Work Text:
Private, not secret.
Well, with a twist, at least.
Everybody should know that both of them are not single anymore, yet none should tell the whole world before they’re ready.
It is what Max and George had agreed on during the start of their relationship, sometimes during the early 2025 season. When George had cornered him into a dark room, fists curled into Max’s collar, asking him about what he meant when he called him beautiful on the stage. In front of thousands of people, at that.
When Max said “If only I knew that it only took me calling you beautiful.” In his usual, stoic expression after George agreed to go on a date with him, he only shoved his shoulder, albeit with no strength.
Well, at least he got to steal one last kiss before he composed himself, walking outside of the room five whole minutes after Max had left, just to be safe.
Fast forward to 2026, and George can’t even remember the last time he spent the night in his own apartment. He reckons that his room must’ve collected dust already. Max jokingly suggests that he should just rent his apartment to any of the rookies now that they practically lived together.
Even though Max receives a pillow smacked to his face as a reply, he can’t let his partner earn the satisfaction, because well, he’s got a point.
They are now currently in the driver’s parade, the wind breezing through his hair nicely as they cruise along the road of Monaco. It’s always so funny to him to race here; he knows all the streets like the back of his hand, one day he’ll casually jog or stroll around mindlessly to get fresh air, and the other, he fights tooth and nail for his life in his race car, on the same road.
He had just wrapped up his interview when he walked towards the back of the parade car, spotting Max surrounded by a group of rookies. He smiles at the view; despite his cold appearance, he is such an approachable person, very much deserving of the title “Dad of the Grid.”
However, his eyes instantly widen when he spots the Dutch pointing at his their apartment excitedly, basically doxxing his their residence.
It’s already bad enough to dox himself themselves to the other drivers, but does he not notice the cameraman behind him?!
He quickly strides towards the flock, lightly shoving away the cameraman.
“Good day, Max. In the mood to unveil your privacy to the whole world, I see?” George asks, keeping his tone neutral so it comes out just like a regular banter, however he maintains his sharp eye contact that definitely says, you’re in big trouble, old man.
“Aw, come on George, we were just wondering! Max is open for visitors, you know. You can also visit!” Kimi whines, to which George’s heart melts a little. At the end of the day, championship leader or not, as vicious as he is in the media towards him, the young driver will always have a soft spot in his heart.
He sighs, just wanting to reply: Of course I can visit Kimi, I live there!
Max seems to get his message, muttering to the rest of the rookie drivers that he’ll let them know when they can come visit. It’s cute, really, seeing the young drivers looking up to Max as if he hangs the moon and stars above.
“Sorry schat, I got too carried away. I didn’t tell them the exact building, though.” Max whispers apologetically, hand covering his mouth so no one on the internet will be able to make up some theories about what he said.
“Ugh, whatever. At least don’t do it in front of the camera!” He rolls his eyes, nodding towards the cameraman that is now focusing his lenses on whatever Lewis is doing. His eyes briefly dart towards the rookies, before landing back towards Max. “But of course, I’d love to have them around someday.”
Max only hums and smiles. It’s adorable how he plays into the role of the grid dad way too seriously.
–
In the blink of an eye, George finally managed to pass the chequered flag.
P fucking 12, how delightful, even with a quarter of the grid DNF-ing.
However, his discontent is quickly replaced by concern. Among the six drivers who didn’t get to finish, his partner was one of them. Technically he didn’t even get to start, even. Just a mere two years ago, the news of Max DNF would sound like a song in his ear, but all he wants to do right now is run towards him and give him a hug.
He figures that he’ll cook dinner later at home. Beef carpaccio and tomato soup that Max likes so much, to raise his spirit again.
He then goes through one journalist to another, answering their questions flawlessly with his PR-trained responses. Though, he couldn’t help but grip his water bottle too tight, he's sure the tip of his fingers turn white whenever the questions about Mercedes favouritism emerges. Shit, it still stings, no matter how hard he tries to brush it aside.
His train of answer is suddenly stopped when the reporter shifts their eyes to something, or rather, someone approaching behind him. When he turns his head, he finds Max already standing next to him. Wordlessly, he lifts up George’s water bottle, casually taking a sip as if it was his own. George, of course, lets him. It’s their habit anyway; stealing each other’s food and drinks right out of their hand, claiming that yours tastes better!
The Dutch then walks back towards his own interview after muttering Thanks, Georgie. George hopes that the microphone does not pick that up, but well, he finds himself caring less nowadays.
The reporter makes a flabbergasted expression, which George finds funny. He notices that even his PR crew and some of the reporters grouped near him fall silent.
“George, why did Max Verstappen just take a sip of your drink?”
He only shrugs. “I guess he was just thirsty? Sharing is caring, you know.” He answers smugly.
–
Apparently, their little shenanigan during the post-race interview does not pass unnoticed by the internet. He snickers as he reads some of the tweets showing on his timeline, stirring the tomato soup diligently with one hand.
did Max Verstappen just call him Georgie
“no homo bro”, I said as I nonchalantly drink out of my sworn enemy’s water bottle
WHY DID GEORGE SEEM UNAFFECTED BY THIS WHAT GAMES R THEY PLAYING AT
russtappen nation we won… from killing each other on track to giving each other’s water bottle
WHAT IS THIS GEORGIE AND MAXIE BULLSHIT WTF IS GOING ON
“What’s so funny, liefje?” Max asks, putting Sassy down before grabbing some plates out of the kitchen cupboard. George is still snickering when he shows his phone, Max’s chin resting on his shoulder as he takes a peek.
“Must you be an attention seeker, Maxie? Look what you’ve done!” He asks. He then takes a spoonful of soup, blowing it briefly before pushing it carefully towards Max’s lips.
He turns off the stove when Max is evidently satisfied with the taste.
“I mean, you’re right. I was thirsty. What was I supposed to do?” Max only shrugs.
Just before he’s about to lock his phone, a message notification slid down his phone.
Landooo 🍊
*1 image attached*
hello
im nosy
is max playing mind games
why did u just let him
Max only sighs, before snatching the phone out of George’s grip. George’s protests go ignored, as he types into the phone.
Georgie R. 🚙
TF you mean mind games
What, can’t even spare some water for a friend now?
Landooo 🍊
friend????
ok so youre in talking stage again
but WHY
you dont even let me do that to u
some FRIEND u are
“Schat, honestly sometimes I can’t even take this anymore. Can we please at least tell Lando so that he can shut up?” Max said, clearly annoyed. George thinks for a second. Max is usually more reserved, small things like this won’t annoy him. He figures that the less-than-expected race result, combined with the fact of Lando’s accusation finally gets to his head.
They’re too old to be sneaking around, media be damned.
He sets the freshly cooked dishes on the dining table, before rubbing Max’s shoulder.
“Okay Maxie, we can tell him. Make sure to threaten him so that he can’t tell anyone- well, Oscar’s not included though, pretty sure he’s with him right now. I wouldn’t want Alex to find out from him, I’ll tell him later.”
Max grins, before opening the camera, snapping a quick selfie of both drivers with middle fingers up. He clicks send immediately, not a second has passed and the message is already read.
Georgie R. 🚙
*1 image attached*
Tell anyone and i’ll out you and Oscar
Well Oscar is honestly nice we wouldn’t do that to him
We’ll find something else to blackmail you with
Landooo 🍊
WHT THE FUKCK
WHAT THE ACTUAL FCKUCK
FIRST OF ALL
WHO SAYS IM WITH OSCAR
ok fine i lied pls dont do that to him
he’ll snap my neck off before u both get to kill me
BUT
WHJAT HEF UCK
The next few bubbles afterwards are filled with the variation of “WTF” in typos, so Max does the most reasonable thing: ignoring Lando Norris. He sets George’s phone down, finally satisfied now that at least someone in the grid knows.
“Always eager to show off, aren’t you?” George asked, digging into his food. Damn, it actually tastes good. The food sure tastes wonderful after spending a whole day just consuming smoothies.
“Eh, I think I changed my mind. I wouldn’t mind people knowing, as long as I’m with you.”
As cheesy as it sounds, Max said it with so much certainty, so sincerely. George’s heart bloomed rather than feeling cringy as he usually does whenever Max throws a cheesy pickup line at him. He couldn’t help but leave a peck on his lips.
“Since when did you become a romantic? Just eat your food, ugh!” He pretends to feign annoyance, to which Max only chuckles.
As they eat their dinner peacefully, he snaps a candid photo of Max, sending it to Alex immediately.
Georgie Russell 🖕
so i actually have something to tell you
*1 image attached*
pls dont be mad
i swear im gonna tell u all about it later
Albono 🐱
umm
congrats i guess?
even Lily seems to know already -_-
i just didnt want to impose
but ofc, spare me no details ok!
Whew, he isn’t mad.
And also, what? Were they really that obvious in the eyes of others?
“Alex is scary, he can practically read your mind. So I’m not surprised if he already knew.” Max replied as though it were nothing, when George frantically showed Alex’s reply. Well, Max has a point. It was natural for Alex to know, growing up together does that to you. The fact that Lando was clueless earlier provided him enough comfort that they were not being obvious in the public eye, at least not yet.
Later that night, he figures he should cook dinner more often, as he lays pliant and sweaty, the Dutch carefully cleans his very much naked body, peppering little kisses all over his face.
–
Silverstone is looking amazing so far.
Yeah, George didn’t manage to qualify for the pole position, but he’ll start comfortably at P2. He can practically already smell the champagne pouring all over him as he stands on the podium later, though a small voice at the back of his mind reminds him of the goddamn home race curse.
He had been working too hard for this: it’s going to be his first home race podium, or nothing.
He is currently discussing the notes during his qualification, figuring which sectors he can still improve on later on Sunday when the two engineers in front of him suddenly fell silent, their attention shifts somewhere behind him.
“Something wrong, guys?” He asks, when suddenly he jolts as he feels someone rummaging through the pocket of his jacket.
He only exhales as he instantly knows the reason for the engineers’ sudden silence, even making the attempt to hide the notes behind their back. It’s rather comical, really.
“George, have you seen my airpods anywhere?” Max finally talks, too busy searching the (many) pockets of George’s jacket for apparently, his airpods.
Right, he had borrowed them earlier this morning, as he left his own in their drawer.
His hand reaches to the pocket of his trousers, giving the airpods to the blond without uttering a word.
“Thanks, Georgie.” Max nods to the shell-shocked engineers, waving goodbye to some of the Mercedes crew before stepping out of the garage.
“Sorry for that. So yeah, what about sector two?” He asks, reaching towards the notes casually. He knows that all eyes are still on him due to Max’s random visit to the garage, but hey, work comes first.
“Hello? Why did you have Verstappen’s airpods?” One of the engineers boldly asks, immediately addressing the giant elephant in the room.
“Simple, I borrowed his because I left mine at home. Now can we please continue?” George asks exasperatedly, clearly eager to shift the focus back on his improvement.
The engineers look like they’re not ready to drop the topic yet, but at the end of the day, work comes first; gossip second.
Had it been other drivers who just barged in the Mercedes garage, they would be kicked out instantly, but apparently, Max Verstappen is Toto’s golden child. George figures that he will definitely receive many more surprise visits from his partner in the future, and the idea of it sits surprisingly well in his head.
–
As George predicted, he managed to maintain his position at P2. He is practically glowing; not only from the champagne, but his whole body seems to be radiating happiness. He feels like floating up in the clouds. Seven years in F1, and he finally got to stand on the podium, in his home race.
Though, he isn’t selfish. He was dejected in the middle of the race, when once more, he was informed about Max DNF. This season is definitely tough for him, but even tougher for Max.
So when he returns to his driver’s room, finding Max already waiting for him, he tries hard to contain his own excitement, catching him in a tight hug.
“Maxie, I’m so sorry for the result today.” He mutters to the crook of Max’s neck. He feels Max’s fingers thread through his hair soothingly.
“Come on schat, it’s your first home podium. I think congratulations are in order.”
“But-”
“No buts. Still many more races to go, we’ll get to celebrate together on the podium later. Right now, the day is about you, liefje.”
Despite being in a relationship with the Red Bull driver, sometimes he still couldn’t believe the things that were happening to him. Surely Max is allowed to feel like shit, to sulk and be upset about his result. Instead, he’s there, fully supportive of George, putting his happiness first. He feels like melting in Max’s arm.
“Okay, we’ll talk about it whenever you want to. Do you still feel like celebrating tonight? It’s okay if you don’t come.” He asks, pulling away from the hug. He traces Max’s cheeks softly as he waits for the others to answer.
Charles was ecstatic, having his first win of the season. He immediately invited the whole grid to an after party, a pretty posh club not far from the circuit. George happily accepted the idea, even pitching in for the party. After all, it’s a celebration for both of them.
“Ugh schat, why would you even ask me that. Of course I’ll come. What kind of a boyfriend am I not to celebrate your win?” Max rolled his eyes, even feeling slightly offended at the idea of not being present during one of George’s happiest moments.
“Did you forget that we’re in this together? Your happiness is also mine to celebrate. I’ll even make sure you look good tonight.” He grins, grabbing George’s hand to kiss it.
George laughs, because the thought of Max, who wears a team kit to every occasion possible, dressing him is, well, a laughable idea.
“If your idea of looking good is a polo and skinny jeans, then I will politely reject your offer, mate.”
Max pinches his waist for that.
–
Charles does have a good taste in clubs, because well, the atmosphere is pretty fucking amazing. Or maybe George is biased, since well, they are all gathered here tonight to celebrate him also.
Most of the more senior drivers had arrived already, patting and shaking George’s shoulder excitedly when he entered. It seemed like most of them were pretty much tipsy, as they didn’t bat an eye when they saw George and Max arriving together.
The Brit isn’t much of a drinker, but hey, tonight is the best night to let loose. The fact that the club is closed to the public, only accepting invitations provides a lucrative incentive to get batshit drunk. So he excitedly accepts anyone’s invitation to do shots, pouring out bottles straight to Alex and Charles’ mouth, squeezing himself between Lando and Oscar after they drink their shots, dedicating their drink to his achievement.
Although both him and Max are not driving, Max thankfully offered to be the more reasonable partner tonight, maintaining his drink light as he watches over George.
George reckons it’s a bit after 1 am, whatever, he’s drunk and happy, and he for sure doesn’t keep track of the time when he spotted the pair of VCARB drivers arriving. When he looks down, oh hello there, he magically finds that he is currently holding two shots of vodka.
He suddenly remembers that Arvid is also a fellow Briton, and if he remembered correctly, he scored some points as well during the race. It was also his first home race in F1, he reckons. Putting the two and two together, his drunk mind reaches one reasonable conclusion: they should have a toast!
He definitely does not realize that Max is already lurking behind him, acting as his personal bodyguard.
“Liaaam! Arviiiid! Welcome boys!!” He yells obnoxiously, to which the two drivers whip their head towards him.
The pair walks towards him, grinning.
“Congrats on your home race, kiddo! You did well!” He gushes over Arvid, to which the rookie driver sheepishly thanked him. He shoved the drink to Arvid.
“You’re old enough to drink, aren’t you mate? Well cheers, then!” He slurs, clinking his glass to Arvid. The shocked expression that the kid makes is rather adorable; perhaps it’s because he is so used to the posh, well-behaved image that George portrays to the whole world.
“It’s an open bar! Consider it a kind gesture from me and Charles.” He slurs once more, suddenly feeling like his balance is fading, when suddenly he feels a hand wrapping around his waist, holding him steady.
“You’ve had too much to drink this early, schat. Try to reign it in a bit, hm?” Max said, succeeding in keeping George standing.
“Buuut Maxieee. It’s Arvid’s home race also! I have a great idea, why don’t we all just head to the bar and drink?” He protests, trying to slip out of Max’s grip to no avail. Whatever, George figures, it feels nice anyway to be held by him.
Max only shakes his head, already planning to sit George down and give him water afterwards. He glances towards the VCARB pair, only to be met with Liam holding his laugh, while Arvid on the other hand, looked like he had just seen a ghost. The Kiwi gives him a knowing look.
“Sorry about that boys, he gets a little too excited tonight. Congratulations to both of you!” He yelled towards them, before pulling George away.
Ignoring the blond’s protest of wanting more alcohol, he managed to find a secluded booth to sit him down. He dutifully places a straw to George’s lips, urging him to drink the water. George is silently thankful, as he finishes the water in no time.
“Maxie, are they together? I think they’re always together, you know, like twins. If they are, then we won’t be alone!!” George’s eyes suddenly lit up as if he had just discovered a new mathematical equation. The Dutch man only shrugs, wipes the corner of George’s mouth with the back of his hand.
“I don’t know, honestly, but I think they are. And we’re not alone from the start, those papaya boys are surely infuriating.” He corrected.
George only nods. He then feels the room spinning around him. Right, drink irresponsibly and reap what you sow, he thought to himself.
“I’m going to feel so bad tomorrow, Maxie. The hangover is going to kill me. Will you take care of me please?” He sighs, deciding that his partner’s shoulder is the best pillow he could ever have right now.
“Whatever will I not do for you, liefje? Of course I will.” He patiently answers George’s rambling, lightly massaging his hands. Okay, that feels nice, George thought.
“You’re too good for me Maxie… you’ve earned yourself a kiss.” George giggles, pursing his lips like a schoolgirl. Max only hesitates for a beat, before closing the gap between them.
He may or may not see a flash from a camera behind him, but he’s too tired to fight back, too tired to hide. People will definitely see, but drunk or not, George doesn’t care. Just like Max said, they wouldn’t mind people knowing, as long as he has Max by his side.
–
F1 2026 Grid
Charlieee 🔴
*1 image attached*
*1 image attached*
*1 image attached*
so
care to explain?? @ You @ M❤️🔥
Albono 🐱
LOLLLLL
so much for keeping it secret, fucking clowns
Landooo 🍊
ON GOD BRO
FINALLY IM FREE FROM THE SHACKLES
BOTH OF YOU CANT KILL ME NOW
KILL CHARLES INSTEAD
Oscar P. 🍊
Reply to Landooo 🍊: Come on mate, be nice now
Kimi Antonelli 🟦
what the fuck is happening
is this why you won’t let Max show us his apartment
Arvid Lindblad
ooohhh
Liam Lawson
Reply to Arvid Lindblad: yep
Isack H.
Reply to Liam Lawson: what do you mean, yep?!
Reply to Liam Lawson: did our friendship mean nothing?
why didnt u tell me?!
Carlos Sainz (jr??)
just woke up, thought we have some serious shit to discuss but
yeah, wtf? Care to explain? @ You @ M❤️🔥
Fernando the 🐐
God, kids nowadays
M❤️🔥
Shut up he’s still sleeping, had to silent his phone bcs of you all
Tell anyone and we’ll burn down your garage
Landooo 🍊
OOOOH IT’S ALWAYS A “WE” NOW
“WE”
“WE”
M❤️🔥 have muted the notifications.