https://ift.tt/8ysJGKe it on AO3
by Valelila
The radical 2026 Formula 1 regulations promised to shuffle the grid, but for Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, it has only brought the beginning of a devastating psychological and professional decline. Following a catastrophic Monaco Grand Prix, both drivers find themselves at the lowest, most critical turning points of their careers.
Charles, trapped in a long-term contract with a Scuderia Ferrari that keeps failing him mechanically, is drowning in intrusive thoughts. The bitter humiliation of watching his veteran teammate, Lewis Hamilton, and a ruthless new generation of younger drivers seize the glory tears at his pride, especially as Charles continues to shoulder the blame publicly to shield his team. Meanwhile, Max watches the total collapse of the new Red Bull-Ford engine project, tearing himself apart between blind loyalty to the team that made him a multi-time World Champion or saving his legacy by jumping ship to Mercedes or McLaren. Away from the suffocating media glare that brands them as either "overrated" or "traitors," the Lion and Il Predestinato find in each other their only honest sanctuary.
Words: 11107, Chapters: 6/?, Language: English
Fandoms: Formula 1 RPF
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Categories: M/M
Characters: Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1 RPF), Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, George Russell (Formula 1 RPF), Torger "Toto" Wolff, FrΓ©dΓ©ric "Fred" Vasseur, Carlos Sainz Jr, Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Oliver Bearman
Relationships: Charles Leclerc/Max Verstappen, Lando Norris/Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc & Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz Jr, Daniel Ricciardo & Max Verstappen, Lando Norris & Max Verstappen, Andrea Kimi Antonelli & Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc
Additional Tags: Angst with a Happy Ending, 2026 Formula 1 Season, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Secret Relationship, Protective Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc Needs a Hug, Max Verstappen Loves Charles Leclerc, Charles Leclerc Loves Max Verstappen, Intrusive Thoughts, Hurt/Comfort
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