Page 134 of Close Contact
First: the voice memo. I’d written bullet points on the plane, but now I spoke with intention. Clarity. Fire.
“Hi,it’s Aurélie. Not Dubois the driver, not the PR version of me you’ve seen in puff pieces. Me. I want to talk. On-record. On my terms. And not about my ‘golden girl’ story or my looks or my ‘surprising performance.’
I want to talk about the time I brought forward evidence of a premeditated attack and was ignored. About the way teams use women as branding—until we have a voice. About how the only people penalized are the ones who won’t shut up. About the grooming that happens from men in positions of power. If you want that version of the story… I’m ready.
If not? Stay safe behind your sponsor’s skirt. But don’t say I didn’t give you the opportunity.”
I crossedeach name off the list as I sent it.
Val from Two Girls One Grid
Cleo at La Piste Rose
Amira from The Racing Underground Podcast
Elle Thompson atThe Guardian’smotorsport column
Ava Richards, an ex-W Series driver now running an advocacy platform calledPole Positioned
Then came thefollow-ups. Typed, voice-dictated, dropped into email and WhatsApp threads like clockwork. I was a one-woman press team. My fingers barely paused even as I yawned.
Every ping of response gave me more fuel:
Amira Von Jean
YES. Let’s talk. Want to record today?
Ava Richards
I’ve wanted to cover this forever.
Cleo Grimes
Aurélie. We’re with you. Whatever you need.
Val Nicolini
Holy shit. I’m in.
