, he failed to make it out of Q1, which, considering the circumstances, wasn't entirely unexpected. Then he managed to cause a crash on lap one due to being way too aggressive in an attempted overtake, causing both himself and Grosjean to have to retire. This incident should have been the lowest point of his day, but what followed during the press conference made matters even worse.
This year was the first in many where not only one, but two, subs were part of the starting grid. This accomplishment can be attributed to the structural changes that had happened in the late 90s, which allowed young people who presented as subs to be able to partake in all types of racing categories, no matter the level. And whereas him and Charles were welcomed with open arms in most parts of the world, as they rightfully should, equality didn’t seem to have reached Russia as quickly as most other places they raced. So, when Lando had performed piss poor during the weekend, most of the local media decided it was due to his designation. Let’s just say that they didn’t pull any punches with the questions aimed at him during the post-race press conference.
Seated on the far left alongside Vettel, Sainz and Ocon, in rising order. Lando was ignored for the majority of the first part of the conference, and he hoped it would remain that way, knowing that any questions aimed his way would not be pleasant. Vettel had finished 2nd, Ocon 7th and Sainz 10th, Lando being the only one DNFing the race out of the four. The brit should have expected to be flamed when an interviewer for some large Russian media condescendingly congratulated Ocon on managing to finish 7th, despite him being a neutral. The interviewer’s choice of words, not Landos, mind you. They had all been shocked to say the least, Vettel shooting the old interviewer a questioning stare and Sainz looking downright disgustedly at the man. They did leave Esteban to fend for himself though, the young Frenchman assuring the interviewer that designation certainly didn’t play a role in his, or anyone else’s racing, for that matter. To which he only received a mocking scoff before the conference rapidly moved on. Though the bigoted interviewer soon had a question once again, this one aimed at Lando. The sub braced himself, yet not having been able to predict just how vile the interviewers comment would actually be.
“So Lando,” The interviewer started, voice dripping with disdain, “you crashed out of the race, taking Romain Grosjean with you. This comes to show why subs shouldn’t race in Formula 1, without a doubt. You cannot control the car. What do you have to say in your defence?” The man continued, a mean smirk plastered across the his face, staring Lando down. Hoping to get a rise out of the younger man, to further cement that subs are simply too emotional to belong here. Lando on the other hand didn’t have anything to say to the remark initially, nothing quick witted nor something challenging the interviewer’s statement, because he was shocked.
Sure, there had been questions raised a few times about subs suitability in racing, especially in F1, but he has never been confronted with it so directly. Those of the opinion that subs didn’t belong, generally didn’t raise the issue with the subs in question, but rather went and complained about it to the FIA or on social media. Thankfully, Lando didn’t have to answer, because Carlos was quick to respond to the man, after having shot a glance at Lando, seeing that he wasn’t about to respond on his own.
“I cannot believe you!” The Spaniard accused, pointing accusingly at the man and pinning him with a glare, “Had this been caused by a dom you would have laughed it off as ‘too much aggression’” Carlos continues, making air quotations with his fingers. “Now, because it’s a sub who made a mistake, it isn’t due to competitiveness, but designation. You guys are unbelievable!” The man finishes his tirade, but the interviewer doesn’t seem to have taken in any of what the Spanish driver said, instead his smirk widens as he, in a strong Russian accent, aims his next statement directly at Lando.
“Point proven, you cannot even speak for yourself.” The man states, shaking his head, and there are other representatives of the media joining in with the man, notably none of the international channels. The other three drivers are all getting upset, but Lando just feels defeated, the feeling of a bad race result being enhanced by the backlash of the bigoted media in this godforsaken country. The McLaren publicist is soon by his side, gently grabbing his arm and leading him from the room, as the room is getting all the more restless, the audio levels rising. Lando shakes his head, exasperated, “How the fuck can they let these guys ask their questions? After Ocon he should have been banned!” the publicist agrees, promising to get on it immediately. Meanwhile, Lando heads towards the hotel, luckily managing to avoid any further press.
As he flops down on his bed, frustration is gripping at him. He doesn’t understand how this shit can be acceptable, or why the fuck they race in countries which obviously have a long way to go to reach equality. He picks up his mobile, phoning Max Fewtrell, needing to get some of his anger out if he’s to have any hopes of falling asleep tonight. His best friend usually does the trick.
“Hiya mate” The brit picks up, “I saw the press conference, what a fucking mess.” Lando can basically hear the man on the other end of the line shaking his head.
“Yeah it’s unbelievable.” Lando seethes, “can’t wait to get out of this shithole tomorrow” he grumbles, scratching at his hair. Frustration is curling in his bones; he wants to scream. The man on the other end of the line chuckles “Feel ya there mate, you coming straight to the UK tomorrow, yeah?” the papaya clad 18-year old grumbles a yes in response. Max, his best friend since forever, who presented as a dom roughly 2 years ago, has been Lando’s rock since forever. Always handling his horrific moods and helping settle him when needed.
Their relationship hadn’t changed after Max or him presenting, thankfully, the only addition being that Max sometimes helped Lando reach sub-space. The whole travelling circus of F2, and now from this year, F1, didn’t exactly leave much hope for finding a partner and establishing a dynamic. Max and Lando’s relationship is entirely platonic, and if anything, their friendship has only been strengthened since they started scening, if you can even call it that; Max tells Lando what to do, praises him and makes him feel settled, and that’s really all there is to it. It doesn’t happen often, Lando often managing to go into subspace on his own, and that combined with the occasional hookup has him feeling satisfied.
They chat for a while, Lando getting his frustrations out, and Max listening to his ongoing rants about idiotic interviewers and his shitty car. After nearly an hour they hang up, Lando finally feeling calm enough to have hopes of actually getting some sleep before his early flight out of here. As he hangs up, he notices a new notification:
Carlos Sainz [22.03]
Hey Lando, you ok after what happened at the conference?
Me [22.34]
hi mate, yeah I’m good. A real fucking idiot tho
Me [22.35]
thx for standing up for me, appreciate it
Carlos Sainz [22.36]
Of course, I hope I didn’t overstep.
Me [22.39]
u didn’t, I’m happy I didn’t have to deal with it
wht happened after I left?
Carlos Sainz [22.40]
They ended it. And the interviewer got in trouble with the FIA.
Me [22.43]
good, I was worried it would escalate, emotions were running high
Carlos Sainz [22.41]
It almost did.
You should hear it from me because questions will probably be asked about it.
Carlos Sainz [22.42]
I nearly hit the guy, Vettel stopped me.
You know how the media is, they will probably make it out as more than drivers protecting each other. So be prepared.
Lando flushes at that, of course he knew that the drivers didn’t mind a sub racing with them, and he expected one of the others to stand up for him when the question was asked. Carlos nearly hitting the interviewer because of it, is slightly unexpected though. And the questions its sure to raise from fans are many, him having been shipped with half the grid since joining F1 a few months ago, as the only eligible sub on said grid. He could definitely do worse than people imagining him with Carlos though, the brit chuckles at the thought, before responding to said man.
Me [22.46]
oh, he continued saying stuff after I was gone?
appreciate u defending me tho
and yeah, thanks for the heads up
hope it didn’t get u into trouble
Carlos Sainz [22.48]
Only for a little bit. He shut up pretty quickly with a fist almost in his face.
Don’t worry about me. I’d do it again.
I really hope that you’re okay though, after the race and all. Please make sure to get the help you need if you think you’re about to drop.
Carlos Sainz [22.49]
You could always call me should you need to. No matter the time.
Sorry, didn’t mean to overstep my bounds. Just worried about you.
Carlos Sainz [22.51]
Sleep well, Lando. Goodnight.
Me [22.53]
u didn’t
I will
Me [22.55]
call u that is
if I need it
goodnight Carlos
Lando stares at his phone, surprised at the Spaniards offer, they have never really spoken, and he was sure the other driver found him at least slightly annoying. As such he’s always kept his distance, admiring the other man’s beauty from afar. He smiles to himself, perhaps he could get away with admiring it from a bit of a lesser distance. With that thought Lando heads to bed, deciding he’s had enough of a day already, without obsessing over a potential hidden meaning behind the other man’s words.