CHAPTER 597: BRAZIL CAMPAIGN. 2

The Brazilian Grand Prix ended like a dream. Unlike the usual chaos the race at São Paulo was known for, this one was slow-burn from start to finish.

Even hours after the chequered flag waved, the aftertaste of the dance of Formula 1 machines refused to leave.

What a race. Luca’s eighth win of the season was the headline, yes, but a lot of things had built up to his P1 finish, some of them he was responsible for, others he wasn’t.

Heartbreaks, duels, and comebacks conquered what was expected to be a wet race. Downforce met bravery, and intuitive strategy won positions all through the 65 laps. No driver left the circuit untouched by something.

Squadra Corse wasn’t happy with the outcome of the race, as Luigi sourly finished in P4. They didn’t like seeing their greatest threat take another step toward the championship trophy they believed belonged to them.

Velocità wasn’t smiling either. Matteo Bianchi’s P8 and Jimmy Damgaard’s P6 were respectable considering the chaos of the midfield, but expectations had been higher, far higher.

None of this escaped the eyes of the commentators, who reminded viewers that Finazzi had said earlier, after the Hungary weekend, that Trampos was bound to dwindle in São Paulo and that Velocità would supersede them outright.

Finazzi defended himself by simply saying, "We performed well enough."

Jackson Racing was the only Big Five team to be thoroughly satisfied.

It was their first double-podium of the season. Di Renzo in P2. Albert Derstappen in P3. Their garage felt like a champagne bar during a wedding reception.

Warren Lee smiled at the microphones during his interview. He was very young for a Team Principal, much younger than Finazzi. He looked charismatic and like someone who had a bright future.

"We’re just getting started," he told the reporters. "The boys earned their champagne today. We are done playing catch-up."

Later, as Luca passed by the media booth, he had the courtesy of officially meeting the man.

After the podium celebrations, Luca let the reality sink in that he had eight Grand Prix wins in his second season in Formula 1. He didn’t smile too often in public, but he had to because of this.

On the other hand, his teammate, Victor, wasn’t as thrilled as he was.

The young man was quiet throughout post-race, his hair messy, his eyes a dull storm. P16. That was his finishing position in a race he deemed his most motivating.

After the spin, after the overtakes he had lost, after everything... Victor didn’t need a pep talk. He needed some solitude and enough time to recalibrate himself.

Luca didn’t utter a word of encouragement to him, believing it wasn’t his job to regulate Victor’s emotions. Inspiring him on how to act was enough.

There were still races ahead before season’s end. There were still more campaigns in the future. Victor was a naturally talented Formula 1 driver. There was no way he wouldn’t get his moment.

~~~~~~~~~

Before the teams departed Brazil, the city hosted a motorsport celebration slash cultural festival.

Because of his win, Luca was automatically given "main guest" privileges upon his attendance.

He wasn’t overly extroverted, but he handled the attention gracefully. He shook many hands, engaged with hundreds, and signed dozens of autographs.

At some point, he came face to face with a tall blond man in a black racing jacket embroidered with silver lightning bolts.

Hunter Hegge.

Hunter was a Norwegian GT prodigy, multiple-time endurance winner. His nickname was The Flash, which Luca could even see in his appearance beyond the literal meaning.

The both of them easily built rapport. They were both racers, had the same humour, had the same arrogance, and also the same disregard for the same things.

They joked like old friends. Luca wondered whether he could begin following the GT World Series for the entertainment. It should be fun spectating another racing campaign, the ups and downs, the action, and the tension.

When he finally flew back to Berlin, he met the same kind of celebrations again.

As usual, Germany obsessively adored him, greeting him as if he had already won the championship.

Interviews. Appearances. Flash photography everywhere. Fans waving flags along the entrance to the Trampos facility.

Luca could never get tired of it. He loved it.

He also had personal celebrations organized by his personal team at a penthouse by the side of the diamond Spree River.

Luca was surprised to hear from Mallow that they weren’t the hosts, but some Arabian princeling with a net worth large enough to buy a city.

Luca was also surprised to hear that this guy was Sara’s new partner. Interesting.

Luca hadn’t seen Sara physically in a very long time. He did that night, and he saw the impact this Prince had had on her.

Luca gave Sara a knowing look. She had always indirectly complained that she found it difficult to discover love and the right partner for her.

If Sara could iterate correctly, she wanted a man that was better than her in every way.

Tall, moderately beautiful, and reasonably wealthy, of course it was going to be difficult for Sara to meet her needs when she had these attributes.

For one thing, this Prince was wealthier than her. Hopefully, that could keep her interested long-term in this relationship.

The night was warm, loud, and luxurious, with cocktails, ambient music, and city lights.

Mallow and Vance jokingly argued about everything that had happened so far. Luca participated sparingly because, at some point, he realized he was socially drained.

Three days later in the metropolis, he could feel his battery fully flickering out, so he sought his solitude.

Driving his Jaguar, he turned on the radio and listened calmly while riding through the quiet city at 9 AM.

The smooth rhythm of traffic, his driving, and the radio forced his mind to fall into sync. Pretty soon he was reflecting on a couple of things like the race, Jackson Racing, Victor, GT World, and Sync Buff.

Phone calls tried to interrupt his peace, but Luca didn’t let them.

He reached his property eventually, driving through the open road, and admiring the beauty of nature.

Luca expected emptiness as usual, but he got the opposite of that.

A woman was on his field, playing with a small child while laughing and spinning.

Laura and Martin stopped playing to watch the Jaguar drive in and park. Martin pointed at the black car as if he knew someone familiar was inside.

Luca stepped out of the car to face the anticipating family who were already skipping toward him.

Laura was happy to see Luca, but she wasn’t sure if he was. His expression was mixed, but she read something like: "You’re still here?" in his brows.