Paw patrol DF1, the alternate f1

by Hessatje

Marshall and Chase make it to DF1, the doggie version of F1, follow them through ups, downs, and much more as they go through their DF1 journey! Rated T for certain events in story!

8. CH7 “For Russel”

Hello, thank you for joining in chapter 7! Bizarre right, two chapters exactly one month apart :() I'm quite surprised myself, but when I realized today a month ago Iuploaded chapter 6, I did everything I can to finish chapter 7, so sorry for any spelling mistakes especially later in the story. Anyway, before I get into this I want to say that the last few days (and until Friday at least) I'll be working on a drive to survive alternate universe addition which will be uploaded to Wattpad (because it's just an alternate universe and does not involve a series. I would really love it if you go read it. My name on Wattpad is hessatje2 and my page shows me as hessatje speaks, I really hope to finish the series by Friday when season 6 of actual drive to survive comes out so please think about reading that when it comes out! Sorry for the distraction, on with the story.

DF1 chapter 7 "For Russell"

'And now, breaking news from the world of Motorsport, DF1 has lost one of its brightest stars. Our reporter is at Monaco to report about the tragic news.' A news reporter confirmed.

'Yes, I am indeed here in Monaco where the teams are slowly arriving as we speak to prepare for the weekend ahead. It's very quiet, the silence speaking paragraphs full of emotions going through the entire paddock. Teams, drivers and fans will come together for this rough loss.' The reporter said. 'Russell was the faithful racer who came and stayed at Red-Bull as they were at their lowest point. He eventually build the team up and became a three-time world champion with Red-Bull before retiring at the end of last year. He died yesterday in a helicopter crash. Many teams and drivers are affected by this news. I got to interview some of them.'

'Miles, it must be a very difficult week for you, anything you want to say?' The reporter asked.

'For sure this is a very difficult week. Russell is the one who got us to where we are today. I'm happy that he got to end his career on his own terms and spend some time with family. I wish his family the very best, we mourn with them.' Miles explained emotionally.

'Yeah, I simply have no words.' Danny said. 'We competed so closely for many years. A rivalry that was big, but respectful. On track we fought, but off track we were best friends. I can't believe I won't be able to talk to him about DF1 again or hear him talk about his children. He's an awesome guy and we will be mourning with his family and racing for him.'

'I didn't get to interview any of the Red-Bull drivers yet, they are set to arrive later today and I'm not sure if they will take questions.' The reporter reported.

'So, you're gonna be my new teammate?' Russell said.

'Yeah.' Marshall responded.

'Welcome to Red-Bull then, awesome place isn't it.' Russell said with a smile on his face.

'Thank you, this place is awesome indeed.' Marshall responded.

'Has Miles shown you the pup vending machine yet? Most other vending machines are Red-Bull, the kind we dogs can't drink.' Russell said.

'No, haven't come across that one yet.' Marshall said.

'Come, I'll show you.' Russell said

'Alright mate, we're here.' Aaron said as he parked the car. 'There is a lot of paparazzi out there, what are you thinking?'

'Team meeting is in a few minutes, that has priority.' Marshall simply responded.

'Yeah of course.' Aaron responded. It stayed silent in the car for a few minutes, both Aaron and Marshall not really wanting to go outside. 'You ready?'

'No, but we have to go.' Marshall responded. 'Let's go.'

Aaron and Marshall got out of the car, many camera's taking pictures and many people asking questions at the same time.

'We have a meeting to get to, questions will be answered later.' Aaron said. 'Have some respect and let us do our job.'

Most paparazzi backed off, only a few continuing to take pictures from a distance as Aaron and Marshall walked towards the team building.

'Nice job, that worked better than I expected.' Marshall told Aaron.

'Thanks mate, I do what I can.' He responded. 'This whole thing has one advantage; more people understand you are an actual being with feelings.'

Marshall couldn't help but laugh. 'Impressive isn't it.'

Inside Aaron left and Marshall went to the meeting, most of the team already there.

'Hey, you were here early I heard.' Marshall said to Chase.

'Yeah, Nate thought I'd just get the questions out of the way. Then the media manager told me that's not actually how it works.' Chase said. 'So, I just waisted a lot of time on stupid questions which will repeat the entire weekend anyway.'

'Oof.' Marshall responded.

The final team member walked in, and Miles started the meeting.

'Alright, good to see everyone here this morning. I think you all know the news so I won't repeat it, but this weekend could be one of our toughest mentally wise. I hope we can get into the workflow and work hard this weekend because this weekend is crucial for the championship as is every weekend. Let's focus up and show everyone what we can do. We had a great weekend last time out, let's keep that momentum alright.' Miles said. Everyone nodded in response.

'Ey mate, I ate breakfast with my oldest son yesterday, you know what he said?' Russell told Marshall.

'What?' Marshall responded curiously.

'I asked him who his favorite driver is, he said Marshall.' Russell said, both Russell and Marshall breaking into laughter.

Friday practice rolled around. Marshall was sat in the garage with all his gear on waiting to get in his car. People with cameras and notebooks stood outside the garage filming him and making pictures. Marshall wasn't focused on them, instead focusing on the job at hand. He got the signal and went into his car, letting the mechanics strap him in properly as he stared forwards locking in his target.

'Okay Marshall, good times are nice, but keeping the car in one peace at this time is most important. Get to know the track and let us do some testing, see what the car has around this circuit.' Cole reported.

'Copy.' Marshall responded.

Soon the green flag was out, and Marshall went out on track, not taking to many risks, driving around the difficult track.

'First time in Monaco?' Russell asked.

'No, been here in junior categories before, it's just a very hard track for me.' Marshall responded.

'I took a look at your lines, I know you can brake later at turn 10 and 18. Push the limits mate, you got a lot in you. If you're afraid to crash you're not gonna get far. Push it. If you crash once or twice but end up finding time for the long term that is a success for everyone.' Russell explained.

'That is really helpful, thanks Russell.' Marshall said, happy to have Russell as his teammate.

'You got this; this circuit is uncomfortable. You need to find that within that says flip this, I'm going to find another two tenths here.' Russell said.

'Alright that is practice one over Marshall, p7 today. Let's start pushing this afternoon.' Cole said.

'Copy that.' Marshall responded. Marshall got out of his car and got himself a drink, he looked to the VIP area and saw Russell's wife and pups waving at him. Marshall smiled and waved back at them. The two oldest pups were holding something they clearly wanted signed. Marshall got himself changed and went to them.

'Marshall you are the best driver, could you please sign my cap?' The eldest said.

'Not better then dad of course.' The second oldest commented with a smile. 'But a good second.'

'Can't complain about that one.' Marshall responded as he signed the pup's stuff.

'Come on, I still wanna get Chase to sign my other cap!' The oldest said before running off, the other pups close behind. Marshall smiling as he saw the young pups run off.

'Ready for the weekend?' Russell's wife said.

'It feels weird getting in the car right now, but I'm sure I'll be ready come tomorrow.' Marshall responded. 'Thanks for coming. The memorial was really nice.'

'It sure was, it really showed Russell as he was. Strong, dedicated, but oh so loyal.' Russell's wife said.

'Must be difficult to be here.' Marshall said.

'It sure is, but I bet you feel the same way. We are all going to miss his words of wisdom.' She said

'Words of wisdom, perfectly described.' Marshall said with a smile. 'I'm gonna give it my all this weekend, he deserves that.'

'Sounds like the pups are going to be happy, and that means I'll be happy. Thank you so much Marshall, you mean a lot to the pups, and to me.' Russell's wife said.

'No problem. Russell deserves to be remembered forever.' Marshall said.

'Best of luck this weekend.'

'Thank you.' Marshall said before leaving to the press.

'Aaahhhhaahahaha YES, Belgium! The first one-two let's go!' Russell exclaimed in excitement as he hugged Marshall as he came out of the car. 'Awesome drive my friend!'

'Thank you, Russell, we did it!' Marshall said.

Both pups jumped up the fence into the arms of their team members. Everyone laughing and smiling as they celebrate the team's very first one-two. The team chanting Russell's name as Russell showed the p1 trophy on the podium and dedicated it to the team.

Chase knocked on the door that led to the room Marshall was staying at. A little tiny room, soft surfaces and some nice team pictures on the wall give the room a very cozy vibe. 'Come in.' Marshall said in response to the knock. 'Hey.' Chase said as he entered the room, Marshall seeming to be lost in thoughts. 'You, okay?' Chase asked.

'One second.' Marshall said, before taking a deep breath. 'Now I am.' Marshall said, a smile appearing on his face, Chase smiled in response.

'Media can't shut up about it huh.' Chase said, trying to get a topic going.

'Get used to it.' Marshall responded. 'They'll jump on anything they can find these days ever since Formula one went into domination season again.'

Chase exhaled sharply looking out the window. 'I thought interviews would be the fun part of the job.' He spoke. 'I was very wrong.'

Marshall laughed. 'Reality check huh.'

'Yup.'

Marshall got up from his place where he was sitting. 'It's difficult for sure, and I won't say I'm happy with it. But the interviews are where we start the story, the race is where we finish it.' He said.

'When did you become a quoter.' Chase joked.

'Now.' Marshall joked back.

'Hey, strong sources say you might be leaving the team, what's going on here?' Marshall asked, walking into Russell's room.

'I'm not leaving, I'm retiring.' Russell responded.

'Oh, sorry for barging in. I was just a little shocked.' Marshall said.

'Ah no worries, the media are crazy. Sometimes they know things before the actual teams or drivers themselves know what's going on.' Russell said.

'Man, I'm gonna miss being your teammate.' Marshall commented.

'Naww, thanks for the compliment.' Russell said jokingly. 'But I mean this, I'm gonna miss you too pup.'

'Really?' Marshall asked curiously.

'You are the future of this sport, and so are many other young talented drivers who are stuck waiting for a seat. I've achieved everything I wanted in formula one with the best team I could possibly imagine. My story ends, but another one will start.' Russell explained.

'I don't blame you. You are still fighting for the championship though, right?' Marshall asked.

'Of course, we ain't giving up till the finish line falls in Abu-Dhabi you know that.' Russell said with a smile on his face. 'I know it will be the best finish because I have the best teammate.'

Another knock was heard but it didn't wait for a response. Aaron FBI open up'd in, saw the two pups were talking and felt bad for barging in. 'Sorry for interrupting, but Miles approved your request, team meeting in the garage in ten minutes. Goes for the entire team by the way.' Aaron said, also looking at Chase. 'Thanks Aaron, you're the best.' Marshall said, Chase nodding to show he understood.

'You asked for a team meeting?' Chase asked curiously. The pups following Aaron through the hallway.

'Yeah, thought the team could use a little bit of motivation.' Marshall responded.

'Nice.' Chase responded. The pups going down the stairs. 'Team could use it for sure.'

'We all do.' Marshall said. The pups still following Aaron now walking through the paddock towards the Red-Bull pit-boxes. Photographers taking pictures and journalists watching from a distance.

Chase looked at them in confusion.

'Are they aware of the meeting?' Chase asked.

'Possibly, there are a lot of them.' Marshall responded.

The pups arrived in the pit boxes. The mechanics were blocking off every exit so no one but team members could see and hear what would be said in this complete team meeting. 'Thanks for the initiative, Marshall.' Miles complimented as he spotted the pups coming in. 'I should've thought of it earlier but good that you remembered.'

Marshall nodded as he watched the mechanics block off the final spots. 'No problem, this team deserves the best, even in tough times.' He spoke.

'Said like Russell would.' Miles said with a smile. Miles looked around and saw the entire team was here now, everyone standing in a circle wondering what was going to be said.

'Hello guys. I'm aware you guys probably wanna be working to make this car as ready as possible for qualifying coming up, I do to. We do have a lot going on, so I'm sure whatever the one who actually called for the meeting has something of importance to say.' Miles said, looking at Marshall.

Marshall jumped onto a desk so the entire team could see him. He then cracked a smile. 'You guys are about to do something very childish.' He spoke. The mechanics looking at him with some confusion on their faces. 'I want to do a little team exercise before I get to why we are really here. So are you up for it.'

Everyone replies yes in a very unorganized way and then laughed at how unorganized that really was.

'Sounds like you're excited.' Marshall joked. 'Alright, now time to get serious. See who's standing next to you?' Marshall asked the entire team. The people looking at the team members next to them and making little jokes. 'Now hold their hands.' Marshall said. Some didn't understand why Marshall was doing this but ten seconds later everyone was holding each other's hands. Because of the amount of all the team members everyone had to stand against the wall of the pit boxes so everyone could stand next to each other and fit (barely.) 'Good, I know this is very confusing, but I promise it will make sense soon.' Marshall said. Even Miles was surprised by what Marshall was doing but knowing him he let him do his thing.

'Now close your eyes like you're in emotions managing class all over again.' Marshall said. Some were reluctant but eventually everyone closed their eyes.

'So, look at you now. Standing here in Monaco in a Red-Bull team kit. You are holding on to a team member who's holding onto a team member who's holding onto a team member who's holding onto you. The circle is endless. There is only one reason you stand here today, there is only one pup (and a team principal) who believed in this team when no one else did. This was a back-marker team, Red-Bull racing formula one about to pull this team from the competition. Yet here you stand today, two-time constructors champions, three world championship titles. All because one very fast dog decided that this project was worth it. We are the beings we are today because of him. We are a force to be reckoned with because of him.' Marshall said strongly.

'YES!' Many team members started getting excited from the words that were being said.

'Thanks to Russell it is that we are fighting for a championship here in this beautiful country, with our own swimming pool for good measure. Russell has given this team everything he had with all the amazing results to show for it. Now, we must show everyone what he did for this team. We must show everyone who he is, a three-time world champion!'

'Let's go!'

'Who, yeah!'

Marshall looked at Chase, who looked at him with a smile, one look and Chase knew what Marshall wanted.

'Red-Bull, Red-Bull, Red-Bull, Red-Bull!' Chase started chanting, a lot of team members soon following.

'Alright lads, let's get to work and show them!' Miles said with a proud smile on his face. The team put their hands together one more time and at the same time threw them in the air letting go of each other's hands in the process. The entrances were unblocked, doors reopened, and the mechanics got back to work.

'Ladies, gentlemen and dogs. Welcome to qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, for sure the most important qualifying of the year. Start on the front row here, and you have more than two thirds % chance of victory, crazy stats huh.' Crofty said.

'It sure is Crofty, the driver's will be preparing for absolute chaos. The weather is cloudy with a chance of crashes, which means set a good time early, you might just get lucky.' Martin Brundle commented.

'Marshall went up to the race engineer and team principal area on the second floor of the Monaco pit box building. High fiving the team members to make sure they were ready.

'Eyy, there he is, thought you'd be too hyper focused by now.' Cole joked as he spotted Marshall coming towards him.

Marshall smiled. 'Had to come see the best race engineer really quickly before I enter the chaos.' Marshall said, still smiling.

Cole had one look at Marshall and smiled himself. 'You seem ready, I feel like I'm about to be part of something great.' He said.

'I'll try my best.' Marshall said. 'Hear you on track.' Marshall then left to put his suit on and mentally prepare for qualifying. As always, he just said in the pit box for a little bit, listening to the music played in the pit box and watching the mechanics work and vibe to the music at the same time. A lot of famous people walking by some even stopping to watch Marshall calmly sit like he was in class or something. It gives off a sign to other teams when they see a championship contender sit so calmly, a sign of confidence. Marshall got the sign and got up from his seating position. Aaron handed him his helmet and Marshall put it on, more people making pictures now before many of the people who didn't have passes had to leave. Marshall got in his car and got comfortable, a team member strapping him in, so he was safe inside this beast of a machine. The pit crew putting the tires on the car and sitting down beside them holding tire warmers over the tires to keep the tires as warm as possible before going out on track.

'Quick radio check mate.' Cole said over the team radio.

'Check, check, check.' Marshall responded.

'Okay loud and clear, let's go get em.' Cole responded.

'Copy that.' Marshall responded with a smile; the countdown was on.

With a few seconds till green light the engine was fired up, a loud strong sound echoing through the pit box. Team members covering their ears smiling at the sound of the beast firing up. The signal was given to the mechanics who immediately removed the tire warmers. The lead mechanic walked backwards making sure the path was clear before giving a thumbs up. Marshall driving out of the pit box, through pitlane and out on track. Marshall was the second one out, only an Aston Martin ahead of him. Marshall created some distance between himself and the driver in front, also making sure drivers behind wouldn't get too close to him.

'Alright, looking good, nice set up. Show us your benchmark.' Cole reported.

'Copy.' Marshall said.

Marshall went through the very tight last corner and put the power down. 2G pushing him into his seat, the pups train well for a reason. Turn one now approaches, some inexperienced drivers would think to look at the inside wall and get as close as possible to it. But in Monaco, doing that in turn one is what we call doing a Mahaveer. (I hope people get that joke.) Marshall braked very late but in qualifying that is what we call exactly on time, unless your name is Gomez. Marshall then yeeted his steering wheel to the right to fling his car around the corner and up the hill. Then into a fairly simple left hander unless your name is Lance Stroll. Another right hander followed, a short straight line where you must avoid the big bump on what you'd think would be the racing line. Marshall then entered the hairpin, the slowest part of the track, especially if you're called Nicolas Latifi. (I'm so sorry I'm in some kind of roast mood today.) A very sharp turn 8 followed by the famous Monaco tunnel. From there into the very technical section of the track where a millimeter is the difference between an amazing lap and binning it into the wall, like the choice that Charles Leclerc has to make every session he drives in Monaco. Then braking as late as possible in turn 18 and flying through turn 19 and across the finish line.

'And that's what I call a benchmark mate.' Cole said with a smile on his face. 'That alone should get you through to Q2 mate.'

'Alright, car feels good.' Marshall responded with happiness audible in his voice.

Marshall stayed in his car simply waiting for Q2 to begin. He focused up, "give it everything," he thought to himself.

'Q1 is done, no surprises, your lap was good enough for P3 and Chase was P4 right behind you.' Cole reported.

Q2 started and Marshall went on track again. Monaco seems like a track where you're constantly just hoping you don't touch the wall and crash. The slow and technical, the fast tunnel. The heavy braking points with late braking opportunities. When you're in the zone you can finally start thinking about where you finish instead of IF you finish.

Marshall crosses the line.

'Alright mate, awesome time again, you are all set for Q3. Show em.' Cole said.

Marshall waited as Q2 continued, eventually coming to an end.

'Rocco has been eliminated; he'll start twelfth. There are still some fast drivers in the mix so full focus on those final laps.' Cole reported.

'Copy.' Marshall responded.

'Do you prefer one or two laps?' Cole asked.

'One at the end.' Marshall responded.

'Alright, I trust you.' Cole said.

Q3 started and most drivers started their first laps. It's right in the middle of Q3 when things go a little south for the drivers on track.

'OHHHH, it's a McLAREN in the wall!' Crofty said.

'That's Finn, he's out.' Martin Brundle added. 'Ahhh a weekend where the young McLaren driver could've achieved so much, he's binned it.'

'Belgium looking away from their screens I'm sure.' Crofty commented.

'Smart move staying in, if someone bins it during your lap though you will start ninth.' Cole reported.

'Copy, let me know when to go.' Marshall responded.

The track got cleared and Q3 resumed. With just enough time remaining Marshall went out on track. In his out lap he warmed up his tires and got all the focus together he could find.

'Alright mate, this is it.' Cole said before leaving Marshall alone to do what he was good at, driving.

Out of the final corner Marshall absolutely floored it, most drivers were finishing their laps behind him, only a few more cars currently on a hot lap in front of Marshall. Marshall threw the steering wheel to the right in turn one, perfectly hitting the apex. He raced up the hill, it was like he was flying over the track instead of driving on it that's how smooth it looked. Driving the car millimeters away from the unforgiving walls of the Monaco street circuit. Calmly through the hair pin, setting himself up for the tunnel, he was looking fast.

'As if it couldn't get any more interesting, Marshall has gone purple in both sector one and now sector two! This is looking to be a very fast time.' Martin Brundle said excitedly.

The Red-Bull mechanics stood nervously, Miles, the strategists and the race engineers nervously watching.

'Marshall around the final corner, I haven't seen any mistakes, what will his time be? MARSHALL GRABS POLE POSITION BY 0.4 SECONDS! THAT IS AN ASTONISHING LAP FROM THE DALMATIAN!' Crofty yelled full of excitement.

The Red-Bull crew erupted into cheers. Miles, the strategists and the race engineer's handshaking each other with bright smiles on their faces.

'And what a day for a strong qualifying result for a driver and a team that are struggling with this week's passing of Russell.' Crofty said, emotion in his voice to make the moment feel special for the watchers.

'P1! Four tenths mate that is truly incredible.' Cole reported happily.

'YES, thank you for this moment guys, truly amazing sharing these moments, good and bad with you guys.' Marshall responded.

'Same thing from us mate. Chase had a mistake on his lap, he starts sixth.' Cole reported.

'Alright, let's go get them tomorrow!' Marshall said.

'Truly determined this weekend isn't he.' Martin Brundle comments.

'Well, you can't blame him, he's found a way to turn this grief into motivation, and it shows exactly what kind of a talent we are dealing with here.' Crofty responded.

After all the journalists and other media duties, Marshall retreats to his little "hut" to calm down. It's already been a crazy weekend with both DF2 and DF3 also at the circuit. Watching Zuma race, having your own media and team duties, a lot of racing. And now also this loss to deal with. Marshall looked at his phone. He'd remember always picking it up as soon as he returned from a session. Russell always had some good, encouraging and helpful words to help Marshall through. It felt weird not having that anymore. What if he didn't take the helicopter, what if he didn't crash. "He'll never be able to see me win again," Marshall thought to himself.

"When it feels like the dark, lingers longer than the night, when the shadows feel like giants. Are you chasing me down?"

Marshall grabbed his phone and looked at the messages Russell send. Last message was after Marshall's victory in Emilia Romagna; "You showed them! Told you you could do it ;). That championship is not out of reach my friend!" That reminded him. Marshall scrolled back to March ninth, his first race win. On his way home he received a text from Russell stating, "first of many ;).' Since the very start Russell said that Marshall was championship worthy, he never doubted it. Even in the tough times like how life felt after Saudi. The way Russell understood everything Marshall went through.

"Tell me where could I run, from your face where could I hide? Hemmed within my precious thoughts, there's no hiding from your love."

He may no longer be here to do that job, but Marshall is still here. Now is his time to be the dog Russell was to everyone around him.

Race day

Marshall was in the garage sitting down, Chase sat beside him. Dj music blasting through the speakers. Aaron came over holding the water bottles for both drivers.

'Here you go.' Aaron said. 'Fifteen minutes till suit up time.' Aaron then left the drivers alone.

'Thanks Aaron.' Both drivers said in unison.

Think you're ready?' Chase asked.

'I should be asking you.' Marshall joked. 'I'm starting from pole; you have some tough racing ahead.'

'Yeah, but you know. This whole weekend is tough.' Chase said.

Marshall nodded. 'It is, Russell always told me to use whatever it is that's bothering you and show it who's boss.' He said.

'Sounds like what he'd say.' Chase said.

'Monaco is a difficult track. If you get an overtake that's already gonna make you look good.' Marshall said.

'Yeah, a podium wouldn't hurt.' Chase joked.

'You've had more this season then me. Honestly how are you not ahead of me in the championship.' Marshall wondered.

'Because when your car isn't breaking down on you you are one of the most dominant dogs I've ever seen. I'm still a rookie who has a feeling for some tracks and still needs to learn that feeling for some others.' Chase said.

'You have thought this through many times huh.' Marshall joked.

'Hehe, our journey has only just begun.' Chase said before taking a sip of his drink.

'Alright, time to hit the toilet and suit up!' Marshall said excitedly, getting up suddenly to hype up his friend. 'Let's go racing!' Both pups said before going their separate ways. After returning from the toilet Marshall got in his fire protection suit and found his helmet sitting next to Aaron. Marshall put it on, a lot of noise fading away immediately. Marshall took some deep breathes as he waited for his car to be ready to be driven to the grid. Shortly after it was ready, Marshall drove around the circuit and his team rolled his car to the right grid spot in P1. Marshall got back out of the car and layed his special helmet on his car to speak to his mechanics and team members before the national anthem. Time flew by as strategy decisions for every possible event in a race and a lot of best of lucks from team members and famous people walking by Marshall doesn't even recognize. Marshall then put his helmet back on, a special sticker with Russell's number on it right on top of his helmet so the onboard camera could see it properly.

'All good to go?' Miles asked Marshall as he came by, he spend most of his time talking to Chase's mechanics.

'All good here boss.' Marshall responded before getting into his car. Miles then leaned over so Marshall could hear him.

'Real big thanks for the talk earlier. No matter what happens today we can all be proud of how far we've come. Thanks both to Russell and to you.' Miles said. He then shook Marshall's paw and then left Marshall alone to focus up. There were mechanics, camera's and other unimportant people all around still, they all faded away. Soon everyone disappeared and the formation lap went underway.

'Okay Marshall, Danny right behind you in second place, then comes Arno, Felix, Jackie and then Chase.' Cole reported through the radio.

'Copy.' Marshall said.

'You know the plan, just smoke em.' Cole joked.

Marshall laughed. 'Let's see what happens.'

The formation lap ended, Marshall parking his car in p1 preparing for the red lights to go on and back off.

'One of the most famous races to win, it's almost time for the Monaco Grand Prix!' Crofty said excitedly. 'AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO! Marshall has a good start, he seems safe. Arno has a bad start though, Felix has gotten past, AND NOW CHASE HAS GOTTEN PAST BOTH JACKIE AND ARNO! What a double overtake into turn one!'

'That was truly incredible from the German shepherd, the field is very much bunched up right now tough, who can grab the advantage before the action calms down?' Martin Brundle commented.

Chase was sat behind the Alpine of Felix, he knew he was faster then him. In fact, he knew this car was faster then any car on this grid. The problem with Monaco is that even Nikita Mazepin would probably find a way to stay ahead of a Lewis Hamilton on this track if he wanted to.

He followed Jackie closely through out multiple laps, everyone in the grand stands, pit boxes, the comfort of their living room and commentator booths Anxiously, watching. Where are his weak spots. Then, on the right time, pounce.

'Chase following Felix very closely, will he overtake on the next straight?' Crofty asked.

'look at that energy, he wants to get past so badly, but he'll have to wait.' Martin Brundle commented.

'NO HE DOES NOT WAIT, CHASE DIVES DOWN THE INSIDE AT TURN 18, WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT EM, EXPECT EM!' Crofty yelled. The main straight camera showing Chase in front.

'Awesome move my friend, P3 on track.' Cameron told Chase.

'Ahhhh that was awesome!' Chase responded enthusiastically.

Meanwhile Marshall was alone in the lead. At this point the circuit felt like a tunnel, an endless tunnel that kept repeating and repeating and repeating. It was almost like Marshall was no longer driving, he was dreaming it. Ever had a moment when you're just sitting in your car and realize you've been dreaming and just wondering off and your like wow how haven't I crashed that could've been so dangerous so then you start driving alertly again. Well, it was like that, though there was no need for Marshall to start driving seriously again. He was in his own world, just driving around an endless tunnel with no one else in sight. That was until the backpackers started coming of course.

"Highs and lows, oh you're with me either way it goes, should I rise or should I fall? Even so, oh your words lead me where I should go. Should I rise or should I fall? You are faithful through it all. I will never let you go."

Marshall thought about this moment. Here he was, leaving everyone in the dust in Monaco. He had no idea how many seconds he was ahead, but he knew it was quite something. Think back to when DF1 started. Marshall was driving around a fire truck and an ambulance, hadn't been in a kart like, ever and, Red-Bull were absolute poop. Whatever they were doing in Formula one, they could not make it work in DF1. Can you imagine, Red-Bull, a back-marker team? It was reality. For three years drivers came in and left not later than two years. One day that changed though, a young driver by the name of Russell had an extremely successful youth career behind him. He could've gone to any team, he had offers from the most dominant teams of that time. Instead, he chose Red-Bull. Russell never said why, but he chose the dead team. We are talking about a team that Christian Horner had given the final warning too. "If you don't find success soon, we will pull the plug on this" is what he said. A team that had lost all hope didn't realize they would receive two very crucial people the following season. Miles and Russell. Unlike the other drivers Russell was motivated to bring the team back together and back to what the brand Red-Bull was used to, a lot of glory! It was thanks to two years of hard work that Red-Bull became competitive again. As Danny came to Ferrari Russell's dominant period with Red-Bull started. It never really ended; Russell just decided he achieved everything he could possibly wish for. He saw a broken team and with just a little help from Miles build that team all the way to where it is today. A rocket ship of a car with two amazing drivers inside of it driving the wheel-nuts of the car, not literally but you get what I mean.

'In a week that can't be described as anything else than mentally and physically draining. In a week where we all mourn the loss of one of the best drivers we all know. MARSHALL HAS OVERCOME ALL OF THAT! He won in Italy, HE WINS IN MONACO! Marshall is a Monaco Grand Prix winner!' Crofty yelled in full excitement.

'Thirty seconds to Danny that gap was, and Danny had a ten second gap to Chase in the end. That is one of the most remarkable performances I've ever seen!' Martin Brundle stated.

'P1, P1. If that isn't a dominant victory I don't know what is.' Cole said over the radio. 'Russell will be proud.'

'Thank you, thank you to the entire team. Nothing has been tougher than this week, you guys are all legends. Today we showed everyone what Russell turned this team into. We don't sit at the back, we are race winners!' Marshall stated strongly.

'Miles here, that was a truly exceptional performance mate I am so proud of you. I know Russell is too.'

'Thank you Miles, thanks to the entire team. We do our best, and we forget the rest.' Marshall said.

Marshall parked his car in P1, it took a while but then Danny closely followed by Chase parked their cars in P2 and P3. Marshall pointed to Russell's number on his helmet and jumped of his car. Danny came to him, the smile could be seen through his eyes. The two gave each other a friendly handshake.

'Awesome race man, truly remarkable one for our friend.' He said before walking off to celebrate with his team. Chase then also came over, the two sharing a quick hug before running to their teams too.

'Marshall, thirty second win on a very difficult track, and a very difficult weekend, share with us your thoughts.' An interviewer asked.

'Yeah, it's been very difficult to get into racing mode this weekend with what has happened. I'm happy that we've been able to fight hard today, and this result shows perfectly what Russell has done to this team. I'm really proud of the team, without them we would be nowhere.' Marshall responded.

'You are still quite behind in the championship, do you think this result can help you in the fight going into the European part of the championship after Canada?' The interviewer asked.

'It definitely helps.' Marshall joked. 'I think not just me but the entire team is going to have a very good sleep tonight, take some good rest, come back refreshed, hopefully bring in more good results.'

'Well awesome job today and this weekend Marshall, best of luck in the coming races.' The interviewer said.

'Thank you.' Marshall said before stepping back to let his team-mate and his rival talk. He couldn't help but put on a smile. He looked around, the cheering fans, the happy team members. All had fallen into place. The fight is far from over, "this championship isn't over until the flag falls in Abu-Dhabi."

Song used: Highs and lows, lyrics have been adapted a little bit.