Chestappen and touch
(It's time to post this analysis of sorts here as well since I noticed I haven't been posting about chestappen on here when they're my main right now, I’m more on twt when it comes to these two).
after seeing that thread about checo learning how it is with max and his tendency to initiate contact, this is actually a pretty interesting clip—
it seemed as if Checo touched Max lightly on the chest as a sort of reassurance that they're just there to discuss/debate, similar to a reminder or reset button, to calm down since it looked like the tension between them was escalating.
Checo considers himself cold for not being too touchy-feely with everyone, but I think "cold" isn't the right word, "observant" or "attentive", possibly—"Careful", maybe. He adapts to and reciprocates whoever he's talking to that it comes off as "cold".
(That "ay, this boy" look at the end is pretty funny, though)
and maybe that touch was just to pause and avoid exacerbation in general. Max looked like he could go on all day with his defending (that could switch to offensive at any given moment).
But with that quick touch and Checo maintaining his tone and approach, Max had to back down. They really were just talking (flash-back to Max confronting Ocon and Ocon acting nonchalant, placating and dismissive that it pissed him off even more).
And it honestly, it all boils down to how much Max matured when Checo became his teammate and the trust both of them built after their divorce in 2022. It's honestly remarkable and underrated how well they get along. AND, this is a testament as to why Max is taking his work-husband duties seriously this year (consistently defending Checo amidst RB20 being a shitcan; hence, all the blame going to him. LISTEN TO MAXIE!)