#Suspension Setup

[goodoldbandit]

Ride Smoother, Ride Smarter: Identifying and Fixing Suspension Problems.

Good Old Bandit Good Old Bandit. gob.stayingalive.in Smooth your ride and sharpen your skills by identifying and fixing suspension problems like a pro. The Unsung Hero Beneath You
 Why Suspension Deserves More Respect Than It Gets Let’s kick this off with a truth bomb: your suspension isn’t just there for comfort—it’s the difference between control and chaos. Between a bike that sticks to…

[dipplinduo]

Chapter 20 of Sweet & Sour Dipplins is here!

Idk why but Tumblr is being super glitchy about the link, so just click here for the update.

And so the countdown begins...tick tock tick tock tick tock... :)

[b0amagination]

fucking obsessed with a chair in the bathroom in a whump scene. the kind that belongs in a dining room or a kitchen.

this chair Does Not Belong Here. something Wrong is happening here. why is so much time being spent in this room that a chair is suddenly so necessary that one would drag it from The Other Room

sitting on the toilet simply would not suffice, no no no. it's CHAIR TIME

[strangeoval]

IMCA Axle Setups for Dirt Modified and Sport Mods | Strange Oval

Explore high-performance IMCA axle setups designed for Dirt Modified, B-Mods, and Sport Mods racing. Built for strength, reliability, and optimal traction on oval tracks. Trust Strange Oval for proven driveline and suspension solutions in competitive racing.    

Contact Information:   

For more details or to request a sample, visit IMCA axle setups or contact Strange Oval directly:            

Phone: 800-653-1099           

Website: https://www.strangeoval.com/       

Address: 8300 Austin Ave Morton Grove, IL 60053        

[aroaessidhe]

2024 reads / storygraph

Hearts Still Beating

post-apocalyptic YA

a few years after a tick-borne zombie apocalypse destroyed most of the world, a treatment is developed that keeps the infected from going feral

an infected teen is in recovery and sent back in the world - to live with her former best friend’s family, since her sister hates her for killing their parents

the best friend now lives on an island community with her parents and adopted siblings, traumatised from what she’s had to do to survive

when the militant group that has control of the island becomes increasingly aggressive, they’re forced to reconnect and work together

f/f, bi MC

[rozaceous]

me, reading svsss fic where shen yuan/sqq is oblivious to how he's already in a relationship with binghe and lamenting how he hasn't realized it's romantic after all this time, how could such miscommunication occur: aromanticism. who cares if it's romance or not. commit, you cowards.

[theslimeologist]

I had voted unsure but thinking on it, I'm definitely interested in an art school (/art based server) thingy c:

[siflshonen]

Give peace a chance, love your neighbor as yourself, treat others as you would like to be treated, and stop showing me some of the worst takes ever about my blorbo as suggested content THANK YOU!

[duckapus]

So you know how Tulip's the only Avatar that doesn't really have a solid means of defending herself? Well, besides Sally, but she's a robot designed to survey potentially hostile environments for long periods so it's not as big a deal. Anyway, Sora potentially has a solution...

"Alright, not sure if this'll work for someone outside my universe, or how long it'll take to manifest if it does, but it can't hurt to give it a shot. Now how did it go again..."

As he tries to remember, Tulip thinks of a potential problem, "Doesn't this usually have to be done by a Master?"

He shrugs, "Eh, that's the proper way, but Terra managed it for Riku. It's really more about power levels than any fancy title. Plus the fact that I'm not an official Master despite my accomplishments has more to do with Yen Sid's archaic views on Light and Darkness than whether or not I've actually earned it."

"Do you even know half the words you just said?"

"I may be paraphrasing Donald. Now, let's do this." He summons the Kingdom Key, flipping it to a reversed one-handed grip and holding it out to her.

After a brief hesitation, she takes hold of the hilt, just below his hand, and he recites the Bequeathing ritual, "In your hand, take this Key. So long as you have the makings, then through this simple act of taking...its wielder you shall one day be."

"...And that's it?" she'd known that she wouldn't immediately end up with a Keyblade, if she got one at all, but given the magic involved she'd half expected to Feel something from the small ceremony.

Sora nods, "That's it. 'Course, it couldn't hurt to get in some more mundane weapons training so you're not swinging blind when it shows up."

He dismisses his Keyblade and pulls a pair of wooden swords out from nowhere to show what he means, and Tulip nods and grabs one from him, "Sure, I'm game."

[tony-hawks-underground]

On today's episode of newer is worse. Why did ford make the 05 superduty so much uglier than the 04

[thoughtfulfangirling]

Paging @docholligay

Thank you for that fine forensic analysis, Mr. Bodine. Of course the experience of it was... Somewhat different.

TITANIC (1997) dir. James Cameron

[speedrix-speedy]

Mastering Terrain: How Suspension Tuning Transforms Off-Road RC Car Performance

Off-road RC cars have long since transcended the status that they are "toys" and entered the realm of high-tech machines. While many hobbyists focus on the brushless motors, or 2.4GHz controls, very few are aware of the single crucial element that separates the pros from the amateurs: suspension tuning.

We'll look at how small changes to suspension geometry damping, geometry, and clearance to the ground can affect the off-road experience. If you're racing across loose gravel, slogging through rock ledges or ploughing across forest tracks, maximizing your suspension's capabilities isn't only beneficial but essential.

1. The Misconception of "Out-of-the-Box" Readiness

A lot of high-end off-road RC vehicles are advertised by claiming to be "ready-to-run" (RTR). Although technically but these configurations aren't always designed to the conditions you'll encounter. The the spring rate, shock oils or arm angles might not be up to the requirements of your particular trail.

A standard setup may work for flat dirt or grass that is light, but when you're faced with sharp rock or uneven sandbanks you'll notice the wheel's articulation and rebound and the tuning of shock pistons are important much more than horsepower.

2. Understanding Suspension Travel and Dampening

When it comes to real offroad vehiclesuch as Dakar trucks, or Baja buggies - suspension tuning is essential. Similar is the case in RC.

It's too rigid and your wheels will not be able to maintain contact with uneven surfaces.

A bit too soft and you run the risk of dropping down, suspension slap or unpredictability rebound.

For those who ride on uneven terrain for example, a progressive spring set-up coupled with a mid-weight oil (30-40 wt) provides a balanced proper balance between return speed and compression.

In reality, a lot of competitors meticulously change the pistons of their shocks, or 3D-print their own suspension arm to meet the specific needs of each terrain. For those who are new to this area this comprehensive tutorial on off-road RC automobiles gives a solid base on the models that are best suited to this type of customization.

3. Terrain-Specific Suspension Strategies

Each type of terrain comes with its own challenges. Here's a breakdown of:

Sand dunes Large tires with stiff suspension in the rear and a slightly lower front for stability in directional direction

rock crawling Long-travel shocks soft springs, high-articulation set-up

Trails in the forest Moderate damping, with excellent rebound to deal with leaf litter, roots and other debris

urban bashing (stairs and curbs) Stiffer suspension, strengthened arms and preload adjustment

Pro tip: Experiment with the droop settings to regulate the amount of extension your suspension can allow at zero load. This is a tuning trick that's often not used on RC forums.

4. Active vs. Passive Suspension Tuning: How Far Can You Go?

Certain high-end rigs are now offering Active suspension system that use telemetry to assist in tuning or the ability to adjust the ride height using a servo. Although they are still uncommon within the RC world, technology is now being filtered down through drones and robotics.

For the majority of hobbyists with a passive tuning approach, adjustable collars, adjustable points of mounting for shocks and changes in oil viscosity provide the greatest balance of efficiency and price.

5. Suspension Maintenance: The Silent Performance Killer

Even the most well-tuned system can be a problem if you do not take care of it.

Shock seals degrade

Viscosity in oil is broken down

Springs get tired with time.

The monthly peel-down (depending on how much you smash) could reveal issues like bent shafts, micro-leaks and other things that could significantly affect the consistency of jumping or when steering under stress.

Many RC groups don't realize the effect of compounding suspension degrading particularly when it's gradual enough that it's hard to tell between sessions next.

6. The Future: AI-Tuned RC Suspensions?

Machine learning is now a part of drones for consumers and remote control flight controllers it's only an issue of time before the use of AI-assisted suspension tuning is a common feature. Real-time telemetry and the ability to recognize terrain could soon automatically optimize the curves of rebound, stiffness and damping in real-time.

Although this technology is still just beginning to take off, early adopters as well as amateur builders have already begun playing with Arduino-based devices that adjust the preload of servos based on G-force information.

Conclusion

Suspension tuning may not be the most glamorous aspect of RC off-roading, but it's probably the most crucial. If you've purchased an expensive RC car, but haven't set up your suspension for the terrain you're getting half of its potential.

From rock crawlers to trail runners The real benefit is not in speed but rather in the way your vehicle responds to unpredictable situations. Adjust your setup to perfection as well as you off road RC vehicle will be rewarded with better control endurance, durability, and race winning reliability.

To get a more detailed analysis of models that are terrain-matched and professional-grade upgrade kits check out Speedrix's main website the best site for top-quality RC vehicles, trucks, and other parts.

[goodoldbandit]

Ride Like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Performance Tuning.

Good Old Bandit. Good Old Bandit. gob.stayingalive.in Optimize your motorcycle for maximum comfort and performance. Learn step-by-step how to adjust ergonomics, suspension, brakes, and more for the perfect ride. Motorcycles are more than just machines; they are an extension of the rider’s body. When properly adjusted, a motorcycle can provide not only a comfortable ride but also superior…

[roxxr]

Essential Checklist for Buying a Used Motorcycle as a First-Time Buyer

Are you considering buying a used motorcycle as a first-time buyer? Purchasing a pre-owned bike can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to ensure that you’re making a wise investment. To help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist of things to look for when buying a used motorcycle. ◦ 1. **Budget**: Determine your budget before you start looking at…

[cressidagrey]

Brilliant

Pairing: Oscar Piastri x Felicity Leong-Piastri (Original Character)

Part of the The mysterious Mrs. Piastri Series.

Summary:   Lando Norris figures out that Felicity is not the only genius in the family. 

Warnings and Notes: Big thanks to @llirawolf , who listens to me ramble 😂

Lando Norris had been lulled into a false sense of security.

The first time he’d come over to have dinner with Oscar and his secret wife and daughter, it had been all banana bread, fairy lights, a farmhouse and chickens. 

He’d left thinking, Wow, wholesome. Lovely. What a nice normal family.

He should’ve known better.

It started fine.

Felicity answered the door with her hair in a braid and Bee on her hip, wearing a linen apron. Later she started chopping parsley like she had a Michelin star. 

Oscar was still in socks and a McLaren hoodie, casually setting the table. Brownies were cooling on the counter. It all felt aggressively wholesome.

Domestic. Wholesome. Normal.

And then things started to shift.

It began when Bee asked Lando if he wanted to see her “new diagrams.”

“Sure,” Lando said, immediately charmed. “What are we diagramming?”

Bee dragged a whiteboard the size of a refrigerator into the living room. It was already covered in rainbow-colored equations, scatter plots, and aerodynamic schematics. Some of it… looked familiar.

“This is what I think happened to you in Canada,” she chirped. “Your rear tyre temps didn’t match your front entry load.”

Lando blinked. “I—I’m sorry?”

“Don’t worry,” Bee said sweetly. “I made notes.”

Oscar, leaning against the counter like a man watching a nature documentary, just said, “She was bored yesterday.”

Lando turned slowly. “Did you… help her with this?”

Felicity didn’t even look up from the salad she was tossing. “Nope. But she did ask me how to pull GPS overlays from the broadcast feed. I think she reverse-engineered it.”

“She’s three,” Lando said, horrified.

“She’ll be four next month,” Felicity replied, like that clarified anything.

Oscar handed Lando a glass of water with the casual air of a man offering a lifeline. “She’s always like this. Felicity taught her indexing when she was two. They do Sudoku before bed. Last week she asked if brake bias feels different when I haven’t slept.”

Lando opened his mouth. Then closed it.

Bee, very seriously: “Do you think you overcorrected in Q2, or was your setup just inefficient?”

Felicity, completely deadpan: “You should’ve requested a suspension change after FP2. I told Oscar you’d feel the oversteer.”

Oscar nodded. “She called it Wednesday night.”

Lando looked down at his mashed potatoes like they might hold the answers.

“Am I being… debriefed?” he asked weakly.

Felicity gave him a sunny smile. “Consider it peer review.”

Bee handed him a drawing. It was a near perfect drawing of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Labeled.

“You missed apexes here,” she said, pointing, “and your throttle trace gets nervous here. But you did very well on Sunday. Mama said your interview was mature.”

Lando took a long sip of water.

He had no idea how to respond to that.

Oscar just smiled, like this was completely normal.

***

Dinner was over.

Bee had fallen asleep halfway through explaining tyre conservation during variable track temp. Her whiteboard stood like a shrine to chaos in the corner, still covered in formulas and glittery annotations. Felicity was upstairs putting her to bed.

Oscar was stacking plates by the sink when Lando, quiet and still visibly rattled, came to stand beside him.

“Mate,” he said, softly. “This isn’t normal.”

Oscar glanced at him, then raised an eyebrow. “What part?”

“All of it. The tyre graphs. The whiteboard that’s bigger than she is. The fact that Bee casually says the phrase ‘aerodynamic turbulence modeling error margin.’ She’s three.”

Oscar shrugged, drying a plate. “It’s normal for Felicity.”

Lando frowned. “What do you mean?”

Oscar leaned against the counter, arms folded loosely, voice low with affection. “She’s the one who set the tone. Bee was never going to grow up in a house where questions got shrugged off or answers got dumbed down. That’s Felicity’s doing.”

Lando hesitated. Then, a little cautiously, “Okay, but like… how smart is Felicity, actually?”

Oscar sighed. Then exhaled. “She hates the word genius.”

“But…”

“She took multiple tests when she was a kid,” Oscar said. “Different versions. Different formats. She only ever mentions the lowest score she got.”

Lando waited.

Oscar glanced over. “One-sixty.”

Lando choked. “That’s the lowest?”

Oscar nodded, like he’d just said, ‘she bakes good muffins.’

“She rounds it down when people ask,” he added. “Doesn’t want anyone treating her differently.  She never tells people the others. Said it felt gross. Said it made people expect her to be perfect instead of human.”

“Mate,” Lando whispered. “That’s, like… Einstein numbers.”

Oscar shrugged. “I know.”

“She could be running a think tank.”

“She’d rather raise our daughter,” Oscar said simply. “And tile bathrooms. And fix old engines. And make bread.”

“She’s been raising a kid, tiling bathrooms, baking bread, writing a doctoral thesis and telling me my tyre strategy’s garbage—and she’s out here pretending to be a normal person?”

“She is a normal person,” Oscar said with a smile. “She just happens to be the smartest one in most rooms.” Oscar looked fondly toward the staircase. “She’s brilliant. Not just smart—brilliant. But she’d rather teach Bee how to mix concrete than talk about test scores.”

“...She terrifies me.”

Oscar grinned. “She terrifies everyone.”

A pause.

“Except you,” Lando said quietly.

Oscar shrugged. “She’s my wife.”

Lando shook his head. “You’re not even the smartest one in your own house.”

Oscar just shrugged. “Never claimed I was.”

“So… she’s a doctor,” Lando finally managed.

Oscar glanced up. “Technically, yeah.”

“Technically?!” Lando spluttered. “She has a PhD in mechanical engineering from Oxford. That’s not ‘technically.’ That’s Doctor Piastri.”

Oscar’s smile widened. “She doesn’t use the title.”

Lando blinked. “Why not?”

Oscar shrugged. “Says it either puts her on a pedestal or paints a target on her back. She earned it. But she doesn’t want it to be a wall between her and other people. So she leaves it off.”

Lando was quiet for a second. “She got a doctorate while raising a toddler. And doesn’t even use the title.”

“Because that was never the point,” Oscar said softly.

“Then what was the point?”

Oscar glanced toward the stairs. “Proving she could. Making sense of the chaos. Showing Bee what it means to finish something—even when it’s hard.”

Lando’s voice dropped. “What about Bee?”

Oscar stilled. “What about her?”

“Have you… tested her? For IQ or anything?”

Oscar shook his head. “No. Felicity doesn’t want to.”

Lando frowned. “But why?”

“Because when Fliss was a kid, that number became her whole identity,” Oscar said. “Her parents had her tested. A lot. Every number came back sky-high. Her family turned it into her whole identity. She stopped being a person and started being a benchmark. They gave her a number. A label. ‘Gifted.’ ‘Advanced.’ ‘Exceptionally high functioning.’ You’d be amazed how fast people stop treating their child like a child once that happens—and start treating the child like a product.”

Lando’s brows furrowed.

Oscar kept going. “Every teacher expected brilliance. Every mistake was a crisis. Every success wasn’t surprising—it was required. And every time she tried to be a kid, or just… ordinary for a second, someone reminded her what her number was. What it meant she should be doing.”

A pause.

“She doesn’t want that for Bee,” Oscar went on. “She wants her to love learning. To be curious because it’s fun, not because someone told her she’s supposed to be special.”

Lando was quiet for a long moment.

And then, finally: “That’s… actually really beautiful.”

Oscar gave a small smile. “Yeah. It is.”

“Don’t you ever want to know? Like, just out of curiosity.” Lando asked curiously. 

Oscar smiled faintly. “We already do know. We live with her.”

“Mate,” Lando said again, more quietly this time. “You live with two terrifyingly brilliant people.”

Oscar smiled, easy and proud. “I know.”

***

GRID GROUP CHAT

Lando: guys guys guys.

Charles: what did you do

Lando: i just had dinner at oscar’s place again his daughter. she has a whiteboard. bigger than her.

Esteban: cute 🥹

Lando: NO NOT CUTE IT HAD EQUATIONS ABOUT MY TYRE PERFORMANCE IN CANADA

Pierre: wait what

Lando: she told me i should’ve requested a suspension change after FP2 and then GAVE ME A DIAGRAM

Oscar: Be grateful It had glitter

Lando: you’re TOO CALM about this your child is a genius your wife is a genius and you’re like “haha brownies?”

Max: this is the best thing I’ve read all day Lando is actually spiraling

Alex: wait Bee is THREE right??

Lando: YES THREE AND A HALF AND SHE SAID “AERODYNAMIC TURBULENCE MODELING ERROR MARGIN” OUT LOUD WITHOUT BLINKING

Lando: you know what max i want you to meet oscar’s daughter i just think it would be extremely funny for someone other than me to be told their apex was emotionally insecure

Charles: what

George: her what was

Oscar: it made sense in context

Lando: SHE SAID MY THROTTLE TRACE WAS NERVOUS AND THAT I WAS DRIVING LIKE I HAD COMMITMENT ISSUES

Carlos: and she’s… how old?

Oscar: 3 (nearly 4)

Alex: i’m sorry, are we skipping over the fact that your daughter has stronger analytical skills than half the grid

Fernando Alonso: she’s a visionary

Lando: she said my “driver confidence curve was showing signs of emotional fatigue” and then offered me a drawing of the circuit with my insecurities highlighted in glitter marker

George: she gave you therapy. that’s not an insult. that’s a gift.

Lance: i would like to respectfully not be perceived by oscar’s child

Logan: wait does she do like feedback for everyone now? Not just Oscar? could she maybe help me

Lando: i want you to sit across from her, max and watch her diagnose your lift-off timing while hugging a frog plushie

Oscar: Button the frog. He’s essential to the process.

Charles: i would pay money to watch this

Lando: this is pay-per-view content max verstappen vs oscar’s toddler loser has to do arts and crafts and reflect on their driving flaws

Max: fine bring her but if she mentions my 2021 turn-in angles I’m leaving

Oscar: she already has opinions just so you know

Lando: i need to see Max get peer-reviewed by a preschooler.

Oscar: She is very thorough.

Daniel: bro why didn’t you warn us your kid was a data analyst in disguise

Oscar: You didn’t ask.

Lando: @everyone also HIS WIFE SHE HAS A DOCTORATE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FROM OXFORD AND JUST. DOESN’T. MENTION IT

Charles: Pardon?

Alex: WHAT IS HAPPENING

Lewis: Hold on. Hold on. She has a PhD?

Oscar: Technically yes. She doesn’t use the title.

Max: Of course she doesn’t Of course you married someone terrifying and secretly brilliant This explains… everything

Alex: so you’re telling me Oscar lives with TWO geniuses and is just…vibing???

Oscar: I bring snacks. That’s my role.

Lando: She reverse-engineered my Q2 data for fun FOR FUN While making dinner!!

George: That’s love. Or war. Possibly both.

Carlos: Honestly sounds like Oscar’s entire household is smarter than the entire paddock combined

Yuki: Do the chickens also do calculus or

Oscar: No comment.

Fernando: i want to meet the wife.

Lewis: me too actually.

Lando: good luck she’ll probably fix your floor issues and then critique your suspension setup while baking a pie

Yuki: can she bake for us also???

Oscar: Yes. She bakes. Also she tiled our bathroom. And wrote a thesis while Bee was napping.

Lance: I feel like a potato.

Lando: i need a nap just from being in their house

Carlos: can she also explain ferrari strategy to ferrari

Carlos: no one can do that. not even god.

[wroetolando]

𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍-𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚜 | 𝙻𝙽𝟺

𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: lando norris x fem!reader

𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: the one where she's the only mechanic who truly understands his car, and he's the only driver who truly sees her

𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰: formula - labrinth

𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: none!

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・

The McLaren pit was a flurry of motion, a carefully choreographed chaos of engineers, mechanics, and pit crew members working in perfect harmony. The air reeked of oil and rubber, the sound of impact wrenches and radio traffic blending into the background cacophony that had long ago faded into background noise for you.

But in the noise, in the dozens of people who collaborated to make McLaren's car able to fight at the front, your attention was always on one person.

Lando Norris.

Not because he was the star driver. Not because his face was plastered on billboards or millions of supporters chanted his name every race weekend.

But because he was yours. Though neither of you ever said it out loud.

You'd been with McLaren's team for three years, rising from junior mechanic to become one of the lead engineers on Lando's vehicle. You knew that car inside and out like the back of your hand—every shudder, every subtle imbalance in the suspension, every adjustment that would make it hum through the corners just the way he liked it.

And Lando knew that too.

That's why, when something did not feel right, he relied on you to fix it.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・

Thursday – Media Day

The weekend was yet to start, but the paddock was already buzzing. Fans swirled around the entrance, cameras snapped as drivers came in, and reporters filled the media pen, waiting to get their soundbites.

You were concealed in the garage, reviewing the setup notes, your hands already smudged with grease despite the fact that it was early in the day.

You felt his presence before you saw him.

Lando had always possessed this energy—a presence that filled a room even when he had nothing to say. He strode into the garage in his McLaren polo, sunglasses perched on his head, and an effortless smirk on his lips.

"Look busy," he teased, resting against the workbench beside you.

"Unlike some people, I actually do work," you shot back, not looking up as you double-checked the tire pressures.

He clutched his chest in feigned indignation. "Excuse me, I do work extremely hard."

You finally looked at him, an eyebrow lifted. "Oh yeah? Sitting through media commitments and signing posters is exhausting, huh?"

"It's brutal," he theatrically sighed. "You wouldn't understand."

You rolled your eyes, but a little smile was playing on your lips. This was how it always was with Lando—teasing, banter, effortless back-and-forths that had started the moment you'd met.

But something was off today.

You noticed it in the way he lingered a moment longer. The way his fingers drummed against the table, a restless energy building in him.

"You good?" you asked, head tilting.

He hesitated.

It was only for a moment, but you caught it.

And then, in a flash, the smirk was back. "Always."

You didn't believe he meant it. But you let it go—for the moment.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・

Friday – Free Practice

Something was off with the car.

You knew it before Lando even said anything over the radio.

You watched the telemetry, how the speed traces weren't lining up properly, how he was losing time in the high-speed corners. Then his voice crackled over the comms.

"Yeah, something doesn't feel right. Rear's not stable through Turns 8 and 10."

You exchanged a glance with another of the engineers as you grabbed your tablet and walked towards the garage door. You were waiting there by the time Lando pulled in and climbed out of the car.

He ripped off his helmet, running a hand through his sweaty curls, and scanned the room looking for you immediately.

"Talk to me," you called out over the noise of the garage.

"Feels like the rear's stepping out more than usual. Can't get the rotation I need."

You nodded, already running through possible causes in your head. "Okay, let's check the suspension setup. Could be a balance issue."

Lando didn't argue. He never did with you.

Because he knew you'd get it right.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・

Saturday – Qualifying

Tension was palpable in the air.

This was what it had all been building toward. The entire garage was locked in, eyes fixed on the timing screens, heart rates rising with each lap.

Lando was on fire.

You were on the pit wall, headset on, fists gripped on your tablet as he stitched the track together immaculately. His sector times were improving. If he could keep this up, he'd be in the fight for pole.

Then—

"!"

His voice came over the radio as the car nipped at the exit of Turn 14.

Your heart missed a beat.

The McLaren wobbled, taking the slide, but it had lost him time. He crossed the line—P4.

Good, but not good enough.

You ripped off your headset, exhaling sharply. He could've been on the front row. That mistake had cost him.

As he climbed out of the car, his jaw was tight, annoyance clear in the way he tore off his gloves. But as soon as his eyes locked with yours, some of that tension eased.

You didn't say anything immediately. You just kept looking at him, unspoken comprehension between you.

Then, finally—

"We'll get them tomorrow," you whispered.

His shoulders relaxed. He nodded. "Yeah. We will."

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・

Sunday – Race Day

The Monaco Grand Prix was ruthless.

Year after year, it was chaos. Crashes, strategy gambles, pit stop drama—it was never an easy race.

And today was no different.

You were on the pit wall, gripping the rail as Lando fought lap after lap, hanging onto P3 for dear life. His tires were going. The Ferrari behind him was closing in. Your heart was in your mouth each time he came through the tunnel.

Five laps to go.

Three.

Final lap.

He took the line—P3. Podium.

The garage erupted. Cheers, hugs, high-fives. But you barely heard any of them since you were already heading towards parc fermé.

By the time Lando emerged from the car, champagne still dripping from his suit, his eyes were only looking for one person.

You.

And once he saw you, he didn't waste any time.

Helmet off, curls wet with sweat, race suit undone at the top—he didn't care about the cameras, the thousands of people watching. He just walked right up to you and pulled you into his arms.

It was quick, barely a second, but the way he held on to you—his forehead against yours, his breathing rough with adrenaline—you knew.

"Thank you," he whispered, voice rough.

"For what?" you whispered in return.

He pulled back slightly, only enough to be able to look at you properly. His hand was still at your waist, fingers drawing along the fabric of your team uniform.

"For believing in me," he said simply.

Your heart missed a beat.

And in a moment, it did not matter that you were before the world. That the cameras were capturing this moment. That there were rules governing how close a driver and a mechanic could be.

Because this?

This was yours.

And nothing—not even Formula 1—could ever take that away.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・

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