'Who Let This Kindergartener Drive A Race Car' Was My First Impression Of This Jungkook 😂. This Was

'Who let this kindergartener drive a race car' was my first impression of this Jungkook 😂. This was so enjoyable so far even tho I have no idea about motorsports and race cars lol. Waiting for the next update 💚💚

Drive to Survive • 2

pairing: f1 racer!Jungkook x f. race engineer!reader rating: +18, MDNI genre: Colleagues 2 Lovers, romcom, angst, fluff, smut warnings: mature themes and explicit content wc: ~3.7K

a/n: This work is purely fictional. All characters and events are entirely imaginary and do not reflect reality. Please do not use this story as your own. No translations are allowed without permission. 💕

1 • masterlist • 3

Thankfully Friday dawns clear and bright as you approach the gates of the Hockenheimring, the sky a brilliant blue with no clouds in sight, with the early morning sun casting beautiful, long shadows over the historic track. The Hockenheimring, with its rich history and legendary status in the world of Formula 1, is already alive as all the crews buzz around, setting up equipment, fine-tuning cars, and preparing for the race weekend ahead, the scent of freshly cut grass from the surrounding fields giving you a boost of energy.

Excitement vibrates through every fibre of your being as you hand over your badge to the security guard. The moment should be routine, but his stern expression immediately gives you pause. 

"I'm sorry, miss, but this badge appears to be fake," the guard says condescending, holding the badge up for closer inspection under the sunlight.

Your heart skips sinks to the floor immediately. Just yesterday, you spent the entire day here, moving freely through the paddock and crossing paths with this very guard multiple times. "There must be a mistake. I'm with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team," you insist, striving to keep your voice calm amid the rising panic in your throat.

"Sure you are. I’ve seen plenty of fakes. This one looks just like the rest."

Frustration wells up inside you, threatening to bubble over. From the corner of your eye, you spot Jungkook walking by, his confident swagger unmistakable even at a distance. "Jungkook!" you call out, waving at him frantically, hoping for a lifeline this early in the morning. But to your disappointment, he just glances your way but quickly looks away, continuing his stride without acknowledging you.

The guard shakes his head. "See? If you were really with the team, someone would have recognised you."

A wave of helplessness washes over you, and you mentally call Jungkook a few names. Before you can argue further, Joongki, George’s race engineer, walks by and notices the commotion, heading over without any delay.

"What's going on here?“

"This lady claims she's with the team, but her badge is fake," the guard explains, holding up your badge as if it were a piece of contraband.

Joongki looks at you, then back at the guard. "She's with us. Her name's on the team list. Let her through."

The guard reluctantly nods and hands your badge back. "Alright, you can go in."

"Thank you, Joongki," you sigh in relief as you take your very real badge back.

"No problem," he replies with a reassuring smile. "Come on, let's head to the meeting."

As you walk together through the busy paddocks, the roar of engines being tested and the chatter of mechanics and engineers create a symphony of sounds that even without all the fans is uniquely Formula 1, especially when you catch the scent of high-octane fuel mixed with the aroma of fresh coffee from the nearby hospitality tents. 

Joongki doesn’t take long to catch your attention back. "So, how are you finding the job so far?"

"It's been incredible," you reply, genuinely enthusiastic. "I watched the simulation of Jungkook yesterday. His precision is remarkable."

Joongki nods. "He’s talented, no doubt about it. But he can be a handful."

You chuckle. "I’ve noticed. How do you manage George?"

"George is a professional, but he has his moments too," Joongki says with a wink. "It's all about balance."

You can’t help but giggle and nod along, even when you arrive at the Mercedes team area and enter the meeting room. Jungkook is already there, frowning as he notices you walking in with Joongki, watching you with crossed arms.

Without a word, Joongki heads to George, standing behind him, and you follow suit, taking your place behind Jungkook. The room is quickly filling up, a sense of anticipation growing continuously inside your veins as everyone gathers around the large table, which is laden with various snacks and drinks. A Keynote presentation is projecting blueprints, data sheets and strategy plans onto the wall behind Toto, a large part of it coming from you.

Toto begins the meeting not shortly after, his authoritative voice silencing everyone without much trouble. "Alright, everyone, let's get started. We have a lot to cover before the training session."

Jungkook turns slightly your way, pushing you forward. "Stand in front, dwarf," he mutters under his breath.

You frown up at him as you pass, clearly displeased with the insult, but comply regardless, stepping in front of him. As Toto goes over the strategy, you feel a tug on your hair. Not turning, you swat Jungkook’s hand away, trying to stay focused on the meeting.

"Stop it," you whisper full of irritation.

But Jungkook doesn't stop. He continues to toy with your hair, and after the second time you push his hand away, he still doesn’t seem to get the message. You sigh in resignation, deciding to let him play with your hair, hoping it’ll keep him occupied enough to remain otherwise civil.

Toto continues, oblivious to the minor drama between you both. "Our strategy today is crucial. The Hockenheimring not only demands precision but teamwork as well. Each of you has a role to play in our success."

You try to listen intently, but the constant fiddling with your hair is too distracting to set your focus straight. Why has Jungkook's behaviour has to be infuriating and perplexing? Why does he have to act like this?

"And Jungkook," Toto addresses said man directly, which thankfully causes him to tense behind you, toying hands freezing mid-twirl, "your performance at the simulation yesterday was impressive. Keep that focus today."

Jungkook relaxes and finally stops playing with your hair to acknowledge Toto. "Will do, boss."

With a brief reprieve, you manage to take notes and pay closer attention. Toto outlines the key areas of focus for the day, emphasising the importance of communication and adaptability. You jot down every detail, determined to do your part flawlessly.

"Joongki and ___,“ Toto says, gesturing to you, "I need you to ensure all systems are optimised. We can’t afford any technical glitches."

"Understood," Joongki and you reply in unison, giving each other a small smile and giggle. But your giggle dies down immediately as Jungkook tugs on your hair again, making you turn around and give him a warning glare. He looks straight ahead, over your head, pretending not to notice.

"And for the rest of you," Toto continues, "stay alert and be ready for anything. This track has its challenges, but I know we can conquer them."

As the meeting draws to a close, Toto claps his hands together. "Alright, team. Let's make today count."

You gather your things, relieved that the meeting is over. Jungkook's antics have been exhausting, and you’re eager to get back to the professional tasks at hand.

"Remember what we discussed," Toto reminds everyone as the room gradually gains in volume. "Stay focused and give it your all."

With a final nod, you and the team disperse. As you exit the meeting room, Jungkook catches up to you.

"Nice work in there, by the way," he says, the smirk playing on his lips not matching the compliment he tries to deliver.

"Thanks," you reply, trying to keep your irritation in check.

"Let’s hope you can keep up during the training,“ he adds, and with his teasing tone you’re sure there never was a compliment to begin with.

"I’ll be just fine," you retort, determined not to let him get under your skin.

You quicken your pace, hurrying to the garage as you follow Joongki, who has gone ahead. Mentally, you prepare for the day's challenges, and despite the rocky start, you remain confident in your abilities and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Yesterday's training session was a resounding success. Out of the fourteen possible tyre options, you meticulously tested virtually all options and decided on the three best choices, again testing those at training under race conditions. The data gathered from these tests, once analysed and altered in the strategy, was approved by everyone, setting a solid foundation for today’s qualifying.

It’s Saturday midday by now, and the atmosphere at the Hockenheimring is just fantastic. The sun is high in the sky, glowing warmly over the bustling pit lane, and mirroring your spirit. Mechanics and engineers hustle about like never before, making last-minute adjustments to the cars, while the drivers, including Jungkook, focus on the task ahead. You had no problems entering the premises today, and Jungkook has remained professional, a welcome shift from his usual antics.

It’s hard to make out everyone in the garage, as everyone’s a flurry of passing figures as the team prepares for the qualifying session. Joongki, you and the other engineers are all hunched over your laptops, analysing last minute data streams, while mechanics double-check the car’s settings. Jungkook sits in the cockpit of his car, a picture of concentration as he listens to the final briefing over the team radio.

"Alright, everyone, let's stay focused," Toto's calm voice comes over the comms. "Jungkook, remember the plan. We’re aiming for a strong position."

"Got it, boss," Jungkook replies.

By now you’re standing by the side, tablet in hand, monitoring the data in close proximity. Despite the rocky start to the prior day, you feel confident in your abilities and the strategy you’ve helped develop. Jungkook and you exchange a brief, professional nod, acknowledging the importance of this day.

The qualifying session begins right after you and Joongki are seated at the pitwall, and cars take to the track one by one. When it's Jungkook's turn, you watch the monitors intently, tracking his every move. He launches off the line with his usual precision, navigating the curves and straights of the Hockenheimring with his usual finesse, his initial times promising.

But then, something starts to feel off. The data on your screen shows an anomaly, and a knot of anxiety forms in your stomach. You frantically try to diagnose the problem, but the more you look, the more the data blurs together into an incomprehensible mess, swimming in your vision no matter how hard you try to separate each line. The pressure mounts, and you can’t pinpoint the issue in time.

On the track, Jungkook's performance begins to falter rapidly. 

„Fucking hell! DO SOMETHING!“ His voice screams through the radio, his lap times aren’t meeting the expected benchmarks, and it's clear something is wrong with the car. Despite his best efforts, he can’t push the vehicle to its limits. The session ends with a disappointing result: Jungkook qualifies in P5.

The team is silent as Jungkook drives back into the garage, and you can see the frustration painted on his face as he removes his helmet and steps out of the car.

You’re too scared to say a word, especially as an emergency meeting is called immediately. You, Jungkook, Toto, the technical director James, Joongki, and George, who qualified P7, gather in the briefing room.

"I apologise," you begin, bowing your head in disappointment of yourself. "I should have caught the issue sooner. It's my fault we couldn't perform better."

Toto nods, and it’s surprising that his expression, while still stern, is not unkind. "We'll figure it out. For now, let’s focus on understanding what went wrong."

The meeting continues with technical discussions, but you can barely focus, the weight of your mistake clouding your mind and restricting your airways. Once everyone is dismissed, you remain seated, staring at the empty desk in front of you.

Jungkook, however, stays behind. He closes the door after you’re both alone, his steps echoing in the now silent room as he walks towards you. You can make out his angered face in your peripheral, though you refuse to look at it.

"How difficult can it be to choose the right tyres from fourteen?" he snaps with so much contempt it punches you in your gut. "Even a chimpanzee without a degree would have done a better job."

There’s nothing to do than to remain silent, as you still refuse to meet his gaze, eyes fixed on the white, empty desk before you. The insult stings a lot more than you ever thought, but you’re determined not to let him see how deeply it affects you. You have to.

"Look at me!" Jungkook barks so loud you can’t help but flinch.

You will your pupils to stop trembling and school your features back to neutral as you lift your head and lock eyes with him. The glare you’re met is is fierce, Jungkook’s anger barely contained. But still, you’re not able to get a word out.

"I knew it was nepotism," he continues, his words like a blade not only cutting into your pride, but your heart as well.

You watch as Jungkook turns and begins to walk towards the door, but just as he reaches for the handle, you find your voice and speak, your voice as freezing as the coldest winter, stopping him in his tracks.

"My position has nothing to do with nepotism," you muse, each word precisely shot like a bullet. "You should know that. Mr. Jeon Junior."

Jungkook tenses even more, his hand still hovering over the door handle. Slowly, he turns back to face you, and you’re not sure if his expression, full of shock and fury, satisfies your anger or not. The room stays silent, the tension between you crackling like static in the air, until Jungkook turns and leaves.

Race day at the Hockenheimring is a media frenzy, with reporters and cameras swarming the circuit and paddock like bees to honey. Bright lights flash and microphones are thrust into the faces of team members and drivers alike, each seeking a soundbite or a glimpse into the high-stakes world of Formula 1. You weave through the throng, keeping your head down and profile low, your focus solely on the race ahead. 

The screams of questions are distractions you can't afford, so your path has to be a series of calculated dodges and quick steps, easily slipping past eager journalists and sidestepping photographers, all thanks to your short height. This is not the time for interviews or media appearances; your mind is on the data, the strategy, and ensuring every detail is perfect for Jungkook's performance on the track.

As you dance through the last few meters of the paddock of Ferrari, a hairs breath away from your team one space further, a determined reporter manages to intercept you. His microphone is already poised, brushing your nose for a moment, as he boldly asks, "Excuse me, could you spare a moment? How is it to work for Jungkook?"

You offer a polite smile, keeping your tone professional without breathing too heavily from the exercise. "It's a blessing to work for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team. The entire team, including Jungkook, is dedicated and talented. It’s an honour to contribute to such a high-performing group."

The reporter, not missing a beat, probes further, "And are you single?"

Maintaining your composure, you reply diplomatically, "I believe our focus today should be on the race and the team’s performance. Personal matters are best kept private."

He glances at your attire, noting that it's different from the usual team uniform. "You're not wearing the usual uniform. Is this something new?"

You nod, indicating your outfit. "Yes, my dress is part of our new uniform collection, available in the merchandise store. We wanted to offer something stylish and feminine for the fans."

"Thank you for your time," the reporter says, slightly taken aback by your poised responses.

"Thank you," you respond, maintaining your smile as you quickly head towards your team, ready to immerse yourself back into the race preparations.

Stepping foot into Mercedes’ paddock the mechanics, engineers, and team members are already making their final preparations. The conflict from yesterday is still heavily on your mind, but you have to not let it affect your performance. You’re a professional, more than capable, and you will your confidence not to waver even more.

You sit down at your workstation, double-checking the data, ensuring that every detail is perfect. The screens in front of you display telemetry, tyre pressures, and fuel loads and you don’t waste time in letting your fingers fly across the keyboard, typing last-minute adjustments.

You haven’t yet spoken to Jungkook today, only briefly seen him with his physical therapist, Trish, who looked at you strangely for no apparent reason since day one of you working with Jungkook. It doesn’t help that his words from yesterday still echo in your mind, but you push them aside as good as you can. There’s no room for doubt now and so you finish your checks and head further into the paddock to fetch a drink, hoping the cool liquid will steady your nerves.

As you approach the vending machine, you hear voices coming from a nearby room. You recognise them immediately: George, Toto, and Jungkook. Curiosity gets the better of you, and as your name falls, you can’t help but secretly listen in.

“I don’t know what your problem is with her, and it’s none of our business,” George says.

Toto’s voice follows. “But remember that the radio is public during the race, so school your words and don’t pull a media stunt.”

Your heart races as you hear footsteps approaching the door. You quickly walk past, pretending to be engrossed in your notes. The three of them emerge, their expressions serious, but thankfully they don’t notice you.

The team gathers for the final preparations and the drivers slip into their suits. While George’s and Jungkook’s cars are the same, it’s Jungkook’s car that looks a bit more sleek, a silver beast that’s gleaming under the midday sun. Or maybe it’s because of him, as he climbs into the cockpit, his face steeled by concentration.

You take your place at the side, headset on, ready to relay information. The tension in your veins mutes your surroundings as the minutes tick down to the start of the race. The spell is broken as the engines roar to life, filling the paddock and your ears with a deafening sound, making the crowd’s energy skyrocket, their contagious cheers breathing new determination into you.

And as Jungkook and all the other drivers complete their warm up round, he takes his position on the starting grid in P5, two positions before George. 

"Alright, Jungkook, stay focused. Remember our strategy," you say over the team radio. "We've got this."

The scent of burning rubber and the electrifying screams of the crowd fill the air, amplifying the intensity of the moment. That’s it, that’s what you’re here for. You watch intently, a collective breath is being held, as the lights go out.

Jungkook launches off the line, his reflexes razor-sharp. He surpasses the initial chaos with precision, the roar of engines and screeching tyres a symphony of speed. The first few corners are tight, but he manoeuvres deftly, maintaining a solid position within the top five.

"Great start, Jungkook. Keep pushing. We're right where we need to be," you encourage, your eyes glued to the live feed and telemetry data.

“Got it,” Jungkook’s voice crackles through the radio, letting goosebumps rise on your skin like his accelerating speed.

As Jungkook approaches the notorious Turn 6 hairpin, the tension mounts even more. He brakes hard, the car almost dancing on the edge of control, and executes a near-perfect turn that allows him to overtake two competitors. The crowd gasps in awe, witnessing his skill firsthand.

"Fantastic move! You're now P3. Keep the pressure on the leaders," you inform him, a note of excitement creeping into your voice you can’t contain.

“Copy that.”

The race progresses, each lap a testament to Jungkook's prowess and the team's meticulous planning. He expertly navigates the Hockenheimring's combination of high-speed straights and technical corners, inching closer to the front with each lap. His focus never wavers, his communication with the pit crew and you seamless.

“Box this lap, box this lap. Confirm, please,” you call out as he approaches the pit entry, the strategic change crucial for maintaining his edge.

“Understood. Box this lap.” Jungkook executes a flawless pit stop, the team working with military precision. Tyres are changed from medium to soft, designed to gain more speed for the remaining laps and in no time, he’s back on track, maintaining his momentum as if nothing happened.

"Excellent stop. You're P2 now. Just some more laps to go," you say, your excitement mirroring the intensity of the race.

Lap after lap, Jungkook closes the gap to the leader. The final laps of the race are a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase and with just two laps to go, he sees his opportunity. On the Parabolika, the long straight, he activates the DRS, gaining a significant speed advantage.

"Go for it, Jungkook! Now's your chance!" you urge him, adjusting the DRS to give him the most push.

He makes his move, slipping past the leader with a breathtaking overtake. 

The moment is pure magic.

“GOTCHA!” he screams into the receiver, making you and the rest of the team burst into laughter and cheers.

The crowd erupts, and Jungkook holds his position through the final turns, expertly defending against any counterattacks. The finish line is in sight, and he crosses it first, triumphant.

"You did it, Jungkook! You won!" you shout over the radio, unable to contain your elation. You punch the air and bump fists with Joongki sitting beside you.

As Jungkook slows down on his victory lap, Jungkook waves to the adoring fans. Today, with the support of your team and Jungkook’s talent, he has conquered the Hockenheimring.

“Couldn’t have done it without you,” Jungkook says through the radio. Though his gratitude is clear, your mind drifts back to the conversation you overheard just earlier and its implications. Your smile falls a bit as you contemplate his honesty.

a/n2: reupload of 2024 Version

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