ready for it?
Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman
Summary: Set between Shanghai and the quiet aftermath of a race weekend, this chapter explores the contrast between public success and private uncertainty as Lando and Amelie navigate distance, connection, and the weight of unspoken emotions.
Wordcount: 2.7 k
Warnings: none
full masterlist // request over here!
April 21st, 2024 - Shanghai, China
Lando Norris sat in the cockpit of his McLaren, heart racing, but it wasn’t because of the adrenaline from the race. It was the kind of nervous excitement that came from seeing a certain someone’s name flash across his screen. The Chinese Grand Prix had been a grueling challenge, but he managed to take second place after starting from P4. Max Verstappen had taken the win, as usual, and Checo, had come in third, giving Lando a rare podium finish in a season that had been anything but predictable.
The race had finished late, and as he pulled into the cool-down room, the noise of the team’s celebration was like a distant hum. He pulled his phone from the side pocket of his seat, immediately checking for messages. There were a few congratulatory notifications from friends, fans, and family, but his eyes were fixed on the one name he was really waiting for.
Amelie.
He’d already sent her a message before the race had even started, knowing the time difference would have her at the party by now. She’d texted back a few words of encouragement earlier, but it was still early morning for her in California, and he knew she’d probably be knee-deep in tequila and music by now. He hit the FaceTime icon, his thumb hovering for a second before pressing the call button.
The ringing tone echoed in his ear.
After three rings, her face appeared on the screen, bathed in the soft, golden glow of the festival lights. She looked gorgeous, as always, but tonight… tonight she was stunning. He couldn’t help but let out a low whistle.
—Fuck, darling…— Lando mumbled under his breath, momentarily distracted by her beauty.
—Hey, Lando!— she greeted, a bright smile lighting up her face. —Congrats on the podium! I just saw the highlights, you were amazing out there.—
He grinned, his eyes still locked on her. —Thanks, babe. I’m pretty happy with P2. But I’m more focused on the view right now.—
Amelie rolled her eyes playfully, crossing her arms. —You’re such a flirt, Lando.—
He chuckled. —Can’t help it. You look… wow.— He bit his lip, his voice lowering a bit. —That dress? Definitely made for me.—
Amelie laughed, but there was an underlying tension in her voice, like she could feel the same pull between them. —You’re bad for my self-control, you know that?—
—Same could be said about you,— he teased. —You look fucking incredible. I’m trying not to imagine what else you’re wearing right now.—
Amelie raised an eyebrow, leaning in slightly, the subtle shift in her posture making his pulse spike. —You’re lucky I’m in a good mood after your race, or I’d make you regret that comment.—
Lando’s grin widened, the flirtation coming easy between them after months of teasing each other, getting closer and closer despite the distance. It was a dangerous game they played, especially since the public still saw them as just good friends, even though they both knew the truth. They had been dating for nearly five months, but neither one of them wanted to risk the publicity. It was easier this way—flirty, but never quite crossing the line in front of the cameras. Still, their connection was undeniable, even to the fans.
He leaned back in his seat, the memory of Coachella from just a week ago creeping into his mind. Amelie had been absolutely mesmerizing on stage, her performance setting the crowd on fire. He’d stayed for most of it, only leaving when he had to for an early flight the next morning. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her since.
—So, what’s going on there? You’re already at the afterparty?— Lando asked, trying to distract himself from thoughts of her in that damn dress.
—Yep,— she replied, swirling a glass of something in her hand. —It’s a bit crazy, but I had to sneak away for this call. Wouldn’t want people getting the wrong idea about us.— She winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
—Who says that’s a bad idea?— Lando raised an eyebrow, his voice smooth as he teased, —People already think we’re a thing anyway.—
—Not in the way you’d like,— she teased back, biting her lip.
He could practically hear the challenge in her voice. —Try me.—
She laughed, a sound that always made his chest tighten, the kind of laugh that was equal parts teasing and sultry. He was still thinking about her in that dress, imagining what else was hidden beneath. The temptation to make her laugh with one of his dirty jokes was strong, but he controlled himself, for now.
—You really think you can handle me, Lando?— she asked, her eyes glimmering with mischief.
He smirked. —Babe, I’ve been handling you since 2020. You’ve just been playing hard to get.—
Amelie leaned in even closer, the camera angle shifting slightly as she set down her drink, clearly teasing him. —You have no idea what you’re in for.—
He swallowed hard, her words hitting him in all the right ways. —God, you’re dangerous. I’m so fucking tempted to drop everything and just go to you right now. But... duty calls.—
Amelie raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a wicked grin. —Duty, huh? Well, I’m sure I can find something to keep you busy.—
Lando grinned, already imagining what that might entail. —I’d love to see you try.—
But before things could go further, there was a loud noise in the background, and Amelie quickly glanced over her shoulder. —I’ve got to go, Lando. Some people are starting to look for me. Don’t want to give away too much yet.—
He nodded, trying to hide the disappointment in his voice. —Yeah, yeah. Don’t let them ruin the fun. I’ll be here when you’re done with the afterparty. Don’t stay out too late. I have a feeling you’ll need all your energy for… other things.—
Amelie laughed softly, her gaze lingering a bit longer than usual. —I’ll keep you in mind. Congratulations again, Lando. I’m proud of you.—
His chest swelled with warmth at her words. —Thanks, babe. I’ll talk to you soon. Enjoy the rest of the night… just don’t get into too much trouble.—
She winked one last time before ending the call, leaving him alone with the image of her glowing in that damn dress. His thoughts wandered to their last meeting, just a week ago, and the way she had looked under the desert stars. He couldn’t wait until the next time he’d get to see her, to touch her. But for now, he'd just have to make do with these late-night conversations and the fire she sparked in him.
Lando took a deep breath, trying to settle his racing thoughts as he prepared for the podium celebration. But deep down, he knew: no matter how many trophies he collected, the one he wanted the most had always been just a call away.
-------------
liked by landonorris, georgerussell63, and others
maxverstappen1:👋 P1 and P2 🇨🇳
View all 1,392 comments
danielricciardo: plane looks quieter without me → landonorris: finally peaceful → maxverstappen1: we like it this way
alex_albon: solid weekend boys → landonorris: not bad → maxverstappen1: decent
papayaprincess: P1 AND P2 ON THE SAME PLANE 😭 → raceweekendbaby: power duo → gridtherapy: unstoppable
amesnation: amelie commenting “blobs” i’m crying → softforames: inside joke
georgerussell63: congrats lads → landonorris: thanks mate → maxverstappen1: 👍
lan4life: lando p2 WE ARE SO BACK → apexaddict: podium streak incoming → orangehelmetclub: upward trend
papayalvr: max looks so proud of him 😭 → raceglow: friendship goals
charles_leclerc: see you next race → maxverstappen1: be faster → landonorris: hurry up
gridgirl444: the selfie energy is so chaotic → tyretemps: airplane vibes
checkeredcutie: from rivals to besties on a plane → apexheartbeat: wholesome
pitlaneangel: that flight back must be fun
oscarpiastri: P2 looks good on you → landonorris: getting there → maxverstappen1: he tried
kellypiquet: champions ✨ → maxverstappen1: ❤️ → landonorris: third wheel
victoriaverstappen: proud 🤍 → maxverstappen1: thanks sis
ameliedayman: blobs → papayaprincess: SHE COMMENTED → raceweekendbaby: BLOBS IS BACK → gridtherapy: we all know who she’s talking to → landonorris: ❤️ → apexaddict: HELLO??? → orangehelmetclub: subtle
lanoszn: amelie + blobs + heart reply??? → orangehelmetclub: they’re so them
swiftiegrid: she never misses his posts
monacostarboy: max just casually posting p1 p2 like it’s nothing → gridgirlie: dominance
gridtherapy: this season is starting STRONG → tyretemps: can’t wait for more
amesarchives: the comments section is everything
papayababy: now we wait for next race weekend content → raceweekendbaby: more podiums please
pierregasly: not bad boys → landonorris: coming for you next → maxverstappen1: he won’t
lanmeliecore: BLOBS + ❤️ IN THE SAME THREAD IM UNWELL → apexaddict: they’re insane → orangehelmetclub: communication level 100
papayaprincess: max posting this like it’s casual 😭 → raceweekendbaby: sir that’s P1 AND P2
estebanocon: solid results → maxverstappen1: thanks → landonorris: appreciate it
valtteribottas: good job lads → landonorris: thank you → maxverstappen1: 👍
amesnation: lando p2 and amelie in the comments??? → softforames: perfect combo → monacodreamin: winning
lan4life: the way max teases him in every reply 😭 → apexaddict: sibling energy
maxfewtrell: about time you showed up → landonorris: relax → maxverstappen1: he needed it
papayalvr: airplane selfie after a 1-2 is CRAZY → raceglow: elite
gridgirl444: imagine sitting behind them on that flight → tyretemps: content overload
checkeredcutie: amelie just casually dropping “blobs” again → apexheartbeat: iconic → apexaddict: never changing it
pitlaneangel: the paddock friendships are my favorite thing
landoszn: the ❤️ reply… i see you lando → orangehelmetclub: subtle but loud
swiftiegrid: she really never misses a race post → erasangel: supportive energy
papayababy: p2 today p1 soon
monacostarboy: max and lando on the same team would be chaos
gridtherapy: the comments are almost better than the post → tyretemps: always
amesarchives: this season already feels different → softforames: good vibes
-------------
The private jet hummed steadily beneath them, the kind of low, constant sound that usually made it easy to switch off, to let the adrenaline of the race bleed out into something quieter, something manageable. Outside, the sky had already shifted into that deep, endless blue of long-haul flights, clouds stretched out like an afterthought below them. It should have felt calm.
It didn’t.
Lando sat slouched in his seat, one arm resting against the window, his fingers absently tapping against his thigh in a rhythm that didn’t match anything in particular. His phone was in his hand, screen dark now, but his mind was still stuck somewhere between the paddock in Shanghai and a sunlit festival in California, replaying fragments of a conversation that had felt so normal on the surface and yet… not.
Across from him, Max had been watching him for the better part of twenty minutes.
Not obviously.
Not in a way that would immediately call attention to it.
But enough.
Enough to notice the way Lando hadn’t really stopped moving since they boarded, the way his energy felt off—not post-race wired, not tired either. Something else. Something restless.
Max shifted slightly in his seat, stretching his legs out before glancing at him again.
—So,— he started casually, like he wasn’t about to poke directly at it, —how’s everything with Amelie?—
Lando didn’t look up immediately.
—Fine.—
Short.
Too short.
Max’s mouth twitched faintly.
—Yeah?—
—Yeah.—
Another tap of his fingers against his leg. Another second too long before he added, —She’s good. Busy with Coachella stuff.
Max hummed, unconvinced.
He let the silence sit for a second, watching him, waiting.
Lando didn’t fill it.
Of course he didn’t.
Max sighed softly, leaning his head back against the seat.
—You’re so shit at lying.—
That got a reaction.
Lando turned his head slightly, brows pulling together.
—I’m not lying.—
—No,— Max replied easily, not even looking at him now, —you’re just not saying anything.—
A pause.
And there it was.
That tiny shift in the air between them, the one that meant Lando was deciding whether to brush it off or give in.
He exhaled slowly, dragging a hand over his face before finally sitting up a little straighter.
—It’s… fine,— he repeated, but this time there was less certainty in it.
Max didn’t say anything.
Didn’t need to.
Lando let out a quiet breath through his nose, his gaze dropping to his hands for a second.
—It’s just…— he started, then stopped, like even he didn’t quite know how to phrase it.
Max turned his head slightly, watching him now.
—What?—
Another pause.
Longer this time.
—Japan was weird.—
Max raised an eyebrow.
—Weird how?—
Lando huffed out a small, humorless laugh, shaking his head slightly.
—She… we were drunk. And she asked me if I loved her.—
Max blinked once.
—Okay.—
—And I said yes.—
—Okay.—
Lando glanced at him, mildly annoyed.
—You’re not reacting.—
—Because that’s not surprising,— Max said simply. —You do love her.—
Lando looked away again.
—Yeah. I know.—
That wasn’t the problem.
Max could tell.
—And?— he pushed.
Lando leaned back into his seat again, his jaw tightening slightly.
—And she said it back.—
That made Max pause.
Just for a second.
Because that… that was different.
—…Okay,— he said again, slower this time.
Lando let out a breath, staring straight ahead now.
—But she was drunk,— he added quickly. —Like… completely gone. She doesn’t even remember it.—
Max tilted his head slightly.
—Did you ask her?—
Lando scoffed lightly.
—No.—
—Why not?—
—Because I don’t want to make it a whole thing,— he replied immediately, his tone a little sharper now. —If she doesn’t remember, then what’s the point of bringing it up? It just makes it… bigger than it needs to be.—
Max watched him carefully.
—And if she does remember?—
Lando didn’t answer right away.
His fingers stilled against his leg.
—Then… I don’t know,— he admitted finally, quieter now. —That’s kind of the problem.—
The honesty in that hung heavier than anything else he’d said so far.
Max leaned back slightly, studying him.
—You’ve wanted this for years.—
Lando laughed under his breath, but there was no real humor in it.
—I know.—
—So why are you acting like it’s a problem?—
Lando hesitated.
Because it didn’t make sense.
Not even to him.
—It’s just… different now,— he said slowly, like he was figuring it out as he spoke. —Before it was… easy. Flirting, messing around, not really saying anything that mattered. But now it’s like… if we actually say it, if we actually make it real, then it changes everything.—
Max’s brows pulled together slightly.
—Isn’t that the point?—
Lando exhaled sharply, leaning his head back.
—Yeah, but…— he paused, searching for the words. —What if it messes it up?—
Max stared at him.
—You’re serious?—
Lando turned his head slightly, meeting his eyes.
—We’re good right now,— he said, quieter. —Like… really good. And I don’t want to push it into something that... I don’t know... makes it complicated.—
Max let out a short breath, somewhere between disbelief and amusement.
—It’s already complicated.—
Lando didn’t argue that.
Because he couldn’t.
—You love her,— Max continued, his tone more direct now. —She said she loves you. Even if she was drunk, people don’t just say that out of nowhere.
Lando’s jaw tightened slightly.
He knew that.
That was the problem.
—So what, you’re just going to ignore it?— Max asked.
Lando shrugged lightly, though it felt anything but casual.
—I’m not ignoring it.—
Max raised an eyebrow.
—You literally just said you’re not going to talk about it.—
—Yeah, because I don’t want to freak her out,— Lando shot back. —Or make it into something she’s not ready for.—
Max watched him for a second longer.
—Or something you’re not ready for.—
That landed.
Lando didn’t respond immediately, his gaze drifting back toward the window, the clouds stretching endlessly below them.
Because that was the part he hadn’t said out loud yet.
The part that didn’t quite make sense, even in his own head.
He had always wanted her.
Always.
From the beginning.
And now that he had her—really had her, not just in pieces, not just in moments—it felt… bigger than he expected.
Heavier.
Like there was more to lose.
—I don’t know,— he admitted finally, his voice quieter now, stripped of the earlier defensiveness. —I just… don’t want to fuck it up.—
Max didn’t answer right away.
He just nodded slightly, like he understood more than he was letting on.
—Then don’t,— he said simply.
Lando let out a small breath, shaking his head faintly.
—Brilliant advice.—
Max smirked.
—I know.—
The conversation settled after that, not fully resolved, not neatly tied up, but… clearer.
At least a little.
Lando leaned his head back again, closing his eyes briefly, though his mind was still moving, still circling the same thoughts, the same questions.
Somewhere between what had been said.
And what hadn’t.
Because for the first time wanting her wasn’t the confusing part.
Having her was.
