“At Rennen,” Felix said, “there’s no predetermined number-one driver.The best driver wins.We think that can be you, Lily.The question is whether you believe it too.”
Did I?After three years of smiling through post-race interviews while swallowing my frustration, of watching my teammate win while I played support, did I believe I could be a champion too?
The answer came swift and certain, burning through the doubt like fire.Yes.
I hadn’t spent three years in Formula 1 to remain in Georgia’s shadow.I’d fought too hard, sacrificed too much, proven myself too many times to accept second place as my ceiling.I wanted to win a championship, not just the odd race.
I wantedtheChampionship.And I couldn’t win it at Valkyrie.
“I want this,” I said, the words tumbling out breathless and certain.“Felix, this is an incredible opportunity.I’m thrilled to accept.”
“Excellent.”I could hear the smile in his voice.“We’ll have team and sponsorship contracts drawn up this week.Your manager will receive everything within forty-eight hours.There are the standard clauses, of course.Performance requirements, media obligations, that sort of stuff.”He paused, as if he were flipping through some pages in front of him.“We’ll also be adding a morality clause.”
The suite suddenly felt too warm.“A morality clause?”
“Yes.No illegal activities, no behavior that could bring Rennen into disrepute, a couple of limitations on relationships.Your manager will go over the specifics.”He paused again, as if waiting for my reaction.
Did I hear that right?
“Limitations on relationships?”I tried to keep my voice casual, confused, but my mind was already racing.What did that even mean?
“Nothing too restrictive,” Felix said smoothly.“This particular clause was actually requested by one of the sponsors you’re bringing over, which was a bit surprising to us.It may not be a terrible idea.We all want to ensure that certain standards are maintained.”
“My sponsors requested it?”Sponsors were part of the package in Formula 1.I’d be bringing major brands with me to Rennen—funding that made me valuable to the team beyond just my driving.It was standard practice: sign the driver, get some of their backers too.The backers often signed on directly with the team, and they had a lot of sway on contract negotiations.My current Valkyrie contract was filled with requirements, from specific PR appearances to limits on dangerous activities such as skydiving.
I felt a flicker of annoyance.“Assurances about what, exactly?I’m a professional driver.I don’t see how my personal life would hurt anyone’s brand.”
“I’m sure it won’t be an issue,” Felix reassured me.“As I said, it’s quite straightforward.The specifics will be in the contract, and your mother will walk you through everything.”
My mind flicked back to last night.Behind that bedroom door was Henri.Henri, who drove for Hermes Racing, Rennen’s biggest rival.Henri, who I’d finally allowed myself to have just hours ago.Henri and I hadn’t had a chance to discuss last night, but something pricked at the back of my neck.
Did limited relationships mean no dating other drivers?
“I’d like to discuss the specifics with my manager before I agree to anything,” I said, trying to keep my voice level.
“Of course, of course.Take your time, review everything thoroughly.Have her reach out once you’ve gone through it all.”His voice warmed again.“But Lily?Welcome to Rennen F1.I think this is the beginning of something really special.”
The call ended, and I sat there on the couch, staring at my phone.My dream job.The seat I’d been working toward my entire career.
So why did my chest feel tight?
Before I could second-guess myself, I pulled up my manager’s contact and hit call.
She answered on the second ring.“Lily!Darling!”Her voice was bright with excitement.“Rennen F1!Oh, sweetheart, this is incredible.This is everything we’ve been working toward.”
I blinked.“Hi Mum—”
“Felix called me right before he called you.I’ve been working on this all week with them but didn’t want to get your hopes up until it was official.”She laughed, delighted.“You’re going to be racing for one of the most established teams in Formula 1!”
“Yeah, it’s amazing,” I said, trying to match her enthusiasm.“So, Mum, about the contract, Felix mentioned a morality clause?”
“Oh, yes.Good.I think that’s excellent, actually.Your sponsors will feel much better having that in your contract with Rennen.”
I blinked.“But what does it mean?I don’t have this in my contract with Valkyrie.”
“Yes, well, Rennen is different.You’re going to a proper team now.”The insult on Valkyrie wasn’t lost on me.My mother had never liked the team principal, Isabelle.Papers rustled in the background.“Just basics about maintaining a professional image, not utilizing certain rival brands, the same additions about dangerous activities—”
I cut her off.“Felix mentioned something about relationships?”
