‘LOVE how #minnieroberts breaks down the technical stuff. I’ve learnt so much since she’s started. Great trousers too’
I don’t realise I’m crying until a droplet plops on my screen.
They like me.
They understand what I’m trying to do.
They see that Brian’s a bully.
I switch over to X, fully aware it’s swimming with even more keyboard warriors and I’ll probably reverse all the ground I’ve made, but I can’t help myself.
#C3F1Qualifying is trending.
@ryanator1131:
‘LMAO this passes for f1 commentary @channel3f1. bunch of toddlers squabbling. i’m watching the race tomorrow on sky #C3F1Qualifying’
@samiiieeef1:
‘Love to see #minnieroberts sticking up for herself against the sexism poisoning F1. Doing it for the girlies! #C3F1Qualifying’
@MV1CE:
‘Lord please take away all of @AcklandMotorsport’s pain, double it, and give it to Brian O’Connell #MiamiGP #C3F1Qualifying’
@futuremrsbowden:
‘Can’t believe @channel3f1 are still using #brianoconnell. He thinks he’s too good for TV. Thank god for @KrunalBakshiTV and #minnieroberts #C3F1Qualifying’
I feel ten stone lighter. Validation is pouring thick and fast from everywhere I look. I know only a small number of viewers would take to social media to air their opinions, and many of them do love Brian, but this is enough evidence to start a discussion and bargain for what I want.
Does Greg analyse social media learnings? How about anyone at the London office? Do they already know this? Or is Brian’s hold on them so tight they can’t do anything? That’s an issue for another day.
I flush the empty toilet, clean up my face and rejoin the dinner party with heaps more pep than I came in with. I have a good feeling about Imola. A really good feeling.
Chapter 12
JACK
IMOLA
Ifire up the treadmill and begin a slow jog. I need to shake off some tension if I have any hope of staying sane during today’s press day. The repetitive questions, the inane competitions, the‘what do you say to the claim F1’s losing followers because your dominance makes the sport boring?’What would you like me to do, Brian? Throw a race and get fired and cause an accident while I’m at it?
And don’t get me started on a certain blonde who won’t leave my head.
The gym door opens and closes behind me, and the cross-trainer rumbles to life. It’s a pitiful set-up even for a hotel gym, with only one of each machine. If another person joins us, the term ‘three’s a crowd’ will never be truer. I turn my music up and break into a run.
Drivers do most of their press with their teammate, but not me. When Micah joined, his dad negotiated some sort of press exemption clause in his contract – god knows how he did it – and lucky Micah gets Thursdays off.
Not that I want him by my side; he’s a conniving prick. Still, crushing him on a reflex test in front of four million German viewers would make sockgate sting a little less. I also take heartfrom him getting an extra day to walk the track and talk strategy with his mechanics, and I still manage to beat him in every race. Lol.
A woman with a swingy blonde ponytail, her long legs covered by tight,tightyoga pants, walks past me and grabs a mat at the front. I’d know that perfectly round arse anywhere.
My music cuts as I take my earphones out. ‘Morning, Roberts.’
What’s she doing here?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not mad about it, but press never stay in driver hotels. Networks are way too cheap.
