#we got the two dutch champions now

[nouvellevqgue]

CHAMPION TO YOUR HEART

pairing: bf!lando norris x rider!reader

summary: everybody knows about his relationship with a motogp rider, but there's another side that they didn't know about this.

req: Could you do a smau about lando dating a MotoGP world champion? And the media expects him to be bitter because she’s younger than him and a world champion when he hasn’t won a race, but in reality he’s just immensely proud

₊˚⊹౨ৎ ⋆｡✦˚‎

yourusername

circuit ricardo tormo

liked by marcmarquez93, landonorris, and 281,905 others

yourusername the prettiest night in valencia

view 15,720 comments...

alex_albon call me, we're going out (of course with lilymhe too🙄)

⤷ lilymhe what was that mean??????

username bf lando is appearing in the likes i see 👀👀

username she looks so good with the suittt😍😍

username y/n ilysmmmm

username slayed the fits as usual

lissiemackintosh i would love to see you race there

⤷ yourusername and i would love to see you be on the paddock

⤷ username two mothers interacting

username that hair is so good

username the prettiest motogp rider fr

username can't wait to see you on the track on sunday

username imagine we heard her national anthem for the nth time this year is the same as max's wilhelmus in f1

username i woke up and i'll heard y/n's anthem

username idk if i want to be her or lando rn

username she's literally so cool

username it's practically a cycle bcs if i watch f1 it's gonna be dutch anthem, and if i watch motogp it's going to be italian anthem. EVERY TIMEEEEE😔💀

lando.jpg

liked by lailahasanovic, yourusername, and 711,735 others

lando.jpg elevator love

view 8,288 comments...

username wait who took the pic?🫢

⤷ daniel3.jpg it's always been me😔😔😔

⤷ maxfewtrell OR me????🤨

⤷ mclaren 🤨🤨 or me

⤷ quadrant OR ME????

⤷ yourusername now what the hell's going on

username he looks like lance

username SOMEBODY SAID HE LOOKED LIKE LANCE💀💀😭

⤷ lancestroll that's not me...

⤷ username but how do lando looks like him

⤷ username who took this is a skinwalker

⤷ danielricciardo i waste all of my talents for this

username okay just admit now who took this

⤷ username girl no one know just let that be a mystery of the year

username she looks so good thoooo

username she looks drunk

landonorris wait how do i look like lance

YOURUSERNAME'S INSTASTORY

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daniel3.jpg

liked by landonorris, yourusername, fabioquartararo20 and 159,733 others

daniel3.jpg he is a boyfriend of the current motogp world champion, and still eat a canned choco cookies 🫵🏻

view 31,607 comments...

landonorris i don't know why am i even liking this but CHOCO COOKIES IS GOOD CHANGE MY MIND 🙄🙄

⤷ yourusername i don't really liked the canned one but idk 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

⤷ daniel3.jpg look she's siding with me

⤷ landonorris the BETRAYAL

⤷ username noooo y/n i thought we were something

⤷ carlossainz55 but true though tinned cookies are very dry

⤷ landonorris NOT YOU TOO 😭😭😭

⤷ username he made it looks so good though i am tempted😭

⤷ oscarpiastri it's three holes out already, is he finished it though?

⤷ danielricciardo clean. 🧽

⤷ landonorris DON'T BELIEVE HIM

username he looks cute when he's laughing

username if my granny was there, she's going to throw away the cookies and only to keep the tin

username remind me more of that pedro pascal skit on snl

fernandoalo_oficial poor little norris

username why am i hearing it in my head???

mclaren 🍪🍪

username why is he always taking his random ass picture?

⤷ username they're husband and wife do you not realize?

⤷ username the 'HUSBAND AND WIFE' part got me on the floor🫵🏻😭😭😭

username how is he always taking their cute moments

⤷ danielricciardo tell him that it's his turn to capture me and heidi's moments now

⤷ yourusername nah cause she's liking a girl riding a motorcycle more now

⤷ danielricciardo SAY SIKE

⤷ heidiberger_ 🤭

⤷ username omg babe SAME

⤷ username crazy how this is just from lando's pics

⤷ landonorris and why is it always me

username why am i still curious about why did y/n decided to have a boyfriend like him

⤷ username what do you mean?

⤷ username yeah i mean she's the first woman world champion in motogp this year and how about him? name his win in the first place.

⤷ username they both got their own advantage and disadvantage

⤷ username but does he even got jealous or smth or just uses her for fame?

⤷ username bro wdym they both are literally famous even before they're started dating.

yourusername

liked by georgerussell63, centralcee, and 391,433

yourusername you're a bad influence.

view 22,560 comments...

username why am i having a bad feeling here

username bad influence who now girl

username where is lando when we need him the most

⤷ username he ain't going in the liking section ⁉️⁉️❗❗😧😧😨

username NAH LANDO WHATD U DO

username but she suited car tho

username wonder who the bad influence would be... 🫢🤔

⤷ username i see mercedes here then idc

⤷ username don't make me think it's lewis

username lando boy what you do

username i see george, but i don't see lewis

⤷ username relaaaax i think the bad influence means that she's now into car

⤷ username keep being delulu darling we're all with u

⤷ username but what if

⤷ username 🫷no don't even

username convertible and the racing jacket suited her sm

YOURUSERNAME'S INSTASTORY

yourusername added to their story!

caption: stealing pecco63 spare helmet for a bit

INSTAGRAM

yourusername

liked by fabioquartararo20, marcmarquez93, landonorris, and 1,590,726 others

yourusername how's my new look? #ad

👤: hrc_motogp, repsol

view 46,714 comments...

danielricciardo HOLY SHIIITT

danielricciardo i swear it's far from my radar

⤷ landonorris same honestly

username SHE HAS TATTOOS??????

username daniel's holy shit is me rn

username omg rosalia.vt he encontrado "LA" motomami de todas las motomamis.

username SHE GON BRUNETTE??

pecco63 brown looks good on you😁

⤷ yourusername they've always told me right😛

landonorris i started my day with this is a great starter

⤷ yourusername don't forget to brush your teeth!

⤷ username "DON'T FORGET TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH" AJSJWJWIS SHE'S MOTHERING HIM ALREADY 😭😭

username she is literally mother

username landonorris how about we switch gf

⤷ landonorris no thank you, i'm perfectly fine with this one😋

INSTAGRAM

landonorris

liked by alex_albon, carlossainz55, and 287,012 others

landonorris i feel like a proud father 👶🏼

👤: yourusername

view 10,358 comments...

username THE HAIR WAS FAKE???😭💀😭😭😭😭😭

⤷ username we all knew it's just a wig bruv

username i know she must be so exhausted like damn she look fainted

username their hand holding is so cute

username MY WHOLE LIFE IS A LIE

georgerussell63 R.I.P. repsol y/n 🪦

carlossainz55 doodle master™

⤷ yourusername 😒

⤷ landonorris i had a bad feeling about this

⤷ yourbestfriend because she's gonna get u rn

username still not get over to the fact that hot mama version of y/n is just for an ad

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

yourusername

liked by isahernaez, francesca.cgomes, and 548,163 others

yourusername celebratory kisses (thx maxfewtrell)

view 56,820 comments...

maxfewtrell i think you should do her technique on thanking for pictures

⤷ landonorris oh c'mon i've thanked you many times 🙄

⤷ maxfewtrell yeah and many times too that you've forgotten about that

⤷ username y/n posting about her and lando's kiss after her wins, meanwhile lando and max:

⤷ username this world separated into max and lando and y/n and lando

⤷ username i'll definitely into the first one

username this one's special for their kiss only

username he is so proud of her, and this post is everything

username his interview about her is melting my arse out, i want him

username i feels like it's their hard launch

⤷ username they've been together since 2 yrs ago

username idk but i hate when media is always like "oh you're the man and why are you not having the wins like your gf did" like they should stfu for a sec

⤷ username and what's that question they throw on him like "is she younger" i mean ???

username but anyway i'm happy that they're both are happy with each other's wins and losses, the two of them truly deserves the whole world.

username they just have to accept the fact that they're just belong like that. with or without the championship.

lando.jpg

liked by carlossainz55, schecoperez, and 641,782

lando.jpg wild wind.

comments on this post has been disabled

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caption: guess who's riding with me?

₊˚⊹౨ৎ ⋆｡✦˚‎

taglist: @queenofmanydreams @muglermami @4limq @avengers-assemble123456 @cabbyhabs @meowtastick @4mula-1 @miarabanana @amel1ee @dinosushilun1

[imnameimswrld]

╰┈➤ ❝ [𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 || 𝗢𝗣𝟴𝟭 ꒱꒱

━━ ❪ . . . oscar x verstappen!surfer!reader ❫

━━ ❪ . . . description : freshly surfing world champ, yn goes to take some much needed time off, and starts her vacay off by attending the miami grand prix. her intention was to support her big bro, but it appears a certain papaya driver had other plans; ❫

━━❪ . . . smau ! ❫

━━❪ . . . warnings : none ❫

━━❪ . . . fc : caroline marks ❫

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

ynverstappen

liked by maxverstappen1, oscarpiastri, and 767 224 others

ynverstappen world champion, blessed, thank you to the beautiful cali waves 🌊🏆

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user so well deserved, congrats yn !

bestfriend you were WICKED on the waves girl !!

maxverstappen1 let's gooo, congrats sissy ♡

⤿ ynusername couldn't have you being the only world champ in the fam, now could I ? 😋

⤿ maxverstappen1 no, no you just couldn't 😤

user the verstappen siblings are just legendary

user so with the break coming up, will we see yn at the next grand prix 👀 ?

⤿ user plus the next ones in miami, super close to cali, so 🤞 !!

oscarpiastri congratulations yn, coolest world champion ever 👏🥇

[ liked by ynverstappen ]

user and if I said yn and oscar would be SO cute together ?

Boeta 🏎

hey sissy

where r u ?

Sissy 🌊

chillin'

what's up ?

Boeta 🏎

no, I mean where r u

you said you were gonna be the paddocks when I got back from my meeting ?

Sissy 🌊

oohhhh

well, I am in the paddock

just not yours

Boeta 🏎

what ?

yn, are u hiding in dani's closet again to scare him ?

Sissy 🌊

ahhh, good times

but nope, I'm in the mclaren paddocks

Boeta 🏎

oh

is lando talking your ear off again ?

Sissy 🌊

nah, lol

I'm uh, actually with chilling with oscar

Boeta 🏎

piastri ?

since when are you guys on chilling level

Sissy 🌊

since he asked me out to dinner later

[read]

Boeta ?

uhhhh, boet ?

[read]

ynverstappen

liked by redbullracing, schecoperez, and 977 335 others

ynverstappen soooo good being back in the paddocks, thanks so much for having me redbullracing – and ofc, congrats boeta on p1 ! 💙

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user soooo, did anyone else see the video of oscar and yn walking around together ??? dude had the dopiest smile on his face too 😭

redbullracing you're practically family yn ! 💙

[ liked by ynverstappen ]

user 2 champs 🏆

danielricciardo thanks for not scaring the crap out of me this time yn :)

⤿ ynverstappen ah, there's always next time dan 😄

⤿ danielricciardo no no, pls don't.

mclaren hope you had a wonderful time at the race yn ! 🧡

⤿ redbullracing are you going to apologize for stealing her from out paddocks ?

⤿ mclaren are we supposed to ?

⤿ oscarpiastri of course not.

⤿ maxverstappen1 thin ice piastri, watch it.

user uhhh, not redbull and mclaren battling it out over yn 😭

user my yncar ship is HERE BDJEHZIS

oscarpiastri just added to their story !

[ caption 1: stolen forever maxverstappen1 🤚 ; caption 2: 🧡 ]

Boeta 🏎

oscar is really bold

Sissy 🌊

oh, I know 😁

it's one of the many reasons why I like him

Boeta 🏎

so you like him then ?

like, really like him ?

Sissy 🌊

yeah, I do boeta

Boeta 🏎

okay then...

invite him to the lunch tomorrow

Kelly has been dying to see the two of you together

Sissy 🌊

she's so prescious I love her

and thanks boeta, for being cool with all this

Boeta 🏎

hey, i may be protective, but who am I to tell you who you can and can't date sissy

Sissy 🌊

🥺🥺 , houd van je 💙

Boeta 🏎

mhm, hou ook van jou 💙

ynverstappen

liked by oscarpiastri, kellypiquet, and 878 301 others

[ tagged: oscarpiastri ]

ynverstappen had some cake by the ocean with my papaya boy... p.s yes, the cake he bought me brought me to tears 🍰 🧡 🌊

View all comments

user BYE I'M GONNA GO CRY IN A DITCH SOMEWHERE

user stop that cake is so cute 😭😭

oscarpiastri I'm just happy to call you mine, liefie :)

⤿ ynverstappen and I'm just as happy to be your liefie ❤

⤿ maxverstappen1 not the dutch- ya'll gonna make me puke.

⤿ kellypiquet max, stop bullying your sister and oscar and go clean the litter boxes dammit

⤿ ynverstappen oohhh, mother is mad now boet, better get to it then 😄

⤿ maxverstappen1 you're staying in my house.

⤿ ynverstappen says who ? I'm staying at oscar's – plus, you know how I love the aussie waves

[ liked by oscarpiastri ]

⤿ maxverstappen1 yn verstappen istg... girl gets a bf and thinks she's the shit.

⤿ kellypiquet MAX.

⤿ maxverstappen1 I'M GOING.

user can I make this comment section my roman empire ?

user I'm laughing and crying rn, this is too funny

[pitchsidestories]

Safe and sound II Lucy Bronze x Reader

a/n: based off this request. We hope you enjoy this one.

pairing: Lucy Bronze x Wiegman!Reader

warnings: mentioning of injury and pregnancy

barcelona women masterlist

Pre-match tv -interview Sarina Wiegman before the CL Final Wolfsburg vs. Barcelona

Interviewer: Thanks for your time, Sarina. Excited for the fact that the CL Final is in your home country?

Sarina Wiegman: Very. The Dutch love women’s football.

Interviewer: chuckles We can tell, the atmosphere is already great. Happy to see two of your English players in the starting lineup?

Sarina Wiegman: can’t help but smile Yes, of course. I think it shows their quality.

Interviewer: smiling back You seem very happy too.

Deleted scene of the interview

Sarina Wiegman: blushes shyly  I am. I just got the news that I’ll be a grandma soon. Oh..

Interviewer: Oh but that’s fantastic!

Sarina Wiegman: laughs nervously I wasn’t supposed to tell that yet. Can we leave that out?

Interviewer: Of course. Congratulations though.

Sarina Wiegman: Thank you.

Interviewer: No, thanks to you, I know you’re a very busy person.

Sarina Wiegman: Hopefully not too busy to spend time with my grandchild.

Interviewer: I’m sure you’ll find the time for that.

Sarina Wiegman: I’ll make some time.

Noisily Lucy Bronze tapped on the shoulder of her England Coach: “Time for what?” “Hi Lucy.”, cheerful Sarina Wiegman turned around to greet her football player. With a huge grin on her face the defender hugged the smaller woman:“ Hey, good to see you.”

“Is it just me or do you keep getting taller?”, Sarina sked her jokingly. With a mischievous smile Lucy decided to mock her coach:“ Maybe, you’re just getting smaller.”  “Sure, Lucy”, the dutch woman responded by rolling her eyes. Jokes about her height were getting old in her opinion.

You’ve been following the conversation from afar but now decided to join in by telling her: “No, you’re right mum, she’s been standing even taller since the news.”

“She does, right?”, your mother sharing the observation of yours with an amused look on her face.  While you agreed on that matter with her, your girlfriend proudly slang an arm around your waist: “Definitely.”  

“As if you weren’t happy about it.”, Lucy said to Sarina laughing, her green eyes sparkling with happiness.  

”I am happy.“, Sarina admitted. Lucy raised her eyebrow in a 'Told you so' manner. You glanced from your mum to your girlfriend, rolling your eyes in amusement, ”Guys!“ ”What?“ ”Calm down, the news aren‘t out yet.“, you reminded them.

Lucy nodded, ”Right.“ ”Actually…“, Sarina started but you didn‘t have time to hear her out. With a glance at the time you grabbed Lucys upper arm, ”Oh shit. We need to get ready. See you after the game, mum.“

Sarina smiled gently at the two of you, ”Of course. Good luck. And don‘t come back without the Champions League title.“ ”Don‘t worry. We‘ll bring this one back to Barcelona.“, you reassured her, cheerily. ”I‘m sure about that.“

After changing into your jerseys and warming up, you found yourself in the tunnel of Eindhovens stadium. Lucy was standing right behind you. You felt her warm breath against your ear as she whispered, ”Be careful out there, okay?” You didn‘t look back, you just nodded, ”Okay.“ Slowly, your girlfriend took a step back and clapped her hands, ”We‘ve got this.“

You were full of excitement and impatience as you stepped out on the pitch. When the first whistle blew, you were bouncing on your toes, ready to fight for the champions league title. But it took your opponent Wolfsburg only three minutes to score the first goal, the second one followed right before the half time. This was not the start you all were expecting to this very important game.

But during the half time talk it was clear that none of you would let this first half get you down. Lucy caught your eyes in the dressing room, giving you a small smile and a defiant nod. You felt ready and energized stepping back out, wanting to do your part to lead your team to a win.

It felt like a miracle to you, only a couple of minutes into the game and you've got the chance to score a goal. Way too late you realized that Alexandra Popp crashed into you, as you both fell to the grass. Quickly the german striker got on her feet again while you stayed on the ground.

The first teammate who ran to you your side was Lucy, offering her hand to help you up aswell:" Hey, are you alright? Let me help you."

"It hurts.", you whinced, feeling the pain taking over your whole body. Worried your hand went automatically to your stomach, scared for the baby inside you.

That's when your girlfriend  lost her usual calmmess and started to panic:"Shit. We need the medical team,  here!" "Lucy, calm down, it did not look too bad.", Keira tried to reassure the defender.

Devastated Lucy shouted:"You don't get it, Kei!" "No, because you two refuse me to tell what's going on.", the red haired midfielder answered cooly. Nervously Lucy went with one hand through her dark hair, unloosing her head bun in one angered swipe:"Not now."

"Girls..", you tried softly to stop them from arguing.  In a tone which did not let you dare to disagree your girlfriend said: "You need to get off the pitch."

To the doctor who was taking care of you she demanded, her worry dripping through every word:"You need to check her thoroughly." "Lucy, we know how to do our job properly, but you need to let go off her hand now.", the doctor answered slightly annoyed by her clinginess to you.

Under her breath Lucy stated angrily:" Don't tell me how to treat my girl!"

"See you later, it's going to be okay.", you tried to calm her down.

”I‘ll come check on you as soon as the game is over.“, Lucy promised, her mouth pressed into a thin line. You gave a silent nod and let the doctor help you back inside to the treatment rooms of the stadium.

As the doctor assessed you, you heard fans cheer several times but you couldn’t make out who scored. Time didn‘t seem to pass at all in here.

At last, you heard the final whistle being blown and the fans erupting into a roar celebrating their teams success. But you still didn’t know who whose it was.

Lucy didn‘t even stay to celebrate with her teammates when the game ended. She stepped off the pitch and was on her way to the dressing rooms, when Sarina called her name, ”Lucy!“

”No, I don‘t know anything yet, Sarina.“, she replied and stopped only reluctantly. Her coach nodded in understanding and took a step towards Lucy, ”Congratulations on winning though.“ ”Thanks.“ ”You don‘t look happy about it.“, Sarina noticed.

Lucy just shook her head with slight anger, ”Are you seriously surprised about that?!“ ”No. Sorry.“, she replied quietly. With a deep sigh, Lucy calmed herself down and offered, ”Do you want to come with me to see how she is?“ ”I do.“

Both women walked silently side by side through the corridors until they reached the treatment rooms. Sarina stopped and gestured towards the door, ”You can go in first.“ Lucy mumbled a thanks before entering the room.

You looked up, trying to read your girlfriends facial expression, ”Lucy, did we win or lose?“ ”I‘ll tell you when you tell me if you’re okay.“ Lucy sat down next to you. Carefully, you took her hand in yours, ”We‘re okay, Lucy.“ Her eyes were still full of worry as she studied your face, ”Both of you?“

"Yes?", Lucy asked anxiously not trusting the good news yet. With an inviting smile you padded on the free side of your bed:"Luce, come here." "I'm glad you're okay.", she  sighed in relief.

Impatiently you tapped her shoulder: "Will you tell me now who won?" "We did. We're champions leauge winners.", she proudly kissed the top of your blonde head.

A bright smile appeared on your lips: "That's amazing." "It's more important that you two are alright.", the defender pointed out in a serious tone.

"But you should not miss out on the party, love."  Stubbornly Lucy answered:"I don't care about the party."

"And we don't care about that either.", Sarina and Keira explained while entering the room. Moved you looked at them: "Mum, Kei.." "How are you?", the lionesses coach asked clearly worried.

Quickly you tried to soothe her by saying:"I'm alright." "I'm glad you're. That looked really bad.", you're mum replied. Sternly Keira agreed:"It really did."  "They're both okay.", Lucy stated.

Excited the midfielder looked between the defender and you:" They? You're going to be mums?! We need to celebrate that."

"That took you a lot less longer than I expected.", your girlfriend laughed. Immediately you interfered, smirking:" Don't be rude to her, she's like my sister!" "She knows I'm just kidding.", Lucy grinned.

Thrilled Keira clapped her hands:"I do, let's celebrate!"

[chibrary]

Some at the team knew he was the man for the job, but Charles Leclerc's procurement of a seat relied on a neat bit of manoeuvring in order for their boss to agree to a deal.

We're not talking here about the delay that followed Sergio Marchionne's death before Leclerc gained a 2019 Ferrari Formula 1 drive, rather his maiden season of car racing in the '14 Formula Renault ALPS series.

Fortec Motorsport engineer Martin Young knew all about the talents of the 16-year-old Monegasque driver.

"My background is in karting," he explains. "I used to work for the factory teams in Italy. I knew the drivers to watch from karting would be Max Verstappen, Ben Barnicoat and Charles Leclerc, and Fortec wanted to run teams in Eurocup, NEC and ALPS."

It's worth explaining here that in those days Formula Renault 2.0 operated as a pyramid structure, with the Eurocup at the top, and the Dutch-promoted Northern European Cup and Italian-run ALPS series as the base. Fortec was already established in Eurocup and NEC, but was venturing into ALPS for the first time.

"At the time it looked like Verstappen would be doing Eurocup, and we had Ben signed for NEC," continues Young. "I spoke to Jamie Dye [Fortec managing director] and said that if we wanted to move forward in ALPS we needed to get Leclerc.

"We did a test day at Motorland [Aragon] and we sort of lied about his times - we'd put Charles up against a lot of experienced drivers, so he was 1.2-1.3 seconds off - so that Richard [Dutton, team principal] would stay interested in giving him a bit of a deal. Richard was asking, 'Is he really good?', and we said, 'Yeah, we know he's really good.'"

Barnicoat, now a factory McLaren GT racer, was already familiar with Leclerc - as a Racing Steps Foundation protege, he was part of the ART Grand Prix line-up in international karting in 2012 and '13, while Leclerc belonged (and still does) to the All Road Management stable of ART shareholder Nicolas Todt.

"I had two years as team-mate to him in karting," says Barnicoat. "The first year I was directly racing with him, and in the second he went into gearbox [KZ] karts. He was one of the best team-mates I ever had, if not the best. A great guy.

"That first year, Charles won the WSK series and I won the European championship - that was up against the likes of Verstappen, so the competition was extremely high. I feel sort of left out!

"He had a bit more track knowledge so in the first half of the year he was beating me, but then we pushed each other really hard and that worked for the team - we got a lot from that.

"Looking at how good he is, it's nice to know I beat him on occasions, to know that I had the talent and ability to do that."

Fortec was one of the teams that tested Verstappen, and was also eyeing a deal with another talented karter: George Russell, whose plan was to combine Renault ALPS with what was then BRDC Formula 4.

Russell, who now is on course to succeed Leclerc as Formula 2 champion, eventually joined Prema Powerteam for ALPS, but that deal fell over on the eve of the season and he secured a last-minute berth at Koiranen GP.

"We wanted George; we tried to sign him," says Dutton of what could have been a mighty line-up had Russell joined Leclerc. "But he signed for Prema and then [Lawrence] Stroll [who had taken a majority shareholding in Prema] stopped him from going there."

"Me and Charles were testing for Fortec," says Russell, "and at the same time Verstappen was there with Josef Kaufmann Racing, I think. We were in talks with Fortec, but we decided to sign with Prema."

When it's pointed out what a mega line-up that would have been alongside Leclerc, Russell laughs: "In hindsight that could have worked out better for me than Koiranen. That [the late Prema split] put us in the shit a little bit, and three weeks before the first race I didn't have a deal. We took the gamble on Koiranen."

Autosport reminds Dutton of an awards evening over the 2013-14 winter when, asked about Russell, he said: "We've got someone even better - a lad from Monaco..."

"It was really quite a late deal," recalls Dutton. "He missed most of the winter-test programme. But you just knew he was the real deal. In and out of the car he knew what he wanted. In lots of ways he reminded us of Verstappen when we tested him."

Young confirms that the sum total of Leclerc's pre-season mileage was four days at Aragon, and two at Barcelona, before going straight into the pre-weekend test for the Imola opener.

"The first three race weekends his experience was a bit low," says Young, "but as soon as he got on the podium he was there every weekend.

Leclerc went on to finish runner-up to the flying - and experienced - Nyck de Vries in the ALPS points, with two race wins at Monza under his belt, but perhaps the more impressive performances came in his three 'wildcard' outings in the Eurocup. The first was at Spa, one week before the Belgian track's ALPS round.

"He was 30th in qualifying at the Eurocup," says Dutton. "We changed everything - we couldn't understand what the hell was going on. One week later he qualified third for ALPS. That was really, really special."

In his next Eurocup outing, Leclerc took a fifth and a second at the Nurburgring, and in his final one he took a brace of seconds at the Hungaroring.

"I was looking after Matt Parry and Jack Aitken in Eurocup," says long-time Fortec driver coach Matt Howson. "I'd heard [Leclerc] was something maybe a bit special, but you hear that all the time, and wait until you see it yourself.

"Usually you understand the driving style straight away - what's good, what's bad - and the thing with Charles is it didn't matter whether there was understeer or oversteer, he seemed to deliver a lap time."

The cerebral approach of Leclerc and engineer Young frustrated Howson at the Nurburgring.

"He'd never seen the place, and there were only two 45-minute [test] sessions, and furthermore Martin was determined to try things on the car," says Howson.

"I said, 'Don't do it, leave him out'. He was last in the second session, and then he was P3 on the grid for the second race - that's unheard of in Eurocup [for a newcomer]. Renault is a very finicky formula, and it all has to come together to deliver results, but Charles seemed impervious to everything.

"Based on that first year, I knew he was a little bit special. Whenever he was tested in Eurocup, he defied his experience. That's a marker - that you can break all the accepted rules."

Talking about that Nurburgring episode, Young says: "That literally sums up Charles Leclerc. That year we were struggling in Eurocup, and I said I'd come in with Charles and we'd do some testing. Going into qualifying he'd never run new tyres, but he went from last to the front. Nothing ever fazed him."

In Young's view, he also compared favourably to Lando Norris, who tested FRenault cars with Fortec in 2014 before his first steps into single-seaters: "I worked with Lando towards the end of the year, and Lando eventually got to the same point [as Leclerc] but needed a lot of testing, but Charles could just get in and drive. It was second nature to him."

Russell took a distant fourth in the ALPS standings, although he did claim the 2014 BRDC F4 title.

"With Nyck winning the championship it didn't make any sense to me, but I think at the time there were a few dodgy chassis around," he says. "When I tested Nyck's car it was extremely different in terms of characteristics. I wasted a season there, but it was character-building."

He also suffered from chicken pox that caused him to miss the Monza round, where Leclerc took his two wins.

"I didn't think it affected me at the time, but I struggled a bit for no reason in the following few F4 races," says Russell. "It was quite severe - I've still got some bad scars. I put my family off their dinner a few times!"

But Russell trumped Leclerc by joining Tech 1 Racing for the final Eurocup round at Jerez as a wildcard - and winning: "I got my self-confidence back a bit, jumped in that car and won."

Both Russell and Leclerc had initially targeted a full season in Eurocup in 2015, but such were their reputations by the end of '14 that each went to the Formula 3 European Championship, Russell with Carlin, and Leclerc with Van Amersfoort Racing.

Fortec tried to hang on to Leclerc for F3. "We tried so hard to get him for F3, but we lost him to VAR," says Dutton. "We did some tests with him in the F3 car and he was straight on the pace. At Silverstone he was quickest of everybody there, and then we went to Valencia with him and we had a nightmare with mechanical issues. I think that didn't do us any good."

All who worked or raced with Leclerc agree about his qualities as a man.

"Of all the drivers in F1 who've come through us, Charles is the one who gets [guest] passes for the British Grand Prix," says Dutton. "He had Martin [Young] and Jamie [Dye] there this year the whole weekend, in Sauber hospitality. He's a proper guy."

"I still speak to Charles every week or so on various topics," adds Young, who attended Leclerc's initial grand prix free practice outings in 2016. "He's still exactly the same person."

Barnicoat, who is one of the drivers for the McLaren hot laps at F1 events, bumps into Leclerc regularly.

"When we raced against each other in Renault there was quite a lot of rivalry from what we'd had in karting," says the Briton, who added three 'wildcard' ALPS outings as direct team-mate to Leclerc to his title-winning NEC campaign.

"But it would have been nice to get more direct comparisons. In 2013, when we were in karting, I went to the grand prix with him in Monaco and stayed on his uncle's boat, and had a really good time. We spent a lot of time together, and although we were rivals we helped each other out. He was a good friend of mine and still is."

Leclerc is also resilient. "Jules Bianchi came to the Hungaroring Eurocup round to mentor him," says Howson, "and I understood then how close they were. After that incident [for Bianchi] and his father [who died in mid-2017], he's probably been tested off track more than anyone else, but it's not bled over into anything on track.

"He's incredibly mature. He's relatively introverted - he doesn't come in and make lots of noise, but he's polite, considerate and always looks you in the eye when he talks to you. It doesn't matter whether he's got loads of cameras on him, he'll always come over for a chat."

Russell, meanwhile, is "100%" sure that Leclerc will flourish at Ferrari.

"Charles is one of a handful of others I put in the best-of-the-best group," he says. "In my opinion he absolutely deserves his chance at Ferrari. He's got the speed and the talent, and I'm excited to see how he fares next year. I've no doubt that he will be competitive."

[ferrstappen]

WE NEED MORE DAD MAX PLEASE!!! what about going on vacation with the twins to their private villa in st.barths?

You ask, I deliver 🫡

This is on connection of the Disney World blurb 💘

SAFE HAVEN | MAX VERSTAPPEN BLURB

Beach was never really your thing, preferring other plans rather than sitting on the sand. That was until Max brought you to his little paradise on earth: St. Barthelemy.

It became your safe haven, when you were staying it was the place where you could lay down in the sun, teasing Max about his uneven tan, lazy make out sessions with the crashing waves and orange sunsets as witnesses, with no worries of nosy hotel workers who could leak Max’s location to paparazzi or over eager fans.

It was on the same white sand and Caribbean waves where he got on one knee and asked you to be his wife. A year later, under the same sunset you told him you were pregnant, and hid from the world during his summer break, keeping the growing belly away from everything and everyone, just the two of you, still unaware that not only one, but two mini Verstappens were going to change your lives.

Of course the villa was the place where Luca and Mila saw their first vacations just when they were a few months old and couldn’t take wobbly steps by themselves, you and Max always guiding them. Now, four years later, they knew every door and the space of the private beach just like they did your family home in Monte-Carlo.

It was nearly 8 AM when you heard soft footsteps on the kitchen and the voice of Mila telling her brother to keep quiet as Luca stomped over something, all the conversation in perfect Dutch. Squeezing your eyes, you left a quick kiss on Max’s bare chest. He stirred in his sleep, lowering his body and placing his head on your chest, earning a raspy chuckle from you.

“Wake up, the kids are already up and probably making a mess in the kitchen,” you informed your husband who groaned and tightened his grip and started leaving sleepy kisses very near of your boobs. Asking him to stop his attack, you giggled and left a kiss on his messy hair before getting up and putting on Max’s shirt from the night before and calling for the twins.

Max quickly sat up on the bed and prepared for the twins to jump into the bed, engulfing them on his arms and playfully messing with Luca’s dirty blond hair, while also caressing a mysterious spot on the corner of Mila’s mouth.

“Is this…” Max traced the spot and pretended to taste it. “Is this chocolate? How come there’s chocolate here, M?” He feigned confusion, but couldn’t keep his case as his daughter gave him her best puppy eyes, a foolproof method to get the multiple world champion wrapped around her finger, and even at her very young age, she knew her Papa was her protector and favorite human. Not that she’s ever tell you that.

“Papa, no! Not chocolate,” Mila argued placing her small hands on Max’s cheeks, squishing them making Luca and you laugh as Max’s face contorted and looked like a duck.

Luca quickly contradicted his twin’s words, telling his parents that Mila had eaten the last piece of chocolate cake and before the two could start arguing, you took Mila on your arms, away from Max who quickly got up and placed Luca on his arms.

“How about we have some breakfast and head to the beach a little bit, yes?” You suggested and the twins cheered.

“Come on, Luke, let’s choose the trunks for today” Max placed his son back on the floor and walked him to the closet, professionally handling Luca, taking off his pajamas, leading him to the bathroom and helping him change into his orange trunks. Luca ran away from Max as soon as he knew what was coming.

“No, Luca! You need sunscreen!” Max tried to reason with his child, but the little boy Verstappen was too much like his father, something Max was aware since you never stopped reminding him. It wasn’t just his dirty blond/light brunette hair, it was the way Luca furrowed his eyebrows and wasn’t able to keep his mouth shut when he was being told off.

“No, it’s sticky!” Luca crossed his arms, earning a smile from Max just by looking at his adorable son trying to take a stand against sunscreen.

“Ok, no sunscreen min liefde, but that means no beach and you’re staying inside while your sister and mama go outside.”

Max internally smiled as his carbon copy walked inside the bedroom again, complaining on a low voice, was it Dutch or German? Max made a mental note to talk to the twins in Dutch so they would grow more accustomed to it. All of these thoughts took place as Luca walked away from his dad, stomping and crossing his arms. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Max helped Luca out on a pink UV protection shirt before heading outside.

Like connection, Mila chose her favorite orange swimsuit with pink polka dots, perfectly matching his twin. They quickly threw themselves on the sand, paying little attention to your voice telling them to not leave your sight as they started drawing on the sand.

While keeping an eye on the twins, a hand made contact with your behind, squeezing it like it was his own body, earning a high pitched and surprised whimper from your lips. “Watch it, Verstappen. These kids are a menace just like you, so there’s no alone time today.” You said leaving a kiss on his plump lips, while also sneaking your hand to his behind, making Max smile on your lips.

“M, Luke! Come on, let’s test the water” Max called for his children, both who happily ran towards him.

While on the sand, you happily looked at your family, and the joyous smile on Max’s face as the twins attacked him with a water attack.

St. Barths would always be the safe haven of your little family.

[thissying]

📷: Frits van Eldik NOS Sport

'At his first introduction to autosport, Max already went like a comet.'

A rainy day in the summer of 2013, somewhere deep in Wales. Jos and Max Verstappen arrive at the Pembrey Race Track in complete secrecy. The youngest Verstappen - 16 years old at the time - reports to Dutch GP2 team MP Motorsport, which has been active in (international) motorsport for 20 years. Team boss Sander Dorsman meets him. Max Verstappen is introduced to motorsport for the first time among the sheep and birds. “He immediately went like a comet.”

Motorsport commentator Allard Kalff approached MP Motorsport in 2013 at the request of Jos Verstappen. If they want to participate in a car test for Max. It must remain secret. It can not happen in the Netherlands and prying eyes are unwanted. The Verstappens do not want any publicity. Son Max is still a world class driver in karting at that time. There shouldn't be any pressure when he gets into a racing car.

The location for the secret test in Wales is chosen because MP Motorsport engineer Tony Shaw had previously been there with two young lads: the current Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and former world champion Kimi Räikkönen. The landscape is mainly dominated by sheep and birds. "Tony Shaw said after the first test day: Max handled it better than Lewis and Kimi did," Dorsman remembers Verstappen's first appearance in a racing car.

Track record “The first day of the test was quite difficult,” Dorsman continues. "It rained a lot. Max picked it up fantastically. The next day it was drier. He immediately smashed the track record. That was also impressive. And for us it was nice that exactly a year and a day after the test in Wales he won his Formula 1 contract. For everyone who worked with him, that was of course great. So young and already that good. Things can happen quickly."

Birds hit In the anniversary book about twenty years of MP Motorsport, Verstappen himself writes that, mainly, he was nervous. "I didn't know what to expect at all. There were sheep and birds everywhere. I think I also hit a lot of birds. I felt like the car sounded very loud."

Dorsman: "Looking back, they were just two very special days. The way I remember it, he didn't seem nervous at all. When he arrived, we walked around the circuit. We also drove around the circuit in his father's car. Everything to prepare him well. You start from scratch with a boy like that. It went well, very well."

Dorsman now also sees Verstappen on the circuits surrounding the Formula 1 races. The GP2 class is the gateway to the premier class in motorsport. The team boss has seen many drivers come and go in recent years. Max Verstappen is going to make himself heard a lot more, in his opinion.

"He has had a fantastic debut season and now has to follow through. His strength this season will be that he has much more experience in Formula 1. He can benefit from that." According to Dorsman, it is easy to explain that the 18-year-old Verstappen sets the bar high for himself in his second year. "That's a family trait. He got that from his father. Max gives 100 percent to everything."

Future In his second year at Toro Rosso, Verstappen is being watched by all the major teams. The question is what the Dutchman will do after this season. "There is pressure on him to continue to perform. However, that applies to every top athlete. And Max is familiar with that feeling from his time in karting. He had to improve there every season, too. If he can achieve his goal of 100 world championship points and a podium place, that is great. In any case, he will continue to surprise everyone," Dorsman is sure.

[doudouneverte]

Bruise and love

a/n: a little something for my birthday 🥳🎂

*not my PIC*

Pairing: Jamie-Lee Nappier x Chelsea!reader

Summary: honestly? I just wanted to write for her

Type: Fluff

Warning: bruise

word count: 1452

----------

It was one of those days when you would drive somewhere off London. Recently, it has happened a lot. Maybe it was because your "secret" girlfriend didn't live in the city anymore.

Talking about your girlfriend; she was on top of you right now. You were gently rubbing your hand back and forth on her back while she was telling you some stories that happened this week.

Nobody really knows how you ended up with her, not even you. It was like it was meant to be. One day, a few years ago, one of your friends dragged you to one of the London Lionesses games. It was where she played when you first met her.

It didn't take you long to notice her and to forget to listen to your friend while you saw her on the pitch. Surprisingly for you, you started to come to see her play more often. Of course, playing for the national champions' team meant that you had to hide, but it was okay. It was okay because one day she noticed you, and she found the courage to come to talk to you.

Then, you knew the story. First date, then more dates because the first one was cool and you were really attracted to her. Then you asked her out, and she accepted, and time flies until she spent more time in your apartment than hers.

But if you were there and not in London, it was because this summer she got transferred to the newly promoted team. You were very happy for her because that meant she would finally be back in the WSL, but in your euphoria, you both forgot something important. Your team, Chelsea, was also playing in the WSL, which meant you would end up playing against her.

The match should be the next day, by the way. You were both aware of that, but right now you didn't care. Emma finished the training earlier today, and you used that to spend more time with your girlfriend.

"Are you listening to me?" Jamie asked when she noticed you were spacing out.

"I'm sorry, I was thinking about something." You excused yourself rather shyly.

That was one of her superpowers. She always succeeded in making you shy or a blushing mess. Which was very surprising because you were known to be a cold person. Well, it's not true, but you liked to have this facade during games and rarely showed your emotions after you would give a slide tackle to the opponent. Your teammates, even if they knew your 'normal side' and 'soft side' for some. They never saw your 'Jamie' side; it was something only reserved for her and her few teammates who would invite themselves while you were in the city.

"Are you excited for tomorrow?" The Scottish asked. Your body tensed for a moment, stopping your hand on her back, much to her displeasure.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah, it's just that-" 

"You don't want to play against me." She finished for you with a grin. "I know you are afraid of your powerful girlfriend, but it's okay. I promise I will go easy on you." She joked.

Of course, it was not the first time you played against her. You playing for the Netherlands meant that you faced her and Scotland for the Nation League. You scored two goals for the Dutch, but also a funny own goal (Daan never forgot to remind you about this).

"Of course I'm afraid to play against you. How could I be fully focused if you're on the pitch?" You finished your sentence with some on her face, which made her laugh.

Oh man, you loved her laugh; it was maybe your third favorite song she could make. Honestly, you loved everything about her; you were a big simp for your girl, and she didn't fail to use that sometimes.

"Okay, I got it." She paused a moment to look at her phone before looking at you again. "We still have some time before you leave." She put your hands under her shirt, making your heart race. "What do you think?" 

You didn't vocalize your answer and just started to kiss her.

~~~~~

The next day was game day. In the cubby, all the girls were focused and ready to distance the rival on the table. After a last speech on how you shouldn't underestimate your opponent, you got ready in the tunnel.

Like Emma predicted, the game was rather easy, but you could see some mistakes on your side. Maybe playing against the promoted gave your teammates enough confidence to sometimes let the defense only be supervised by Jess.

Whatever, you were ready for an attack when the ball got stolen by Bristol's players. Things got worse when your girlfriend received it. You were chasing her and doubting for a moment. If it was anyone else, you would take back the ball quickly, but this time was different. On your way back to stop their offensive, your eyes met your coach's, and you decided to say 'fuck off' and did it.

Jamie didn't know what happened; for a moment she was running to Hannah's goal, and the next moment she was on the ground. It was a rather bad tackle; you were aware of that, and that's why you didn't try to contest when the referee showed you a yellow card. But you started to panic when your girlfriend didn't stand up after a few seconds.

She was stunned, trying to process everything, when she felt somebody's hand rubbing her shoulder. "Hey, babe, I'm sorry. Are you okay?" She heard you ask and just nodded. "Do you need me to call the medic?" You spoke again, but this time she could feel your panic. She tried to brush it off and go back on her feet, but a pain in her ribs made her realize that this contact would cause some bruises.

"Y/l/n, stay away, please." You heard Connolly tell you while Erin was trying to pull you away.

"Megan, I just want to be sure she's okay." You replied with a broken voice, which surprised your Scottish teammate.

"And we will tell you if anything bad happens, don't worry. But right now, let the medics examine her." Amalie said this time. You nodded and decided to join your team. Fortunately, Jamie could have resumed the match, but until the end, you were careful with your interventions with her.

At the end of the match, you won and were too excited to notice that your girlfriend was forced to the changing room sooner than everyone else. After some handshakes and a little party in the cubby, you excused yourself, pretending that you forgot something on the pitch. A few seconds later, you were knocking on the other changing room, and you just had to wait a few seconds before someone opened it.

You exchanged a rather long eye contest with Abi Harrison until she looked back and stepped aside, letting your girlfriend come out of the room. "Twenty minutes." The number seven said. "We want her back in twenty minutes." She explained and let you go only after you promised.

You found a place that was isolated but not so far from her teammates changing room. You sat down first and made her sit on your lap. She had some ice for her bruises, which made you instantly ashamed of your previous action.

"You don't have to say it." Your girlfriend said when she noticed your intense glare on her ribs.

"But I-"

"You stopped me, and it's okay. Even if it hurts now, I'm not angry at you or anything. Honestly, I would do the same."

You paused for a moment before you wrapped your arms around her waist and let your head rest against her shoulder. "I'm sorry, mijn liefde (my love); I will be more careful next time." You said with your usual 'Jamie side' voice.

The Scottish player passed her hand through your hair before leaving a gentle kiss on your forehead. "I know you will, but it's okay. Sometimes things like that happen. Hell, I think I would be angry if you didn't even try to stop me." Her hand traveled from your hair to your chin, and she raised your head. "Look at me, babe." She instructed, and you did. "I totally forgive you, and I don't want you to blame yourself for that, okay?" When you nodded, she finally smiled again. "Okay, now we still have plenty of minutes for us, so let's use them wisely."

The kisses between you two didn't stop until Abi had to come to drag your girlfriend back to her teammates.

[keanureevesisbae]

Kylian Mbappe x Dutch!fem!reader (but who are we truly kidding, it's about me 😂😂)

Summary: You and your friend get stuck in an elevator with two guys who are the proud owners of the World Champion title of 2018. It's just that you don't know that yet.

Word count: 2.1k

A/N: I tried to fight it, I truly do, however I just couldn't help myself. So here it is: a stupid little one shot, based of a dream I had 😂 Also, the reader is Dutch, you have a friend named Jocelyn and it's June 2022

masterlist // misc. masterlist

Forget Emily in Paris. Who needs her, when you have me—Y/N Y/L/N—right here in the heart of Paris? I’ll just admit it straight away: I am that cliche. I eat croissants, am a whore for crepes and am looking into eating escargot. Finally I have an excuse to wear the beret. Try to impress the French with my mediocre accent and the three things I remember from my French lessons back in high school, though I don’t think I’m necessarily succeeding.

I’m wearing a black midi dress, paired with the platform boots and I push the sunglasses in my hair. I put on a thin white cardigan with daisies on it. After I zipped up my black boots, I grab the purse and ask my friend: ‘Ready?’

‘Is overdressing really your main purpose in life?’

I scoff. ‘Thought you knew me by now,’ I say, looking into the mirror to fix my hair. ‘It was I who showed up in a very cute dress and Mary Janes for orientation and that was back home. You bet you’re ass I’m gonna dress up in a different city.’

Jocelyn has been best friend since forever, therefore is familiar with my antics and she stands up from the bed after she put on her white sneakers and pulls up her baggy jeans. On top she’s wearing a cute blue crop top and grabs a simple sporty cardigan. ‘I’m ready,’ she says with a smile, before she uses the hairlip to twist her blonde locks in a messy, but stylish manner. 

The two of us lock our hotelroom behind us and make our way to the elevator. This entire place is beautiful, absolutely magnificent and normally, it would be totally out of our price range. However, Jocelyn is a queen when it comes to finding the best bargains, so we got this five night stay for a mere two hundred euros.

Per person that is, but still. A bargain is a bargain.  

And who am I to say no to a fun trip to Paris with my best friend for that price?

Jocelyn presses the button for the elevator, while I take in the extravagant hallway. Even the ceilings look like masterpieces. I wonder whether or not rich people who stay in luxurious hotel after another take a look at the ceiling and admiring its beauty.

The doors slide open and I can see two guys standing in the elevator already. Jocelyn and I—both masters in the European politeness—both smile identically. A tight lipped gesture with the mouth, that resembles a smile, but in reality looks like an awkward emoji.

They both nod into our direction and when I see the right button to go to the ground floor is already pressed, I relax as I lean against the wall. Usually I’d strike up a conversation with my friend, however the two of us stay silent now.

The elevator starts to descend some more, however it abruptly stops to a halt, which causes a high pitched yelp to leave from both my lips and Jocelyn’s. While one of the guys presses the emergency button, the other who is wearing a cap asks: ‘Ça va?’

I know what à droite is and a gauche and thanks to my high school French, I can ask for his name and I can introduce myself and tell him ‘un blond garçon’, because that was one of the first things I learned in school.

But in this case, that is obviously not gonna be helpful.

This however appears to be so simple, yet I have not a single clue what it means. I glance over to Jocelyn, who is just as confused as I am. 

I curse myself for dropping French after year three of high school. 

‘I’m sorry, what?’ I ask.

Cap guy clears his throat. ‘Are you two okay?’ His accent is thick, however I can still understand him perfectly fine. 

‘Yeah, yeah,’ I say with a smile. ‘I am.’ Realizing the question was a bit more specific, I quickly add: ‘We are.’

Goodness gracious, this guy is exactly the type of guy I would date. Deep down I know that Jocelyn knows. We’ve been through many phases together and while her ideal type has shifted over the years, mine has not.

And lo and behold, my ideal type is standing right in front of me.

The other one says something into the intercom, before he says something to his friend. Serving as the translator, Cap guy turns to us. ’There is a technical issue,’ he says. He almost dramatically leaves a few second silence between us. ’It might take an hour if not more to fix it.’

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.*═╝

‘What are your names?’ Cap guy asks after a five minute silence where everyone seemed to gather their thoughts and feelings about the current situation. My conclusion was that a faulty elevator causes the temperature to rise, so within five minutes of us being here, I already stripped myself from my cardigan, just like Jocelyn undid herself from her own.

‘I’m Y/N,’ I say. ‘This is my friend Jocelyn.’

‘Where are you from?’

‘The Netherlands. We’re students.’

Jocelyn clears her throat and asks: ‘What are your names?’

‘Kylian,’ Cap guy says and the other introduces himself as Olivier. Olivier appears to be much more mature, a wedding band visible on his ring finger, but nonetheless, still very attractive. While age shouldn’t necessarily be an issue in friendships, Kylian seems to be closer to our age than Olivier. 

‘What do you guys do?’ I ask, an attempt to make sure this conversation doesn’t fall on the ground.

‘We’re football players,’ Kylian says. 

‘Oh neat,’ I say with a smile. ‘What club?’

‘PSG,’ he answers.

‘AC Milan,’ Olivier answers for himself.

Those are pretty solid teams, I think to myself. 

Olivier smiles and adds: ‘We also play for the French National Team. Les Blues.’

Wait a damn minute. I turn to Jocelyn, with who I share a brain cell. We realize the same thing. Oh no… ‘Did you win the World Cup 2018?’ I ask. 

Jocelyn found her voice too. ‘And are going to play in Qatar upcoming November?’

Kylian and Olivier both chuckle. ‘The one and only,’ Kylian says. 

He could’ve just slapped me in the face. Here I am, asking what these guys do for a living and it turns out I am talking to actual world champions. Coming to think of it, the name Kylian in combination with French National Team and World Champions does sound familiar now. 

Jocelyn gasps. ‘Oh my gosh, you are Kylian Mbappe. And you are Olivier Giroud.’

While Giroud does not sound familiar, Kylian Mbappe does. 

‘Y/N,’ she hisses, ‘we watched the games. We watched the finale together.’

This just goes from bad to worse. I am not an avid football fan, however I get awfully intrigued during the Euro and World Cup. The patriotism I never knew I possessed, all of the sudden is there in all its glory. Because the Netherlands didn’t participate in the World Cup 2018, I just watched it for fun.

And I remember saying that the French had a very attractive team.

‘Oh… I remember now,’ I say in a soft tone. Thankfully Jocelyn doesn’t repeat my infamous words I said during the finale of the World Cup 2018.

I would totally allow number 10 to do things to me.

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.*═╝

After Jocelyn and I gotten over the embarrassing fact we were talking to pro athletes (and kept to ourselves we said the most unhinged things during the finale—mind you, we were nineteen and very single), time went by with jokes, stupid games and me sharing some sweets I had in my purse. 

Besides, I think Kylian is into me. I know how that makes me sound, like I have the world’s biggest ego, but I have been on the side lines many times when guys were showing interests in my friends. Lingering eye contact, allowing me to sit on his jacket so my dress isn’t getting dirty and a very innocent touch every now and then.

It’s all there.

This is the most amazing time for me to practice my hard to get skills and not gonna lie, I am nailing it. Giving him enough to try again, but not too much so I appear way too eager. Maybe I’m this on fire, because I know deep down that I’ll never see these two again, if Kylian Mbappe himself is not gonna ask for my number, because no way in hell I was gonna ask for his.

Jocelyn send me a text saying: IF IT WEREN’T FOR ME AND GIROUD NEXT TO YOU, YA’LL BE SPENDING YOUR TIME KISSING AND MAKING OUT IN THE ELEVATOR. 

Thankfully she wrote it in Dutch, because if one of these guys read what she sent me, I might actually pry the doors open myself so I could drop myself to the ground and die.

‘No, no, no,’ I say, ‘the capital of Estonia is Tallinn. Look it up!’

Olivier does what I ask him to do and he sighs. ‘She’s right. She’s too good.’

Right before we can continue on with our country game (it’s not a very exciting one, I’m mile aheads of them), the doors slide open and we are freed. It’s colder in the hallway, but it’s nice to cool down.

Once we’re at the exit of the hotel, I look at the two famous players, who are all smiles and what not. ‘This was fun,’ I say. 

‘We had fun,’ Jocelyn adds. ‘You two are hopeless with countries, but you can run really fast, so it’s all forgiven.’

They both chuckle. 

And then, in the most awkward way, we part ways. A soft goodbye, a thank you and Jocelyn and I are on our merry way to get our croissants we’ve been craving for more than an hour now. 

‘You and I, missy, need to discuss your flirting highlights,’ Jocelyn says. ‘Because you are gifted.’

‘I am not gifted.’

‘You impressed a hot and single football player,’ she says in all serious. ‘You, my friend, are gifted. I saw it all: the doe eyes, the hard to get and then the flirtatious way you smiled and chuckled at his jokes.’

Before I can say something about it, I hear from behind me: ‘Y/N, wait up.’

‘Thank you,’ Jocelyn says, in no one in particular. ‘I refused to believe this was it.’

‘What?’

‘That goodbye couldn’t be the end of the ‘Y/N Y/L/N and Kylian Mbappe’-saga.’

I can’t even respond to it, because Kylian caught up with us. ‘Hi,’ I say. 

‘Hi.’ A smile so bright and almost innocently hopeful. ‘Can I have your number?’

‘What?’ I ask. ‘Why?’

‘Because… You’re fun and I had fun with you. I… I was hoping you and I could spend some more time together, before you go back to the Netherlands.’ He clears his throat. ‘If you want, of course.’

This is not the time to freak out, Y/N and do something stupid. ‘Of course.’

We exchanged numbers, before he looks at his watch and with an apology telling me he has to go. He holds out his hand and when I place mine in it, he presses a kiss on my knuckles.

Don’t faint. Please, hold yourself together. 

‘Bye,’ he says and then he walks away.

I think I have reached a catatonic state, because I can’t move.  

‘You are gonna be a WAG!’ Jocelyn says. ���Once you are accustomed to a lifestyle of luxury, please remember your roots, therefore me.’

That drags me right back into reality. ‘He just asked for my number.’

Jocelyn scoffs. ‘You had a meet cute and a number exchange. This is gonna be the love story you’ve been waiting for. Come on, you’re twenty three, like yours truly and we both deserve a love story. Please, hook my up with one of his hot and single friends.’

‘You’re going way too fast,’ I say. ‘He just asked for my number.’

Almost on cue, my phone chimes. 

Jocelyn pulls it from my hand and lets out an excited squeal. Then she turns the screen to me and says: ‘You need to write a ‘how to-guide’ on how to get yourself a footballer in a few hours. It would be an absolute bestseller.’

Deciding to ignore her, I grab my phone from her hand and read the text.

Kylian Mbappe: If you don’t have plans for tonight, I’d like to take you out for a date

Kylian Mbappe: If you want, of course.

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.*═╝

Taglist: @diegos-butt (because I am forcing you to read this 😂😂😂)

[markusann]

Third live race recap

Sorry Max but it’s quite a refreshing thing to not hear Dutch anthem for once.

Lewis we can go and grab a drink, we can talk

As I was typing this George had his crash, oh my god, hope his ok

CARLOS SAINZ YOU ARE THE MAN THE SMOOTH OPERATOR

Sharl🤌🤌

We get SF one two wow wow wow

Congrats Lando!!! Another podium!! (Also for some reason I keep hearing Sharl saying LANDO WE CAN BE WORLD CHAMPION I SAID)

Both Yuki and DR give consistent drive today, good job, we got points.

Stake, pit stop fucked up again????

Ok it’s time for the grid to have a group appendix remove day.

This is an ungodly time to stay up all night and watch race. I’m now delirious for many reasons.

[theworldofotps]

Rewarding The Champ (NSFW)

Pairing: Seth Rollins x Male Reader Word Count: 1,230 Description: After Seth wins at MITB his boyfriend gives him a reward back in their hotel room.

Warning: Little smutty oral sex

Requested by anon, I hope you enjoy! Apologies if it’s a little rushed it’s been a while since I’ve wrote a MxM piece.

Thanks to @new-zealand-chic for giving me the last line I absolutely loved it and just tweaked it a little. ________ Tag list: @omg-im-such-a-masochist @melissahausen @new-zealand-chic @writtingrose @sjwrites22 @sassymox @mrsacklesevansmgk @xladyxfatex @biforrollynch @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch @demonqueen29 @itsicantbelievethis666 @lilred91 @rebellious-desires @claymorexpunisher @letsgivethisonemoreshot @ava-valerie @shortyiceheart @serpantscorpio8497 @thatpanpal @thatnerdwriter @wrestlersownmyheart @vebner37 @auburnwrites @aews-four-pillars @seeingstarks @whenimakeitshine1234 @legit9thlunaticwarrior @blaquekitty @ironshamelessyouth @unoficialy-married-to-ace-austin @ripleyswhore @melblacc @alliwant456 @elevennbloom @xbreezymeadowsmunsonx @mcreignsera  If you wanna be added to the list lemme know. ________

Watching the screen closely, y/n stands watching with bated breath as his boyfriend laid in the ring. Seth’s match against Finn at Money In The Bank had been intense and a little stressful. 

“Come on baby get the pin.” 

He whispered watching Seth and Finn go at it, seeing Damian come out with the briefcase made him groan. 

“Damian please for the love of everything not tonight.” 

Y/n begged watching the drama unfold, seeing Finn take his attention off Seth made him bite his lip. 

“Now's your chance!” 

Watching as he moved when Finn went for the coup he held his breath watching the curb stomp. Listening to the crowd count to three Y/n cheered when Seth got the pin. Quickly going to the gorilla Y/n smiled seeing Seth be congratulated by Hunter and a few of his coworkers. 

“I’m so proud of you that match was incredible.” 

Seth turned laughing softly as y/n hugged him tightly pressing a kiss to his lips.. 

“Easy on the ribs babe but thank you that means a lot coming from you.” 

“You’re welcome, wanna go back to the hotel so you can relax? We can celebrate a little if you’d like.” 

“Yeah sounds good just let me change, I'll shower at the hotel.” 

Y/n nodded his head as the two made their way back to the locker room, leaving Seth to go into the locker room. Y/n leans against the wall scrolling through social media reading some of the comments about Seth and Finn’s match.. 

“Okay love let’s go.” 

Seth had his bag slung over his shoulder and took his boyfriend’s hand. Chatting, the two make their way out to Seth’s rental car. Placing his bag on the back seat Seth got behind the wheel and made the short drive back to the hotel. Y/n was excited to have Seth to himself for the night. Usually one of them was working late so this was a treat. Arriving in the parking lot Seth parked and the two grabbed their bags making their way inside the hotel and up to their room. 

“I know I already said it but you did a terrific job tonight babe, truly that match was amazing.” 

Y/n said softly leaning against the wall of the elevator as he watched Seth. 

“Thank you, Finn is an incredible performer so any match with him is always a good one in my book.” 

“Damian really had me worried if I’m honest.” 

“I’m sure a lot of people felt the same way you did, baby.” 

Seth chuckled, leaning over and pressing a kiss to his lips then spoke again.

“So what do you feel like doing?”

“I thought we could celebrate a little after your shower… I’d like to reward my champion for a job well done.” 

Hearing the lust fill his voice Seth's smile quickly shifted to a smirk as the doors opened. Stepping off the elevator the two quickly made their way down the hall to their room. Y/n’s words echoing in Seth’s head, sliding the keycard he ushered him inside, closing the door behind them and turning the lock. 

“You go get cleaned up and I’ll meet you in the bedroom when you’re finished.” 

Turning with a wink y/n went to the kitchen while Seth made his way into the bathroom. Waiting to hear the door close y/n made his way to the bedroom as well pulling the covers down and grabbing a spare pillow. Just because he was giving head doesn’t mean his knees needed to suffer. 

When the room was finally ready he removed his shirt and turned the lights off. Leaving just the glow from the bedside lamp to light the room. 

“Wow I should win big title matches more often when you’re around.” 

Seth said from the doorway, looking up y/n felt like the world stopped. Seth was, from his guess, completely nude apart from the towel riding low on his hips. His damp hair hung over a shoulder and the few drops of water he missed glistened against his skin. The sight was enough to make his mouth run dry and his pants become tighter. 

“Are you going to say anything or are you just going to stare at me all night?” 

“Sorry sorry just you look really good and it caught me off guard.” 

Y/n smiled and watched his boyfriend slowly walk over to him, y/n’s fingers reach out touching Seth the moment he was close enough. Biting his lip he motioned towards the bed with a nod. 

Seth sat down the towel slowly riding up exposing more of his thighs. 

“Crawl to me.” 

“What?” 

“I said crawl, you can’t just expect me to let you have all the fun can you?” 

Y/n slowly got to his knees and crawled over to the pillow, once settled he slowly slid his hands up Seth’s legs. The hair slightly tickled his palms. Reaching up he undid the knot on the towel, watching it fall away to reveal Seth’s hard cock. 

“I haven’t even done anything yet and you’re already hard for me.”

Y/n chuckled as he leaned forward slowly flicking his tongue over the slit, collecting the small amount of precum that had gathered. Humming softly y/n swirled his tongue over the tip listening to the soft sighs and shaky breaths that Seth took in. 

“I love the sight of you on your knees for me.” 

Seth whispered watching as y/n’s mouth started taking him in. If there was one thing Seth loved to see more than anything was the image of his boyfriend choking on his cock. His lips stretched to fit more in his mouth the way drool collected at the corners of his lips, tears filling his eyes as he got farther down the shaft. He looked down right delectable. 

Y/n began bobbing his head once he finally got down near the base, his throat slowly relaxing so Seth could easily slide in and out of his mouth. Hearing the moans and grunts from his boyfriend was enough to let y/n know that Seth was enjoying this. Blinking back the tears y/n pulled off to just the tip was left in his mouth. Giving his throat a moment to relax he used his hand to work Seth’s cock. 

“You look so sexy with my cock in your mouth, your eyes all teary. Fuck the sight of you is enough to make me cum.”

He grunted out as he fell against the mattress, y/n continued to work his cock using both his mouth and hand to bring Seth right over the edge. Emptying his mouth y/n gets up crawling onto the bed. Looking at his boyfriend y/n couldn’t help but smile softly, seeing Seth laying there the afterglow of his orgasm evident on his face.

“I’m so proud of you babe, you deserve all the praise you got tonight.”

The younger man whispered as he watched the man laid out on the bed. 

Seth sat up just enough to look at his boyfriend and smirked softly, pressing a kiss to his lips before quickly flipping them over. 

“Again thank you love now how about instead of singing my praises right now I want to hear you screaming my name.”

[f1]

Its not that they have a magic bullet Vasseur outlines what it will take to reel in Red Bull over second half of season

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur has expressed optimism that current F1 pace-setters Red Bull can be caught, claiming marginal gains “in every single pillar of performance” will be key, as opposed to unleashing one “magic bullet”. Red Bull have dominated the 2023 season so far, winning all 13 races from Bahrain to the Netherlands with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to build up comfortable advantages in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. BEYOND THE GRID: Fred Vasseur on his ‘biggest challenge’ and pursuing the ‘pinnacle’ with Ferrari Nearest rivals Mercedes are now 285 points adrift, followed by Aston Martin and Ferrari, who have experienced an up-and-down campaign with an SF-23 package that has reached the high of pole position but also left drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz scratching their heads. Asked about this year’s titles being out of reach, and what would represent a successful second half to the year for Ferrari, Vasseur said: “For sure, if you have a look on the numbers, it’s quite difficult to imagine we could be champions on the team and driver championships. Ferrari are fourth in the constructors’ standings after 13 races, behind Red Bull, Mercedes and Aston Martin “But we need to keep the same mindset, to try to get the best on every single weekend, not to be focused on the championship. We have to improve the package, also to improve what we are doing on track, to try to get the best from the package that we have – it’s where we have to be focused. “I don’t want to fix a target to say we have to do ‘this’ or ‘this’. As long as we have room for improvement, we have to be 100% focused on this. It’s clear that on every single topic, and every single pillar of the performance, we need to take a step forward.” IT’S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we’re excited about ahead of the Italian Grand Prix Pushed on where he feels Red Bull are making the difference, Vasseur added: “I’m not sure that they have an area where they are much better than someone else. I think it’s everywhere they are performing, in every single pillar of performance, the drivers, engine chassis, aero, suspension, strategy… “I think it would be a mistake to say, ‘Okay, they are much better than us in this area, let’s be full push on this one’. We have to try to get the best from what we have in every single area and to do a small step everywhere.” This feature is currently not available because you need to provide consent to functional cookies. Please update your cookie preferences TECH TALK: Who's got faster so far? | Crypto.com Ferrari confirmed at the Dutch Grand Prix – where Leclerc and Sainz endured a particularly challenging weekend at the wheel – that they are working on a “brand-new” car for the 2024 season, as they look to deliver on Vasseur’s wish to improve in all areas. With all of the above in mind, Vasseur underlined his belief that Ferrari have the “team spirit, passion, budget and facilities” to get back to winning ways and end a title drought that stretches back to the 2008 campaign. “It’s never that something is missing in a team when you are not winning,” the Frenchman commented. “Even when you are winning, it’s not that you have something special – I’m really convinced about this. THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on all the F1 news ahead of the Italian Grand Prix “It’s not that Red Bull have a magic bullet. Perhaps that Max is doing a mega job today, but also it’s coming from the fact that they are dominating and they are putting Max in a very good position to do a good job. “I’m not sure that we have to change something. We have to improve everywhere, in every single area, in every single department. If two or three tenths are missing, I’m much more convinced that it’s 10 times two or three hundredths of a second per lap than something else.” via Formula 1 News https://www.formula1.com

[charissekenion]

'90s Beauty Moment: Alexander McQueen's No.13 show, with Paralympic athlete Aimee Mullins

If you’re a regular listener to the BeautyMe Podcast or follow my TikTok then you might know that I produced a series of ‘90s Beauty Moments as an alternative Advent Calendar for the month of December. I don’t really enjoy ‘enforced content creation’, but, I did that series because I wanted to see if I could. As time passed and I became more accustomed to sitting in front of my phone camera and sharing moments I truly felt anyone from any generation could love, I realised once again, just how much I loved beauty, in all its forms. Now that the series is over, I’ll be picking out certain episodes and adding a little more meat to the bones I provided, so today, I’m sharing a little bit more about my beloved Alexander McQueen.

I’ve always been attracted to pretty things, but I also believe there is beauty in everything, even in decay - I’ll just as likely photograph some dying flowers as I would some new Pat McGrath makeup. Beauty isn’t just about glowing, youthful skin; it’s also in the lines and wrinkles that hint at our life stories. I feel like Alexander McQueen had a real obsession with the darker side of beauty; so many of his shows featured references to animals - from feathers to skulls - and for his 13th show, No.13, he showed the fashion world how his fascination with prosthetics created for the First World War inspired an entire collection.

No.13 was the name of McQueen’ SS99 collection, shown in 1998.

If you know your fashion then you’re probably thinking you know exactly which moment I’m going to talk about when it comes to this beautiful, ground-breaking show. You’re probably thinking I’m talking about the finale, where we see model (and former ballet dancer) Shalom Harlow wearing a cotton trapeze dress that’s being spray painted by two robots hired from a car manufacturer. It’s definitely a striking moment in fashion history and came up in conversation again recently when Paris-based designer Coperni’s SS23 show featured two men spray-painting a dress onto top model Bella Hadid.

Bella Hadid onstage for Coperni’s SS23 show

But for me, there’s another moment – the first time a designer casts a model with prosthetic limbs to walk on the catwalk. The show itself was a romantic yet sinister tribute to the Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 1800s, something that inspired McQueen throughout his short career. So many of the designs featured ruffled leather and lace, laser cut wooden corsets, with many of the pieces being inspired by the workshops of Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton, which pioneered prosthetics for those injured during the first World War. This is also a show where we first notice McQueen’s evolving approach to footwear as he sends Paralympic champion Aimee Mullins down the runway wearing a beautiful pair of cherry wood prosthetic legs that were hand-carved to a design of McQueen’s, said to be inspired by the work of Dutch-British sculptor and wood-carver, Grinling Gibbons.

In an interview with Another Magazine, Aimee Mullins said she wanted to be involved because it was her ‘mission’ to challenge prevailing attitudes towards beauty.

The cherry wood prosthetics, designed by Alexander McQueen for Aimee Mullins

"I want to be seen as beautiful because of my disability, not in spite of it," she said. "People keep asking me: 'why do you want to get into this world that’s so bitchy and so much about physical perfection?' That’s why. That’s why I want to do it," she said.

McQueen himself said: "I wouldn’t swap the people I’ve been working with for a supermodel. They’ve got so much dignity and there’s not a lot of dignity in high fashion."

This is also the first show that made Alexander McQueen cry, and I can really see why. If you want to hear more, listen to the mini podcast dedicated to the show below.

For more ‘90s Beauty Moments, you can listen to BeautyMe Podcast anywhere you like, or watch the videos for all 25 moments, including this one, over on my TikTok @charissekenion. Thanks for reading.

[cyarskj1899]

The north remembers

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid05bn6FcHigPh4TmtcBhbK7p98gf1C1XKJjRHXUAxhM4m7fJvtR9NnGRvVzpemyL1tl&id=26423400230&mibextid=ncKXMA HOMELATESTCULTUREENTERTAINMENTBEAUTY/STYLECOVID IN BLACK AMERICAAWARDS SEASON 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

Drake Introduces First Woman OVO Artist As The World Waits For Him To Apologize To Megan Thee Stallion

No, Aubrey, we haven't forgotten the error of your ways.

By

Candace McDuffie

Published6 hours ago

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Drake has finally acquired the first woman artist to grace his OVO Sound label. Even though he went to social media to champion singer Naomi Sharon, the world is still eagerly waiting for him to apologize to another woman music artist who goes by the name Megan Thee Stallion.

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Sharon, who is of Caribbean/Dutch descent, released two new songs on Friday (January 20):“Celestial” and “Another Life.” Noah “40" Shebib, who’s worked with Drake for a number of years but still showed support for Meg, helped produce both singles. After both tracks dropped, Drake went to Instagram to celebrate.

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He wrote:

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Sharon replied to Drake by gushing on Instagram: “Words cannot express how happy I am I can finally share this news with the world. And I cannot thank you enough for this insane opportunity.”

This is all well and nice or whatever, but if Drake really wanted to show how he stands in solidarity with women in the music industry he would acknowledge the cheap shots he took at Megan Thee Stallion last year. On “Circo Loco,” a song on the joint project with 21 Savage entitled Her Loss, Drake rapped:

“This bi**h lie ’bout getting shots, but she still a stallion/ She don’t even get the joke/ But she still smiling.” This controversy lit the internet on fire, with Megan taking to Twitter to address the disrespect. 

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“Stop using my shooting for clout bi**h ass N****s! Since when tf is it cool to joke abt women getting shot !” she wrote. “People attack me y’all go up for it , i defend myself now I’m doing too much … every time it never ends and this did NOT happen until I came out and said I got shot … y’all don’t fwm okay cool f–k it bye.” 

Drizzy, it’s time for you to atone—we haven’t forgotten what you did. 

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[alexbkrieger13]

Everyone knows how good friends Z and Mandy are with their joint insta and what not. But not everyone knows how good friends Mandy and Ruben are aftonbladet(.)se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/765Pr8/psg-hacken-basta-vannerna-mots-i-champions-league-kvalet

They meet at weddings and in the Champions League.

Elin Rubensson and her bridesmaid Amanda Ilstedt collide in Paris this time.

- We are very close friends, but when we meet on the football pitch it doesn't matter, says BK Häcken's Elin Rubensson

BK Häcken wants to go to the group stage in the Champions League. But then Paris Saint-Germain must be defeated over two games.

Elin Rubensson believes that it is possible. Even though the worst enemy is a close friend.

- Going into periods like this can be good for the team. We know we have to be at our best to beat a team like PSG.

What will be important to you in the first meeting?

- You have to think about two games. We want to get as good a result as possible, we know we are strong at home.

- We know it will be a tough away game, but we absolutely have the chance. We are in good shape right now, says Elin Rubensson.

One of the challenges for Häcken will be to pass Paris Saint-Germain's defender Amanda Ilstedt. Elin Rubensson knows what awaits when her best friend, the one who was a bridesmaid at the wedding when Elin and Filip got married, is on the opposing side. Just like last year when Amanda Ilestedt played in Bayern Munich.

- It is going to be fun. It feels like we always meet in the Champions League. We keep an eye on each other, says Elin Rubensson.

How close are you to each other?

- We are very close friends and have been for a long time. We don't talk every day, but we know where we stand and will stay together for a long time.

Elin Rubensson, Häcken's experienced midfielder, sees that her friend and national team colleague makes a difference at PSG.

Bringing in a superstar

Offensively, PSG is a sharp team, even if the team's leading scorer, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, has a knee injury. But the team is strengthened with the Dutch star Lieke Martens. She, who has a background in Kopparbergs/Göteborg and FC Rosengård, left Barcelona this summer for Paris.

- They have very skilled players. They have Ramona (Bachmann and Lieke Martens. They are players we have met before, but they are not overpowering players and we also have talented players, points out Elin Rubensson.

The match will be played on Wednesday evening at 20.30 and you can watch it here on sportbladet.se

[thissying]

Max interview with Frank Woestenburg, Formule1 magazine, Dutch GP Special 2023

(translation by me. please don't repost elsewhere.)

Max, do you ever think about the life you lead? You’re 25 years old, a two-time F1 world champion, title number 3 is on its way and one record after another is shattering. You’re living your dream, so to speak. Aren’t you ever afraid that anything that comes your way after F1 won’t give you the same satisfaction, kick or adrenaline?

“It will be different, I’m aware of that but maybe that’s a good thing. There’s always a lot of pressure on you during a race weekend, and that’s year after year. Maybe it’s actually nice to, at some point, just do the things you enjoy doing and be relaxed about it.

A lot of people say I will miss this life and the pressure it brings. My dad says it, too. But personally, I don’t think so. When you’ve done this often and for a long time, you’re done at some point. Not now, of course, but there will come a time when it’s enough. Don’t forget: I started in go-karts when I was four. One day you will start wondering when constantly having to extract the best out of yourself to achieve the highest will end.”

I understand that but it’s become your second nature. You don’t just switch that off.

“True, I don’t know any different. And in other areas I will probably be wanting to get the best out of myself. But when something doesn’t work out later, it’s not a disaster. It’s all a bit more relaxed.”

You’ve been critical of the busy F1 calendar several times, the constant travelling, the downsides of being well-known. At some point…

“…it’s been enough, yeah. I’ve always said 24 race weekends is a lot. It’s not just the races but everything around makes it hard. All the marketing activities, simulator days, personal sponsor obligations. You don’t actually have any free days left.”

So often it really feels like a challenge.

“Yeah, and I talk about it very often with the people around me. Those are all things that play part in the decision on how long you will continue. Of course I’m happy to be in the position to be able to make those decisions for the future myself. The goal was always to become world champion and win races. That’s been achieved. I’ve said it before: anything that comes after that, is a bonus.”

As if you’re not busy enough, recently you’ve also got the Verstappen.com Racing project that you’re investing a lot of time in.

“That too, but that is actually something that gives me energy.”

Can you tell me what the project Verstappen.com Racing entails?

“It’s still in its infancy. Through Verstappen.com Racing we sponsor and support several race activities of people close to me with council and advice. It all started with sim racing with Team Redline. A lot of people still think that sim racing isn’t professional, but it’s very serious and I really spend a lot of hours to get everything right and trying to beat everyone. Besides that, we’re also active in DTM and GTWC Sprint with Thierry Vermeulen and my dad in rallying, but the ultimate goal is to set up a race team. We’ll start in GT3 and then we’ll see where it ends. If it ends…”

“When I do something, I want to do it right. I want to win, with this as well. And it’s about creating a stepping stone from sim racing to GT3. So that you can’t only reach autosport through karting, because that costs a ridiculous amount of money at the moment. Compared to that, sim racing is a lot cheaper. And of course, such a switch is possible. It has happened before, but it’s never really been really successful, for several reasons. I believe that, when you go about everything very professionally, you can build up a beautiful racing career through sim racing.”

How do you envisage the structure? Will Team Redline be called Team Verstappen.com Racing, for example?

“No, not that, but in the end the two will be connected. And not everyone in the sim-team can handle a real race car, but the few guys who I think do have that potential, I want to help along, like with the GT3 team for example. I think GT3 is a nice category, in which you can drive all the appealing endurance races. A junior class for Formula cars doesn’t appeal to me. Formula 3, Formula 2… you don’t get enough driving time while it costs a lot of money. In the GT3 class you drive a lot more races, but there’s a different atmosphere. A bit more relaxed.”

And what are the future ambitions, assuming your own GT3-team is the first step?

“Well, you never know how things will go, but there’s always ambition. It depends on how many good people we will have in the team and how much know-how there is, but it would be nice if we grow to the highest level in endurance racing.”

You once said you wanted to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Of course you will be doing that in a car of your own team?

“Yeah, that would be awesome wouldn’t it? Who knows.”

When it comes to Verstappen.com Racing, you’re involved in every decision, so the design of the logo as well. The link with Red Bull is very visible in it.

“I think it’s two beautiful brands together. If I can imagine ever driving for a different team in Formula 1? Well, not at the moment, no.”

Do you have a time-frame in mind for the further development of Verstappen.com Racing?

"Absolutely, we’re very busy with that at the moment. The next step is our own GT3-team. Next year is going to be tight, but I want it as soon as possible. A GT3-team in 2025, that should be do-able. With a minimum of two cars then.”

You’re talking about 2025, that’s very soon.

“We’re well under way. We’re passed the planning stage. We’re already in action mode.”

That must be an exciting prospect for you, your own team. But what role do you see for yourself? Team boss? Team manager?

“I don’t see myself as a Christian Horner per sé. But I do want to know and be involved in everything, advise and sometimes be at races physically, if it fits with the schedule. Mostly, it’s important to have the right people in the right places. For myself, I see mostly an advisory role, where I will also be critical.

If I would be more a Christian Horner type of team principal or more a Guenther Steiner type? Haha, I think neither. I think I’m more like my dad. In the past, when I was little, I always said: ‘I’m not like my dad’. But as I’m getting older, I notice more and more how much I am like him. How much energy I put into things to get them just right, how serious I can be about that and how much time I spend on it. That eternal need for perfection I got from him. In the end, those are only good traits, I think. There are a lot of talented people in the world, but there are also a lot of lazy people. The people who settle for second or third best, usually drop out. And it’s the people who hate becoming second or third, who always keep going, who never give up, who will make it.”

Let me guess, it’s the last category of people you will want in your team?

“Of course! That’s already the case with Team Redline. You always want people who work harder than anyone else. You see that at Red Bull too, actually.”

Are you already scouting for the right people?

“We’re looking. Not just me, but my dad as well. It’s nice that I can involve him in this. And he thinks it’s a beautiful project. He now drives rally under the Verstappen.com Racing flag, but it makes sense his role extends beyond that. We’re still working out the details, but a mentor-like part would suit him well and he likes the idea.”

What do you think of your dad having started driving rally racing?

“I think it’s nice. He needs the adrenalin and that’s okay, but rally racing is dangerous, too. He’s had some serious shunts already. But I do like seeing it and he’s very serious about it. It wouldn’t be my thing. Driving across a terrain with a rally car is fun, but those stages driving between trees and houses, no, that’s not my thing. I haven’t sat beside him yet either. I trust my dad with a lot of things, but that prospect is not as appealing.

Speaking of risks and safety: the fatal accident of Dilano van ‘t Hoff at Spa had a big impact on everyone, on you too. These are moments of reflection. When you look at yourself, do you handle risks differently from when you were young?

“I don’t know, but you’re thinking process is different. I know what I was like when I drove Formula 3. There was no fear. I don’t have that now either, but I do think more about the consequences of my actions. What would happen if… Back then, you never thought about that, you drove purely on instinct. I’m not talking about Dilano now, because he got hit by someone else, but generally speaking, as a junior driver you take more wild risks than at a later age.”

The accident got a lot of people thinking. Like, should you as a parent put your kids in a go-kart?

“Those thoughts are logical, but on a bike in Amsterdam your kid can also get run over. Risks are part of life or you put yourself in a body cast and sit at home. But of course you think about it. Me too, yes.

When the news about Dilano came out, I posted a message on social media. A while later, I saw Dilano’s sister had replied: ‘Max, you were his great role model. Thank you for this message.’ That reaction did something to me. Then I immediately think about my own family too for a minute. You think: Shit, if this had happened to me, then they… You really think: Fuck.”

Do you then, for example, talk about the autosport risks at home with your girlfriend Kelly?

“No, not that. She comes from a racing family herself and knows what autosport entails. As far as that is concerned, she’s seen enough of it in her family. After his Formula 1 career in 1992, her dad (Nelson Piquet) was in a serious crash ahead of the Indy 500 and had severe injuries on his feet and legs. The danger is just always there. She knows it, I know it. But you can also slip in the shower and break your neck. Unreal things happen sometimes. So at the track too, unfortunately.”

Back to racing then. One record after another is shattering. In England, Helmut Marko said he’s no longer keeping track of all your records, but also that you say you don’t care about them but that in the meantime you do know most of them by heart. What’s up with that?

“Of course I know where most drivers are and which records there are, but truly, I’m not that preoccupied with it. Records also have to do with having the luck of having a good car for a longer period of time. If I’ve got a good car for seven or eight years, I know many more records will be broken. But in the end, I don’t care about them. I didn’t come to Formula 1 to break records, I started driving Formula 1 to win. The first is just a consequence of the second, usually.”

A record does mean a milestone every time though. That you’ve passed a legend like Ayrton Senna when it comes to Grand Prix victories, surely that does mean something to you?

“Yes, but even that record… These days there are a lot more races than in the past. And like I said, you’re dependant on the material. I deliberately put it into perspective. For me, other things are more important. Like always beating your team mate, for example. That is and will remain the most important thing. And that’s going pretty well, yeah.”

Your successes make you very popular in big parts of the world, with The Netherlands at the top of the list of course, but one country isn’t the same as the other. How well-known are you in Monaco, where you live?

“I do get approached there regularly when I’m outside, usually by tourists. But it’s a lot more relaxed than in The Netherlands. Being out on the streets for two minutes is still possible.”

Do you see yourself, later, after your F1 career, ever moving back to Belgium or The Netherlands, to Maaseik for example?

“No, I’m really enjoying myself in Southern France. Of course, there are certain things I miss. ‘Frites speciaal’ [fries special: Dutch fries with mayonnaise, combined with either ketchup or curry sauce and sprinkled with chopped white onion], the local cuisine, haha. And of course my family and friends. But on the other hand: when I’m done racing, I will have more time anyway for weekends and holidays with friends and other fun things. I’m really looking forward to that free time.”

[livewellnews]

From marketing to being Holland's matchwinner, Andhra-born Anil hopes to play World Cup in India

The right-hand batter from Vijayawada hopes his team qualifies for the World Cup so that he can play in India with his family members watching him from the stands.

CHENNAI: Chasing a mammoth target of 375 against West Indies in their ICC World Cup Qualifier match in Harare on Monday, the Netherlands were 170/4 after 29.1 overs when skipper Scott Edwards joined Anil Teja Nidamanuru in the middle.

Born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Anil then stitched together a 143-run partnership with his captain for the fourth wicket. The 28-year-old Anil might have lost his wicket before the Netherlands shocked the two-time world champions in a Super Over thriller but it was his quickfire hundred (111 off 76 balls, 11x4, 3x6), which is also the fastest ODI century by a Dutch player, that kept his team in the match.

Having played 16 ODIs for the Dutch side so far, Anil must have enjoyed the latest innings the most. The win could act as a catalyst for the team as the Netherlands now have a realistic chance of making it to the World Cup scheduled in India in October-November this year. And Anil would definitely want that to happen as he wants to exhibit his skills in a country where it all started more than two decades ago.

“It will be a dream come true to come to India and play. India loves cricketers, it’s a part of their culture. It would mean everything to me, especially with my family in attendance. Having them at the ground would be nicer,” the right-hand batter told this daily from Harare after his team’s memorable victory.

With his mother Padmavathi Pallekona studying and working in Singapore, Anil grew up at his grandparents’ home in Vijayawada.

“My grandfather Pitchia Shastri bought me the first cricket bat there (Vijayawada) and encouraged me to play. When I was six, my mother got a job in Auckland and we both moved to New Zealand. Say it a coincidence, my mother’s hospital where she got the job was next to Cornwall Cricket Club, the venue where Kiwi greats like Martin Crowe and Mark Greatbatch honed their talent. I also started training there once we settled in Auckland.”

Anil played age-group cricket in the city before making his List A debut for Auckland Aces at the age of 23 in 2018. He also went on to play T20 and one-dayers for the team but given the tough competition, he could never become the permanent fixture of the team.

“I worked very hard to get into that team but never managed to cement my place. The best way to continue playing cricket was to go abroad so I started playing as an overseas professional for clubs in England. The weather permitted me to do so as when it was winter in New Zealand, it was summer in England. So in that way, I could play cricket throughout the year.”

‘Played cricket after working 40 hours a week’

However, by then Anil, who also bowls right-arm off-break, has started looking for a full-time contract. He had two options back then — either move to Ireland or Netherlands.

“In 2019, I decided to go to the Netherlands for six months. But the stint which was supposed to be of six months extended as I got a job in the marketing department of a technology company. My initial aim was to live and work hard but somewhere back in my mind there was always that dream of playing cricket. Work was the driving force but cricket was my passion. So despite working 40 hours a week, I started doing fitness training in the morning and cricket training in the evening after work.”

The hard work paid off as he made his international debut against West Indies in an ODI on May 31 last year. His team might have lost the match but Anil scored an unbeaten 58 to impress all and sundry.

“The team management is very understanding. They are very supportive as they let me work as well as play. I know hard work is the only option so I make maximum use of time I have after work. But it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Netherlands coaches, support staff and everyone associated with the game in the country. The coaches especially head coach Ryan Cook take time out for me so that I can do one-on-one quality training. The trainers, the support staff they all are very supportive.”

Speaking on the game plan while chasing the improbable total against the mighty West Indies, Anil said, “Chasing 375, there is only one way to play. The openers gave us a good platform. Given the momentum we had, we just have to be positive. As far as I was concerned, my strategy was to be positive for the first 2–3 balls of every over. The icing on the cake is the Super Over win. It really means a lot as a century wouldn’t have made me happy had we lost the game. Credit goes to the boys, the coaching and support staff.”

‘Kohli, a role model on and off the field’

Like many players across the globe, Anil is a big fan of India’s star batter, Virat Kohli.

“Of course, it has to be Kohli for a number of reasons. I have scored only two international centuries so far but here is he who has scored more than 70 hundreds. I really loved the way he goes about his game. We played against him in the T20 World Cup in Australia. I was amazed at how he constructed his innings. Besides, the way he carries himself off the field. He is fully professional and a fitness freak. Basically a role model both on and off the field.”

Anil tries to visit India at least once a year but his work and cricket commitments mean he is forced to miss the trip quite often. The last time he visited the country was in March 2021.

“My grandfather passed away five years ago but my grandmother still lives there. I really hope we make it to the World Cup so that I come to India and play with my grandmother and family members watching me from the stands,” signed off Anil.