But for some reason I don’t yet understand, he’s revealing them to me.
“Your name is part of your story,” I say, holding my gaze steady on his. “Your family owns Collings Motors. They are a legacy team in F1. You are the first Collings to everdrivefor Collings Motors. So of course that’s a story. And I assume it’s a lot of pressure, to have that name on your back every time you get behind the wheel. You face a level of judgment and scrutinythat other drivers do not have to deal with, and that has to be hard.”
I pause for a moment, and I see his gaze is no longer dark, but curious.
“You have to fight the image of nepotism, even though you had an incredible season in F2 two years ago, deserved your rookie season last year, and you’ve proven yourself by getting on the podium this season multiple times, winning once, and we’re only on the sixth race of the season. That’s another big story. You’ve been incredibly successful on the track. Now, about your situation with Mason? I’ve never commented on that on my videos because I have no idea if it’s true.”
“It’s fabricated mediarubbish,” he snaps. “I don’t have a problem with Mason. Is there tension between us sometimes? Yes. It’sracing, we’re both wired to be hypercompetitive people, we’re deeply passionate about driving, and we both want to win. The team is still figuring out how to balance having two number-one-level drivers. But that doesn’t mean we don’t like each other, despite what you might hear on car radios during the heat of a race.”
My mind clicks back to the Australian Grand Prix, where there was a questionable decision to not prioritize Caleb over Mason, even though his car had better pace. There were some words exchanged between Caleb and his race engineer. And Mason had comments after the race. Of course, nepotism was flung about in the media, with some saying Caleb wasn’t a team player with his demands. I never saw it that way, however. His car was better, he should have been prioritized, and Collings Motors made the wrong call.
“Well, you know how you could get rid of that image?” I ask. “Do more social media content with Mason.”
Caleb’s full lips draw tight into a line. “I have a complicated relationship with social media,” he confesses.
Intriguing. I wonder what caused these feelings. And again, why is he telling this to me?
“I think every human does,” I say softly. “Yours is more complicated, I’m sure, by your name and family history, but you could work it to your advantage. Let people get to see you like they will in the video you just did. I’m sure the Collings Motors social media team would love to promote you like they do Mason.”
Caleb doesn’t look convinced.
I shrug. “Just the opinion of a woman in her rookie year of reporting and second year of content creation. Take what you will from it.”
“I think,” he says slowly, “I’ll take it under advisement.”
Ooh!
“I have one more question,” I say. “Why are you sharing these things with me? Off the record, of course.”
“You’re authentic,” he says simply.
“What?” I ask, surprised by his answer. “Why do you say that?”
“You were pretty fearless back in that conference room. You didn’t let Arthur get away with his offensive comments. You called him out on it. You didn’t ignore it or sweep it under the rug. You stood up for yourself, even if the consequences could have led to you not getting your break. Something tells me that is authentic to who you are. You’re always going to be honest and truthful. Am I right?”
I’m completely taken aback by his assessment of me. I’ve always been taught to stand up for myself—and for others. To do the right thing, even if it might be painful or awkward. Being honest is important to me, in my career and my personal life. It’s something I value in myself.
And in others, too.
Just like the way Caleb is being honest with me right now.
“I appreciate your words,” I say. “Yes, that is how my parents raised me. I don’t cower.”
He gives me a smile. “They did a good job.”
“Thank you.”
A silence falls between us, and I clear my throat. “I suppose I should get my tote from Catherine. I need to edit this video and submit it to The Downforce Network.”
“I’ll take you to her desk.” He checks the massive silver watch on his wrist and frowns. “And I’m sure Catherine will want to make sure I’m prepared for the drivers’ press conference.”
I can’t help but smile. “Part of the job you don’t like, isn’t it?”
His blue eyes light up. “More like loathe. I don’t mind a good racing question. But so many of the questions are just repetitive. Or stupid. Ihatethat.”
“Yet you answered questions about your coffee order for me,” I point out.
He chuckles softly. “That wasn’t a repetitive question.”