“Of course, of course.You’re incredibly talented—there’s no doubting that.Though it must be hard sometimes, being compared to Georgia constantly.She’s had such an incredible career, such a presence in the sport.Do you ever feel overshadowed by her?”
My sister sank a little more into her seat, trying to hide her face.
“Georgia is an exceptional driver and an even better person.I don’t feel overshadowed.I feelinspired.”
“But was it hard to live in her shadow while you were at Valkyrie?”Ollie was quick with that one.
“Georgia and I support each other.We’re not competing for some imaginary title of ‘token woman in F1.’We’re both competing for race wins and championships.”She put up her hand, adding, “And above all else, we’re proud to support each other.Women supporting women is important.”
Ollie’s friendly mask flickered, just for a second, before he recovered with a practiced smile.“Women supporting women.I love it!Okay, this is our last question.This is from James of Paris, France.‘There’s been some interesting chatter online about betting patterns this season.’”Ollie looked up, as if he was immediately trying to gauge her reaction, but Lily just kept staring at him, a face of perfect stoicism.“‘Specifically, people who bet against you and lost significant amounts of money.How does that make you feel?’”
“I don’t follow betting markets, Ollie.I focus on racing.”
“But surely you’re aware that some people have lost quite a bit of money betting against you?”
Lily sat up straighter, repositioning herself in the chair.“What people choose to do with their money isn’t my concern.”
“Even when those people might feel resentful?When they blame you for their losses?”
Lily’s smile turned brittle.“Racing outcomes aren’t guaranteed.This is why I think people should be careful about all this.”
“Of course.”Ollie shuffled his cards.“You don’t sound like a fan of this all?”
“It’s not that I’m not a fan of it.Every team has sports betting sponsors.Some teams probably need the funding just to survive.But…”
I could see the uneasiness in her face.
“But we, as a sport, still have to be careful with how far we let it go, that’s all.Limits probably need to be put in place.”
Georgia leaned close to my ear.“I suspect we’re going to hear that soundbite later.”
“And how far do we let it go?”Ollie had picked up on that one.
“Some fans can take it too far, that’s all.”
“Too far?”Ollie tilted his head, feigning confusion.“Can you elaborate on that?Have you experienced something negative from betting fans?”
Lily’s fingers curled against her thigh.“Let’s just move on.”
“No, no, this is fascinating.”He leaned forward, all false concern.“Have you received threats?Messages from people who lost money on you?”
The silence stretched thin and dangerous.Lily’s face had gone pale, her composure cracking at the edges.She shifted forward as if she might stand; might end this whole charade right here.
Our eyes met across the studio.
I shook my head once, small and deliberate.
Don’t give him what he wants.
Lily settled back into the couch, that mask of perfect professionalism sliding back into place even as her eyes blazed.This felt a bit more like an interrogation than a podcast about her home race.
“The fans who support me do so because they believe in my talent,” she said, voice as steady as steel.“I’m thankful for them every day.Now, speaking of my fans, let’s get to those audience questions, hm?”
I could see Ollie’s eyes searching, looking for a hopeful way to bring that conversation back.But before he could, I stood up.
Ollie’s head snapped toward me, surprise flickering across his face.“Henri?Did you have a—”
I turned to face Lily fully, letting a beat of silence settle.Her eyes met mine, confusion and relief warring in her expression.I could see the question there:What are you doing?
