The first time Carlos Sainz leaves Max Verstappen a voicemail, he does it without thinking too much about it, because if he stops and thinks carefully about the habit he is forming, he might realize how dangerously comfortable it feels to talk to Max even when Max is not actually there.

The voicemail greeting itself is very Max.

It is short, blunt, and delivered in the same monotone voice he uses during interviews when journalists ask questions he finds unnecessary.

“Max here. If you are calling to complain about something, suck it up because I am busy and I probably will not listen to this anyway. Leave it if you want.”

The message ends with a small click, and Carlos stands on the balcony of his hotel room in Baku staring at his phone like he cannot decide if he should be offended or impressed by how aggressively uninterested Max sounds even in a recorded greeting.

The wind from the Sea pushes against the railing, and Carlos leans his elbows on it, letting out a tired breath before speaking into the phone.