Episode 2: The Lucky Charm Theory
Episode 3-5: 𝓒oming Soon…
Pairing: Lando Norris x Jacqueline Leroux
Genre: fluff, banter, smau
Rating: general audiences (no mature content in this specific chapter)
kikagomes: so proud of you working so hard!!! 🥹 text me when you finish your next shoot!
pierregasly: Good to see you, Jacqui! Glad you survived the garage tour 👍
User1: she looks so elegant omg
User2: oh she’s actually an angel look at her
User3: wait she’s so pretty and looks so sweet 🤍
Narrative: The Busy Paddock Tour
"I still cannot believe your agency booked you for the entire race weekend," Kika said happily, keeping a protective hand on Jacqueline’s arm as they navigated the bustling paddock. "You must be completely exhausted."
Jacqueline offered a warm, genuine laugh, adjusting her media pass. "Honestly, Kika, I am running entirely on caffeine and adrenaline right now. But I really wanted to squeeze in this quick lunch break to see you guys. The energy here is incredible."
Pierre grinned, leading the way. "Since you’re finally here, you have to meet the grid. Come on."
Because Pierre was one of the most well-liked drivers on the grid, the walk was a social whirlwind. Their first stop was outside the Ferrari hospitality suite, where Pierre flagged down his former teammate.
"Charles! Come meet a close friend of ours," Pierre called out.
Charles Leclerc turned around, his usual polite smile widening as he stepped over. "Ah, hello! Nice to meet you," he said warmly, shaking Jacqueline's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Charles. Pierre speaks so highly of you," Jacqueline replied with an effortless, sweet charm. They chatted easily for a couple of minutes about the Monaco track conditions before Charles had to dash off for a engineering briefing, wishing her luck with her brand campaign.
Next, they crossed paths with Alex Albon outside the Williams garage. Alex was incredibly friendly, instantly joking around with Kika and asking Jacqueline about the chaotic world of high-fashion modeling compared to racing. Jacqueline was incredibly attentive, laughing along and asking him genuine questions about his weekend. She was entirely lovely to everyone she met—but to her, they were simply Pierre's friendly colleagues. There was no starstruck fluttering, no hidden agenda. She was just being a good friend.
"Alright, one last stop before we have to deliver you back to your manager," Pierre teased as they strolled toward the McLaren garage.
Leaning against a pristine flight case, chatting with his press officer, was Lando Norris. His neon-yellow cap was tilted backward, and he was mid-laugh until he noticed Pierre and Kika approaching with a new face.
"Look who decided to join the real world," Lando joked, stepping forward to greet Pierre with a quick handshake. His hazel eyes shifted to Jacqueline, his expression softening into an easy, curious smile. "Hey. I'm Lando."
"Hi, Lando. I'm Jacqueline," she said softly, offering a warm, sincere smile and a gentle handshake. "It's lovely to meet you."
"Lovely to meet you too. You're the model Kika hasn't stopped talking about all morning, right?" Lando asked cheekily, leaning back slightly, fully prepared to deploy his usual easygoing charm. "So, have they convinced you to support Alpine yet, or do you want to join a team that actually stands on the podium?"
Jacqueline let out a soft, amused giggle, but her answer was entirely grounded. "Honestly, I don't think I can pledge allegiance to anyone yet! I barely understand how the points system works. I’m just here working a campaign for the weekend, so my mind is completely trapped in wardrobe changes and lighting setups."
Lando blinked, a bit fascinated by how sweet and completely unfazed she was by the whole F1 spectacle. "Right. Work comes first, I get that. But surely you have time to watch the race on Sunday?"
Before she could answer, Jacqueline’s phone buzzed in her palm. She glanced down at the screen, an apologetic look immediately crossing her face. "Oh, that's my manager. My lunch window just closed—they need me back on the harbor set for the golden hour lighting."
She tucked her phone away, looking at Lando, Pierre, and Kika with genuine warmth. "I’m so sorry to cut this short. Lando, it was truly wonderful to meet you. Good luck with qualifying tomorrow. Pierre, Kika, I will text you the second my wrap-time is called tonight!"
With a final, sweet wave, she turned and hurried off through the paddock gates, her focus completely snapping back into professional mode.
Lando stood there for a moment, his easy smile lingering as he watched her walk away. She hadn't fished for an invite to the McLaren hospitality, she hadn't asked for a photo, and she hadn't lingered just because he was a top-three driver. She was just incredibly nice, incredibly hardworking, and completely out of reach.
"She's great, isn't she?" Kika smiled, noticing Lando’s quiet gaze. "But don't get any ideas, Norris. She works twenty-hour days and literally doesn't have a spare second for a dating life."
Lando didn't say anything, but as he pulled out his phone a few minutes later and found her Instagram profile, a quiet determination hit him. He hit the blue 'Follow' button.
Narrative: Qualifying Day Tension
Lando stared down at his phone in the McLaren drivers' room, a small smile playing on his lips. She hadn't said yes, but she hadn't said a flat-out no either. She was just entirely focused on her job, and there was something incredibly refreshing about that.
"Two minutes to session, Lando," his trainer called out, knocking on the door.
"Yeah, coming," Lando replied, locking his phone and sliding it into his pocket. He pulled his balaclava over his head and grabbed his helmet. Usually, his mind was 100% locked onto the apexes of the Monaco street circuit. Today, a tiny fraction of it was hoping to spot a tall, elegant girl in a luxury blazer standing behind the pit wall.
Meanwhile, over at the harbor shoot, the roaring sound of twenty F1 cars echoing through the city streets signaled the start of Qualifying. Jacqueline stood under a massive reflector screen, posing effortlessly for the flashing cameras. She looked stunning, professional, and completely composed—but every time a papaya-orange car sped past the barriers in the distance, her eyes involuntarily tracked it.
She wasn't looking for romance. She didn't have time for a boyfriend. But Lando's persistent, sweet friendliness was definitely starting to crack through her professional walls, just a little bit.
Liked by lando, kikagomes, and 147942 others
kikagomes: MY GOD WHO ALLOWED YOU TO BE THIS GORGEOUS 😍🔥
pierregasly: Excellent dress choice, very respectful of the Alpine colors (black) 🤝
— jacquieleroix: @pierregasly haha it is purely coincidental Pierre I promise!
lando: congrats to the photographer because wow 👏
— User2: He is down so bad oh my god
— User3: @jacquieleroix please reply to him look at him trying his best 😭
Narrative: The Hotel Restaurant Encounter
The restaurant at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel was draped in warm, golden lighting, filled with the quiet murmur of elite guests and the clinking of champagne glasses. Jacqueline sat at a corner table with Kika and Pierre, finally letting her shoulders drop after a grueling fourteen-hour shoot day.
"I'm telling you, the grip on the soft tires during Q3 was completely gone," Pierre was explaining to Kika, gesturing with his fork.
Jacqueline smiled, sipping her sparkling water. She loved listening to them, even if half the technical racing jargon flew right over her head. It was comforting.
"Speak of the devil," Pierre muttered suddenly, nodding toward the entrance of the restaurant. "Look who just walked in to celebrate his front-row start."
Jacqueline glanced over her shoulder. Walking in alongside his manager and a couple of McLaren team members was Lando. He had traded his team kit for a crisp white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his curls slightly damp and messy. He looked relaxed, a bright grin on his face as he scanned the room.
Then, his eyes landed on their table. More specifically, on her.
His grin softened into something a bit more genuine. He said a quick word to his manager, detaching himself from his group, and began walking straight toward their table.
"Keep it cool, Norris," Pierre teased before Lando even reached them. "We know you're only coming over here to steal our breadbasket."
Lando laughed, shaking Pierre’s hand and giving Kika a quick hug. "Shut up, mate. I came to say hi." He turned his gaze to Jacqueline, and for a split second, the cheeky, confident F1 driver seemed to falter. Up close, the black silk dress made her look utterly ethereal.
"Hey, Jacqueline. You look... incredible. Truly."
A soft, genuine blush dusted Jacqueline’s cheeks. She wasn't easily swayed by compliments, but the sincerity in his voice—completely devoid of his usual paddock bravado—was incredibly sweet.
"Thank you, Lando," she said softly, offering him a warm smile. "And congratulations on P2 today! I actually managed to catch the very end of your final lap on the monitor on set. You looked incredibly fast."
Lando’s face completely lit up. "Wait, really? You actually watched?"
"I did," she giggled, leaning back in her chair. "See? I'm learning."
"Wow. I'm honored," Lando smiled, rubbing the back of his neck, suddenly looking like a shy teenager rather than a global athlete. "So, does this mean you're officially a McLaren fan now, or do I need to win the actual race tomorrow to secure the contract?"
Before Jacqueline could reply, Kika cleared her throat playfully, a protective smirk on her face. "Don't push your luck, Norris. She’s an independent woman. You can't buy her loyalty with a front-row start."
"I'm just trying to negotiate," Lando joked, his eyes sliding back to Jacqueline, silently hoping she wouldn't pull away.
"I'll tell you what," Jacqueline said, her French accent dripping like honey as she challenged him with a playful twinkle in her eyes. "If you manage to keep that position—or better—tomorrow, I will officially consider wearing something papaya-colored to the next race. Deal?"
Lando’s smile widened into a full, breathless grin. He held out his hand to seal the promise. "Deal. You better start looking for a orange dress, Leroux."
Direct Messages: lando —> jacquieleroix
BLAIR RADIO 27: Check, check, 1-2... is this thing on? 🎤
a champagne shower for norris, a wrap on the luxury campaign for jacqui, and a neon-orange outfit currently being added to a digital shopping cart. the bet is locked in, and the afterparty is calling. See you guys in episode 2! my first smau hope you like it! next episode is already in the making. peace out! 🏎️💛
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