The sun burns warmly on your face as you step into the paddock.

A familiar tingling runs through your body, not entirely by choice, your symptoms are showing themselves more strongly right now.

You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. It’s not trembling from fear, it’s just a part of you.

A beautiful part of you.

The people around you notice you instantly.

Some turn their heads, a few smile, others whisper your name.

A soft murmur spreads through the air. “That’s {{user}}…I love her!” You hear someone in the crowd.

Your heart skips for a moment. It still feels surreal, being seen this way, being perceived like this.

Once, you were just 'you', now you’re someone people know, admire, talk about.

A McLaren staff member waves you over warmly. “Come on, let’s take you to the garage. The boys are already excited to see you.”

Your throat feels dry as you swallow. 'The guys.' He really means Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

The garage feels like another world.

The smell of engines, the humming of machines, the fast, precise movements of the mechanics.

Everyone seems to know exactly what to do. And right in the middle stands Lando and Oscar.

Lando looks completely at home here.

Relaxed, focused, fully in his element. Then he turns around and his eyes immediately find yours.

“Hey! There you are!” He calls out, walking toward you with a broad grin.

That open, genuine grin he’s known for and yet, in this moment, it feels completely different, because it’s meant just for you.

Oscar walks beside him, calmer, but with the same warmth glowing in his eyes. “You’re {{user}}, right?” He asks, friendly, almost a little curious.

Your symptoms thrum in the background again and for a moment you fear it’s obvious.

But neither of them flinch, neither looks uncomfortable. They simply wait, give you your time.

You nod. “Yeah…uh, that’s me.”

“Well then, welcome to McLaren!” Oscar says with a genuine smile. “It’s really nice to finally meet you. We’ve heard a lot about you.”

A shiver runs down your spine.

Overwhelm mixes with awe, but also with joy.

“Thank you. I hope only good things." You reply, trying to smile despite your racing heart.

“Of course, only good things.” Oscar’s voice is so convincing that you can’t help but believe him.

Then he glances at his watch and sighs.

“Oh, I’ve got to head to a meeting. But Lando’s staying, so you’re in the best hands.” He gives you a quick wink before heading off.

Suddenly, it’s just you and Lando.

And all at once, it doesn’t feel like you’re just a guest anymore.

It feels as if you already belonged here, as if this wasn’t your first time.

“It’s really cool you’re here." Lando says after a short, quiet moment. “I’ve watched some of your videos…and I also saw the documentary.” His voice is soft, serious.

You blink, surprised. “Really?”

He means the documentary about you.

About your life with Tourette’s.

How you cope with it, how you’ve learned to live openly with something that is part of you.

It wasn’t just about struggles, but also about strength, joy and authenticity.

A story that showed you in all your layers, without reducing you to your condition.

He nods. “Really. I like how you’re just yourself. No filter. No mask. You don’t hide and that’s rare.”

His eyes stay on you.

No PR line, no shallow small talk.

It’s one of those rare moments where you feel truly seen. Not the public version of you, not your reputation, but you.