Luca tried to shake off the frustration as he entered the 40th lap, Kristensen's rear distant enough to crush any last hope of reclaiming position. Now, he was left to defend P6 with Walding pressing persistently from behind.
The weight of his recent setback hung over him, clouding his focus. The problem wasn't just losing ground—it was the sudden sense of vulnerability that came with it. Luca felt the control slipping, like he was no longer in command. Now, it seemed he was just driving not for victory, but for redemption.
Breaking the news to Ansel about his fall from position was out of the question. With just two laps left, Luca figured Ansel would be in a tightly focused state, and the last thing he wanted was to distract him with his own dismay. Instead, he kept his line precise through George Park, minimizing any room for error, while Mr. Moritz calmly discussed the situation over the radio.
[41st Lap]