This is pretty different from what I typically write, so I invite everyone to give this work a shot, hopefully you enjoy it
The air is always electric during preseason testing.
The paddock is filled with mechanics, engineers scrambling about as cars scream down the straight.
RD is sat alongside the pit wall, the cameras beginning to roll just as an IVE car rockets past the camera
The producer begins the episode
“It’s been four years since Blackpink left the grid. Do you think Formula 1 has finally moved on?”
RD watches as the car disappears down Turn 1, before facing the camera, a smile on his face
“No, but it’s hard to move on from a phenomenon like blackpink”
Footage from the archive begins playing, of Jennie lifting the World Driver Championship, of Historic pole positions, countless podiums flashing across the screen
The footage feels incredibly dated somehow, like it was from a whole other era.
“Blackpink didn’t just win championships. They established a dynasty. The standard against which the other constructors compared themselves against. And when they left, Formula 1 found itself with something it rarely has. A power vacuum.”
New photos flash now as RD speaks. Aespa. Lesserafim. Newjeans.
“The last four years has been defined by this power struggle. Constructors all trying to build themselves to be the next dynasty. And last season?”
The photos stop flashing, stopping on IVE
“IVE took home the crown.”
The camera turns as the IVE car enters the pit lane and garage, mechanics scrambling and surrounding the car.
From the car emerges Jang Wonyoung.
And just like that, the atmosphere shifts.
Conversations pause, heads turn, all tongues must confess, Jang Wonyoung is the queen of the F1 paddock.
She carries herself with endless grace, turning to her team principal as they discuss telemetry data.
“IVE are the reigning champions, and there’s real buzz going around that they’ll be the first group since Blackpink to win back to back constructor’s championships.”
The footage cuts between glamorous race victories and quieter moments afterward.
Wonyoung sitting with her team principal after media sessions reviewing telemetry.
Yujin discussing race setups with engineers long after midnight.
“They’re the most complete team. Fast car, with the IV-XO last year, and the IV-BB this year, a good relationship between lead driver and team principal, excellent strategy department. And two drivers that stay composed no matter what.”
The episode cuts sharply to Lesserafim
The whiplash feels insane.
Where IVE feels like control, Lesserafim feels like chaos
RD chuckles before continuing
“IVE’s rivals, LeSserafim came in second last year after a neck and neck race, Wonyoung’s P1 and Chaewon’s DNF leading to IVE clinching the constructors after a tight race in Qatar, but spiritually, they’re almost the antithesis of IVE. Where IVE thrives on their composure, LeSserafim seems to thrive on their lack of composure. Or I guess one of their drivers does it enough for both.”
“Wow,” A chuckle from the producer off screen, “that’s a diplomatic way of saying it.”
RD shrugs with a sheepish smile.
“I’d like to continue being allowed into their garage. also being chased by an angry cheetah is not on my to do list.”
Race footage rolls from last season.
Chaewon forcing impossible overtakes into corners that shouldn’t realistically work.
Sakura navigating wet races with almost frightening calmness.
Chaewon arguing with her race engineer
Then the documentary shifts toward the core of the rivalry.
Old footage appears.
Wonyoung.
Yujin.
Chaewon.
Sakura.
Teenagers together in junior series years before Formula 1.
Shared podiums.
Shared interviews.
Shared garages.
“The rivalry between IVE and LeSserafim became inevitable the moment those four split into different teams.”
“Do you think the history makes it more personal?”
“Absolutely. Losing to strangers is frustrating. Losing to somebody who remembers your rookie years is something else entirely.”
The footage cuts to Bahrain qualifying.
Wonyoung narrowly takes pole over Chaewon.
The commentators sound dramatic enough to narrate the collapse of an empire.
Then the drivers climb out of their cars.
“Your Sector Two is ridiculous.” Chaewon groans
“You complain about my Sector Two every year.”
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