Maybe in another life-formula 1

When the f1 bug bites

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The 24 Hours of Le Mans was the pinnacle of endurance racing, a true test of man and machine. The Nismo team had prepared meticulously, and Angelus was at the heart of it all, orchestrating pit stops, fine-tuning the car's performance, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. 

As the race progressed, Angelus found himself pushing through the pain. The long hours on his feet, the constant movement, and the stress were causing his old injuries to flare up. His leg throbbed with every step, the metal in his spine felt like it was on fire, and the burns on his skin itched incessantly under the layers of protective clothing

"Angelus, you need to take a break," one of his teammates suggested, noticing his discomfort.

"I'm fine," he hissed, more harshly than intended. He was not better than his team if they were working so would he.

The night was the hardest. The cold air bit at his skin, making his injuries ache more. He could feel every scar, every burn as if they were fresh again. But he pushed through, focused on the task at hand. 

The team was counting on him, and he couldn't let them down.

Nismo's performance was spectacular. 

Against all odds, they won Le Mans. The victory was a testament to the hard work and determination of the team, and Angelus felt a swell of pride that almost made him forget the pain. 

That night as he lay on his lumpy hotel bed all his joints finally resting after a gruelling day. Angelus was rudely woken up by his phone ringing. He grounded lifting his body slightly and reaching over to the nightstand to look at his phone

"Adrian Newey Redbull" the ringing phone states in bold

the ringing grinding against his eardrum as he looked at the time

3:15 am 

what could the man possibly want at a time like that?

"Hello," Angelus groaned his voice coated with sleep.

"Angelus, congratulations on the win."

"...thanks? I'm sorry it's very  late how could I help?"

 "yeah right, I want to talk about your notes" Newey began.

angelus frowned confused and tired" At 3 am?"

Newey ignored his comment continuing, 

"your comments on the rear suspension how it could be an issue with tire degradation..yeah we had a DNF today because of it"

"Ohh... umm I'm sorry to hear that...how can I help" he sighed rubbing his eyes

"Meet me at Milton Keynes, next week"

The phone call from Adrian Newey left Angelus wide awake, the lingering his exhaustion dissipating momentarily. He lay in the dark, staring at the ceiling, Newey's words echoing in his mind. The offer was not just an invitation; it was a challenge.

Angelus has been suffering for months with doubt since the first time he met Christian and Newey in that small cafe. 

......

As the plane descended, the English countryside came into view, a patchwork of green fields and quaint villages. It was a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Yokohama.

Adrian Newey greeted him at the entrance of the Red Bull Racing headquarters. The building was still the same as the last time he was here, under very different circumstances, sleek and imposing. Angelus felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension as they walked through the corridors, the walls adorned with trophies and memorabilia from past victories. His eyes lingered on the one displayed on its own, Max's 2021 championship trophy. He didn't see the race and he had no interest in seeing it. His eyes drifted back to Newey when he spoke shaking him out of his thoughts

"Welcome, Angelus," Newey said, his voice calm and measured. 

"I'm glad you could make it."

"Thank you for having me," Angelus replied, trying to keep his nerves in check.

Newey led him to a large room filled with engineers and designers, all engrossed in their work. On a massive screen, the blueprint of the 2023 car was displayed, a work in progress that seemed to pulse with potential. Newey gestured for Angelus to take a closer look.

"As you know we are only two months away from the end of the 2022 season so We've been working on the 2023 car," Newey explained. 

Angelus stepped forward, his eyes scanning the intricate details of the design. He noticed the shape of the side pods, the vents, and the front wing—all features he had mentioned in his notes. He frowned, a mix of disbelief and recognition washing over him.

"looks familiar," Newey said with a smirk.

"I don't understand" he murmured.

 "Your notes were invaluable. They've given us a fresh perspective and some crucial insights. This is a testament to your contribution"

Angelus felt a swell of emotions—pride, shock, and a hint of apprehension. 

The designs on the screen were not just theoretical concepts; they were coming to life.

"We've had some setbacks," Newey continued, his tone serious. "The DNF at the last race was a wake-up call. But it also highlighted just how vital your insights are. That's why I need you here, full-time. If we work together I think we can truly achieve an all-around dominant car,."

Angelus stared at the screen, the weight of Newey's words sinking in. 

"I don't know what to say," Angelus admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Say you'll join us," Newey replied, a rare smile crossing his face. "You've already proven your worth. Now, let's see what we can achieve together."

Angelus took a deep breath, the memories of his past, the crash, the pain—all swirling in his mind. But the regret and the ache for redemption that he buried all that time ago surfaced as well. He looked at Newey, determination gleaming in his eyes. For the first time everything was clear and there was no doubt. 

"I'm in," he said firmly.

"I told you he would come around Newey laughed looking at the figure now standing behind Angelus.

angelus turned to see Christian Horner standing at the entrance of the office. His smile is wide.

"Welcome to Red Bull Racing, Angelus. Let's make history."

.....