ALYSSA HAMILTON

I woke up on an ordinary Monday morning in January, I got out of bed, put my fluffy grinch slippers on an trudged my way into the bathroom to brush my teeth. My hair was a mess, and my eyes still filled with tiredness.

As I was brushing my teeth, my phone, which lay on the counter beside me started ringing.
Incoming Call: Uncle Lewis 🏎🫶
I quickly spat out my toothpaste and wiped my mouth as I picked up the phone.

"Uncle Lewis, everything alright?" I greeted, I loved my uncle, he was a driver for mercedes in formula one, and my biggest inspiration.
"For the last time call me Lewis, anyway, as you know I'm getting on in years, and I wont be able to race forever. Thats why I want you to race for mercedes in my place." He responded, I gasped in shock.
"But Uncle Lewis, I can't, I don't have the skill and yes I do go kart racing every weekend for fun, but im only 18, Im not even in formula 2 or anything, I will be behind everyone, and im bound to DN-"
"Alyssa chill out, your the most skilled person I know, you might doubt yourself but I know you can do it, I wouldn't give the seat to anyone else. Meet me at the base in Brackley tomorrow if you want to race, I know you've got this" he cut me off.
"I-" the line got cut short.
This was definitely not a normal Monday morning in January.

I knew that if I did race, I wouldn't want to be alone, yes I knew a few drivers from when I go to Uncle Lewis' races, but my best friend, Alana Pérez. Plus her Uncle Checo would be there too, so it would be a win win.

The next day we were on our way to Brackley, and I still felt really nervous. We pulled up to the large building and saw two men waiting outside for us, as we got closer I recognised them as my uncle and his boss, Toto Wolff.
"Uncle Lewis!" I hugged him.
"Hey Ally" he responded and smiled as he returned the hug.
"Toto" I spoke professionally.
"Hello Alyssa" he replied.
After Alana greeted Lewis and introduced herself to Toto properly, we headed inside.

"Lewis, Miss Pérez, please wait out here while I go through the contracts with Miss Hamilton" Toto spoke as we approached a door reading 'Toto Wolff'.
They nodded and sat in the chairs outside.

I had chose to race, because it's always been what I wanted to do since I was a little girl, all because of my uncle. I signed the contracts and walked out of the office, a broad smile plastered on my face.
I went over to Lewis and hugged him, muttering a "thank you, for everything" against his chest.

I started my training, although I was pretty fit I still needed a lot of strength if I was going to drive this upcoming season. I went on regular runs, rather than every 2 days and did other activities to help me get in shape for Formula One.

A few months went past, and it was finally time to go to Bahrain. As I got out the car, Alana by my side, my new PR Manager, and loads of paparazzi shot pictures as I walked through the paddock, I didn't take notice and just carried on walking.

Alana was here for one reason, my PR manager, Checo had left red bull, and his seat was given to a younger formula 2 driver, and I don't think she liked it one bit. I walked into the mercedes motorhome, and as I got up a few steps, heard someone say my name.
"Alyssa!" I saw Lando call.

I dropped everything and ran to him, jumping into his arms. Lando has been my best friend ever since I was little but I haven't seen him since I last came to watch a race.
"Missed ya lando" I smiled into his warm embrace.
"You too Ally" He smiled.
"Oh I gotta go put my stuff away, but Ill speak to ya later" I said, only just realising Alana waiting for me.
"Alright, cya" He replied.

As I walked back up the stairs I saw George, Alex and 2 unfamiliar faces talking with Lando. I waved at him and then headed inside the motorhome. I threw my bag in my room and ran back down the stairs to the boys.

"George! Alex!" I squealed, running up to them.
"Crikey you've got a lot of energy" George smiled.
I giggled in response. I hugged him then turned to Alex.
"Stop being so tall, both of you" I looked up at them.
"5'2 dwarf" Alex laughed.
"Thats very rude! I come to say hello and you call me a dwarf" I said, putting my hand on my chest faking hurt. Alex brought me into a hug which I gladly accepted. At this point Alana was by my side, and she greeted Lando, George and Alex.
"Girls, this is Dennis, he's Max's new teammate" Lando said gesturing to one of the other boys, he was tall, about 5'11 and had dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. I don't think Alana liked the teammate part, as that was her uncles seat.
"Hi" he smiled.
"Hello" Alana and I spoke in unison.
"And this is my new teammate Logan" Alex introduced the other boy. He was also was about 5'11 and had brunette hair.
"Nice to meet you" he smiled.
"You too" Alana responded, and I nodded in agreement.

"Boys this is Alana Pérez, she works at mercedes and is Checo's neice" he introduced her.
"And this is Alyssa Hamilton, Lewis' neice, driving for mercedes this season and my childhood best friend" I smiled awkwardly and blushed, introductions weren't really my thing.
We spoke for a while before we headed to our garages to speak with our engineers, and Alana just hung with me.

This was probably going to be the best year of my life.