ALICE Ch 309

The conference room in the FUTA motorhome has a weird vibe. Viv and Annette sit at one end of the table while Glynda and Lora are at the other. Viv is relaxed; Annette is making an effort to be upbeat. Glynda looks quietly murderous, and it’s clear that Lora would rather be anywhere else.

“How did she take it?” Viv asks.

Glynda stirs her coffee. When it’s clear that she’s not going to answer, Lora clears her throat.

“Alice? Not well,” she says.

“What do you mean?” Annette asks.

“She laughed and walked out of the room,” Glynda says.

“I’ll speak to her,” Annette promises.

“Good luck. She’s gone to Belfast, although I’m not entirely sure that she knows where Belfast is,” Lora adds.

Viv looks lost. “What the hell’s she want there?”

“It’s where my house is. And my daughter,” Glynda adds quietly.

“OK, one wrecked car, one renegade driver,” Annette says, counting on her fingers.

“Don’t forget one mad driver as well,” Glynda adds bitterly.

FF1

DUTCH GRAND PRIX STARTING POSITIONS

1. Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Flores (Freedom)

3. Hamilton (Mercedes)

4. Bottas (Aston Martin)

5. Woodcock, M. (Williams)

6. Woodcock, S. (Williams)

7. Tanaka (Mercedes)

8. LeClerc (Ferrari)

9. Alonso (Aston Martin)

10. Sainz (Ferrari)

11. Perez (Red Bull)

12. Laakso (Alpha Tauri)

13. Ricciardo (Haas)

14. Dunham (Freedom)

15. Pattinson (McLaren)

16. Ocon (Alpha Tauri)

17. Magnussen (Haas)

18. Norris (McLaren)

DQ: Mido (FUTA)

DQ: Wilde (FUTA)

Bright lights shine on the three chairs.

Richard Hammond sits between Jeremy Clarkson and James May, eyes shining.

“It’s just magnificent,” he says, gesturing animatedly. “Obviously things aren’t what they were, but to see Lewis still doing this sort of driving after all this time. Brings a tear to my eye, mate.”

May frowns at him. “What are you on about?”

“Hamilton. Greatest driver who ever lived.” Hammond shakes his head with a big grin. “He’s still got it.”

“Lewis Hamilton,” Clarkson says.

“Yes,” Hammond says with a nod.

Clarkson examines his fingernails. “Never heard of him. Is he someone important?”

Hammond looks indignant.

“Perhaps you’ve heard of some drivers who actually matter,” May says, nudging Hammond’s arm. “Missy and Sissy Woodcock.”

Hammond sighs and rolls his eyes.

“They’re driving brilliantly,” May says to the producer before turning back to Hammond. “And you’re on about a washed-up has-been that nobody’s heard of.”

“P5 and P6 this weekend,” Clarkson says gravely.

“That is a marked improvement,” the producer agrees.

“Yes. And not to be immodest, but it is clearly down to my tutelage,” Clarkson says humbly.

Hammond folds his arms. “Oh, is it?”

“Oh, yes. For this is Formula One, Richard Hammond.” Clarkson faces the camera and holds up a fist, clenching it. “Speed is our goddess. And I am her high priest.”