MONTE CARLO, MONACO. JANUARY 2023.

After their trip in New York to see Sophie and then their short trip to Michigan to say hi to Jaxon, Thierry and Jacob had made their way to Monte Carlo. The plan was for Jacob to stay with Thierry's family for a bit during the off-season.

The Arquette family had always been welcoming to Jacob, he had visited almost every summer since he became friends with Thierry. It was also a plus that Jake shared the same passion as their son.

The two boys were currently on a run, running through the sunny streets of Monte Carlo. They reached the pier and stopped, reaching their designated target of a 10km run.

Thierry took his shirt off and used it as a towel, the blistering sun meant that both of them were drowned in sweat.

"You want to go for a swim when we get back?" Thierry asked.

"Yeah course."

The Arquette's lived in a lavish house, Jean Arquette was a formidable name in Formula One, a leading mechanic who currently worked with Ferrari - hence Thierry's desire to race for that team. His father had already spoken to his contacts and teams were keeping an eye out on Thierry, Jean had been tirelessly working on finding a team that would let his son be a reserve driver for but it seemed like Thierry would have to start the season racing in Formula Two.

When both Jacob and Thierry got back, they went for a swim and only got out when Thierry's mother called them for dinner. After dinner, Jean insisted that both of them did some reflex and co-ordination drills and took them both to the garage. There, he trained with them and made sure that despite the off-season, they were both in fit shape.

Once Jacob could finally unwind and rest, he looked through his phone on different social media platforms. He made sure he could get updates on everything his friends were up to. As he was scrolling through Twitter he saw an article written about Jax being deemed a future projected first pick in the draft. Jacob was happy for his friend, he had been doing really well at University of Michigan, excelling in his sport and academically.

There was also a tweet speculating that Euphoria season 1 was in its final stages of production and would be coming out later this year. He was also happy for Sophie, she seemed to be having a great time working on set. It was hard finding time to speak to her, with the time zones and the busy schedules, the group found less and less time to call.

There was always a part of Jake that was worried he would lose contact with his friends, mainly Jax and Sophie because of how far away they were and the busy lives they all led. However, he had faith in their friendship, despite it being over a year since they saw each other, when he saw Sophie and Jax it was like nothing had changed.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by a DM on Instagram.

oliviarodrigo
hey, long time no speak (:

Oh hey, haha yeah! How have you been?

oliviarodrigo
not bad not bad, i actually msged you to get ur opinion on something

What is it?

oliviarodrigo
well remember our conversation where i said i wanted to be a singer?

Yeah

oliviarodrigo
well i'm thinking of leaving hsmtmts to pursue my career in singing

No way! That's big news! Congratulations!!

oliviarodrigo
you don't think it's a stupid idea???

Of course not, if you've got a dream, just go for it

oliviarodrigo
oh cool, thanks jake (:

No worries Olivia

oliviarodrigo
u can call my liv btw, that's what all my friends call me
also, u should text me instead, it's easier, my number's xxx-xxx-xxx

Reading Olivia's message, he copied the number into his contacts before sending her a message.

Liv :)

Hey, this is Liv right?

No? Who the fuck are you?

Oh shit! Sorry wrong number

hahaha just messing w u jake

That's not funny Liv 😐

it so was, anyways what u up to?

I'm at Thierry's right now, it's late for us here. I've got one more day here before I have to go to England

what have you got to do in england? soph told me your races don't start until february

Just some admin, contract sort of stuff. My dad's meeting me there to talk through it all with Alpine and McLaren

sounds fancy, hope u have fun

Thanks, what about you? What have you been up to?

ah not much, writing songs, wrapping up hsm, that sorta stuff

What a life you live

ikr!!!

Anyways, I think I better head to sleep, speak to you soon Liv

night jake (:

Goodnight Liv

ENSTONE, OXFORDSHIRE. JANUARY 2023.

After a final day in Monaco, Jacob left Thierry and flew out to England where he met his dad. The two of them drove to the Alpine headquarters where all the admin had to be ironed out.

"Excited kid?" Jacob's dad asked him, his Australian accent prominent.

Jacob nodded, he was excited, but he was also nervous. He hoped it would all go well, it would be an amazing early birthday present if he could get a glimpse of the F1 world next season.

He sat nervously in the plush conference room at Alpine's headquarters, his heart pounding with anticipation.

Seated beside him was his father, Marcus Thompson, who had been instrumental in guiding Jacob's racing career from the beginning. Even when he was halfway across the world from his son, he would still be supporting and aiding him in his career. Together, they listened intently as representatives from Alpine and McLaren outlined their respective offers. A representative from McLaren was also there, purely because Jacob was a driver in their development programme, meaning they wanted a say in his future.

"We're delighted to offer you the position of reserve driver for the upcoming season," began the Alpine team principal, his voice carrying a note of authority, "you've shown immense talent and potential, and we believe you have what it takes to succeed at the highest level."

Jacob's heart swelled with pride at the words, but his attention was soon drawn to the McLaren representative seated across the table.

"We've recognised Jacob's talent from an early age, hence why he is part of our driver development programme," said the McLaren representative, a note of sincerity in his voice, "we want a clause in the contract that allows Jacob to join McLaren if and when we see fit. We believe he has a bright future ahead of him, and we want to ensure he has the best opportunities to succeed."

Jacob exchanged a glance with his father, a silent conversation passing between them.

Marcus cleared his throat, his voice steady as he addressed the room. "We appreciate the offers and the faith you've shown in Jacob's abilities."

After careful consideration and extensive negotiations, Jacob and his father, reached a decision. They would accept Alpine's offer for Jacob to become their reserve driver for the upcoming season, with the provision that McLaren had the opportunity to recall Jacob to their team if they deemed it necessary during the season. What they had negotiated was that if McLaren didn't propose an offer for Jacob to join them by the end of the season, Jacob would be free to cut ties with the driver development academy and search for another contract.

As they finalised the details of the contract, Jacob felt a surge of gratitude towards his father, whose unwavering support and guidance had been crucial in navigating the complex world of Formula 1 negotiations.

He was ready for this season, he was eager to prove himself in the pre-season testing with Alpine to not only try and win a seat for a race but also knowing that McLaren were casting a watchful eye over him, monitoring him and seeing if he would be ready for them next season.

As he left the Alpine HQ, he was approached by journalists, they were asking him all sorts of questions, overwhelming him slightly. His father quickly answered them before ushering Jacob to the car.

"Welcome to the world of Formula One." his father said. "It's going to be like that all the time, better get used to it kid."

Jacob nodded, he had been media trained slightly, but it was obvious he still had some things to learn.

Alpine Racing Signs Rising Star Jacob Thompson as Reserve Driver for 2023 Season

In an exciting development for the world of motorsport, Alpine Racing has announced the signing of talented young driver Jacob Thompson as their reserve driver for the upcoming 2023 Formula 1 season. The 19-year-old prodigy, soon to celebrate his 20th birthday, joins the Alpine fold following a string of impressive performances in the junior racing categories.

Hailing from Australia but spending most of his time growing up in England, Jacob Thompson has rapidly emerged as one of the brightest prospects in the motorsport world, with a glittering track record that belies his young age. After honing his skills in karting, Thompson made the leap to single-seaters, where he quickly made his mark with Prema Racing in the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships after a season with Carlin in Formula 4.

In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Jacob Thompson clinched back-to-back championship titles in successive seasons, capturing the Formula 3 championship in 2021 before storming to victory in the ultra-competitive Formula 2 series in 2022. His impressive performances on the track have earned him widespread acclaim and caught the attention of Formula 1 teams eager to secure his services, with McLaren already having him on their driver development programme.

Now, Thompson embarks on the next chapter of his racing journey as he joins Alpine Racing as their reserve driver for the 2023 season. As part of Alpine, Thompson will have the opportunity to work closely with the Formula 1 team, gaining valuable experience and insights into the highest level of motorsport.

Commenting on the signing, Alpine Racing Team Principal remarked. "We are thrilled to welcome Jacob Thompson to the Alpine family. Jacob has demonstrated exceptional talent and determination throughout his junior racing career, and we believe he has the potential to make a significant impact in Formula 1. As our reserve driver, Jacob will play a crucial role in supporting the team both on and off the track, and we look forward to seeing him develop and flourish in the season to come."

For Jacob Thompson, the opportunity to join Alpine Racing represents a significant milestone in his racing career. "Jacob is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Alpine Racing as their reserve driver." said Thompson's father. "It has been a lifelong dream of his to compete in Formula 1, and he is thrilled to take this next step towards achieving that goal. We are both excited to work with the team and learn from their wealth of experience and expertise. I am certain Jacob is fully committed to giving his all and contributing to the success of Alpine Racing in the upcoming season."

As Jacob Thompson prepares to embark on his Formula 1 journey with Alpine Racing, the motorsport world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in his remarkable rise to stardom. With his talent, determination, and unwavering passion for racing, Thompson is poised to make a lasting impression on the sport and etch his name into Formula 1 history.