Chapter Text
Abu Dhabi, UAE. December 2024
“There it is! Keith Kogane is your new World Champion!”
Cameras flash, leaving white spots in Keith’s eyes. The mass of people in front of him, clad in violet and black, roar as he raises the glimmering silver trophy above his head. His dark hair still sticks to the back of his neck with desert air-dried sweat from the final race of the season, and his adrenaline is still high from scraping through the final laps of the race to clinch the championship. He forces a smile, lowers the heavy trophy to press his lips to it.
They’re chanting his name. He can feel the eyes of spectators from around the world through the unblinking lenses of the broadcast cameras, all pointed in his direction. Gold confetti rains down, fireworks explode in purple and red along the perimeter of Yas Marina Circuit.
This is everything he’s ever wanted.
He’s never felt more empty.
bbc.com/sport/formula1/26318
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Keith Kogane crowned champion after his teammate and rival’s horrible crash the race prior
🕓 01 December 2024 - 💬 3,478 comments
[Image of Keith on the podium, kissing his trophy, his face mostly hidden]
The fate of the championship seemed decided only a week ago - Takashi Shirogane has been leading the championship over the course of the season, with his teammate and close friend, Keith Kogane breathing down his neck. However, it all came apart in a single second, when an uncharacteristic error made Shirogane lose control of his car, and careen into the barriers at a breakneck speed.
Our sources have revealed that Shirogane is recovering relatively well from the crash, however a shrapnel from the barrier lodged in his right arm caused complications. We do not yet know whether the shrapnel will have complications in his recovery, and whether Shirogane can return to racing next season, if at all.
Kogane has been one to watch out for since his debut 7 years ago, at the young age of 17 - the youngest driver this sport has ever seen. He’s unquestionably talented and daring, however he’s been known to be rash and too optimistic during overtakes, borderline in his moves.
He was trailing Shirogane by 50 points at the start of last week’s race, and after the red flag following the crash, went on to win the race. With winning the final race of the season, the two teammates tied on points, but the countback fell in favour of Kogane, crowning him champion of the world for the first time.
When asked to comment on his championship, Kogane simply said “I had a dream come true”, however he didn’t elaborate, even when prompted. Blade team principal, Kolivan, stated that he is happy for Kogane, although he wishes the circumstances were different for [Kogane’s] own sake.
The season finale was not without excitement - in the absence of Shirogane, reserve driver Regris filled in, and Altea’s golden boy, McClain, claimed the second spot on the first row during qualifying. McClain put up a valiant fight, chasing Kogane until the first pit stops, however a slow pit stop saw his race undone, dropping to 4th before climbing his way past Galra’s Sendak and [Lotor] Zarkon, claiming the second step of the podium in the end.
The prize giving gala will be held in Paris on the 13th of December, marking the end of the 2024 season before the winter break. Formula 1 will return on the 14th of March, in Melbourne, Australia, for the 2025 season opener.
See comments
skysports.uk.co/f1/article/70260
BREAKING NEWS: Altea’s Katie Holt to replace Takashi Shirogane at Blade!
🕓 18 December 2024 - 💬 872 comments
In shocking news, it was announced today that Katie Holt will be driving alongside reigning champion Keith Kogane for the 2025 season.
Following the accident of 5-time champion Takashi Shirogane, the constructor champion team found themselves with an open seat. It was heavily debated in the past weeks since the accident, whether Shirogane can return to racing, however it was announced a few days after the season finale that he will be retiring from racing altogether. Sources have claimed that it has to do with his arm injury sustained in the crash, but we do not know the severity of the injury.
Blade team principal, Kolivan answered the following when asked who will fill the seat of Shirogane:
“We have our options, both inside our driver pool and outside it.”
It seems we now have our answer: Katie Holt, 2-time race winner will pair alongside Kogane for at least the 2025 season.
[Image of Katie Holt on the top step of the podium in Monza, in the 2023 season]
Holt stepped up to Formula 1 after an impressive climb through the junior ranks in 2022, debuting with Garrison Racing. She made the jump to the main team the following year, partnering with Lance McClain for the past two seasons. It has not yet been announced who will fill the seat next to McClain for 2025.
Altea Racing @AlteaRacing
[A blue image with the following white text:
We are pleased to announce that Lotor Zarkon will be racing alongside Lance McClain for the 2025 season. We believe that this will be a partnership that will be harmonious and fruitful.]
10:00 AM - Jan 3, 2025
Altea Racing @AlteaRacing
Welcome to the team, Lotor! 💙
Hear from our team principal and drivers here → altearacing.com/videos/3ns8aaj9
11:00 AM - Jan 3, 2025
r/formula1 - 2 hr. ago
tracktales82
Lotor Zarkon to be teammates with Lance McClain. thoughts?
honestly, I don’t think this will work. why would they put two top-tier drivers in the same team? sure their car might be good, and they might have good drivers, but it doesn’t mean shit if the pitwall is asleep.
⬆️ 1.4k ⬇️ 💬 459
fastlanelance
I never liked Lotor personally, I really don’t get what Allura was thinking with that one. I don’t have a good feeling about this.
BloodHound26
me either, why the hell would he go from daddy’s team to another??
MotorMania6391
well they’re either gonna obliterate the grid or each other
chronodrummer
u/MotorMania6391 that shit goes to r/fanf1ction
RatBastard96
good for them, finally a decent driver, mcclain cant drive for shit. i have no idea how hes still driving
PidgeonCall5
you have no idea how a 6-time winner is still in the sport? im sad for you, truly