Hello, planned to get this out earlier, but first I switched up chapter 2 and 3, and then I started working on a bigger project, so sorry of you were waiting long, enjoy the new chapter : )
DF1 Chapter 2, king of defense.
Song used to keep motivation: heart of courage (no choir)
The music was echoing through the paddock. The pre race party already well underway, as the people started to fill the stands. The most exciting event of the year was about to unfold, though the one that unfolded just a few hours earlier wasn't bad either. Marshall had been able to celebrate with Chase well, but now was his time to go. The mission was clear, the team was focused. Winner takes it all, the loser stands beside.
Marshall had been in the garage the whole day. Working away to get everything ready for the night. Ryder and the other pups sadly couldn't come, as they were dealing with a lot of difficult tasks in their own town, but Marshall knew they would be supporting him, as was Chase, who was invited to the Red-Bull garage to gain some experience and watch his best friend race. Marshall went through some final chats with the engineers, as the pit crew members started to speed walk around the place more, which was usual behavior before a race.
Marshall then spotted his teammate, who had spend time in his personal room extra long, as he needed to be fully focused. The camera's immediately standing in front of the garage, trying to get the shot of the veteran, challenging for his final title.
'Hey.' Marshall said, walking towards his teammate Russell. Russell reacting by showing his paw, the drivers holding each other's paw for a moment. 'We are going to do this!' Russell replied. His low voice bringing the message over clearly. Marshall nodded, 'for sure!' He replied. Marshall walking back to his own side of the garage, as it was time to put his helmet on and drive to the grid.
'Ladies, gentleman and dogs. It is a truly beautiful sunset here in Abu-Dhabi. The place, for our Championship finale. It is between two veterans. The veteran Red-Bull driver Russell, retiring after this race, hoping to take a 3rd world championship home with him. But the experienced Ferrari driver Danny is looking for his first. Can he finally overcome the "luck" of being a Ferrari driver and secure his first ever world championship title? We will find out tonight!' David Croft, the head f1 and DF1 commentator known as Crofty said, everyone who heard him talk getting nervous as the commentators were successfully building up the tension towards this race. 'How is the grid looking Martin?'
'It is Russell on pole. Marshall giving him a huge tow on the main straight to easily secure pole for him. But unlike what we saw at the championship decider 2021 race where Perez had a bad qualifying because he had to offer some time to give Max Verstappen a pole. Marshall has been able to slot right behind his teammate Russell, out qualifying the red-Bull teams rival by just 0.024 seconds!' Martin Brundle added.
'You know what Martin, I really doubted Marshall was going to make an impression this season, if not a bad one. But this pup has proven all of us wrong, making an amazing impression and showing us he belongs here in DF1, in a good car. Can he help to secure history? I can't wait to find out.' Crofty said with all the excitement in the world.
The formation lap starts, Marshall following his teammates path, weaving back and forth to warm up his tires. Danny really defining the meaning of being as close to your rival's rear wing as physically possible. Marshall knew this tactic, but he was confident in his ability. Telling himself he was going to show that Ferrari driver how it feels to have someone so close behind you.
Chase was staring at the screens, nervous for his friend. The guy standing besides him was a young guy, looked like he missed his growing phase, as he still looked like a 14 year old.
'Nervous?' The young guy asked.
'My body is, but I am not.' Chase responded.
'How does that work.' The guy asked
'I'm nervous, but I know what Marshall is going to do here. He told me everything I know about racing, if I can be an df2 champion, he can certainly do something to help his teammate win the championship.' Chase said, still focused on the screens.
'Good mindset.' The young guy replied.
Then, all the talking in and around the garage stopped, as the cars approached the grid.
'For the final time this season, the cars are lining up on the DF1 grid. Hold your horses, food and drinks, because this is going to be a close one.
'Okay Marshall, you know what to do, have fun.' Cole, Marshall's race engineer said.
'Copy.' Marshall said.
Chase, able to listen in on the board radio of his friend, smiled. It's like he could feel what was about to happen. 'This is going to be fun.' Chase said. Sitting down confidently, the young guy next to him impressed by his confidence.
'The final car is now standing still on the grid, and there comes light number one. Ladies and gentleman, IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO!' Crofty screams at the top of his lungs. 'RUSSELL HAS A BAD START, MARSHALL IS SIDE BY SIDE WITH HIM!'
'No no no!' The mechanics of the Red-Bull garage scream through the garage, desperately hoping the rookie was not really thinking about taking the lead.
Marshall sees his teammate on the outside, sticking to the team's plan, Marshall braked earlier than Russell, letting him go into turn one.
'A team move there from the Red-Bull team, Marshall showing respect and doesn't try to grab the lead off his teammate, who has to win the race to become a 3 time world champion.' Martin said.
'You don't see that from many rookies, but now Marshall needs to look in his mirror's, because Danny wants to make a move himself! Following Marshall closely through turn 5, now is his chance!' Crofty calls out.
Marshall looks in his mirror's and reacts quickly, positioning his car on the inside, forcing the Ferrari around the outside.
'Who has the confidence to be the last to brake?' Its oh so close as the two dogs approach turn 6.' Brundle comments
Marshall looks at the circuit, he counts in his head, all these little things he learned over his years in the many cars he got to drive, bringing him one step closer to his teammate's victory. Marshall braked, later then the Ferrari driver, keeping him in front.
The Red-bull pit crew claps and cheer as the rookie defends his position, giving Russell the freedom to move himself away from the fighting dogs.
'Another chance for Danny as the dogs go into another straight, this one a little harder to overtake at as you come out of two pretty slow corners.' Brundle commented.
'The Ferrari is close, but not close enough, Marshall holding on to p2 for now.' Crofty adds.
'Good job there mate, keep him busy.' Cole says over the radio, clearly impressed with the young driver's performance.
'There are a lot of ways for a second driver to help his team to seal history, a lot of bad ways. But this way is the most fair, and the most fun one to watch. This can seal the championship if Marshall can hold the Ferrari for long enough.' Crofty said.
Marshall navigated the slow turns, the Ferrari continuing to stick close behind him. Through the final corner, parking his car strategically on the inside, but the Ferrari had a bad last turn, giving Marshall just a bit of breathing space, which was enough for him to come up with a plan. Marshall brakes late, just a little to late. The Ferrari sees an opportunity and gets alongside the pup.
'A mistake from Marshall! This is what Danny has been hoping for, he goes alongside with the pup, and Marshall taps the break in turn 3, the Ferrari is past!' Martin said with excitement.
'Hold on Martin, this could be yet another strategic move from the Dalmatian, he will now have Drs on the straight!' Crofty said.
'Wow, we have seen this in f1, but how many times at this circuit, interesting tactics from Marshall and the Red-Bull crew here.' Martin comments.
Marshall goes through turn 5 smoothly, finding just a piece of paper between his front wing, and the rear wing of the Ferrari.
Chase smiles, shaking his head, the amount of talent his friend had continuing to surprise him every time Marshall stepped inside a car.
'Onto the second main straight, is Marshall close enough?' Crofty exclaimed, standing up from his seat in excitement.
Marshall almost bump-drafting the Ferrari on the main straight. Danny tried to cover the inside, but Marshall moves to the inside with full confidence, finding the gap just before it was supposed to close.
'An absolute daring move From the Dalmatian, he brakes later in turn 9, and remains in front.' Brundle said with full excitement.
'He is really giving Russell all the time and space he needs to drive away, what a start to the race!' Crofty added.
'Where is Russell?' Marshall asked over the radio.
'Russell currently 7.4 seconds in front, you're doing a mighty job my friend.' Cole responded.
'What's the goal right now?' Marshall asked, continuing to defend against the very quick Ferrari behind him.
'You can keep fighting as long as you feel confident that you can keep it clean, the more time you can give him, the better.' Cole explained.
'Copy that.' Marshall said.
'Update on the race?' Russell asked over the radio.
'You are currently leading, Marshall is in p2, almost 7 seconds behind you, he has been holding off Danny since the very start of the race.' His engineer replied.
'Wow, someone tell him that he is a legend.' Russell said, wanting his teammate to be praised immediately.
'Sure thing, you focus on bringing your car home.' The engineer saying.
'Onto lap 5 we go and Danny is still trying to get the overtake done, this is costing him valuable time for the championship.' Brundle said. 'He will want to get the overtake done to hopefully catch up to his rival, but with Russell already 10 seconds in front, he will need to hope for a miracle.'
'Russell wanted me to tell you that you are doing an amazing job right now, and I agree with him. You're working absolute wonders right now, keep it going.' Cole said, trying to hold in his massive excitement to remain professional.
'You too mate.' Marshall replied.
The Ferrari team were starting to get frustrated, seeing Russell driving away at massive rate. 'Alright, throw everything at him, you have more important things to do.' The engineer told Danny
'I understand what you guys want from me, but it's not as easy as it looks.' Danny replied.
'This is where you really see how veterans deal with things, they don't get upset, they don't start driving recklessly, they keep their patience and wait for the perfect moment, even if that takes some time.' Brundle commented.
Marshall continued to fight, but noticed his soft tires starting to fall away a little, and with the Ferrari on mediums, trying to defend for much longer could mean the tires would die to early.
'My tires are starting to go, should I start managing them more?' Marshall asked his engineer, as he could give him the advice he needed. Marshall had the mindset that understood he was a rookie, and he accepted he didn't understand everything yet.
'I would advice that yes, if that means you have to let him go, let him go.' Cole answered back with the calmness not many people had.
'Okay Danny, be prepared, we've heard Marshall might finally let you go, get ready to give it all you've got.' The engineer said, hoping for a miracle.
'Copy.' Danny answered back.
Marshall went through turn 5, the Ferrari close behind as it had been through the entire race so far. Instead of defending the inside, Marshall stayed on the racing line, braking earlier to reduce tire wear, the Ferrari diving down the inside, ahead into turn 6 and 7. Marshall follows the Ferrari, but can't keep close for long as he needs to manage his tire wear.
'Marshall now slowly falling behind Danny, but what a performance from him in these first few laps, incredible.' Martin said, filled with respect for the rookie.
'Okay, we are approaching our pit stop window now Marshall, give these tires a little push these two laps and you will come in on lap 14, you will be on hards for the rest of the race.' Cole explained.
'Copy.' Marshall replied.
The Red-Bull garage had a joyful atmosphere. The team knows they should not celebrate to early, but the lead that Russell had over Danny was incredible after just 12 laps of racing, and it wasn't like the Ferrari was catching with great speed. Something had to go wrong at Red-Bull, and everything had to go perfectly for Ferrari, which is more challenging than people who don't watch F1 or DF1 would probably think. Chase was happy himself, happy his friend was making good impressions. As lap 14 started to come near, the Red-Bull pit crew got up from their seats. Some looking a little nervous, most members hiding their nervousness behind a confident mindset.
Chase looked at the amount of people that were involved in just around 2 to 4 seconds of a part of the race, but such an important one. The focus on the men's faces equivalent to an Olympic athlete about to perform at worlds highest stage, which in the motor sport world, is exactly what F1 / DF1 is.
Chase got nervous to, his back paws shaking a little as he could feel the anticipation. The sound of a flute was heard down the pit-lane, a car was coming through. Looking from inside the garage to the where the pit-stop place was located, he saw the men get ready for action. Suddenly The Red-Bull appeared in Chase's view, car lifted off the ground, old tire unscrewed, tire yeeted off the car, new tire yeeted onto the car and screwed secure. The car dropping back on the floor, a high pitch noice screaming and echoing through the garage as the new tires started moving, driving the car away from the garage. And all of that in around two seconds. Chase felt like he was dreaming, one blink and he would miss the car, it was so different to DF2, and so amazing to see. The team members high five'd each other as they had performed a great pitstop, something this team was very well known for.
Marshall came out of the pits, right in the battle of the midfield. Marshall had a mission, he wanted to come across the Ferrari once more, and so he started pushing, driving past the midfield drivers battling like he was lapping them. The race quieted down, as the Ferrari was very slowly getting closer to Russell, but not really close, which they would need a miracle for to achieve.
'Marshall has managed to get some very decent pace on the hard tires, such pace in fact that when Danny makes his pitstop, he might come across the rookie once more.' Brundle commented.
'I am all in for it. Russell dives into the pits, Danny must react to the Red-Bull.' Crofty adds. 'Both the Ferrari and Red-Bull pitstop crews are preparing for the pit-stop's, a very crucial one for the championship.'
Chase looks out to the Pit crew, no nervousness this time, just excitement. The Red-Bull appeared, and then drove away, this was a really fast one.
'It's a record-breaking pit-stop for the Red-Bull crew! 1.9 seconds, the fastest pit-stop DF1 has ever seen in its ten years of running. That is important for the championship.' Crofty shares in all of his endless excitement.
'Danny is coming into the pits now, Russell had a good pit-stop, but you are free to race the Ferrari if you wish as long as you can keep it clean and manage your tires to last the distance.' Cole reported over the radio.
'Copy that.' Marshall said, driving onto the start finish straight.
'He is going to be on cold mediums, when they warm up it will be hard for you to attack / defend from him.' Cole said.
Marshall focused up, as he approached turn three, he saw the Ferrari. Spotting an opportunity Marshall catches the Ferrari with way more speed than he thought, the Ferrari struggling with the cold mediums. Marshall easily outbreaking him at turn 5, passing the Ferrari.
'Nice one mate!' Cole said over the radio, unable to hide his excitement.
'Try to get past Marshall as quickly as you can, Russell is about 12 seconds in front.' The engineer told Danny
'I'll do my best.' Danny replied.
'Round two between Marshall and Danny is a go, as Danny's tires warm up, this defending job from Marshall will get harder and harder.' Crofty mentioned.
'The rookie is not going to serve this position to Danny on a plate, Danny will need some patience to get past this great defender.' Brundle added.
As the Ferrari had spent a full lap behind Marshall, Marshall knew he wouldn't be able to hold him off for long, the race was already long and Marshall was getting a little tired, some rookie muscle strain starting to creep in. As the straight after turn 5 was visible, Marshall decided to stay on the racing line, giving the Ferrari the room to make the move.
'Alright, now bring it home.' Cole said over the radio.
Marshall focused up, the end of the race started approaching, and everyone was getting excited. But the patience of the full Red-Bull team would be put to the ultimate test as it became apparent that something was going on in the other Red-Bull car.
'How many laps?' Russell asked over the radio.
'5 laps to go, 5 laps to go.' His engineer said. 'How is the car?'
'Not great, my 5th gear is a struggle, could you check?' Russell asked.
'I'll have a look.' His engineer replied.
Chase could feel the nervousness creeping in as they hoped he wasn't having a terminal issue.
'Mate, my 5th gear is going, like gone.' Russell said frustratedly over the radio.
'Yes, your gearbox is starting to wear, be careful with your shifting, you have a 12 second advantage.' His engineer replied.
'Hold on a minute Martin, Russell's car is not going full speed, what's happening with the Red-Bull.
'Keep going mate, give it all you've got.' The engineer ordered Russell.
'Russell is having a gearbox issue, he is slower than normal.' Cole said over the radio, sounding a bit nervous.
'You think he can make it?' Marshall asked.
'Depends if he starts to lose more gears.' Cole replied. 'But you did give him a huge time advantage to work with.'
The Red-Bull garage was pacing back and forth as the laps counted down, Danny rapidly getting closer to Russell. Chase couldn't help but be nervous as well, he was in talks with some teams for a contract for next season, Red-Bull was one of them. If he would end up at this team next year, these 3 laps would be very important.
'We need to hope for a miracle.' Russell said over the radio, his hope fading as he saw how fast the Ferrari was catching him.
'One more lap mate, give it everything you've got.' His engineer told him.
The team members had their hands around each other's backs, hoping Russell could bring the car home in first. Chase could see the team principal of the team sitting across the pit road, his legs going up and down out of nervousness. The crowd holding their breaths, the commentators nervously commentating as the Ferrari came within one second of the Red-Bull. The Ferrari braking just enough to not hit the Red-Bull from behind. Danny desperately trying to pass Russell, but Marshall wasn't the only driver at Red-Bull that knew how to defend against faster cars.
'The Red-Bull, defending like his championship hopes depends on it, probably because it does! Only a few more corners to go, not many opportunities for the Ferrari left, turn 15 is approaching, I think Russell might have done it!
The Red-Bull garage starts to erupt with excited screaming, the adult people running around like little kids in a candy store. They run to the fence and show their happiness as Russell comes across the line, only just in front of Danny. All Red-Bull Fans in the stands jumping and screaming in excitement.
'IT WAS AS CLOSE AS IT COULD POSSIBLY GET, BUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS GOING IN RED-BULL'S DIRECTION. THE RETIRING RUSSELL CAN GET THE CELEBRATIONS GOING. Russell, ending off his career becoming a 3-time world champion of DF1, let's hear from our champion.' Crofty screams in excitement.
'Ferrari's luck has run out, they have tried everything, got as close as they could possible get, but it is still not enough.' Brundle added.
'Mate, you've done it, you are a 3 time world champion.' The engineer said with full excitement.
'WAAA HOOO, LETS GOOOO. YES BOYS. Ahhh thank you so much guys, ah you guys love playing with my emotions don't you.' Russell celebrated.
'Russell this is Miles, great job bringing it home man, the team couldn't be happier.' Miles, the Red-Bull DF1 principal said over the radio.
'Thank you, and thank Marshall, I would've lost this race without his defending.' Russell adds, being as honest as can be.
The Ferrari garage is quiet, no words could describe how they felt.
'Ay guys, I want to thank all of you for this season, we wouldn't have gotten this close if we didn't put in all the effort and long nights into this car and this team. We will get our chance, Forza Ferrari!' Danny said over the radio, the team principal not able to hold his smile as his driver said those words.
'Thank you Danny, we will come back, I know you will put everything into that. Grazie mille.
Marshall also crosses the line, fireworks go off and Marshall's team shows their happiness, standing at the fence applauding him.
'Thank you so much bud, you are a legend mate.' Cole said over the radio, thanking Marshall.
'Thank you guys for the opportunity, what a way to finish it off, absolute congrats to the team and Russell, awesome car, let's keep this spirit for next year.' Marshall reported over the radio, the word happiness not able to say how happy Marshall was with this result.
'Marshall this is Miles, you are an absolute legend. The team is so thankful for you, and we can't wait to build on this with you next year, enjoy the podium and the celebrations. You absolutely deserve it.' Miles told Marshall. 'Oh, I think you were waiting for me to say this, but you are free to give the crowd a little show if you know what I mean, Russel will do it at the main straight.'
'Oh yeah I have been waiting for that.' Marshall said with a smile.
Marshall already sees the smoke on the main straight, and the crowd cheering. Marshall stops and puts the power down, sending his Red-Bull into donut celebrations. The crowd cheering at the sound of the engines roaring as the Red-Bull's spin round.
Chase just stood there watching the celebrations unfold, his smile unable to be wiped off his face. The one who got Chase into Motorsport, making his mark at the very top. Chase always knew he was talented, but as stated earlier, Marshall kept finding a way to surprise him.
Russell parked his car in the P1 spot, got out of his car, and showed his happiness. He then walked to Danny, who was just exiting his car. Photographers and camera's all around. Russell showed his paw to Danny.
'Thanks for this season man, you are a great rival.' Russell said.
'Thank you, it was nice fighting with you, have a great retirement man.' Danny replied, showing respect towards his fellow veteran.
'Great to see this in DF1, this is how Motorsport should be. Rivals, but family.' Brundle added
'The crowd goes wild as Marshall climbs out of his car in p3. For some this may not look like the greatest achievement in Motorsport, but I can tell you this. This dog will be fighting for the championship trophies in the future, this dog is showing the potential of a young Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc.' Crofty said, thinking about the legacy he was watching unfold before his eyes.
Marshall spotted Russell waiting for him in front of his car. He walked towards him and gave him a hug.
'Mate, thank you so much, you basically won me the championship.' Russell said in all honesty.
'I'm just happy for you honestly.' Marshall answered.
'Come on, let's celebrate together.' Russell said.
Marshall nodded and both dogs run to their team. Being on top of the world, as it was described in a book written many years later about Marshall's career. This was just the start.
Marshall finds Chase and also gives him a big hug.
'How in the world did you pull that off.' Chase said while laughing.
'Good question.' Marshall answered jokingly.
As the two finished celebrating Marshall put on the p3 cap, taking in everything that just happened. The camera's giving the viewers a perfect view of it.
The 3 drivers went to the cooldown room where they discussed the race.
'Hey you were driving extremely well out there.' Danny said, looking at Marshall. Marshall didn't know what to answer, surprised at the level of respect from a guy who just lost the championship.
'Thank you.' Is the only thing that came out.
'I guess we might see each other next year once more.' Danny said.
Marshall smiled, he felt like he was dreaming, he had never thought about the fact he might be the Red-Bull main driver next year, if the team decided to go for another young driver. Marshall secretly hoping for Chase.
The drivers were then ordered to go to the podium. Smiles everywhere, except from the Ferrari fans in the stand. But everyone knew, one amazing driver was out, but another very talented prospect, was ready for his turn.
As the serious part of the podium rituals had passed, it was time to celebrate. All three drivers, and Miles, celebrating the crazy day. The day filled with incredible championship battle's. Something F1 could learn a lot from.
'What a day for Motorsport, and what a way for the Doggie formula series to proof itself as a series to be looked at. It's been a great day and a great season, and we hope to see you next year. Goodbye.' Crofty said, ending off as the livestream closed. The night falling in Abu Dhabi, but the Red-Bull celebrations lasted long into the night. Chase allowed to celebrate with the team. On top of the world, nothing in the way off the DF1 team tonight.
As the night came to a close, Marshall went back to where he stayed. the next morning he met Russell at the airport, to say goodbye.
Marshall spotted his friend and shook his paw. Bowing his head in respect.
'I'm going to miss learning from you.' Marshall said.
Russell smiled. 'I don't think I have much more to teach you. You have proven yourself, and I know you will be fighting for world championships soon, I'll be watching you for sure.' Russell said. His low voice calming Marshall.
'I really appreciate you, thank you for everything. I'll keep the lessons you told me close, I promise you that.' Marshall said, a bit sad.
'You'll be alright. I can't wait to see you where your journey will lead you, I must go now.' Russel said.
Marshall smiled, not knowing what to say.
'Oh and one more thing.' Russell said, looking back towards Marshall after walking away a few steps.
'Show them.' Russell said, he winked at Marshall and then turned around, disappearing into the airport crowd.