Max Verstappen had learned one universal truth: wherever he and Carlos went, people assumed they were more than teammates, more than friends, more than… themselves. And honestly? That wasn’t wrong. Just… not entirely accurate.

….

1. Media

The press room was a frenzy. Cameras flashed like lightning, microphones shoved in every direction, and reporters scribbled furiously in their notebooks. Max felt like a deer caught in headlights, though he’d been through countless press sessions.

“So, Max,” a reporter leaned forward, grinning like she already knew the answer, “are you and Carlos… a thing? You two seem inseparable.”

Max blinked, jaw tightening. He gave a polite laugh...the kind that said I am not amused...and shook his head. “He’s not my boyfriend,” he said, voice low but firm, hoping the cameras would catch the seriousness in his tone.