After the first three races my emotions were all around the place. Claiming some points for the time in my first race felt phenomenal even if it was just the first step of the season. I thought it would mean that luck is on our side a little bit, and maybe I was worried for nothing in the end. Then came the second race where I didn't even get to finish the race, thanks to a mechanical issue. I knew it was most likely not something I caused, but at the same time I felt like I just wanted too much from the car and messed up the limits of what we can ask from it. We knew it had problems and sensitive areas and were warned not to push it that weekend, before they could fix them for the next race. The plan was completing the race so we could at least keep the car in one piece, but I couldn't even deliver that for the team. I felt like a complete disaster, and even after completing the Hungarian GP I didn't feel the same as before the start of the season. I didn't feel like there was a place here for me, and the interviewers made sure that I knew they agreed with me on that.

„ Why are you still here? " Dan startled me as I heard his voice coming from right next to me. I flinched in my seat, whipping my head in his way to look at him. A sigh left my body at registering his face in my mind, so I could be sure it was not someone else.

„ I wanted to help with the packing. " I nodded towards the big containers that were already full and closed, waiting for the transporting truck that will take them to the next race. It was always funny to me how quick it was to pack up a whole garage and take it to another country. It was strange but fascinating at the same time.

„ I know that. But they have been ready for the past hour and half at least. " He sat down next to me, resting his arms on the railing I was leaning on too. „ Who are you hiding from? " He bumped our shoulders together, making me smile before it vanished again. For a second I thought about lying, but I realised he would know it before I even got a word out.

„ Myself, Cyryl, the fans. " I shrugged a little, naming just the few who I didn't really want to be next to in this exact moment. I could have probably added a few more to the list, but it was already enough. He got what I meant, it was visible in the smile he gave me.

„ If that helps, Cyryl was over the moon that you completed a race. As for the fans, they seemed happy tweeting about it too. That's two ticked off your list. " He sounded like he just solved life's biggest question and created world peace.

„ That isn't really something we should celebrate though. You mostly wanna at least get points. Which I failed to do so. Again. " I sighed, leaning my head on my arms that were crossed on the metal railing.

„ If everyone would be winning points, who would be the last one? " He chuckled, making me roll my eyes. „ Hey... you did good. It's just the start. You can still achieve so much, you still have the time to do so. " He added, clapping me on my back, although I knew it wasn't with the power he would use for all the other guys. It made me smile and hate him at the same time.

„ I hope so. But you're right, there is time still. " I let out a sigh, looking once again at my watch and deciding I should probably get back to the hotel. „ It's just all confusing. Going from such a high to the lowest possible. It's just running around in my mind that maybe I was just lucky in Austria, and it will never happen again. " I shook my head, lifting my head but I just rather looked at the empty garage than him.

„ That's the racing world. It will always be like that. " He shrugged, making me look at him when he poked my side with his elbow. „ I heard you like bets... What about we make one too? " He asked, confusion getting onto my face, although I didn't hate his idea. I was just curious what the bet would be about. I waited for him to continue and he delivered. „ If you get a podium during this season, you will have to get a tattoo. You can decide the place and design, but you're getting one. On the other hand, if I'm wrong you can choose one for me. " He described the rules, making me actually curious.

„ Shake on it? " I asked just half a second later, not even really thinking it through. He shook my hand with his usual grin, which made me laugh a little. He got me excited again, even though I thought I lost the positive side of me for racing. „ Is your flight tomorrow? " I asked him curiously as we stood up and he led us towards the parking lot. We usually went on the same flight if it was immediately to the next race's country.

„ Yeah. Early morning, sadly. Are you gonna fly home or straight to the UK? " He asked back, letting me catch up to him when he was getting well in front of me. I wasn't small, but compared to them my height was quite funny, which meant my legs were a lot shorter too. If I got points for every time they almost left me behind, I would be leading the championship for sure.

„ No, just the UK. We have some filming planned for a rookie challenge. Although, I still don't know more than that we're gonna be karting. " I answered, my mood getting a bit better when I mentioned our plans. It was something I was really looking forward to, even though I was a little scared about what they will make us do for this year. „ I just hope it will be nothing more than what last year's rookies had to do. That I can do perfectly. " I chuckled, fixing my bag on my back, so it wouldn't be pulling on just one of my shoulders.

„ Those things are always fun. Helps the fans to get to know you guys. " He gave me a genuine grin, letting me exit the pitlane first. „ It's never been about embarrassing you or making them hate you guys. I swear on my life that you will enjoy it. " He promised me, which somehow did help calm down a part of my brain which was still running on the fears I had about the challenge.

„ Don't do that. I like you too much to lose you to me being embarrassed by something that others would enjoy. I'm not that easy going. " I shook my head, finally letting out a laugh. He probably had this effect on everyone, even though most people thought he was just a simple joker among the drivers. He did a lot more than just laugh at everything, that they didn't see, because it was always in private.

Somehow I actually had one of my life's best sleeps that night, somehow going from being worried to actually looking forward to the planned activity. I was up early still, packing everything up so I wouldn't have to do it later and didn't have to rush it. I still had enough time to go for a run in the park around our hotel, even though I usually skipped running for post race days. I felt like my mind needed it, and it did feel refreshing after I had a shower and got ready for the day. I was a half an hour ahead of the schedule when I took a taxi to the airport, as I rather waited there until we could get on the private plane, than in the hotel room.

Getting there was easy, thanks to the minimum traffic on the roads and stepping inside the waiting room I could recognize George sitting at one of the tables. For a moment I was confused, not understanding why he was here but I still went up to him. I wasn't going to be the one to reject some company, while waiting for the others. He greeted me happily as soon as I took the seat across him, pulling my luggage next to me, so it won't be in the way for anyone. I was just about to ask why was he flying with us, when my phone started ringing and I spent the next almost twenty minutes talking to my mum, who wanted to know all the details about our flight to the UK. She always called me before the flights and demanded a text from me as soon as we landed just so she knew we're okay and nothing happened. Do I have to mention she was petrified of flying and planes? I was relieved when she was needed by my dad and we had to put down the call finally, making me sigh out as I tapped the red button.

„ Guess she's not a fan of you flying everywhere? " George asked, sipping on his coffee after his question. I nodded as an answer, putting my phone back into my pocket as I didn't plan on receiving any calls.

„ Not like I have been doing it for the last few years anyways. " I rolled my eyes a little, even if I loved her. „ Are you flying with us to the UK? " I voiced my question, leaning back in my seat to get into a comfortable position. I thought it would be just Nicky and I as we were the only rookies this year.

„ Yeah. Lando and Alex are on their way too, and Esteban is already there. " He answered me, but I just got more confused by his words. „ They asked us to take part in the challenge. Thought they would make it more exciting with including last year's rookies and someone who didn't race last season too. " I finally understood what was happening, although it was strange that they didn't tell us yet. It made it exciting but at the same time confusing, as we didn't even know what our task would be during the filming, other than driving the karts.

„ That's a surprise. " My eyes widened for a second, before I quickly thanked the waiter for the coffee he put down in front of me. „ But the good kind, a good kind of surprise. " I quickly added, before he would take it in the wrong way. I didn't want him to think I hated spending time with them outside of the usual race weekends. They wouldn't have to ask me twice to spend some time with them, but at the same time I didn't want to be too clingy on anyone.

" Yeah, we didn't know about it until like a week ago either. They probably changed plans just before contacting us. It's gonna be fun anyways. " He shrugged a little, still smiling as I returned it. I hoped that he's telling the truth and I will be able to enjoy it even though I knew my mind would be focused on staying away from Lando.

From the outside or Lando's perspective our friendship probably didn't look as relaxed as it was before and during the original start of the season. A lot has changed since then, mostly on the fans' side as there were more who hoped I will be dropped by my team next season and someone can take it who will get more out of the possibilities. They made sure I heard their opinion and knew where they were standing, almost every day but at least every time I dared to post something on my accounts. It didn't really matter what the post was about, it was always the same, them dissecting me and my driving skills until they came to the conclusion that I shouldn't have been given the seat by Renault. It never helped that they always stirred in a sprinkle of mine and Lando's friendship, turning the situation upside down and coming up with that being the only reason behind me getting a chance in F1. It felt as quite a strange idea, as we weren't even in the same team. Shouldn't I get Dan or Cyril into my web if I want to secure my seat at my current team?

Luckily the other guys arrived just minutes before we had to get onto the plane and we didn't really have time for anything else then a quick greeting hug. The plane was quite big enough for the 5 of us and the few camera crew people that traveled with us. I took a seat across Alex and was relieved when George was quicker than Lando and took the seat next to me. Both Lando and Nicky took the seats on the other half of the plane. They were still close to us, but I was happy that I didn't have to always make sure I wasn't in the pictures or videos they took of him. I had to be in the group photo the filming crew took of us, but it wasn't the same and the fans could see I wasn't attached to him or clinging to him on normal days either. The quicker I would break their thoughts about how attached I am to him, the sooner we could get back to acting normal around each other. A flight where we were locked in together was the perfect occasion to show them I really don't care about spending time with him. Not even when our activities were limited.

While they were showing each other stupid videos I just put on my headset to listen to some music. Knowing we will have to start filming early after landing, I wanted to get some sleep before going through half a day of karting. Even if it was just mostly a fun challenge so we could forget about the serious season for a bit, I didn't want it to be a struggle because of sleep deprivation. We had some time on our hands and I knew we would catch up either during or after the filming, leaving sleeping the only other activity I could choose from. Sliding down a little in my seat I let my head lean back and hoped sleep would catch up with me quickly. Times went by a lot quicker if you were asleep and even though I didn't have a problem with flights, they were a lot more enjoyable if you just skipped all of it. Luckily for once my body was on my side and the next time I opened my eyes, we were already landing. The wheels touched down without any problems, and we were allowed to get our things together and leave the plane in just a few minutes.

" Straight to the karting track? " Nicky asked, getting into one of the cars that they sent out for us. I got in after him, thinking George would follow us but seems like my luck had run out as it was Lando who sat down next to me.

" Yes. They said we will have one or two changing rooms. Depending on if Winnie is okay with sharing or not. " Lando answered him while I didn't even realize that he was talking about me. I just wanted to finally get to our destination and get out of the car. " Hey, you okay? " He bumped my shoulder with his, making my head lift up and eyes land on him.

" Yeah. Just tired. That's all. " I shrugged a little, not letting my gaze linger on his face, for longer than necessary. " It will be interesting to race with karts again. We did a bit of it during the off-season, but feels like a lifetime ago when we actually had everyone together. " I added, trying to get the attention off myself and how I'm feeling, before something would slip out.

" I will enjoy the same engines. " Nicholas let out a sigh next to me, and I couldn't help a chuckle leaving my body. They weren't the most competitive team from the grid, even though both him and George were great drivers. They just needed a better car to have a chance.

Just as Lando told us, they were waiting for our cars to pull up, escorting us into the building immediately. In the end I got a separate changing room and I couldn't really complain, and just enjoyed the bit of privacy it gave me while getting ready. We had a bit of free time before the filming started, giving me a bit of time to call my family and inform them that we got to the UK fine and were about to get on with the day. It was always hard to put a call with them down, which explains why I was still holding the device to my ear with my shoulder as I left the little room. It was easy to spot the team standing around, waiting for the crew to set up the cameras before we would get on with the introduction and the actual karting. I was about to put down the call when Lando stepped up next to me, handing me a cup of steaming coffee.

" I have to go, we're starting in just a few minutes. " I let out a sigh, taking the cup from Lando after putting down my gloves to get at least one of my hands empty. Just a few seconds later my phone was already back in my suit's pocket, and I could finally take a sip from the drink. " Thank you. " I looked up at Lando with a little smile, seeing him nod before turning towards George who was trying to get his attention.

For a second a strange feeling took over my body for acting so cold towards him, while he was still looking out for me and helping where he could. Just a few months prior to today he was the one at fault, but in that time we reserved roles and now I was the one pushing us farther away from each other. Deep inside I knew it could have been dealt with differently, but at the same time I felt like this was the only way to keep the fans out of the picture. It wasn't a decision that made me happy, but rather just kept even more stress away from me. It was never going to be my favourite decision to make, but one that was needed and inevitable if we didn't want to put my sanity on the line.

I didn't get to ponder on the situation longer than a second or two as they finished with the set up and the next step was to get us together for the introduction. They got Nicky and myself to stand the closest to the interviewers as the others got to decide their own positions. I felt tiny in between the two Williams' guys, but didn't have time to really complain as the camera started rolling in the same second as George took his place on my left side, completing the lineup. We of course started with a few questions about the first races and our plans, before we could get to the rules of today's challenge. It was just everyday karting, although they wanted us each to team up with an ex-rookie. I was about to get worried that they might be doing the pairing, when they revealed that we can choose.

" So, I think ladies first instead of rock-paper-scissors? " One of the presentators asked, turning towards Nicky who just nodded, approving of the order of choosing he proposed. " Then, Winola, please choose your team mate. " He turned to me, making me look at the three who were waiting for my answer. Esteban was considered a rookie with us, skipping a year without racing in F1 and coming back for this season.

" George. " I answered after debating if it should be Alex or him. Lando wasn't a choice I was ready to take and the comments it would bring. They were both a safer bet, as everyone knew they were in relationships.

" Yes, boys! " He sounded like he just won a Grand Prix, making me laugh immediately although I didn't miss the defeated look on Lando's face. I didn't linger on it too much though, accepting the high-five from George while it was Nicky's turn to choose Alex, leaving Esteban with the last remaining person.

" Perfect. One last rule. There's gonna be four people on track at the same time, fighting for the points, as every pair will get to race the other two. The remaining two people will have a chance to distract the ones driving. " One of the presenters made us stop, as we all got curious what that actually meant. " Thanks to the fantastic weather, a bit of cooling water balloons will not hurt anyone. " He raised an eyebrow making most of us laugh, although at the same time I knew this won't end well for anyone. Neither of us could be trusted with a weapon like water balloons.

As I was the first one to choose my team mate, we got put on the end of the order of the races. Luckily it wasn't any less exciting then driving the karts as every lap we got to attack them and almost all the time successfully distract them. For a second I felt bad when we even caused Nicholas to spin out, but in the end it was all fun and games, and they got their own chance when we were sitting behind the wheels. They were probably even better as my aim was off by miles on half of my throws, while I saw only a few splattering on the concrete in front of or next to me. My suit was already soaking wet in several spots when I got up off the kart, taking my helmet off at the same time, but somehow they thought it wasn't enough. I was just about to ask for the overall positions when from the corner of my eye I caught movement but before I could react one of the two buckets of remaining water was dumped on me. A scream got stuck in my throat at the cold shock, while George immediately let out a shout as he received the other bucket's content over his head.

" That should tell you enough about who won. " Lando clapped me on the back while passing me and I would have hit him if my body wasn't paralised by the water still. He still visibly flinched when I moved a little, fearing I would be able to catch him with a poke to the ribs or something.

" Thought it would be the loser getting punished. " I rolled my eyes, taking a step away from the kart so I could put down the helmet from my hand. We were lucky it was summer and warm as even now the water felt chilly through the suit. Couldn't imagine how it would have felt on a windy autumn day with the usual british weather.

I didn't get too much time to suffer on my own as we were pulled together for a last little talk, so they could officially announce the victorious team. We even got tiny trophies, the size reducing with the positions as the last placed team got only keychain ones. It got us to laugh once more, as we said goodbye to the camera and were free to leave as soon as everything was checked over once and approved by the crew. I was the first one out of the changing rooms, but waited for the others to get back into their normal clothes too. A part of me hoped that they had a plan for some activities as I didn't feel like laying around the hotel room until Dan got here and we could get back to training together both with Michael and Mark. Luckily they did not disappoint me, immediately offering that we could meet up at the hotel's outside bar for a drink or two, before getting back to our usual clean eating and lifestyle. One drink isn't a big cheat meal anyways.

" I think I will just take a nap, and do something in the afternoon. I'm knackered. " Lando declined with a sigh, making me turn towards him immediately. All of us knew him well, and he wasn't one to miss a chance to relax with friends after a fun activity. " But have fun. Don't have a hangover tomorrow. " He added with a smile, that somehow seemed forced before fistbumping all of us and just leaving the building. For a second I stared after him, but then the others talking made me turn back with a sigh, focusing on relaxing a little with them.