Page 101 of Spin Control

“Great,” I say. “Enjoy the rest of your day, Stas.”

He lets out a low laugh. “Good luck, Elizabeth. Please tell them I am excited to watch Lu on the track.”

“I will. Talk soon.”

I don’t hold back my smile when I tell them all exactly what Stas Dubinsky, F1 World Champion, said.

On Sunday, Luísa Lopez-Walker makes history.

And when she finishes the race without incident and in 7th place, bringing in six important points for Martine, she shows the entire world that women deserve a place in this sport.

40

Five weeks later

It doesn’t matter how many times I visit Singapore, the humidity will never feel less intense. The second you walk out of the airport, you’re enveloped in a thick, moisture-filled hug.

“Wow,” Elizabeth says for what I’m pretty sure is the tenth time since we got off the plane.

I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her into my side. “I told you that everything about this place is impressive.”

“You did, but you failed to mention it’s too hot for human contact,” she says, though she doesn’t move away. “I don’t even want to know what it feels like during the day.”

“And that, my darling, is why we race at night.”

Night races are some of my favorites on the schedule, and I’m particularly fond of the Singapore Grand Prix since it’s where I got my very first win. This weekend, I’m determined to get another one here. It will be the cherry on top of a weekend that people will remember for a long time.

Because Stas Dubinsky is officially back.

The story broke on Monday, but the rumors started in the Netherlands when Freddie couldn’t race. The moment it was confirmed that he’d be missing the weekend due to illness, fans started speculating about Stas’s return. Though Lu and her incredible driving shut everyone up for a few days, by the next week, reporters were not only asking when Stas would be returning—but why Freddie wouldn’t be.

Unsurprisingly, Elizabeth masterminded Freddie’s termination. She made sure one of the most powerful reporters in motorsports was nearby when she told Chalondra, Rose, and Gabrielle all about how the Nortons used their news network to spread disinformation about Martine’s plans for my seat. As it turned out, Marcus did not take too kindly to his old pal fueling unfounded rumors meant to destroy his son’s teammate’s mental health. So he canceled Freddie’s contract, effective immediately.

“Can we share a car to the hotel?” Lu asks, bouncing up to us. She’s been my teammate for the last three races, and it’s been an absolute blast watching her blow everyone’s expectations out of the water. If she’s upset about going back to being the reserve driver, she’s done a very good job of not letting it show. “Or would I be cramping your style?”

“Of course you can ride with us,” Elizabeth says, right as a spacious, high-end SUV pulls up. During the drive, Lu peppers me with questions about how spicy the food is here, what time she should set her alarm for, and tips for working successfully with Stas. When we pull up to the entrance of the hotel near Marina Bay, the driver gasps.

My eyes nearly pop out of my head when I look out the tinted window and see a huge crowd of photographers and fans camped outside even though its nearly 2am.

“Damn,” Elizabeth says. “Give me your passports. I’ll go inside and check you guys in.”

She returns a few minutes later, along with a team of hotel staff members pushing luggage carts. “The crowd is calm, all things considered. And Lu, there are a couple of girls with signs specifically for you.”

“Me?” she says, her eyes going wide. “Really?”

“Of course, you,” I say, nudging her arm. “You’re a big deal.”

“With Stas coming back, I thought I’d just melt into the background of the garage again.”

“Not a chance,” Elizabeth says. “You have fans, Lu. Ready to meet them?”

Her smile lights up her entire face. “Hell yes!”

I watch with pride as Lu exits the car, greeted by cheers.

“I fucking hate this race,” Stas says on Sunday, stalking into my room without knocking. His fair skin is red from simply walking through the paddock. “Remind me again why I chose to come back in Singapore?”

“I have no idea.” Stas has never won here and truly despises this street circuit—not to mention the heat and humidity.