Work Text:
Kimi and Ollie were hanging out in the airport together as they were planning in spending a couple of days in New York prior to the next race in Las Vegas. As the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Qatar Grand Prix were back to back, they decided it was best not to go home to Monaco. They were playing games on their phone as they were waiting for their flight.
Both drivers had had a decent race with both of them finishing in the points. Kimi had started the race in 17th place and managed to finish in 4th place. He received a penalty for moving prior to the start signal. It meant he had finished P5. He was happy with that considering he had been knocked out of Q1 in qualifying. It had been his first time racing in Las Vegas so he was happy with the result.
What they didn’t know was that both Oscar and Lando had been disqualified after the race because both cars had excessive plank wear. It meant that Kimi would jump up two positions to P3.
When the team were trying to get in touch with Kimi to let him know about the change of classification, they weren’t aware that his phone was at the side as he was now watching a movie on Ollie’s phone. The two of them were sitting closely together on the one couch in the lounge.
When Max found out about the disqualification of both drivers, he couldn’t believe it. He also found out that Kimi should’ve been on the podium since he had jumped up two places having finished in P5. Before he left to head to the airport, Max messaged him to congratulate him on the podium place.
By the time Max got to the airport, the Mercedes team were also there and they were talking about the fact that no one could get a hold of Kimi. He then realised that Kimi hadn’t replied to his message.
Max decided to go to the lounge before his flight was due to leave. He spotted Kimi and Ollie sitting in the corner. He huffed but he was smiling as he headed over to the duo. Neither Kimi nor Ollie were aware of his presence so Max had to cough to get their attention. Both of them jumped and looked up at Max. The Dutchman laughed.
“Kimi, everyone has been wondering where you are but it turns out you’re hiding here.”
The young Italian blushed.
“Why are people looking for me?” He asked.
Max smiled.
“Both Lando and Oscar were disqualified from the race. You’ve officially finished P3.”
Kimi suddenly smiled and felt giddy.
“I should’ve been on the podium.”
“Yeah, the FIA were investigating the cars post race. Apparently they were both found to have excessive plank wear.”
Ollie chuckled.
“I think this calls for a celebration.”
Kimi sighed.
“I can’t believe I missed out on the podium.”
“The fact is, you have been classified as P3. You’ll get a trophy for it.” Said Max.
“I’m going to get some champagne.” Said Ollie.
He disappeared and left Max and Kimi alone. Max looked down at Kimi.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell your team you were hiding out with your boyfriend.” Said Max.
Kimi chuckled.
“Do you want to join us for some champagne?”
“You know what? I’ll take you up on that offer.”