There weren't too many people on the grid worth wishing good things for that I knew of, but Nic was one of the few I wanted to have all the success and happiness in the world.

Once Nic had Alex and his new friend in tow, we headed to our respective team tables near the stage. Unfortunately, this meant I'd be stuck making dinner conversation with Andrea Russo.

“Take a good look” Paula reminded me. “Check out the drivers for this year.”

l obliged, and already I made out a shuffle: Vittore now had rookie Byron Hargreaves of Canada driving alongside veteran Christian Clay.

Otherwise, the roster swap of the season was what we were just about to witness: Jolt's child prodigy.

“Please, be seated” Theodore Cavanaugh said from the extremely over-the-top stage set up maybe ten feet from our table. We were already seated, so it was obvious they were out to make a big show of it.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, our boys of the hour, as it were. My name is Theo Cavanaugh, and you know me as team.”

“He runs a whole racing team?” whispered Jatziry. “He looks like one of my tios?”

I almost snorted wine out my nose.

“Jolt did not foresee these circumstances, that's for sure,” said Cavanaugh with a chuckle that rippled through the crowd.

The departure of Eduardo Palomas was an unexpected, sad loss, but we realize it is what was best for both Jolt and Mr Palomas. With an open seat, Jolt saw this as room for improvement.

“Young blood,” I muttered with a roll of my eyes.

Nic leaned back from the Griffith table neighbouring ours to elbow me. “Play nice, Miggie.”

“We want to do what's never been done in F1. We want to leave behind a legacy.” Cavanaugh was really laying it on thick. “Jolt embodies the culture of pushing the envelope and soaring above boundaries. That's what well do this season. So, without further ado, please welcome your newest Formula 1 driver, number forty-four for Jolt Archambeau Racing, {{user}} Zahrani!”