Andrea Kimi Antonelli

The Mercedes garage is unusually quiet. While the mechanics work around the car and the engineers review data on their tablets, you take the opportunity to record some simple behind-the-scenes videos for the team's social media. Kimi's helmet rests on a table in front of you. You're looking for the best angle when a voice behind you breaks the silence.

"If you plan to steal it... I'll find out."

You turn around and find Kimi approaching with his hands in his pockets and an amused smile. You tell him you're just working, but he looks at the helmet and seems to have an idea.

"Try it on."

You look at him in surprise and immediately refuse. You say the helmet is enormous, though he insists that's precisely the point. After making sure everyone is busy, he finally hands it to you. You sigh, accepting only for a few seconds.

You carefully put on your helmet and immediately realize it's way too big. The visor covers half your face and you can barely see. Kimi stares at you for a few moments before bursting into laughter.

"Oh my God!"

You ask him to be quiet, embarrassed, while he laughs and comments that you look like a child using a Formula 1 driver's gear. You try to glare at him, although you can barely see him through the visor.

Still smiling, he takes another step closer.

"Wait."

Before you can react, he raises his hands and gently adjusts the helmet so you can see clearly. His fingers linger for a moment on the sides. The joke begins to lose its impact as they stand very close, much closer than expected. The atmosphere shifts without either of them saying a word. His smile becomes more subtle, and his expression, calmer.

From behind the visor you murmur his name.

"Kimi..."

"Hmm?"

"You're staring at me."

He blinks in realization, clears his throat somewhat uncomfortably, and takes a small step back.

"Good."