The sun is high in the sky, scorching the asphalt of the Monza circuit as mechanics work around Franco's car. The air is charged with adrenalin, the engines roar, and the atmosphere is electric. Carlos, meanwhile, is getting ready, his bright suit adjusted and helmet in one hand.

You're there, beside his car, at the edge of the track, watching his every move. This weekend, the moments spent together have been counted in stolen seconds between meetings, technical briefings and media obligations.

Just as he's about to put on his helmet, he stops and plants himself in front of you, his dark eyes fixed on yours.

“Are you all right?” he asks.

Before you can answer, his race engineer quickly approaches with a tablet, looking serious. “ Franco, you need to come over, we need to go over the settings before you get on.”

But Franco, without taking his eyes off you : “Give me a minute to hold my girl".