Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Max is aware of how shit he was treated during his early Toro Rosso years by the grid and media when he was first making his breakthrough into what most call the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1. Most if not all the senior drivers had a comment or two to throw out about letting a seventeen year old behind the wheel. He's the reason why the FIA had to constantly add new rules when max thought outside the box.

He's heard and seen all the comments they said about him, 'too dangerous to himself and others on the grid', 'just reckless with no talent'. It didn't matter if he was able to save the car from sliding off the track, they just called it luck. To being emotionally constipated, which— rude, he didn't have the private of having a father who was in touch with his feelings. Being called childish for having a sim he took everywhere with him even though he drove the real thing. For being shy and not knowing how to interact with fans to them making fun of him behind closed doors about a lisp he couldn't help. He doesn't like thinking about it but it definitely made him a lot more self conscious of his inability to say certain words.

At the time he just told himself that nobody wanted a snobby, acne-prone skin teen to babysit. I mean, who would want to look after a freshly eighteen year old when they could be hooking up with a girl with loose curls and a dress so tight it looked painted on. 

Having a father like jos makes you grow thick skin early on. So yeah, he didn't give a shit about what the media, or their mom's had to say about his reckless driving and downright dangerous overtaking. It got him places he was told he would never see. Helped him win championships that most people fought their whole lives for and Max had managed to take four of them.

Now, just because he went through all of the doubt and hate doesn't mean he likes to see when a rookie is in a situation he was similarly in. If he can prevent something from happening he will.

Everything had been going okay, the car was fast, perfect, sharp, and quick to react to every turn Max made, just like he liked it. Admittedly stuff could have been better but he wasn't about to complain about getting a podium after DNF'ing back to back The weather was okay and he was close to snatching P3. he could practically taste the champagne hitting his taste buds and bring in points on a home race for Red Bull.

Max was mid sentence with GP about a mix up in the pit when he felt his back left tyre get clipped by the car behind him. Immediately he tried to correct the tyres to prevent them from spinning out. It was so sudden and happened so fast. Max knew it was Gabi who crashed into him, being the only driver he was fighting off for P3. 

"Max? Max, Max are you okay?" 

"Yeah yeah, jus-just give me a second, shit," he said with a painful groan. 

"Is Bortoleto okay?"

"he is conscious and talking to his engineer, Max"

Max was out of the car in minutes. The crash hadn't been his worst but he could feel the soreness coming.

To say that Gabi was scared was the biggest understatement of his generation. His brakes locked up at the possibly worst moment—not that there was a good moment for it ever. Everything was in slow motion as he made contact with Max's back tyre, and he saw as they both started spinning off the track and towards the barriers. The impact had started to clear his brain to clarity surprisingly. The gravity of the situation hit him as his engineer came on the radio. 

'I just made both me and max-fucking-verstappen DNF'

"Gabi, are you okay?" The Cracking of the radio made him wince. 

"Yes, the car is fucked though, sorry."

Realistically he knew that Max wouldn't give him the famous 'Mad Max' treatment. Kimi had told him about the conversation and the comforting words the Dutchman had given him after he crashed into Max. A part of him was still scared. He'd seen what happened when someone took a win away from the blond and he doesn't want to be on the other end of that. Being publicly humiliated by his idol wasn't something he could take.

Max was worried for the young Brazilian, he knows he has a bit of a tendency to lash out at other drivers, and he's a bit hurt that the younger is distancing himself from the Dutchman. He would never let a rookie be treated like how he was when he would crash into others. He wants to tell Gabi that.

The second they get the chance, he's bombarded with question after question. 

"Max, what do you have to say to Bortoleto about the crash? "

"Has he apologized for the incident? "

"Do you think Bortoleto will keep his seat for the upcoming season?"

It was tiring and downright annoying. He just hopes he's not letting the annoyance seep through, but from the look of the journalist, they're eating it up thinking the annoyance is directed at the younger. He can already picture the news articles 'rookie crashes into Max Verstappen, will he get the 'mad max'?'

"I, of course am not happy about the DNF but, Bortoleto is just a rookie. He's still learning like how i was, I don't blame him at all. I know he wouldn't have done it on purpose" Max answers the questions he's asked with the best of his abilities to let the world know that, no he's not going to rip the poor kid to shreds

"I have made the same mistake as Gabi, so I don't know why I'm expected to rip the kid a new one"

He says frustrated. Max now finds himself in his driver's room to cool off and get a much needed break before he heads to get checked as requested by GP.

"I can't! Nico, what if he hates me?" Gabi says nervously to his teammate —who had also spun out earlier in the race. "Gabriella, be serious right now max, cares about you," Nico says reasonably while rubbing small circles into the younger's shoulder. He had been trying to coax him into talking to the Dutchman instead of hiding for all of time. 

Nico has eyes, just like the rest of the grid. He's seen how Max always has a rookie or three leeching onto him. They call him "mama max" as a joke and always go to him for tips on how to improve their driving, how to talk to the team about what the car needs changing. He's heard from Gabi that Max had yelled at Toto, Mercedes team principal for telling Kimi that he could've gotten P2.

He's also seen when Max was a shy teenager just looking for guidance. Nico will forever hate himself a little bit for not being there for the blond. It hurts his heart a little bit when he remembers how excluded the boy was.

"Gabi, he won't hate you for crashing into him but he will if you don't talk to him, talk to him, kid." He chuckles a bit "Whatever old man," Gabi says while rolling his eyes and getting up towards the door. "If I don't come back at a reasonable time you know who killed me, okay old man?" 

So that's how Gabi finds himself making his way to max. As he stops in front of the red bull hospitality he's spotted by one of the mechanics "Max is in his room, knock before walking in, he's expecting you kid" "Okay. Thank you" he says shyly. He's nervous, his heart is beating rapidly and he can feel himself starting to sweat.

Max was resting on his couch with his eyes covered by his Red Bull hat. He'd been thinking about how to handle the situation. He feels an ache in his heart at the thought of Gabi being scared of him. It makes him feel like his father. 

Sharp knocking and a small voice are what take Max out of his mind. He knows who is knocking at his door right now.

"Come in Gabi," he says loudly. The door is opened and there stands Gabi, he looks incredibly small which is funny because Max is sure the younger is the same if not a similar height to him.

"Hey.. Max, can we talk?" Says the younger as he slowly closes the door behind him and stands awkwardly, not knowing where to place himself. "Yeah of course Gabi, here sit," Max says as he moves to the side a bit and pats the spot next to him as an invitation for the Brazilian to sit.

He slowly makes his way to sit, scared that if he moved too suddenly the other would jump him like a lion catching its prey. Gabi feels a heavy but comforting hand touching his side, below his rib cage, moving up and down slowly. He leans into the touch from the older

"You know the crash- it wasn't on purpose, I promise!  The brakes locked up on the turn and I thought i could save it! I wouldn'-" he starts talking and can't find himself to stop rambling words. His thought process is stopped before he can finish his sentence.

Max had felt bad. He can practically smell the nerves coming off the kid. "Gabi- gabi, it's okay calm down okay? I, of course am not happy that it ended like that but don't blame yourself okay? You are still learning and mistakes will happen, just don't push the car too hard and know your limits, okay?"

Hearing those words immediately melts him and he shuts up. He's still anxious, he can feel it in the bottom of his stomach but it's not threatening to spill out now.

"I know- I just don't want you to hate me or-" he feels a need to apologize. "Kid- Gabi it's fine seriously calm down okay? I don't hate you and I'm not mad" Max says and turns to look at the other.

"If you want tips or something to improve i of course don't mind helping you okay? I won't blame you for needing help" he says while taking the boy into his arms, giving him a warm hug. The angle is a bit awkward considering they're both still sitting down but neither wants to pull away.

"Thank you, Max, but still, sorry about the race," Gabi says while slowly pulling out of the hug. "Don't sweat it kid" The silence isn't awkward but it definitely wasn't comfortable. 

Slowly, because Max was starting to feel the dull ache in his lower back, he pulled Gabi down with him. It wasn't the first time or last that he would cuddle with a rookie. He likes feeling like he's helping, and no one has ever complained about being in the arms of a four time world champion. 

The couch was too small for them, so movement was very limited. Max's back was against the back of the couch with his arms wrapped around Gabi. It was a small gesture but it did wonders for the younger. He felt protected, safe, and warm. The young Brazilian giggled to himself as he remembered the memes of 'mad max turned mama max' they were definitely true and if the media could see this, the media would never let them forget.

Gabi had cuddled with max before, like the time during summer break when he had gotten food poisoning and max had been there for him.so this wasn't a first but it was surprising how easily they both fell into a restful sleep. Neither had meant to fall asleep. As much as they try to ignore media duties and annoying team members they are both drivers who constantly need surveillance.

Nico had been asked about where gabi had gone and why he still wasn't back. That made him realize that his boy still wasn't back, he sent a text to gabi trying to locate his teammate. Nico knows he went to see max- probably if his last conversation was anything to go by. He first texted gabi privately.

Nico hulk🦄

Gabriella??

where are you?

sent 10 minutes ago

 but when he didn't get a message back fast enough he messaged the drivers group chat.

                                      FIA FREE

Hulk

Have any of you seen Gabriella??

No one has seen him, its been 30 minutes.

Yuki 

I saw him talking to a redbull mechanic

landito 

he's probabyl talkinf 2 max XD

Gp, Max's engineer, was looking for him. He knew his driver was upset of how his race finished but he didn't think he would lock himself away. He hadn't done that in years and he didn't like how uneasy he was feeling. 

Gp had been there for max over his 10 year career. He was his father, race engineer, and worst enemy. Seeing max grow up and fit into his face was a thing he cherished. He's proud to say that he's the reason max is more 'tamed'. And doesn't try to shunt others into walls.

He'd expected to see many things when he came looking for his driver but seeing him cuddled up to the other 'missing' driver wasn't one of them. He stood awkwardly, not knowing what to do. If anyone asked he definitely didn't sneak a photo before walking up to them.

"Max... max wake up, you cant kidnap a drive and expect no one to notice" gp says in a loud whisper to not scare either driver.

Max slowly woke up, letting go of the tight grip he had on gabi, he rubbed his eyes and gently shook him awake when he realizes that his engineer is looking down at them. With a knowing smirk plastered on. Max groaned in annoyance knowing he wasn't gonna hear the end of it. "Okay c'mon let the kid go back to his team before we get sued for kidnapping" gp chuckles at how flustered gabi is. Max tells him to shut up 

Gabi finds himself slightly rested and in a better mood when he finds his teammate who chuckles when he see how flustered he gets when he asked him how the conversation went.

Chapter Text

Kimi's first season has been downright terrible. Minor crash after crash, finishing outside of points every race, media scandals, and disappointing his team. Realistically, he knows that they don't expect him to be the next Senna or Lewis Hamilton in his debut but he can't help but feel them getting annoyed at him for costing the team a lot. He has been a part of the Mercedes family since he attended his first grand prix. Had known George since he was a young teen, met Lewis Hamilton, and he even still has the autographs!! Kimi feels like the biggest failure in the history of F1 when he finishes embarrassingly low during his home race. 

He doesn't want to use the word 'sulking', but it's the only thing that can describe him right now. He's in his hotel room. The race had long been over and a group of drivers went out to whatever bar was overcharging for a glass of G&T. Sulking and silently crying while he watches whatever video his feed shows him, curled into a small ball with big fluffy blankets positioned just right so it looks like he's in a nest.

He's so in his head that he almost missed the 3 deliberate knocks to his door. It had scared him enough to almost drop his phone directly into his face. So thankful for the fast reflexes that he moves just before it makes impact. 

Slowly getting up and throwing whatever shirt was nearby on, he made his way to the door's peephole just to make sure it wasn't a crazy fan who found his hotel room number on some sketchy part of Twitter. 

To his delighted surprise, it was Max Verstappen outside his door looking down at his watch and back at the door. Kimi was now painfully aware of his tear-stained face, messy curls, and a shirt he was pretty sure was inside out and backwards.

Well no point in trying to fix himself up right now, he's got a world champion at his door

Max could see the weight of the world clinging to the rookie's shoulders the moment he saw him enter the paddock. Poor kid looked so stressed out and anxious, he was sure the kid would've hidden under a desk like a scared kitten if given the chance. He's young and driving for a top team, in his home race too. He doesn't doubt that the kid is running and anxiety. 

He's been told by Nico H that he can see Max in the younger. He'd been in those same shoes years ago, young and looking for guidance. Kimi is barely finishing school and already having people expecting him to go beyond them. 

Once the race had been over and all drivers had started heading out, Max, had seen Kimi looking upset like a puppy who had his favorite toy taken away. It made him feel something inside, his heart ached for the Italian. With nothing better to do—because going out and getting white girl wasted wasn't something he wanted to do, he texted George.

                                     MAX V & GEORGE R.                      

Max V

What's Kimi's hotel #

George R

Hey, how are you? Is something people usually use to start a conversation, Max.

Max v

idc what's his hotel #

George R

And why should I give you private information? 

Max V

stop being annoying and give me the number ffs

George R

My God. Okay. Room 1633 6th floor.

Seen 10 minutes ago

He honestly had no idea what he was doing until he was standing outside a hotel room that wasn't his, waiting for the Italian. Max isn't the best at comforting others. Growing up with a father like Jos made it impossible to show any emotion that was 'girly, In nicer words, he's emotionally constipated. But hey, redbull had made it mandatory to at least see a therapist once every two weeks since 2021 and he thinks he's gotten further than though possible. 

Kimi took a deep breath before he unlocked the door. Not knowing what to say to the blond. Once it opened and was face to face —more like face to neck, with the man 

"Max? Do- do you need anything? " he says, shaking lightly. Max notices.

"Well, not really, I just wanted to check up on you y'know," Max says while stepping into the room.

"Oh.. um.. yeah I'm okay? Just tired after the race" kimi struggling to find the words makes his cheeks flush with embarrassment "kimi... you do know your face has tear marks? Your eyes are red and stuffy" the Dutchman says while looking the younger up and down.

"Shouldn't you be out? I don't need you trying to play hero max" Kimi whispers loudly, looking at the floor looking incredibly close to crying again.

"Schat it's okay to be disappointed, I of course have been there but don't shut me out okay?" And God those words do something to kimi because he starts sniffling trying to hold back whimpering.

"C'mon, Kimi let's talk yeah? You want to talk Schat?" Max says while grabbing the younger by the back of his neck and leading him into the king sized bed. He carefully moves Kimi and himself into a somewhat comfortable position. 

Max's back is flush against the headboard of the bed with a pillow on his lower back. Legs stretched out, shoes off with no blankets in sight. Kimi has his head on Max's thighs, head facing his stomach. It's a little uncomfortable considering the roughness of the jeans are brushing slightly against his temple. Max has heavy jet comforting hands running across his head of hair, ruining and making a mess of curls but Kimi can't find himself to care ine bit.

They stay like that for a while, the silence between them helping them feel safe. Max remembers Daniel doing the same to him, it makes him wonder if this is how Daniel felt all those years ago. He feels overprotective of Kimi. It hurts his heart seeing his boy so obviously upset. 

He reminds himself to send a long heartfelt message thanking him for the kindness he gave.

The silence is broken by Kimi asking Max a question. 

"Max?.. how do you deal with all the pressure?" Kimi says, avoiding eye contact by closing his eyes. 

"Well.. if I'm honest?  I'm not sure, of course, I had people around me who cared but it didn't change much. People did and still view me as an inconvenience" Max says honestly, which surprised kimi, because what? A great world champion, one of the best drivers in the history of Formula One, doubted himself? 

"Back when I first joined, I was a little younger than you" Max starts speaking again, and kimi shifts a bit to hear to older better. "No one really liked me. Not the media or the FIA and especially the grid." And that- honesty didn't survive the younger. He's seen some old tweets and Instagram posts abt Max. It's just crazy to hear it coming from the one it happened to. 

"Kimi you are an amazing driver, with an amazing talent. You will make mistakes and people will hate you but don't let that shape you, okay?" Max's accent was heavier than usual. He continued to "maxplain" for the next few hours. Talking about cars to how much he loved his cats to charles and how amazing he is and how good he looked in red. Soon enough he feels his eyelids get heavy and his heartbeat even out.

He doesn't remember falling asleep or tugging Max down with him either. He's woken up to an arm wrapped around him holding him in place. He's tucked into what he's assuming Max's short covered chest. His own arms wrapped around the older. 

He feels so warm and safe that the thought of letting go makes him want to cry. He clings to the embrace like its the water he needs, the air he needs to breath to continue to live. 

Kimi is happy that max is there for him when he needs it the most. Something he will always love about the older. When both drivers are fully awake they once more continue the conversation they had that night. They ordered breakfast, sat in bed and once more talked about anything they could think of.

Max had left a few hours into the morning, something about media duties and team meetings so he really cant be that upset,  he understands how annoying it can be, and its best to just get it over with.

If he's being honest, he can see why toto so desperately wants max to sign with Mercedes for the 2026 season. He just hopes deep down if it where to happen —because let's be honest, max will never think about leaving redbull. Its max who takes George's seat. Don't get him wrong he loves George, but max is the man who understands how it feels to be a teenager in a sport where most don't succeed.  

He loves them both equally. He is okay being a child of divorced if it means having George playing mom and max playing dad.