Apex Heart

Maria De Oliveira, a rising motorsport journalist, lands her dream assignment covering Apex Racing for the 2026 Formula 1 season—the team her brother Lucas now leads as team principal. Her focus: defending world champion Gunther “Sputnik” Schneider, a German-Australian driver renowned for ruthless precision, minimal words, and zero tolerance for distraction.
From the first Bahrain test, sparks fly during their tense, electric interview. Gunther’s ice-blue control cracks just enough—dry humor, a rare half-smile—leaving Maria intrigued and unsettled. Lucas warns her off: Gunther eliminates anything that threatens focus, no exceptions. Maria vows professionalism, but the paddock’s long hours, shared glances across the pit wall, and quiet moments after races erode every boundary.
As the season unfolds—new regulations, fierce battles, Monza glory, Las Vegas drama—their connection deepens into something undeniable. Gunther begins dedicating wins to her, first subtly, then openly. Public kisses on the pit wall, private promises of a life beyond the circuit. Lucas, protective yet proud, finally gives his blessing.
Gunther claims a dominant double championship. In the epilogue, one year later in quiet Cascais, Portugal, he proposes on a sunlit terrace overlooking the sea. Maria says yes. The champion who chased first place his entire life has finally found the only victory that matters: forever with her.