As the cars line up on the grid, the tension builds, an electric current surging through the atmosphere. I clutch my hands together, my palms growing clammy with nerves.

Xavier, with his signature helmet filled with color contrasting his black car, exudes a confident aura, ready to take on the challenge that lies before him.

My leg starts moving up and down, anxiety filling my being.

Cleo places her hand on my leg. “Vio, he’s going to be fine.” She tries to reassure me.

“How do you know that?” I’m anxious. I have a bad feeling.

The lights illuminate one by one, anticipation building with each passing moment. My grip tightens around the railings as the final light goes out, and the cars surge forward, piercing through the air like arrows.

I stand at the edge of the grandstand, my eyes fixed on the twisting labyrinth of asphalt before me.

Xavier’s car, adorned with its vibrant livery, quickly weaves through the grid, positioning itself for the upcoming corners.

My heart swells with pride, and yet, that nagging unease stirs deep within me. The roar of the engines engulfs me, the deafening sound reverberating through my chest. The gust of wind generated by the speeding cars tousles my hair, their velocity almost tangible as they fly past.

He’s starting fourth. It’s the best qualifying position he’s had all year.

Ale is on pole position, Ren in second, and Amir in third.

Every lap feels like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The adrenaline courses through my veins, mirroring the intensity on the track.

I strain my eyes, tracking Xavier’s car as it blurs around each corner.

My eyes are glued to the screen in front of me. I can’t watch Xavier glide through other points in the grid, so the people at the grand prix watch most of it from a screen.

He passes Amir in a mere matter of seconds.

I cheer along with the crowd.

He’s going to get out of this safely.

I reassure myself over and over again, but nothing helps.

Xavier navigates the treacherous streets of Monte Carlo with precision, threading his way through the narrow confines. He displays his mastery, gliding around the tight corners, his car a blur of speed and elegance.

He’s the golden boy for a reason.

As the laps tick by, the race intensifies.

Xavier finds himself locked in a fierce battle, with Ren relentlessly pushing him to his limits.

Ren is not called the driver who’s impossible to pass for nothing.

That makes me even more nervous.

I feel my breath catch in my throat as they approach the iconic Casino Square, a notorious challenge for every driver. Side by side, they dare each other, pushing the boundaries of bravery.

My knuckles turn white as I grip the railing even tighter, a foreboding knot forming in the pit of my stomach. The atmosphere feels heavy, as if it holds its breath, bracing for an impending storm.

But then, in a heart-stopping moment, their cars make contact briefly, skidding past each other. A jolt of fear courses through me as I witness the impact, the sound of metal-on-metal ringing in my ears.

Both cars get out without a scratch.

I let out a shaky breath of relief.

“See, he knows what he’s doing,” Cleo reassures me.