Chapter Text
''Pardon?''
''You heard me. I don't think you deserve that car.''
''Well, sorry 'bout that'' Lance shrugged and walked away. Usually, he would be a bit offended by Max's comments, but right now he felt too high on euphoria.
''How does winning feel Lancey?'' Fernando hugged him by the shoulders and ruffled his hair.
''Good'' his smile widened by the second. It felt so great. Winning. And against Max of all people. ''You did great too, Fer! Even with the faulty brakes.''
''No problem. Car felt better. Felt great.''
''Yeah, I think the changes we did in winter were great. Another race like this one and we may have a chance to be first in constructors. And if not, at least second place for sure!''
''Too ambitious, too ambitious. Be happy for now. Future later.''
''And to be happy-'' as he said that. they were entering the garage ''Guys! Let's grab some drinks!'' the whole team cheered.
--
''He said what?'' Fernando laughed ''He thinks you don't deserve the car!? Who is he to decide that? And has he seen his own driving? He wins through sheer force.'' The older sipped from his drink before continuing ''I like your style more. Analyse and think. Think. He doesn't.''
Lance's thoughts wandered. Have been, recently. Maybe all those things Max says are correct. Maybe the only reason he has been doing great recently was just the car. Maybe the car was just that good and it had nothing to do with him. So good that it made even him look great. It's not like many people would oppose to that. Everyone on social media has been talking about how he should be replaced by Druggovich, 'Dad's money' and how talentless he was. Maybe they were all right.
The night passed by fairly fast. Many mechanics congratulated him and he never forgot to thank them. At the end of the day, they were the ones who made that possible.
He didn't drink much. At least he didn't think he did.
He paid everyone's drinks and he and Fernando left the bar.
''You want one?'' the older asked, cigarette in his mouth, pointing the pack towards him. Lance smiled politely and shaked head.
''No thank you''
''I'm surprised'' Fernando shrugged after lighting his cigarette.
''About what?''
''You haven't started smoking yet. The things people say...how they don't get to you?''
''Oh they do.'' Fernando looked at him, surprised ''But they can have their own opinions. Sometimes it hurts but'' he made a small pause trying to think of his next words ''That's life I suppose''