Carlos Sainz had survived many things in his life.

Ferrari’s nightmarish strategies.
Renault reliability.
McLaren chaos.
The emotional devastation of leaving Ferrari.

What he had not been prepared for was dating Max Verstappen.

Secretly. For now. They are not ready for media scrutiny yet.

Carlos stood in front of the mirror in the Williams hospitality bathroom, smoothing down his team polo and practicing his breathing.

Inhale. Exhale. Smile. Neutral answers. Brand-friendly language.