Chapter Text
Everyone involved in Formula 1 were familiar with the Hamilton Grid Family. Wherever Lewis Hamilton went, his bundle of Grid Kids would never be far behind. Whether it be Max, Charles, Estaban, Pierre, Lando or George; one of them was normally close.
Whilst it may not be an ideal family, it was their perfect one.
So when Lewis was relaxing at his home in England, imagine his surprise when he received a call from his lawyer.
"What's wrong?" He asked immediately, ignoring the stare Lando sent from his position on Lewis' sofa.
"When was the last time you were in contact with Christopher Wallis?" His lawyer diverted. Lewis blinked in confusion, "Chris? Uh- about a week ago maybe? He said he's coming to Silverstone next month." The driver explained. The clicking of a computer sounded over the phone and Lewis didn't enjoy the waiting.
Lando could see the worry on his Grid Dad's face and immediately sent a text to the groupchat. Everyone else had stayed an extra day or two in Spain, but the British trio decided to return home as soon as possible. George was currently visiting his family, hence why Lando was the only one present for Lewis' phone call.
"Okay a week ago. Did he ever mention his son? Anything about you taking care of him?" The lawyer increased Lewis' confusion as he failed to answer any of his lingering questions.
The man thought about his friend and their previous conversations, "Of course I've met his son, he's a nice kid. Can you just tell me what the hell is going on?" Lewis snapped. A sigh lingered over the phone and tickled Lewis' ear in an uncomfortable manner.
"I am regretfully informing you that Christopher Wallis passed away yesterday afternoon. I was contacted an hour ago by his lawyer and in Mr Wallis' will he has stated that his son to be taken into your custody." His lawyer continued speaking, but his words were beyond Lewis' recognition.
Christopher Wallis was a dear friend of Lewis'. They had karted together as kids and climbed through the ranks side-by-side, despite Christopher leaving F1 after only two seasons so he could raise his son. The two friends had stayed in contact and hung out as often as they could. So, for someone to tell Lewis that he had lost his friend- what could he say?
He had barely managed to process the fact that a poor boy lost his father and now Christopher wanted him to take care of his child. Lewis couldn't even remember how old he was, but how could he look after a kid?
When Max was 17, Lewis had barely known how to help him and now he had a whole group of so-called 'kids'. But that was easy. Lewis knew that these guys were still adults and could fend for themselves, and their relationship was formed out of a want- not a necessity.
Whereas this actual, living child needed someone to take care of him. In no way did Lewis feel qualified to take on that responsibility.
The McLaren driver could see the stress on his elder's face. He moved slightly to catch his eye, making Lewis jump out of his daze. Lando froze as he became uncertain of what Lewis needed, even if he couldn't offer much.
Thankfully, the older driver stretched out an arm and gestured for Lando to come closer and he didn't need any further prompt. He raced across the room and bundled under Lewis' arm, hugging the man as some sort of comfort.
Lewis' lawyer was still talking and abruptly cut off as the driver turned his phone off. "Are you okay? Did something happen? I messaged the others-" The older chuckled hollowly.
"Thank you. Lando, do you remember Christopher Wallis?" He asked quietly. Lando paused momentarily, thinking the name over in his head.
"He raced with you didn't he? At Mclaren." He answered.
Lewis nodded, "Yeah that's right. 2008 and 2009, then he left racing to take care of his son," He paused, thinking about when they were teammates as well as friends.
"That was my lawyer. Chris passed away yesterday and he put in his will that he wanted me to have custody of his son." Saying the words out loud made it all the more real for the Mercedes driver. Lando hugged him tighter, seeing his eyes glaze over and his breathing become shaky.
George chose that moment to stumble through the door, having rushed over after finishing seeing his family. He rushed over to the pair and flicked on the kettle behind them, "You normally give us tea to make us feel better, so we will make you tea." He declared, placing a hand on his teammate's shoulder.
They shared a small laugh, having lost count of the amount of times Lewis had hid them away in his driver's room and given them tea as they talked about their worries. Who would've guessed that their roles had changed?
A ding echoed in the room and a lengthy text appeared on Lewis' phone screen. His lawyer had sent, in detail, all the information Lewis needed to know and read over.
It ended with the big question: Was Lewis going to legally adopt this kid?