Summary: Lando spends his first Thanksgiving with Amelie and her family in Doha, where the holiday brings a mix of warmth, nervousness, and unexpected intimacy.
Wordcount: 4.4 k
Warnings: none
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November 28th, 2024 - Doha, Qatar
Lando Norris walked through the luxurious marble floors of the massive villa in Doha, the cool air conditioning mixing with the subtle warmth of the desert evening. It was the evening of Thanksgiving, and although Qatar wasn’t the typical place to celebrate the American holiday, Amelie had insisted. They were there for the race weekend, but this was more than just a typical work trip. It was family.
Amelie had invited him to spend the night with her family. Lando hadn’t been sure what to expect; Thanksgiving wasn’t something he’d ever really celebrated. Sure, he’d seen it on TV in the movies, but there was something different about experiencing it firsthand—especially when it was with someone he was head over heels for.
Lando smoothed his jumper nervously as he stepped into the sprawling living room of the villa. The warm glow of ambient lighting reflected off the polished tiles, and the soft hum of conversation drifted through the space. The air smelled amazing—savory and spiced, with hints of roasted turkey and something sweet he couldn’t place.
—Lan!— Amelie's voice broke through the haze, her tone bright and familiar. She appeared from the hallway, her blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders and her smile wide enough to make his chest tighten. She wore a casual but elegant dress in a soft shade of pink that complemented her glowing skin.
—Ames,— he greeted, grinning as he opened his arms for her. She walked into his embrace effortlessly, her arms wrapping around his waist.
—Nervous?— she teased, pulling back to look at him.
—A little,— he admitted, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. —You Americans take this holiday seriously, yeah?—
She laughed, the sound warm and familiar. —I’m not even American, you dork. But yes, Mum and Stella have gone all out. Callum’s just here for the food, though, and Dad... well, he’s mostly just supervising.—
Lando chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. Amelie’s family had always been welcoming, but he couldn’t shake the pressure of wanting to make a good impression. This was his first Thanksgiving, and he didn’t want to muck it up.
—Come on, they’re in the dining room. You’ll survive.— She laced her fingers with his, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze as they walked together.
The dining room was set like a scene out of a magazine. A long table draped with a crisp white cloth, golden chargers under pristine plates, and a centerpiece of fall-colored flowers and candles. The turkey sat proudly in the middle, flanked by dishes of mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
—Lando!— Victoria greeted warmly, standing from her seat to offer him a quick hug. She was as polished as always, her American roots apparent in her refined demeanor. —So glad you could join us!—
—Thank you for having me, Mrs. Dayman,— Lando replied, his accent charming as ever.
—Oh, call me Victoria, please.—
Elias, Amelie’s father, gave him a firm handshake and a nod. —Good to see you again, Lando. Ready for the race?—
—Always, sir,— Lando said with a confident grin.
Callum was already seated, sipping a glass of wine and giving Lando a nod of acknowledgment. Stella sat beside him, bouncing baby Emilio on her lap while Checo entertained Sergio and Carlota with animated stories.
Elysia and Jack, the twins, were at the other end of the table, engaged in a quiet but intense debate about something. They paused to greet Lando with smiles and quick hellos.
As they all took their seats, Amelie slid into the chair beside him, her hand resting casually on his thigh under the table. She leaned in and whispered, —Told you they don’t bite.—
—Not yet,— he muttered back with a smirk, earning himself a discreet nudge from her elbow.
Dinner was a lively affair. Conversation flowed easily, the family sharing stories and jokes. Victoria and Stella reminisced about past Thanksgivings, and Callum cracked dry jokes that had everyone groaning but laughing anyway.
Lando found himself genuinely enjoying the warmth of it all. He wasn’t used to big family gatherings like this; his own family was much smaller, and holidays weren’t as much of an event. But here, with Amelie’s family, he felt a strange sense of belonging.
—So, Lando,— Victoria began, her tone curious. —How does this compare to Christmas in England?—
He smiled, setting his fork down. —It’s a bit different. Less turkey, more mince pies. But this is incredible. Honestly, I didn’t know what I was missing.—
—We’ll convert you into a Thanksgiving enthusiast in no time,— Stella chimed in, winking.
Amelie leaned closer to him, her breath warm against his ear. —See? You’re a natural.—
He turned his head slightly to meet her gaze. —It helps that I’ve got you to guide me through it.—
As dinner wound down, the family moved to the living room for dessert and coffee. Amelie’s mum served pumpkin and pecan pie, and Lando couldn’t decide which he liked more.
Later, as the conversation began to mellow and some of the kids started nodding off, Amelie gave Lando a mischievous look. She nudged his arm and whispered, —Come on, let’s step outside.—
Lando raised an eyebrow but followed her lead as she stood and slipped out to the patio. The night was cool, the stars bright against the inky sky.
She turned to him, her grin playful. —How are you holding up, Mr. Norris?—
—Not bad,— he admitted, stepping closer. —It’s been a good night. Your family’s... nice.—
—They like you,— she said, her voice softening.
He placed his hands on her hips, pulling her close. —Yeah?—
She nodded, her hands resting on his chest. —Especially me.— Her lips brushed against his, a slow, teasing kiss.
Lando groaned softly, his grip tightening. —Ames... your family’s inside.—
—So?— she whispered, trailing kisses along his jaw.
—So,— he said firmly, though his resolve was weakening, —I’m not risking your dad walking out here and catching us.—
She pulled back, pouting. —You’re no fun.—
He chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. —Oh, I’m plenty fun. Just... later. When we’re back at the hotel.—
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. —Promise?—
—Promise,— he said, his voice low and certain.
They stood there for a moment, both of them leaning into the cool evening air, surrounded by the silence of the night. The distant hum of the villa and muffled voices inside reminded them that they weren’t alone. But there, in the dark, with the soft glow of the lights from the house reflecting off the glass windows, it felt like just the two of them.
Amelie rested her head on his shoulder, her arms wrapping around him. She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body against hers.
—It’s funny,— she said, breaking the comfortable silence. —I always thought Thanksgiving was this massive thing. But with you here... it just feels right. Not just the holiday, but... everything.—
Lando smiled down at her, his fingers tracing gentle circles on her back. —I get it. It’s weird how sometimes things just click like that. I mean, if I’m being honest, I didn’t expect to love Thanksgiving this much. Your family... they’re easy to be around. You’re easy to be around.—
Her eyes fluttered open at his words, and she tilted her head back to look at him. There was something so raw and tender in his voice, something that made her heart skip. He wasn’t just talking about the holiday, was he?
—You know,— she started, her voice quieter now, —this time last year, we were just... starting this all over again. A lot has changed since then.—
Lando nodded, his thumb brushing over the side of her face. —I know. And I’m thankful for every bit of it. For you... for us. I never would’ve thought that, you know? That I’d be here, doing this with you. Publicly. All of it.—
She smiled softly, a bittersweet kind of smile. —Me neither. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.—
Lando leaned down to kiss her gently, a slow, lingering kiss that conveyed everything they didn’t need to say out loud. When he pulled back, he stared into her eyes, as if searching for something.
—Are we supposed to share what we’re thankful for?— he asked, his voice a bit playful, but there was an edge of seriousness to it.
She raised an eyebrow. —Yeah. I mean, that’s kind of the whole point of Thanksgiving, right? What are you thankful for, Lan?—
Lando took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. —I’m thankful for... this. For you, for the moments we get together, no matter how chaotic my life is with racing. I’m thankful that, no matter how many miles are between us, you’re there. I’m thankful for the way you laugh, the way you make everything seem lighter. Even on the toughest days, you somehow make it feel like everything’s going to be okay. You do that for me, Ames. You make me feel like I’m enough, even when I feel like I’m barely hanging on. I’m thankful for you, for us. Every damn day.—
Amelie felt her heart flutter, the warmth of his words filling her chest. She reached up, brushing a hand across his cheek, feeling the slight stubble there. The touch was soft but meaningful, grounding her in this shared space between them.
—Lan...— she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. —I’m thankful for you, too. More than I ever knew was possible. For how you make me feel, how you always seem to know exactly what I need, even when I don’t know it myself. I’m thankful for the way you see me, like... like I’m not just someone in the spotlight, but someone you actually want in your life. You’re everything to me.—
Lando’s hand found hers, his fingers lacing with hers tightly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a quiet gesture of affection. He gave her a small, tender smile.
—You know, Ames... I thought I had everything figured out. My career, my life. But then I met you, and everything shifted. And it’s a bit terrifying, but also... it’s perfect, you know? Like, I don’t think I could have asked for anything better. You’ve made me believe in something that I didn’t even know I needed.—
Amelie smiled softly, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. There was something in the way he looked at her—so sure, so vulnerable at the same time—that made her want to wrap herself around him and never let go.
—You’ve changed me too, Lan. I never thought I’d have this, you know? After everything... after the way we started and the way it ended, I thought it wasn’t meant to be. But here we are, a year later, and I’m more sure than I’ve ever been. I’m thankful for that. For us. For how we made it work this time.—
He gave a soft chuckle, shaking his head lightly. —I guess sometimes you need a few tries before you get it right, huh?—
—Guess so,— she replied, her voice teasing now, the comfortable flirtation that had always been a part of their relationship coming back in full force. —Though, I think we’ve got it pretty damn perfect this time around.—
Lando leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead before looking back at her with a glint of mischief in his eyes.
—Yeah? Well, I think we’ve got a lot of things to be thankful for, Ames. But maybe... just maybe... I’m more thankful for you than I’m letting on.—
Amelie smirked, stepping back slightly, her eyes scanning his face, her voice playful but with a hint of something deeper beneath it. —Oh really? You’re not gonna say anything more about that?—
—Nope,— he grinned, that boyish charm that always made her weak in the knees making an appearance. —I’m saving that for later. When it’s just us... alone.—
Her heart raced at the thought of what they could do later, but she forced herself to stay focused on the moment. They had time. She could feel the building tension between them, but this wasn’t just about them sneaking off for some alone time. It was about something more.
—You’re such a tease,— she laughed, shaking her head, but there was an undeniable warmth in her voice.
—You love it,— he teased back, his voice low and full of promise.
Amelie rolled her eyes playfully, then pulled him into another kiss, her lips soft but insistent, a silent reminder of the connection they shared. When they finally pulled away, the playful glint in her eyes had faded slightly, replaced by something more sincere, more intense.
—Lan,— she started, her voice quieter now, more intimate, —I don’t know where I’d be without you. Thank you for being here. For me. For all of this.—
His hand cupped her cheek gently, and he smiled, the expression soft but full of warmth. —I’m not going anywhere, Ames. Not now, not ever.—
The sincerity in his words hit her like a wave, and she felt the pressure in her chest ease. She let out a soft breath, smiling up at him, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together.
—You promise?— she asked, her voice a whisper, vulnerable in the best possible way.
—Promise,— he said, his thumb brushing gently across her skin. —And I’m thankful every day that you’re in my life. We’ve got the best kind of story, you know?—
She leaned into his touch, her heart swelling in her chest. —We do, Lan. We really do.—
Just as the moment stretched between them, the sound of the villa’s front door opening interrupted their private moment. Both of them turned, slightly startled, but it was only Amelie’s dad, Elias, stepping outside.
—Everything alright out here?— Elias asked, his tone casual, though there was a slight glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.
Lando and Amelie quickly broke apart, their hands still lingering as if reluctant to let go. Lando gave a small, sheepish smile, his heart racing slightly from the intensity of the moment.
—Yeah, just... enjoying the fresh air, sir,— Lando replied, his voice steady despite the lingering heat between him and Amelie.
Elias nodded, not missing a beat. —Well, dinner’s winding down inside. We’ll have some more pie and coffee if you’re ready to join us.—
—We’ll be right there,— Amelie said with a smile, her voice light and carefree. She gave Lando a wink before turning her attention back to her father.
As Elias headed back inside, Lando looked down at Amelie with a mischievous smile.
—You know,— he murmured low enough so only she could hear, —we could always sneak away later, when your parents aren’t looking. I still have a lot to be thankful for, and it definitely doesn’t involve pie.—
She grinned, biting her lip. —You’re incorrigible, Lan. But I think I can be persuaded. Later, though. I don’t want to get caught again.—
Lando chuckled, leaning in for one last quick kiss before they both re-entered the villa. He didn’t know what the future held, but with Amelie by his side, he knew he had something worth being grateful for, something that had been long overdue and finally felt right.
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liked by ameliecore_, f1gossipgirl, and others
lanmeliedaily: 🦃💞 looks like our favs are giving thanks for each other in QATAR this year!! 👀 both Lando and Amelie posted from what’s clearly the same dinner table — matching candles, same plates, identical turkeys... we're not detectives but 🕵️♀️🕯🥧
View all 329 comments
glowstickgirlie: imagine being thankful for LANDO NORRIS like ok let me breathe 😭
→ f1dollzzz: @glowstickgirlie i’d be thankful if he just looked in my direction tbh
pitwallprincess: if lando gets a thanksgiving dinner and a hot gf… what do i get??
→ honeylapdog: @pitwallprincess seasonal depression and a mclaren hoodie
danisleftthumb: happy lanmelie day of thanks 🙏
→ cursedcorner: @danisleftthumb every day is lanmelie day if u believe hard enough 😌
fluffylandooo: okay but where’s the footage of them cooking together. i want chaos
ameliecore_: she cooked. he set the table. domesticity won
papayagf: LANDO DID NOT SURVIVE A WHOLE SEASON TO BE THIS WHIPPED
→ yassifiedyuki: @papayagf and i support him every step of the way
mclarensmut: i bet she called him baby while passing the mashed potatoes
→ lanmilkshake: @mclarensmut and he blushed. you just know he did.
papayaxoxo: nah bc i blinked and they were suddenly celebrating thanksgiving in qatar like it’s NBD 😭
gridgossipgirl: amelie got lando celebrating an american holiday… she’s really got that daisy power 💅
→ slicklikeamelie: i fear he’s no longer british. he’s just hers now
-------------
The warmth of the evening still lingered in the air as the sounds of dishes clinking and laughter drifted faintly from the kitchen. Amelie had disappeared with her sisters and mum to clear the table, leaving Lando standing in the quiet living room, gathering his jacket and phone from the side table. He wasn’t staying the night—not because he didn’t want to, but because, well... respect. And fear. Namely, fear of Callum.
He let out a soft sigh and adjusted the collar of his jumper, giving one last glance toward the patio where he and Amelie had shared a quiet moment just an hour earlier. The memory made his chest flutter and his throat tighten in the best possible way.
He was halfway to the front door, keys in hand, when a deep voice called out from behind him.
—Lando.—
He froze.
Shit.
Turning slowly, he saw Elias standing in the doorway of the den, a quiet but unreadable look on his face. There was a glass in his hand, something amber and expensive swirling at the bottom. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp.
—Can I borrow you for a moment?— Elias asked.
Borrow. That was such a polite word. Lando had never felt less ready to be "borrowed" in his life.
—Of course, sir,— he said quickly, slipping his keys back into his pocket and following him into the den like a soldier walking into battle.
The room was dimly lit, leather chairs framing a low coffee table stacked with a few magazines and a decanter that looked like it hadn’t been touched since last Christmas. Elias moved to one of the chairs and gestured for Lando to sit opposite.
—I was about to pour another. Would you like one?—
Lando shook his head politely, sitting down with his back straight and palms on his knees like he was being interviewed for a job he wasn’t entirely sure he qualified for.
—Appreciate it, but I’m driving. And it’s race weekend,— he added quickly, hoping the mention of work might score him a couple of points.
Elias gave a small nod, taking a slow sip from his own glass. The silence that followed wasn’t awkward, exactly—it was heavy. Intentional. Measured.
Then Elias spoke again, his tone calm but firm. —So. I figured it was time you and I had a proper conversation. Just the two of us.—
Lando gave a tight-lipped smile. —Of course. I… I’m surprised it took this long, honestly.—
That got the ghost of a smile out of Elias. —Well, I wanted to give you time. Let you both… settle in, I guess. But it’s been a year now. And I’m her father. So here we are.—
Lando nodded, his mouth suddenly dry.
—You’ve made her very happy, Lando. That much is obvious. She’s glowing in a way I haven’t seen in a long time. And for that, I’m grateful.—
Lando felt some of the tension in his shoulders loosen. But then Elias leaned forward, glass cradled loosely in one hand, eyes pinning him where he sat.
—But I also remember what happened a few years ago.—
Fuck.
He felt the breath catch in his throat, but he didn’t flinch. He owed him that much.
—I know things ended badly between you and Amelie the first time around. And I know she was hurt. She doesn't talk about it much, but I’m not an idiot. I see things. I saw the way she fell apart after Wicked started filming. And I saw the way she tried to pretend like she was fine.— Elias’ voice didn’t rise. It didn’t need to. The weight of every word landed like bricks.
—I also know about the girl you started dating after. The timing of it all.—
Lando’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t look away.
—I won’t make excuses,— he said quietly. —I was young. I was stupid. And I didn’t handle any of it the way I should have. I was… frustrated that she didn’t have time for me, and instead of being patient or trying to understand, I pushed her away. That was on me.—
Elias studied him for a moment, nodding slowly.
—At least you’re not bullshitting me,— he said.
—I’d never bullshit you about her. Not now.—
Silence fell again. Lando could hear the faint sound of laughter from the kitchen. Amelie’s laugh. God, he loved that laugh. And it only made his chest feel heavier with the knowledge that, years ago, he’d been the reason it stopped for a while.
Elias leaned back in his chair, setting his glass down with a soft clink. —So why now? Why come back? Why this time?—
Lando didn’t hesitate. —Because I never stopped loving her.—
That made Elias raise an eyebrow, just slightly.
—I didn’t realise how badly I’d fucked things up until it was too late. I tried to move on, and yeah, I was with someone else for a while. But it never felt right. She was always in the back of my mind. Every win, every race, every time I got home… I always thought about what it would be like if I could share it with her. When I saw her again in Mexico last year, it hit me like a truck. And I wasn’t going to waste the chance to get it right this time.—
Elias was quiet for a long time after that, eyes steady on him. Then he asked, simply:
—Do you see a future with her?—
Lando’s breath caught, but this time in a good way. He smiled—small, but certain.
—Absolutely. I can’t imagine a life without her anymore. And I don’t want to. I don’t know when or how, but yeah… if she’d have me, I’d marry her. I’d build a whole fucking life with her.—
Elias huffed out a quiet laugh. —You Brits and your big declarations.—
Lando chuckled nervously. —Sorry. I just… I mean it.—
—I know you do,— Elias said, then stood. Lando followed, heart still hammering but his chest a little lighter now. Elias extended a hand, and when Lando took it, it wasn’t just a handshake—it was a quiet approval.
—Just don’t break her heart again. Or I’ll break your face.—
Lando let out a bark of nervous laughter. —Fair enough. Completely fair.—
—And don’t let Callum intimidate you so much. He’s an idiot, but he’s harmless. Mostly.—
—Noted,— Lando grinned.
They walked back toward the front hall, and just as Lando was reaching for his keys again, Amelie poked her head out of the kitchen, her curls slightly mussed and her sweater sleeves pushed up to her elbows.
—What were you two talking about?— she asked, narrowing her eyes playfully.
—Football,— Elias said smoothly, heading back toward the den with a wink.
Lando gave her a sheepish smile as she walked over. —I survived.—
She snorted. —Barely. You look like you’ve aged a year.—
He slid his arms around her waist, pressing a kiss to her forehead. —Worth it. You’re worth it.—
—Charmer,— she murmured, leaning into him. —You sure you don’t wanna stay? I’ll protect you from Callum.—
—I’m good for now. But I’m counting down the days until we get our own place again. No scary dads, no angry brothers. Just us.—
Her smile softened. —Yeah. Just us sounds perfect.—
And as he stepped out into the night, the door closing softly behind him, Lando realised he wasn’t just leaving a house—he was walking toward the future he’d been dreaming of for years.
-------------
liked by ameliecore_, f1gossipgirl, and others
landonorris: knitted jumper szn
View all 1,595 comments
maxfewtrell: knitted jumper and a girlfriend?? who is this man 😭
→ landonorris: growth
→ ameliedayman: he cleans up nice
carlossainz55: jumper game strong 👀
→ landonorris: learned from the best
→ carlossainz55: finally
citydreamer: the palm trees + outfits… aesthetic is insane
→ aestheticcore: pinterest board
→ popfan22: immediately
papayaprincess: he looks so soft around her 😭
→ softamelie: different man
danielricciardo: cozy AND soft launch thanksgiving content?? 😏
→ landonorris: behave
→ ameliedayman: he won’t
speedjunkie: media day but make it boyfriend era
→ f1tea: priorities
→ lanfan44: always
randomfan88: that second pic??? HELLO???
oscarpiastri: that second pic is suspiciously wholesome
→ landonorris: don’t start
→ oscarpiastri: too late
ciscanorris1: my heart 😭 you both look so happy
→ landonorris: 🧡
→ ameliedayman: miss you!!
ameliedayman: pink and cream supremacy 💅
→ landonorris: you planned that
→ ameliedayman: obviously
fan_loveslando: THE MATCHING KNITS IM UNWELL 😭
→ papayafan: couple goals fr
→ softamelie: thanksgiving core
flo_norris_showjumping: ok but the jumper?? need it
→ landonorris: not for you
→ flo_norris_showjumping: rude
f1girlies: him posting HER on main during race weekend???
→ lanfan44: he’s gone
amelieangel: her in pink, him in cream… yeah they ate
→ aestheticcore: color palette chefs kiss
→ softamelie: obsessed
georgerussell63: didn’t know it was cozy season already mate
→ landonorris: stay warm george
→ ameliedayman: he needed help
alex_albon: jumper is doing numbers ngl
→ landonorris: finally some respect
→ alex_albon: don’t get used to it
lilymhe: ok but you guys are actually cute 😭
→ ameliedayman: stoppp 🥹
gridwatcher: knitted jumper szn but make it romantic 😭
→ f1girlies: stop
finalfan: this is the softest we’ve ever seen him
→ lanfan44: and i’m here for it
→ softamelie: same 🥹
pierregasly: very wholesome content from you… surprising
→ landonorris: i can be nice
→ pierregasly: debatable
estebanocon: who hacked your account for pic 2
→ landonorris: original joke
→ estebanocon: had to be said
fan_loveslando: MATCHING KNITS??? IM SICK 😭
→ lanfan44: they planned this
→ softamelie: 100%
papayafan: him posting her during a race weekend btw…
→ f1tea: priorities clear
citydreamer: that lighting??? that vibe??? hello???
→ aestheticcore: literal movie scene
→ popfan22: unreal
randomfan101: he looks so boyfriend coded it’s insane 😭
→ lanmelie4ever: he IS boyfriend
speedjunkie: bro flew to qatar and still serving soft content 😭
→ f1girlies: multitasking king
→ papayafan: icon
amelieangel: her pink dress??? i need it NOW
→ aestheticcore: same
gridwatcher: this man used to post gaming setups btw 😭
→ f1tea: character development
→ papayafan: insane growth
randomfan55: thanksgiving but make it romantic aesthetic 🥹
lanfan44: not him soft launching cozy couple era mid season 😭
→ softamelie: we love to see it
→ f1girlies: finally
papayaprincess: they look like a pinterest couple board 😭
→ aestheticcore: already saved
It was a privilege to work hard/play hard this month for Art Basel in Qatar. Ancient history preserved in newness - the museums, education city & the library, the Souq, and tea in the Inland Sea Desert.
Looking forward to new works and stories of shell builders, quadrant charts, placoderms, ungulates, and masked falcons.
