Page 119 of Overtake
“And these photos predate their relationship,” Dad adds. “Some are from Monaco, Barcelona, and Silverstone.”
“Coy’s right.” Marcus nods. “This is a professional, coordinated effort.”
“So someone’s gathering intelligence?” Astrid Ravn, who’s Ravn Racing’s team principal and the daughter of the owner, Maximillian, crosses her arms. “And using fan access as cover.”
“But why leak them now?” Heinrich pulls up more images.
“To cause maximum damage to specific drivers.” I point from myself to Nico. “What better way to sow doubt about integrity and team loyalty than this shit?”
“Especially if you disapprove of inter-team relationships.” Nico’s not bothering to hide his anger. “Convenient fucking timing.”
“Very,” Carlos agrees. “Almost like someone wants attention focused on personal matters instead of technical breaches.”
The room falls quiet. He’s implying the perpetrator is using the relationship between Nico and me as a distraction.
“Right then.” Marcus straightens. “We need a plan for tracking the source of these pictures, managing media speculation, and protecting our people and our data.”
Everyone nods. Rivalry ends where common threats begin.
Dad flanks him. “Our first priority is securing technical areas. We need new protocols for fan access and stricter control of sight lines to sensitive data.”
“Without appearing to restrict appreciation events,” Claudia says. “We don’t want to punish genuine supporters for someone else’s exploitation.”
“Second priority,” Marcus says, “tracking the source. These photos show knowledge of team operations and technical understanding.”
“So we’re looking for someone with experience,” Heinrich notes. “Someone who knows what to look for and when to look.”
Reece crosses his arms. “Meanwhile, we’ve got races to prepare for and championship points on the line.”
“Which is exactly what someone’s trying to disrupt,” Dad says. “Whoever this is, they want to create doubt, force mistakes,and make us second-guess everything from technical decisions to personal choices.”
“That’s not happening.” I meet Nico’s gaze. “We race to win. Everything else is just noise.”
“Well said, Petra.” Marcus nods.
“We need to bring the FIA into this,” Astrid says.
“Agreed.” Dad nods. “And coordinate on security plans.”
The team principals dismiss the rest of us. As we head for the stairs, Nico catches my hand. “Do you have a minute?”
I caress his cheek and press my lips to his ear. “You’re not just noise.” I kiss him quickly. “Later, Bunny Boy.” I catch up with Reece, but glance over my shoulder before descending the stairs.
Nico’s watching me, a smile curving his lips. He got the message.
THE SLIPSTREAM
@HoneyBunnyRacingEXCUSE ME?? Paddock Access Daily is really suggesting that PETRA HAYTER needs to steal tech secrets?? She GREW UP in a garage! The audacity is astronomical. #StandWithPetra
@RabbitEarsForeverI’m LIVID. The teams opened their garages to us, trusted us with access, and someone USED that privilege to spy?? And now they’re blaming PETRA for it?? Nah fam. This is war. #HoneyBunniesUnited #StandWithPetra
? @GridWalkGossipNOT MY HONEY BUNNIES BEING USED FOR CORPORATE ESPIONAGE We just wanted to support our drivers and share our love for the sport!! #BetrayedFans #StandWithPetra
? @BelmonteArmyThe way they’re trying to paint both Nico AND Petra as compromised when they’re literally the most professional drivers on the grid... Graham Pritchard’s fingerprints are ALL over this hit job. #TeamBelmonte #TeamHayter
? @PaddockPrincess91The DISRESPECT. Petra has been WINNING while dealing with sexist BS for YEARS and now they’re saying she’s... what? A honeypot? I’m done. #StandWithPetra
@TenPSupremacySome asshole used our love for this sport to SPY?? I feel sick. These drivers trusted us. #FansSayNo #StandWithPetra
