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emjayewrites · 2 months

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Lights Out...And We're Off! (1/?)(Lewis Hamilton/Black!OC!)

SYNOPSIS: Lewis Hamilton finds himself drawn to an unexpected rival: a fiercely talented female driver ambassador/reserve driver representing Aston Martin. They soon form an unlikely bond, bound together by their shared love for racing and the unspoken chemistry that crackles between them. But as they navigate the twists and turns of their budding romance, they must confront the challenges that come with their paths in the sport.

WARNINGS: drama, angst, cursing, mild sexual content, not-so-glamorous life in the racing world, significant age gap (twelve years age difference), mentions of online bullying/doxxing, media rumors. RATED M (18+)

PAIRINGS: Sir Lewis Hamilton x Aisha Bell-Okafor (faceclaim is Naomi Schiff)

TAGLIST: @queenshikongo3 @cocobutterqwueen @httpsserene @mauvecherie-writes @galatially @pausmoon @a-moment-captured @nikki01234 @yeea-nah @sirlew44 @melodichaeuxx-lacritquexx @weetjy @lewisroscoelove @hxneyclouds @questionable-behaviour @marzzrambles @lovebittenbyevans @tian-monique @alika-4466 @saintslewis @cherry2stems @mitruscity @burberryfilms @planetmimi @woderfulkawaii @d3kstar @liamundi @trinitoldyouso @scorpiobleue @pharaohanubis0 @certifiedlesbianbaddie @blveeeeeee @sugardontbesweet @omgsuperstarg @bluesole16 @serpenttines-library @peyiswriting @royallyprincesslilly @jasmindaughteroftheworld @laptiteantillaise @purplelewlew @motheroffae

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Few things changed in order to make the story flow better. This chapter is short because I don’t want to reveal too much! Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the taglist. Anyways, enjoy! Dividers by @inklore!

CHAPTER One: Da First, Not the Last

"...and in an exciting turn of events, Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team has announced W Series and F1 Academy driver, Aisha Bell-Okafor as their new driver ambassador and reserve driver. Aisha will be Aston Martin's first female driver ambassador in over seven years as well as the first Black female reserve driver in F1 history!"

Aisha could feel the intensity of their stares as she walked through the paddock, her pace quickening with each step. Even though she had always dreamt of becoming a professional driver, the sudden fame and attention was overwhelming. She had always been an introvert, preferring to let her driving skills do the talking, but now she was thrust into the spotlight, with everyone wanting a story, a quote, a photo.

Ever since the news broke that she would be Aston Martin's first female driver ambassador in seven years, and also a reserve driver for the team, Aisha couldn't escape the constant barrage of attention.

At first, she had been exhilarated by the idea of breaking barriers and making history. But as the reality set in, she couldn't help but feel the weight of expectations bearing down on her. If she messed up in any way, it would reflect not just on her, but on all women in the sport. And if she did well, it would only increase the pressure on her to perform even better.

Aisha felt like a goldfish in a piranha tank, constantly being scrutinized and judged. And now, with the added responsibility of potentially being the first woman in over fifty years to drive in a Grand Prix, she felt even more trapped. The thought sent shivers down her spine. But she knew she couldn't back down now. She had worked too hard to get to this point, and she couldn't let her fears hold her back.

Racing was her escape, her passion, her purpose. The F1 Academy was where she honed her skills, pushing herself to the limit on the track, always striving for perfection. After back-to-back wins in the W Series, Aisha was signed to drive for Mercedes AMG-Petronas in F1 Academy, and she did very well, so much so that she was soon offered to join Aston Martin. Part of her role as the driver ambassador involved various media appearances and other marketing duties, which was the main reason why Aisha had been invited to attend the Monaco Grand Prix as Aston Martin's VIP guest. It was her first time attending a Grand Prix as a driver ambassador for a team, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement.

The Monaco Grand Prix was known as one of the most challenging circuits in Formula One. The narrow streets, tight corners, and unforgiving barriers made it a demanding race for even the most experienced drivers. As she made her way to Aston Martin's hospitality area, Aisha was greeted by a swarm of media members, all wanting to ask her questions and take photos of her.

"Let's give her some space, thank you!" grumbled Aston Martin's Team Principal, Mike Krack.

"Aisha! Aisha! Are you going to compete in a Grand Prix this season?!" one reporter yelled.

"What does it feel like being the first Black woman in Formula One?!" another reporter called.

"Move aside, for Christ's sake! If she's racing in a Grand Prix, you'll be the first to know!" Mike exclaimed angrily as he escorted Aisha into the team's motorhome. He led her upstairs to a small dining area and gestured for her to take a seat.

Once they were both settled, they shared a meaningful look before Mike spoke up.

"How are you? Is the hotel nice?" he asked.

"It's amazing, very comfortable," Aisha replied with a smile, causing Mike to do the same.

"I apologize for that chaos outside. We didn't expect such a crowd," he said before signaling for a waitress. "I'll have my usual coffee with two creams and no sugar, and avocado toast. Aisha, what would you like?"

She winced slightly at his mispronunciation of her name. "It's pronounced Aisha, like I-ee-shah, not Ay-shah."

Mike's face turned red almost instantly. "Sorry about that, Aisha."

"Yes," she confirmed before turning her attention to the waitress and ordering an oat latte, parfait, and butter croissant with strawberry jam on the side.

"So, how are you feeling about your first Grand Prix as a driver ambassador?"

Aisha's smile widened at the question. "I'm excited and honored to be here representing Aston Martin."

"And we're happy to have you here," Mike replied. "You've been doing great so far as our driver ambassador, and we hope to see more of your skills on display in future races."

"Thank you for believing in me and giving me this opportunity," Aisha said gratefully.

"You earned it, Aisha. Your talent speaks for itself," Mike replied confidently. “You’ll spend most of your time here doing media. As you can see, everyone wants to speak to you so we will have you in a conference with other drivers in about an hour. A person from the communications team will escort you over and give you the rest of your schedule. Any questions so far?”

Aisha shook her head, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement for the upcoming conference. She couldn't believe she was about to sit among some of the top drivers in Formula One. “Nope.”

After they finished their breakfast, Aisha followed Mike back downstairs where she was introduced to one of the team's communications officers, Jenna.

"Hi Aisha, it's nice to meet you," Jenna said with a warm smile. "I'll be your point of contact for today. Are you ready for the press conference?"

Aisha took a deep breath and nodded confidently. "Yes, I'm ready."

"Great! Let's head over to the media center then," Jenna said as she led Aisha out of the motorhome and towards the bustling media center. As they walked, Jenna briefed Aisha on what to expect during the conference and gave her tips on how to handle difficult questions from reporters.

Once they arrived at the media center, Aisha was greeted by even more reporters eagerly waiting for her arrival. She made her way to take a seat at the far end of the couch, next to teammate Lance Stroll. The moderator began introducing each driver in attendance, starting off with Lewis Hamilton then Charles LeClerc, Lando Norris, Valtteri Bottas, Lance Stroll, and finally Aisha.

"And joining us today, making her Formula One debut, please welcome Aisha Bell-Okafor. She will be representing Aston Martin as their driver ambassador and the first female reserve driver. Aisha, how does it feel to make history?"

"It's an incredible feeling," Aisha replied, trying to keep her nerves at bay. "I'm honored to be representing Aston Martin and grateful for this opportunity. I’m literally starstruck right now. So happy to be around some of my favorite drivers and to be on this platform."

Lewis couldn't tear his gaze away from Aisha as she spoke. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her confidence radiated like a steady flame in the midst of a whirlwind. There was a magnetic energy about her that drew him in, a fire that burned brightly within her soul. He had always kept a close eye on the rising stars in F1, and Aisha's name had been on his radar for quite some time. Just like everyone else, he was shocked that Aston Martin announced her as their reserve driver, and to be honest, it took them long enough.

His passion for diversity in motorsports, particularly in Formula One, was evident to anyone who knew him. Seeing someone who looked like him and shared a similar background succeed in the sport was a sight he loved. And it didn't hurt that she was stunningly beautiful; her hair styled in perfect curls and her makeup highlighting her deep brown eyes and full lips. But what caught his attention the most was her skin, a mahogany tone that perfectly complimented her tiffany green team suit. Despite being on rival teams, there was no denying her talent and attractiveness.

The moderator continued, looking impressed. "You've had quite the journey to get here, from karting to junior leagues. Can you tell us a bit about your experience?"

Aisha smiled, feeling more at ease as she began to talk about her journey in motorsports. "It's been a long road for sure. I started karting when I was just 8 years old, and it quickly became my passion. My parents were very supportive, and they sacrificed so much for me to pursue this dream. My father’s British, so we moved from California to England in order for me to race. I went through the ranks in junior leagues, making my way into W Series and then F1 Academy."

"And you've also been quite vocal about your desire to break barriers and increase diversity in Formula One. Can you tell us more about that?" the moderator asked.

"Yes, it's something that's very important to me,” Aisha said. “I’m sure Lewis feels the same way. We’re the only minorities in F1. Growing up, there weren't many racers who looked like me or came from similar backgrounds. Being a woman of color in this sport is still rare, but I hope to inspire other young girls and boys who may not feel represented in motorsports.”

Lewis nodded in agreement, his admiration for Aisha growing even more. "Absolutely," he chimed in. "Diversity is key to the growth and success of any sport, and Formula One is no exception. I've been fortunate enough to have a platform and use my voice to advocate for diversity and equality within the sport. I’m also very excited to race with Aisha; I’m genuinely excited to see her behind the wheel, like it’s giving me goosebumps to finally see a woman race at this level.”

The moderator cleared his throat before continuing with another question. "Speaking of racing, Aisha, as a reserve driver for Aston Martin, you'll have opportunities to test drive the car during race weekends. How do you plan on making an impact with your limited track time?"

Aisha's smile widened as she thought about all the possibilities that lay ahead of her. "I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity with Aston Martin," she began. "I plan on making the most of every moment I have on track by working closely with my team and learning as much as I can from my fellow drivers. Of course, I would love to compete full-time one day," she admitted with a small shrug. "But right now, I'm focused on putting in my best effort whenever called upon by the team."

“I would totally have you drive at any moment,” Lance gushed, causing the reporters and moderator to chuckle. “No, seriously. If the need arises, I’d be so happy to have Aisha take my seat.”

"Thank you, Lance," she said sincerely. "That means a lot coming from you."

As the press conference continued, Lewis found himself listening intently to Aisha's answers and admiring her poise and confidence. He also noticed how easily she connected with the other drivers, laughing and joking with them like they had been friends for years.

After the conference ended and the drivers all dispersed for their various engagements, Lewis made his way over to where Aisha was surrounded by reporters asking for interviews and photos. He waited patiently until they all left before approaching her with a smile.

"Hey Aisha, I just wanted to say congratulations on making your debut. It's well deserved."

Aisha's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to face him. "Thank you so much, Lewis! Coming from you, that means a lot."

"It's no problem at all," Lewis replied with sincerity. "I've been following your career for some time now and I'm excited to see what you can do behind the wheel."

"Thank you," Aisha repeated, her cheeks warming with a light flush. "I've been a huge fan since forever. You’re amazing. I mean, you’re the GOAT.”

“Thanks,” Lewis chuckled, feeling a bit flattered by Aisha's words. "And if you ever need any advice or tips, don't hesitate to ask,” he replied with a wink.

"Thank you, Lewis," Aisha replied gratefully. "I'll definitely keep that in mind."

They chatted for a few more minutes before Jenna came over to remind Aisha of her schedule for the rest of the day.

“Sorry to intrude, but we have to head back,” Jenna said.

“Oh, yeah, thanks Jenna.” Aisha turned back to face Lewis. “I guess I’ll see you around? This weekend is going to be busy for the both of us but—”

"Hand me your phone," he commanded playfully. Aisha couldn't help but hand over her phone and watch him enter his number. "I’m putting in my number. Text me whenever you're free and we can grab lunch or something."

Aisha laughed nervously, feeling a tingle run down her spine. "Yeah...that sounds great."

"What's wrong?" he asked, staring into her eyes with his charming gaze.

Their eyes locked for a moment and Aisha couldn't help but appreciate how handsome he was up close. She had seen pictures, but in person he was even more striking.

"Is it normal for you to be this forward? Just casually ordering me to take down your number?"

"Only for special people," he replied, flashing her a boyish grin. "I'm serious about that lunch though...or dinner. Whatever you want, I'll make time for you."

"Mmhmm," Aisha managed to say as she watched him leave, taking in how good he looked in his Mercedes team suit.

Now that’s a man, Savannah, she thought appreciatively.

After taking a moment to compose herself, she joined Jenna and they made their way back to the team's motorhome.

"We have a lot of media commitments and sponsor events scheduled for you," Jenna reminded her.

Aisha's excitement about her debut was slightly dampened by the thought of her packed schedule. She knew that along with the thrill of racing came a heavy load of responsibilities off the track.

"I understand," she replied with a small sigh. "I'll do my best to keep up with everything."

Jenna gave her a sympathetic smile before handing over a detailed schedule for the day. Aisha quickly scanned through it and saw that she had interviews lined up with various media outlets, including big names like BBC and Sky Sports.

"Don't worry about a thing," Jenna reassured her. "I'll be right there beside you, making sure you don't miss anything."

Feeling grateful for Jenna's support, Aisha headed off to attend her first interview with BBC.

The rest of the day flew by for Aisha as she navigated through a series of interviews and events. By the end, she was exhausted but also exhilarated by all that had transpired. As she returned to her hotel room that evening, she flopped onto the bed with a sigh of relief. Rolling onto her stomach, she scrolled through her phone in search of Lewis's contact information. She went back and forth, typing out messages and then deleting them before finally settling on something to send:

Aisha: So you make time for me?

A few seconds passed before his reply:

Lewis: Of course 😉 How was your day?

Aisha: Tiring. Dinner tomorrow then?

Lewis: We can do that. Tell me where you want to go & we’ll go

Aisha: I’ll keep you updated. Goodnight, Lewis

Lewis: Goodnight, gorgeous