‘I don’t think so either.’ I move the asparagus around my plate. ‘I had this stupid idea that I could even improve the show. Make it more accessible to a larger number of people.’
He eyes me carefully as he picks up his water. ‘Have you checked social media?’
‘Yes,’ I sigh. ‘Everyone’s been really supportive, and it almost makes it worse. All my friends from home are keen beans with the race car emoji.’
‘No, I mean outside of your private accounts. The Channel 3 platforms.’
‘Of course not. Social media’s a hellhole full of trolls.’
‘Can be, but it can also show what people are thinking. Last year, when our car wasn’t performing and quali was miserable and team morale was at an all-time-low, I looked to my Instagram comments. Sure, there were trolls, but they were just talking ignorant shit. There were also so many people whose parents and grandparents were Ackland fans, and their first word was “car”, and their blood ran green. They knew we were trying as hard as we could, and they had faith we’d be champions again. Sometimes you need to lift your head above the… barrier? What’s that phrase?’
I smile. ‘Parapet.’
‘Really? I’d never have got that.’
When I go to the toilet, I do poke my head above the parapet. The gasp that escapes me echoes through the humongous, marbled bathroom. Under today’s photo of Brian and me on the Channel 3 F1 Show’s Instagram are twothousand comments.
Two.
Thousand.
Before I can convince myself they’re tearing me limb from limb, I click to read more.
danturnballdeveloper:
‘@BrianOConnell legenddddd’
mugshot217:
‘Like this chick. Great legs’
tommy.shehan.pagari.fan:
‘FINALLY @channel3f1 have some sexy eye candy’
mrs_jameson:
‘What the hell are @channel3f1 doing sticking some clueless nepo baby on their show. She knows nothing about F1. Bet she’s sleeping with the drivers too. Gold digger’
My one bite of asparagus is crawling up my throat when comments further down catch my eye.
@cassieelizabethsmyth:
‘MYSOGENISTIC PRICK! Let the woman speak!’
@hilarythehomeopath:
‘Hilarious interview with @EtienneBlanchetOfficiel. Had me in stitches! Minnie’s so great at putting the drivers at ease and showing their personalities’
@maddiemartinellif1:
‘get lost brian and take your double chin with you’
@davidmyers64:
‘Not cool @channel3f1. It’s not fun seeing one of your presenters being so disrespectful to a colleague. You need to bring him in line and make space for your whole team’
@kpopgirlyforever:
