Chapter Text
"Everything can change in an instant. Everything. And then there is only before and after."
- Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Tuesday Morning - 8:00 am - Maranello, Italy
There are certain things in life you just know right away. For example, I knew I was a morning person from the age of six. I could only drink coffee if it was almost pure sugar. And my main goal in life is to live it to the fullest.
You're probably thinking, 'that's cool and all, but what normal person would willingly wake up early?' My only defense would be, at least I know waking up before the crack of dawn for anything, especially a meeting, is a form of torture. However, you know what they say, 'the early bird gets the worm.'
"Good morning, Miss León; I'm excited to officially welcome you to the team. This offer came much closer to the 2022 season than we would've liked. Because of that, my team is still working on your housing and travel arrangements. As well as recognize that we left you with limited preparation time, but after reading your application and reviewing your credentials, there simply isn't another person better for this job."
This. This is the worm people always murmur about. And the bird (me) wanted this specific worm more than anything in the world. Obviously, it's not a literal worm. But it was a rare chance to be a part of the world of Formula One, and you know… not have to pay. Before we go back to this chance of a lifetime, I'd like to provide some context.
Two weeks ago, I applied for the position of PR Manager for an undisclosed Formula One team. The secrecy would usually turn me away, as I've been described as a 'control freak' (thanks, Mom.) But to be fair, what sane person would agree to travel around the world for a year with strangers. However, this is the job of my dreams, and being mentally stable is also not something I would use to describe myself. So my thinking was I would be an idiot to turn down an opportunity like this just based on this minor (major) missing detail.
"With that being said, do you have any questions?" Shit, was she still talking this whole time? I get so caught up in my internal monologue that I forget to listen to what's being said outside my head.
"Firstly, thank you again for this opportunity. It's been a dream of mine for some time, and having it come true is a little surreal. My only question is, which team am I working with this season?" As I said earlier, I have yet to learn who I work with. During the meeting, we discussed the contract's logistics, such as my contract is yearly with renewal depending on my performance, but I have yet to get to the full job description.
The older woman in front of me with cherry brown hair slowly takes off her glasses. "This season, you will work with the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One Team. That means you'll be around the team principal Frederic Vasseur and drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Hopefully, that's not a problem. I'm going to assume you're familiar with the team."
The secrecy is starting to make sense. No team wants to admit to having to hire someone so close to the beginning of the season. However, it makes me nervous about why Ferrari needed someone so quickly.
Brushing my thoughts aside, I smile and reply, "You know what they say. Everyone is a Ferrari fan. Even if they say they're not, they are Ferrari fans."
When Anastasia, the interviewer, and my new boss don't even crack a half smile, I die a little inside." Right. Your travel and housing arrangements will be sent to you sometime today. You leave for Sakhir first thing tomorrow morning."
She places a black bag with a Ferrari patch on the desk. "Here's your work bag with everything you'll need for the season's first race. As time passes and you get settled, you will receive more information. Good luck, Ms. León, and try not to mess this up. Not many people get this opportunity; now off you go."
I grab the bag off the table and shake her hand with a smile. "I look forward to hearing from you soon." and walk out the door.
That was undoubtedly the best yet weirdest interview I've ever had. Anastasia was so lovely in the beginning, and then I cracked one joke, and it's stone-faced realness. Maybe she's not a Sebastian Vettel fan? This worries me, considering she's a part of the team I will be working with. Seriously though, who in Formula One doesn't like Sebastian Vettel, the former Ferrari driver.
As I drive home, I fully process everything that just happened. I got my dream job with a top team. I'm leaving for the first race of the season in Bahrain. This is an absolute dream come true; all I have to do is keep it up. It's only the next nine months of my life. What could happen? It's so simple. Right?