I risked everything to make the move to Europe. It was a simple fact that has bothered me for my whole career. Don't get me wrong I love my home in Pennsylvania but I have a dream. One that can see me making history. Now would be a good time for me to introduce myself. My name is Lexi Andretti. I am the granddaughter of Mario and the daughter of Michael. Like my brother Marco, I am a third-generation race car driver. There is just one thing that separates my abilities from my older brother's. Since moving to Europe I was able to hone my talent in categories that could lead to a career in Formula 1 or Formula E. At this point, I'd be happy with either. But first I have to contend with the junior categories. First I have to get through my last race as a W series driver then I will be joining Art Grand Prix for the 2022 season. For some reason they wanted me to team up with Theo Pourchaire. To be honest it doesn't matter who I am teamed up with so long as I am in with a chance at winning the Formula 2 championship.

"Lexi. You're thinking too much," My lead engineer pulls me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah well, I have a lot to think about," I retort. In fact, I have my whole future to think about.

"Why don't you think about beating Jamie and Alice," He says as he writes some notes down. Fair. It should be an easy start since there are only six points separating me, Jamie and Alice. I also have the advantage of starting on pole. Still, it is not going to be an easy task. I am going to have to defend like a mad man to keep Jamie behind me. There is also another advantage that I have. The last race is at the circuit of the Americas. That makes it my home Grand Prix.

"I have been all week. Plus I don't want to think about the race right now in case anything goes wrong," I explain. With that out of the way, I am given permission to get my gloves and helmet on. It doesn't take long for me to get comfortable in the car. After four minutes of waiting. A single red light has come on to signify the start of the formation lap. Here goes. I get to work on leading the pack of cars around the track. I take mental notes along the way of where things can go wrong and things that I can do about it. After a minute of making notes, I bring the car to a stop in the first grid position. After a couple of seconds of waiting the last car slots into place and the five lights come on one by one. Pause. Lights out. As soon as I notice the lights go out I launch the car. It doesn't take long for me to notice that Jamie is on my gearbox. To be honest that's what I expected.

"Ok Lexi, that was a good start. Make sure you defend like a lion," My lead engineer says via the radio.

"Copy. That is the plan," I retort. I intend to win the championship. I notice that Jamie has set herself up to overtake. I make my move. It is tense but I am able to keep Jamie behind me. After what feels like an eternity of defending the race has come down to the last corner. Jamie makes one last attempt to get past me. Again it is close but I make it around the corner ahead. Now it is just a drag race. It doesn't take long for Jamie to pull alongside. Come on. Jamie and I cross the line. The thing is I won't know if my car was ahead or not unless someone tells me.

"Lexi you've won," My lead engineer jumps on the radio to inform me of the outcome.

"How close was it?" I ask. I am shocked. I cannot believe what I am hearing.

"One-millionth of a second," He responds. That must be the closest win in W series history. Maybe even in Formula racing. It has been a few months since the race at the circuit of the Americas and I am feeling a little apprehensive. The reason why is because it is the start of my formula 2 career. Right now I am wandering through the paddock on my way to the Art Grand Prix garage. In case you are wondering, I am looking forward to the season. It's just the fact that I am going to have to adjust to the car. I am pulled out of my thoughts by the force of someone pushing me over. I hit the ground a little hard.

"I am sorry about that. I should have been watching where I was going," The man remarks as he offers his hand.

"Honestly I wasn't watching where I was going either," I flustered my way through a response as I took the man up on his offer. With one swift yank, I am back on my feet.

"My name is Felipe," the man introduces himself.

"Lexi. Anyway, I should get going," I say to get myself out of the awkward situation. Don't get me wrong he seems like a nice person but I have a job to do. I might run into him after we are done for the day. With that out of the way, I do a runner. It doesn't take long for me to make it to the garage where I am met by Theo, his lead engineer and my lead engineer. Again the brief is quite quick since Theo and I are going to do the bulk of the work tomorrow. With the boring stuff out of the way, I find myself in the garage proper. I am waiting for the mechanics to finish whatever it is that they are doing. The more I wait the more the apprehension grows. I really wish that I came here a little later as I was too early. Not that it matters too much.

After five minutes of waiting, the time has come. Well here goes. After a quick gesture from the lead mechanic, I got to work on getting the car around the track. It doesn't take long for me to establish a rhythm. To my surprise, everything feels smooth. After a few hours of work the first day of testing has come to an end. Right now I am on my way through the paddock. The good thing about today is the fact that I am feeling a little more confident about my Formula 2 endeavour. I feel the hairs on my neck stand on end.

"It's rude to stare," I remark as Felipe catches up.

"Anyway, what can I do for you?" There has got to be a reason why he was watching me.

"Nothing. I've just come to apologise to you again. I also want to ask if it is true," Felipe explains. I get the feeling that he is hinting toward my last name.

"What's true?" I ask, tilting my head with curiosity. This situation is proving to be interesting.

"The fact that you're the Granddaughter of Mario Andretti," There we go. The first mention of my Grandfather.

"Yes, but he has nothing to do with the fact that I went into motorsports. In fact, it is my brother's fault," I respond with a hint of annoyance. I hate the fact that everyone assumes they know my story. The look on Felipe's face changes as if he is showing a little remorse for his curiosity.

"But don't worry. You were just curious," I catch him off guard with the change of tone. We spend the last few minutes of our walk through the paddock chatting. Felipe seems like the kind of guy that I could trust if anything goes wrong. The same goes for Theo. I just hope that I can show the rest of the grid that I am more than just another Andretti.