SYNOPSIS

Redline: The maximum engine RPM a car can handle before risking damage.

...

After an accident took him out mid-season, twenty-six-year-old F1 driver Win Ladanza returned just before the start of the new season, ready to race and reclaim his spot as number one driver. However, the problem was Seth Hull, the driver who replaced Win.

Seth Hull was always number two until Win's accident, when he was given a chance to shine. With his popularity growing, the team refused to the team refused to demote him back to a support role--even with Win's return.

Determined to get his spot back, Win didn't care who he had to cut in the process, but Seth refused to back down, and somewhere between the somewhere between tension-filled debriefs, aggressive overtakes, and long-haul flights, something began to change.

DISCLAIMER

Every team mentioned in this story is fictional. While the racetracks and locations are real, all characters, teams, sponsors, and events are the product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

MINI GLOSSARY

1. Grid
The starting lineup of drivers, based on qualifying results. First place starts at "pole position" up front.

2. Pole Position
The front-most starting spot on the grid—earned by setting the fastest lap in qualifying.

3. Qualifying
A timed session before the race that decides where each driver starts on the grid. (Referred to as Qualis, broken up into 3 different segments: Q1, Q2, Q3)

4. P1, P2, etc.
Short for "Position 1," "Position 2," etc. Used for both race results and practice/qualifying standings.

5. DRS (Drag Reduction System)
A tool drivers can use to temporarily reduce aerodynamic drag and increase speed—only in designated zones and under specific conditions.

6. Pit Stop
When a driver pulls into the pit lane during a race to change tires or fix damage. Pit strategy can make or break a race.

7. Undercut / Overcut
Pit stop strategies:
    •    Undercut = Pitting earlier to gain time on fresher tires
    •    Overcut = Staying out longer to gain advantage from clear track or better pace

8. Sector
Tracks are divided into three timed sections—Sector 1, Sector 2, Sector 3. Helps break down lap performance.

9. Lap
One full trip around the racetrack. Most races are 50–70 laps long.

10. DNFs (Did Not Finish)
When a driver doesn't complete the race due to mechanical failure, crash, etc.

11. Paddock
The behind-the-scenes area where teams operate—garages, hospitality, media spaces. Access is exclusive.

12. Dirty Air
Turbulence coming off the back of a car that makes it harder for the car behind to grip and follow closely.

13. Push Lap / Flying Lap
A driver's all-out attempt at a fast lap, especially during qualifying.

14. Push-to-Pass / ERS (Energy Recovery System)
Systems that give the car extra power during key overtaking moments. Often referred to casually as "deploying battery."

15. Track Limits
The white lines that mark the edge of the racing surface. Go too far off them, and you risk a penalty.

16. Chicane
A quick left-right or right-left turn sequence—used to slow cars down at certain points.

17. Lockup
When a tire stops spinning under heavy braking, creating smoke and flat spots. Hurts handling and tire life.

18. Tyre Deg / Degradation
How fast a tire wears out. Managing tyre deg is a huge part of race strategy.

19. Constructor
The team that builds the car—e.g., Ventari in your story. Points are awarded to both drivers and constructors.

20. Parc Fermé
A secure area post-qualifying and post-race where cars are inspected. Drivers can't make setup changes during this time.

21. FP1, FP2, FP3 (Free Practice Sessions)
These are the practice sessions held before qualifying and the race.

22. Sector Colors (Green, Purple, Yellow)
F1 tracks are divided into three sectors, and times in each sector are color-coded during sessions:
    •    Purple – Fastest time overall in that sector
    •    Green – Driver's personal best in that sector
    •    Yellow – Slower than their personal best

So if someone says "purple Sector 2," it means they were the fastest of anyone in that part of the track.

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I'm well aware that this is a lot, so I wanted to add any terms I could think of off the top of my head here at the front but feel free to leave a comment if something doesn't make sense to you and I'll do my best to explain!