Page 65 of Overtake
“—appeal process?—”
“—championship points?—”
“—proper racing tradition?—”
But it’s Nico’s quiet words to Wyn that stick with me as the two WolfBett drivers slip past.
“Race clean tomorrow. Get through the pack. Show them who you really are, Wyn.”
The press descends before I can escape. Claudia and Rodrigo materialize at my side, but I know the drill, and my years of media training kick in automatically.
“Petra, your reaction to the stewards’ decision?”
“The FIA’s commitment to driver safety is crucial for our sport. Their thorough review of the incident demonstrates that.”
“Will this affect your approach to tomorrow’s race?”
“My focus remains on clean, competitive racing and scoring maximum points for Nitro. Every driver on the grid wantsto deliver the best possible show for the fans, safely and professionally. That’s what I’ll do tomorrow.”
“Any response to Graham Pritchard’s accusation that this decision shows bias?”
Unstable ground, this. “The stewards reviewed all available data and made their determination based on established regulations. I trust the process.” Okay, maybe I had some serious doubts…
More questions fly:
“Championship implications?—”
“Team dynamics?—”
“Future races?—”
Claudia glances at me, but I keep answering. This is part of my job, as much as driving is. I’ve been doing it since I was winning karting championships as a kid.
“The focus now is on tomorrow’s race. Every point matters, every lap counts, and that’s where my attention needs to be.”
All perfect sound bites without saying anything controversial.
Dad must be so proud.
“Petra, care to comment on Kelley Hayter-Morrison’s interview withMotoMouth?” A reporter thrusts a phone screen in front of me and there’s my mother, perfectly positioned against the Austin sunset.
“As a mother, naturally I’m concerned about safety in the sport.” Her practiced emotion is almost believable. “While I respect the stewards’ decision, this highlights the need for proper guidance. The importance of family support during these high-pressure situations is immeasurable.”
Right. Because she’s an expert on family support.
Claudia steers me away from the reporters. “You have enough sound bites. Our driver needs to focus on prep for tomorrow’s Grand Prix.”
The last thing I hear is my mother’s perfectly modulated voice: “Sometimes love means making difficult choices. Stepping back to let your child grow.”
“I will actually murder her,” Claudia mutters.
I shake my head. “Too much paperwork.”
Time to find Cin and hit something that’s not my mother. Though the temptation’s great.
“Your blood pressure’s through the roof.” Cin studies the cuff’s readout, brow furrowed with disapproval. “Not that I’m surprised.”
“I’m fine.” Another automatic lie.
