I read pretty much any F1 ship as long as it’s well-written. I tend to have a bias towards longer plotty fic and angst with a happy ending but also who doesn’t love a good pwp or character study?
Also happy to read basically any combo of: Max, Daniel, Seb, Lewis, Charles, Pierre, Carlos, Lando, Alex
Less into: Everyone else on the current grid (for these purposes, they’re still my little blorbos and I want good things for them all). I’ll still try pretty much any ship if it’s well written but the bar for getting me interested in say, Esteban, is pretty high.
I’ll try to tag things clearly but if you’d like me to add a tag just ask! I can’t promise I’ll remember but I’ll try.
Please also feel free to send me recs and/or scream about your blorbos to me.
6,084 words. max verstappen / daniel ricciardo. art by @33max
hello, max!
Max shakes his head when he parks, sure his mind is playing tricks on him. Too much adrenaline. Too much emotion. He’s never felt so good in a car before but he thinks he might be taking it a little far if he’s imagining the car talking to him. He's about to climb out of the cockpit, arms hoisting himself up when he hears it again.
pastures new, perhaps greener (george/alex, 2.9k, coda to crude generalisations and vulgar simplifications)
George checks his watch, but they still have some time before they need to leave, their reservation not until 6:30. He can't think about it being their ten year anniversary too much - still gets a little weak at the knees as he tries to wrap his mind around the momentous happiness of the last decade. Some things are better experienced than understood, George thinks, unfit for comprehension, like the opposition’s sudden campaign to shoot themselves in the foot by calling for a return to supply side economics.
special thanks to @prettydangrotten for sending the post/tags that inspired the chatfic that inspired the fic etc etc and generally being correct and perceiving truths about george and alex
Summary: 19-year-old Lando Norris, originally from the Kingdom of Anglosax, decides to pursue his undergraduate degree at the State University of Hiberia. There, he strikes up a relationship with a 25-year old Hiberian man, Carlos Sainz. Carlos is beautiful, kind, and deeply passionate about the Hiberian people and their struggles. Though Lando knows very little about he wants out of life, he knows one thing: he desperately wants Carlos.
But against the backdrop of an increasingly tumultuous political situation in Hiberia, will Lando be brave enough to open his heart to all of Carlos?
Notes: You know when you read a fic and it’s a reminder of the immense talent that fic writers have and that they just give us this stuff for free? This is one of those - spectacular political/college au (modern, which I hadn’t realized from the summary), super plotty, and delightfully smutty and romantic. This author is great at capturing that all-encompassing obsessive love when you find your person, and I’m also a sucker for Alex/George/Lando friendship which this has in abundance. I did fully tear up at times while reading so bring your waterproof mascara.
Wordcount: 84,643
Major Tags: political au, college au (kind of), violence against political dissidents (not explicit)
Summary: 19-year-old Lando Norris, originally from the Kingdom of Anglosax, decides to pursue his undergraduate degree at the State University of Hiberia. There, he strikes up a relationship with a 25-year old Hiberian man, Carlos Sainz. Carlos is beautiful, kind, and deeply passionate about the Hiberian people and their struggles. Though Lando knows very little about he wants out of life, he knows one thing: he desperately wants Carlos.
But against the backdrop of an increasingly tumultuous political situation in Hiberia, will Lando be brave enough to open his heart to all of Carlos?
Notes: You know when you read a fic and it’s a reminder of the immense talent that fic writers have and that they just give us this stuff for free? This is one of those - spectacular political/college au (modern, which I hadn’t realized from the summary), super plotty, and delightfully smutty and romantic. This author is great at capturing that all-encompassing obsessive love when you find your person, and I’m also a sucker for Alex/George/Lando friendship which this has in abundance. I did fully tear up at times while reading so bring your waterproof mascara.
Wordcount: 84,643
Major Tags: political au, college au (kind of), violence against political dissidents (not explicit)
Summary: Alex remembers attending his first Cabinet meeting - he’d been awed by the imposant room, the history this place held, where wars had been declared, disasters averted and ensured, with its stately inner ring of ministers, surrounded by the bustling outer ring filled with their advisors and assistants. The gratitude he had felt in that moment, being a part of the centre of it all, the place where power housed. Almost six hours later, he’d stumbled out of the stuffy room with George at his side, eyes wide with commiseration as he’d led Alex through the narrow halls.
“These ministers.” Alex had said, a hollow look in his eyes. “Are they all-?”
“Afraid so.” George’s voice had been kind, but knowing, like he’d expected this and had grimly prepared himself.
“Halfwits.” Alex had moaned, as George had patted him on the back in sympathy. “Fools and idiots, every last one of them.”
Notes: Super fun political au featuring George using his narc energy for good, adorable and long suffering Alex, great dialogue, and all our fave drivers as other political advisors/team principals as ministers. Who would have thought fic about fighting over unallocated budget funds could be this enjoyable?
Summary: The morning of the last day of the season, Max asks his assistant to book him a one-way ticket to Bali.
Notes: I love fics that just allow you to immerse yourself in a place and this character study of Max that follows him as he takes an impulse trip to Bali to figure out what he wants from his life is definitely one of those. Tw: recreational drug use
Wordcount: 27575
Major Tags: character study, established relationship (but with an uncertain future), eventual fluff and smut
Summary: Daniel shuffled in close, his thigh pressing against Max, “gotta get in close so we’re nicely in frame”, Daniel said, throwing a wink at Max. The line of warmth against Max’s leg was good, Max couldn’t tear his attention away from it, barely listening to the interviewer. Daniel did most of the talking. He usually did. Max could listen to him for days.
A series based on the major arcana in the tarot deck.
Notes: Really cool and creative concept using the tarot as a theme, following Max and Daniel from around 2015 to 2021. No tarot knowledge needed though for sure, the lovely writing alone is worth the read.
Wordcount: 30,735
Major Tags: angst with a happy ending, coming out, getting together
Sign-ups for the Formula 1 Fantasy Fest close this Friday (14/10/22). If you've been debating joining but you still have some questions, we've compiled an FAQ list for you.
Fest Links: Sign Up Form | Discord | AO3 Collection
Fest Dates: Sign-ups Close (14/10) | Check-in (11/11) | Submission Date (30/11) | Collection Published (01/12)
FAQ's
1. What is fantasy?
'Fantasy is a genre here defined as focusing on magical and supernatural elements, which usually have an impact on the plot. However, since genre is subjective, what counts as fantasy is up to you!'
2. What are the rules?
Your work should be a minimum of 2000 words (or the equivalent in art)
Your work should include some element of fantasy
Your work can be about any driver or pairing (romantic or gen)
There are otherwise no limits to what you can write - any AU, fantasy trope, or premise is accepted and welcomed! Please be as creative as you like.
3. Do aliens/ghosts/tentacles/Harry Potter AUs count as fantasy?
Yes! We have left the definition of fantasy purposefully vague. As long as there is a fantastical/supernatural element, you should be fine. If you're still not sure, please do ask a Mod - but chances are the answer will be yes!
4. What happens if I have to drop out?
Nothing! We understand that circumstances and priorities can change. This is a low commitment fest, so if you find closer to the deadline that you're unable to participate, that's absolutely fine.
5. Does my work need to be completed for me to submit it to the Fest?
We understand just how long it can take to write a Fantasy story. It is, arguably, a longer process than most other genres - with research and world building and development. We ask that any fics added to the Fest are at least 50% finished. We hope that this will keep the Fest accessible and manageable to our writers while still giving those who are excited for the Fest some fun things to read!
6. Can I produce art/graphics for the Fest?
Absolutely!
7. Can I write-- [insert trope here]
Yes. We just ask that you properly tag everything on AO3.
8. I've missed the sign-up deadline! Can I still join?
Drop one of the Moderators a message and we'll see what we can do. 🥰
Author: MasterEyebrow (if anyone knows their tumblr pls let me know)
Rated: E
Summary: Finland, early 1930s. The Rosberg family hires Valtteri as a private mechanic (or, if he's being completely honest, he's mostly there just to clean the garage after Mika and JJ make a mess). The bratty heir of the family fortune, Nico, takes a liking to him. It gets complicated.
Notes: Totally immersive historial au with a great rarepair. I suspect the author studied this period at some point - at the very least it feels super accurate in a way that enhances the story. I loved quiet calm Valterri and fiery artist/racecar driver Nico and this is just a great one to curl up with next to the fireplace on a rainy night. TW for racing crashes, severe injuries, death (referred to, not major characters), homophobia (relatively minor).
Wordcount: 30,735
Major Tags: historical au (1930s), racing, artist au
never coming down with your hand in mine (m)
piarles / complete / 15,000 words
fake/pretend relationship. non-famous au. best friends to lovers.
written for my darling @singsweetmelodies. i love you so much my girl; thank you for being you. 🤍
and a big thank you to @acrossbrazenskies for organising the F1 Secret Society Secret Satan - this was so much fun!
"You remind me of myself and my husband when we were your age. Making it in the world together. You are a beautiful couple. Truly. We’ve had some issues in the past, investing in people who don't share our values. I won’t go into it here– but I feel good about this, about the pair of you.”
Charles shook his head. “Pierre and I, we aren’t–”
“We are not in the habit of telling potential investors that we are together,” Pierre said quickly, before Charles could finish.
or, Pierre and Charles are two young fashion designers looking to make it in a cut-throat industry. They approach Lewis for an investment, but quickly get tangled up in their own lie.
Summary: Rushing goes about as Lando expects, for better or worse.
Notes: I have such a soft spot for college/frat aus and this one does not disappoint. Lando is rushing along with George and Alex, and Carlos (as well as many other drivers) are current brothers. (The current brothers are sometimes mild assholes - it’s hazing after all, but nothing that was a bummer for me personally.) TW for hazing including paddling, threatened (but not actual) worse hazing nothing and au-typical alcohol/drug use/toxic masculinity.
Wordcount: 10,860
Major Tags: Frat AU, hazing, power imbalance, getting together
Author: citydaydreaming ( @thewindowatkirkland on here)
Rated: M
Summary: “Hey” Daniel says “thanks for coming over.”
“Is now a good time? If you are busy I can come back later.”
“Now is fine, she’s already asleep so we should be able to talk without being interrupted.”
“Talk about how you have a daughter.”
Daniel bites his lip nervously “yeah, about that.”
OR: single dad daniel returns to the grid for one final year with red bull, max doesn’t plan on falling in love with him and his daughter, but somehow it happens anyway.
Notes: This is incredibly cute and sweet - I am very much not a kidfic or mpreg person but I still loved this and recommend checking it out even if you usually skip fics with those themes.
Major Tags: mpreg (offscreen and not a huge focus of the fic), unplanned pregnancy, fluff, kidfic, getting together
something that i used to feel | max/daniel | 8.2k | explicit
–
Sitting there at the breakfast bar, he remembers Verstappen from a year ago. He remembers him as a goofy looking, quiet kid, a boy who was enthusiastic about racing and seemingly not much else.
He is not a boy anymore and it’s not 2012 either.
It’s 2022 and Verstappen is twenty-four. Daniel is twenty-three, heat pooling low in his stomach as he flushes, watching Verstappen turn into the older Daniel’s touch, kissing him like-
A deep breath steadies him and Daniel barely feels like he’s vibrating out of his body when he takes the couple of steps that separate him from Max and straddles his lap, knees bracketing Max’s hips. Max’s hands immediately come up to his waist.
That part Daniel knows, by heart. They’ve been here too many times for him not to be able to anticipate every single one of Max’s wants and needs.
It’s probably a little fucked-up, when you develop feelings for someone but the only sexual experiences you have together are wrapped under power imbalance rules and always set between the same four walls.
(or it’s just messy when you take it out of there and the rules change and no one knows what to do then)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Ship: Carlando
Author: madlyiephasetwo
Rated: E
Summary: 'Don't fall in love with the barista', the sign in front of the coffee shop reads.
Notes: This was the perfect cozy coffeeshop/university au after a shitty day. Featuring fake boyfriends, exasperated Charles, and communicating through coffeeshop sidewalk sign messages.
