Chapter 81: Post-Race Reflections

The roar of the crowd was still ringing in Henry's ears as he stepped down from the podium, the adrenaline slowly giving way to exhaustion. The Spanish sun was beginning to dip behind the grandstands, casting long shadows over the paddock. His race suit clung to his skin, damp with sweat and the remnants of champagne. Despite the fatigue settling into his muscles, Henry couldn't stop the small grin that tugged at the corner of his lips. Another podium. Another statement made.

As he made his way through the sea of team members, engineers, and media personnel, Victor Leblanc approached him, his helmet now tucked under his arm. His expression was neutral, but there was something in his eyes, a flicker of respect.

Victor extended a hand. "That overtake was insane, mate. Thought I had you locked down, but you pulled it off. Respect."

Henry chuckled, shaking his hand firmly. "Had to risk it. You weren't exactly making it easy."

Victor smirked, nodding. "Would've been disappointed if you didn't try."

There was no love lost between them, but at that moment, there was a silent acknowledgment of the battle they had just fought. The kind of battle that made racing worth it.

The media zone was already a frenzy, cameras flashing as Henry, Luca, and Victor were ushered toward the backdrop plastered with sponsor logos. Microphones were shoved in their faces as journalists fired questions at them.

"Henry, walk us through that incredible move on Victor in the final laps!"

Henry wiped the sweat from his brow and gave a small smirk. "I knew I had one shot at it. Victor's a tough defender, but I saw the opportunity and took it. You can't hesitate in moments like that."

Another reporter leaned in. "You were closing the gap on Luca at the end, do you think you had the pace to win if there were a few more laps?"

Henry cast a sideways glance at Luca, who was standing beside him, arms crossed with an exaggerated smirk. "If I had two more laps, I'd be standing in the middle spot right now."

Luca scoffed. "Dream on, Calder. You tried, but I'm still the top dog today."

Henry grinned. "Enjoy it while you can. Next race, I'm coming for you."

The banter earned chuckles from the media, further cementing the growing rivalry-friendship between the ART teammates.

The ART garage was a mixture of celebration and efficiency. Mechanics were already analyzing data, packing up equipment, and discussing improvements for the next race. Laurent was speaking to one of the engineers when Henry and Luca strolled in, still buzzing from the media session.

Henry pulled off his gloves and sighed, stretching out his arms. "Feels good to be back on the podium."

Luca smirked. "Feels even better to be on the top step."

Henry rolled his eyes but couldn't help laughing. Before he could respond, his F1 System pinged in his mind.

System Notification: 'New Notification Available. Do you want to view it now?'

Henry exhaled, glancing at the flashing prompt in his vision. He was tempted to open it immediately, but he shook his head.

"Later," he muttered to himself. "I just want to enjoy this win first."

The hotel lobby was quiet compared to the chaos of the track. As the ART team stepped inside, Luca stretched his arms overhead with a groan. "Food. We need food."

Henry nodded in agreement. "Agreed, but I'm gonna shower first."

Luca sniffed the air dramatically. "No duh, you stink, bro."

Henry rolled his eyes and shoved Luca's shoulder as they approached the elevator. "You're one to talk."

Luca smirked. "I smell like a winner."

Henry laughed, shaking his head as the elevator doors slid open.

Before stepping into the shower, Henry grabbed his phone and fired off a quick text to Taryn.

Henry: "Hey, we're heading out for food with the team. Wanna come?"

Her response came within seconds.

Taryn: "Of course. I'll meet you in the lobby."

A small smile played on Henry's lips. He ran a hand through his damp hair, feeling a rare moment of peace settle over him. Racing was his life, but moments like this, simple, human moments, made it all the more worthwhile.

The hot water cascaded over Henry's shoulders as he stood under the showerhead, letting the steam ease the tension in his muscles. Every race, every podium, every moment on the track pushed him further toward his goal. But for the first time in a while, he allowed himself to just exist in the moment.

But his mind wouldn't stay still.

That system notification. It felt… significant. Bigger than the usual updates or progress reports.

Henry exhaled, closing his eyes.

After dinner, he'd open it.

And then, he'd see what came next.