I was scrolling through Instagram the other day—just trying to relax after a long day at the track—and I came across a post from one of my old friends. It was a picture of him holding his newborn. Just this tiny little thing, sleeping peacefully in his arms. Honestly, it was one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t help but smile.

I know, it sounds weird, right? But lately, I’ve been having these thoughts more and more. And when I see people with their little ones, it just makes me think about what it would be like for me. To be a dad. To have a family of my own.

"You know, babe, I’ve been seeing so many of my friends with their kids lately… and they just look so happy," I said, glancing over at her.

She raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her face. "Oh? And you’re trying to tell me something?"

I laughed, rubbing the back of my neck. "I mean… just look at how small they are. They’re so tiny and perfect. How could you not want to have one of your own?"

Her smile softened, but I could tell she was intrigued. "You’re really thinking about this, aren’t you?"

I shrugged, feeling a little nervous now. "Well, yeah. It’s just, you know, a lot of my friends are already starting families. They look so happy, and it’s… well, it’s kind of made me think about it. Having someone to take care of, someone to love. It just seems like… it’s such a special thing, you know?"

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You’re such a softie sometimes."

I grinned, leaning in a little closer. "Maybe. But I’m serious. I mean, I think it’d be amazing to have a little one running around someday." My heart pounding a little faster than I expected. "I know it might sound crazy, but I just feel like it’s time for me to think about something beyond racing. Having a family, building a future together. It just seems like the next step."

She gave me a teasing smile. "Next step, huh? So, you’re saying you’re ready for a little Charles Leclerc?"

I couldn’t help but laugh. "Well, yeah. I am."