"F1" (2025)

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OVER DARKNESS

We hear the ocean.

In a cramped space, a SLEEPING FIGURE, headphones on. Then dimly, a dull echo. BAM-BAM-BAM. An anxious young ENGINEER bangs on a window: signaling five fingers. The OCEAN SOUNDS stop.

A pair of legs swing from the bed, revealing two MISMATCHED SOCKS and a DRIVER’S JUMPSUIT unzipped to the waist...as a classic rock drumbeat kicks in.

A BAG OF ICE is dumped in a bucket. Seen from behind, the Driver dunks his face. He grabs a PB&J SANDWICH off a stack, does a dozen pull-ups on a ceiling bar. Wearing a rusted MEDALLION, he fastens his racing kit--

--and removes a vintage WATCH to leave behind...beside a DECK OF CARDS and a small framed PHOTO. He shuffles the deck, does a one-handed cut, takes the top CARD to tuck into a pocket, grabs his HELMET and exits--

--into ABSOLUTE CHAOS, as we meet SONNY HAYES (54): rugged, fit, determined. Passing MECHANICS hauling bodywork, ENGINEERS with data tablets, ASSISTANTS bringing news--

He splits more MECHANICS rolling TIRE CARRIERS, and is approached by a PRETTY FAN, MOLLY in a BMW CAP--

She hands back the cap.

He heads on, throws the cap onto a pile of hats with FIVE RIVAL LOGOS, as he crosses into--

--where a MECHANIC TEAM sleeps in chairs. Sonny grabs a cup of coffee, focused on pit lane beyond.

A sweat-stained Team Boss, CHIP HART, (55, Orlando beer gut) sits at a bank of monitors and argues with his STRATEGY DIRECTOR (40)--

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--as Sonny joins them, revealing the edge of a lit-up RACE TRACK.

Sonny looks out at the track. Reads the situation in an instant. Shakes his head, and sighs -- (mock) gravely.

SUDDENLY -- TWELVE MECHANICS swarm, taking up positions as a PORSCHE GT3R decelerates, stopping RIGHT ON MARKS--

--as Sonny jumps the wall, meeting exhausted PATRICK LONG (45) who climbs out and sheds helmet--

Sonny straps on his helmet, kneels next to the car for a moment -- like a ritual. He climbs in, locks his safety harness and BLASTS FROM PIT LANE, accelerating the parallel road as it joins the track--

--to immediately join the fray of battle, VEERING through an IMPOSSIBLE GAP between a cluster of RACE CARS. Stuck there mid-pack, the first WIDE TURN is coming--

--and while two cars BRAKE, Sonny holds his speed, as he shoots the gap between them with only a paint job to spare.

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IN SONNY’S CAR: OIL from a car ahead SPLATTERS his windscreen as he careens the banked curve, G-forces SHUDDERING.

INTO THE INTERNATIONAL HORSESHOE: Where Sonny’s Porsche SLIDES on slick pavement, but he manages to recover just in time to duck past the LEXUS just ahead--

ENTERING THE DOGLEG: Where Sonny SLINGSHOTS past a pair of cars on the outside, SLIDING once more as he barely gets by--

IN PIT LANE: Team reacts to the near-collision on SCREENS:

SCREAMING AROUND THE WEST HORSESHOE: Sonny sees two CARS touch, BOUNCE wide apart -- and he ACCELERATES to SPLIT THEM--

Engineer grimaces, watches the Porsche CLIMB a position on the GTD-class Leaderboard, from 3rd up to 2nd...

ON THE BACK SUPERSTRETCH: Sonny guns it FULL THROTTLE, WHIZZING by lower-competition-class cars right and left.

BLASTING THE FRONT STRETCH: Where a BMW M4 GT3 WEAVES to block his pursuit, so Sonny ACCELERATES right onto its rear--

FOR A BUMP-AND-GRIND: His Porsche makes CONTACT, nudging the BMW forward as if they’re joined. Sonny FIGHTS to hang on, gently pushing it wider--

--and as it MOVES FURTHER WIDE, Sonny PULLS ALONGSIDE, BODYWORK SCRAPING, wheel to wheel as they pass pit lane.

Chip Hart watches with the third driver, CALE KELSO (22).

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APPROACHING FIRST BANK as FIREWORKS SUDDENLY EXPLODE over the track: Sonny GUNS it, unfazed by the distraction, holding position as the BMW DRIVER fights -- and Sonny turns to stare him down, not even watching the road, just feeling the cars grinding. BMW Driver DIGS IN--

--and now for the first time, Sonny BRAKES -- baiting his opponent into heading TOO FAST into the turn -- forced to overcorrect, SPIN OUT and PINWHEEL into infield grass!

Sonny BLASTS BY camped-out FANS who go crazy, including a trio of shirtless YAHOOS with their oil drum bonfire, raising triumphant beers and rebel yells as FIREWORKS CLIMAX...

IN SONNY'S CAR: Locked in, still hungry, looking for more.

First rays glow orange off the steaming asphalt, as the GT3 decelerates in, completely battered. Mechanics swarm...

Sonny staggers out, exhausted from combat.

Cale Kelso claps Sonny’s shoulder:

He climbs behind the wheel. Sonny pulls off his helmet, leans down to Cale’s level with a smile:

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VROOM! Cale hits the gas, back in the race...we follow Sonny back to the garage. Chip claps him on the back--

-- Sonny signals an ASSISTANT for a water bottle. As he downs the whole thing, the angry BMW DRIVER comes charging down pit lane, chased by his own Mechanics--

-- Sonny grabs a wrench off a tool cart, spins with it, still hydrating...only to see Mechanics bearhug the other Driver and walk him out of harm’s way.

Sonny drops the wrench back in the cart, keeps walking, takes his headphones back from the Assistant:

He dons the headphones, hits “Ocean Slumber”. As calming WAVES drown out the race track, Sonny disappears down the corridor, back towards his van, and he’s gone.

BANG! Confetti cannons go crazy. Cale Kelso and Patrick Long celebrate with Chip Hart. The entire team dances on the podium, until Chip surveys...

O.S. sounds of celebration. Chip rounds back in with a driver’s TROPHY, to see Sonny in street clothes, packing up his gear bag.

Sonny stuffs his helmet in. Zips it.

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Chip holds out the trophy but Sonny demurs.

Sonny just shrugs.

Sonny exits the garage complex, an envelope in his hand, with Chip hustling after:

Sonny heads out, leaving Chip with his consolation prize.

Sonny unfolds a tattered paper US MAP across his table and traces a route to MEXICO. Clipped to the map is an ad for an open driver position in the BAJA 1000. He adds notes with a pen.

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A hangdog bear of a Spaniard appears standing next to him: tailored suit, no tie. This is RUBEN CERVANTES (55).

Ruben gives him a bear hug.

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Sonny plays a game of pinball while he and other patrons wait for their laundry. Ruben stands next to him, not enjoying the seedy environs.

Sonny scores a bonus.

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Sonny stops, looks at Ruben and bursts out laughing (you’re outta your mind).

Sonny showers in a stall. Ruben stands outside, still pitching him:

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Sonny and Ruben finish up their dinner.

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Ruben puts down an AIRLINE TICKET and an old MAGAZINE on the counter: on the cover, a 24-year-old Sonny, in 90s racing gear. A 26-year-old Ruben, in the same team kit, right beside him. Brothers in arms. Photo caption: “The Rising Stars of F1.”

Sonny looks at the photo of himself. Smiling out of the past.

This lands with Sonny. *

SONNY * And we both know how that ended... *

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Ruben gets up to leave.

Ruben heads towards the door then turns and points at Sonny.

And with a smile he’s out the door.

Sonny looks at the magazine and ticket Ruben gave him.

A WAITRESS (45) sets down A SLICE OF CHERRY PIE.

She heads off. Sonny digs in, takes a first bite...

She comes back over.

He sits there.. Slowly, he smiles. A roaring. -GROWING INTO-

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SOARING OVER a lush green landscape, picking up a ribbon of asphalt as a black-and-gold F1 RACE CAR WHIPS INTO FRAME...

ZZZAM! ZZZAM! It CORNERS like a demon, suctioned to the track, SPITTING SPARKS as it comes out of a turn. ANGLE ROCKETS alongside as it accelerates a straight--

The car GOES FLYING toward a chicane, riding the G-forces one way, then the other, then ERUPTING from the exit--

The Driver adjusts dial on steering wheel to Strat 2, the car blasting by a PIT LANE that’s empty except for two RACE BAYS--

QUICK HITS: BANKS OF MONITORS track telemetry, timing data, and ten thousand sensors on the car like it’s a NASA project. A DOZEN ENGINEERS with headsets on, each focused on a specific component: Power Unit, Battery, Tires, Brakes, Suspension, Wings, Floor, Airflow, Fuel.

ZZAM! ZZAM! The car WHIPS around two turns, SPARKS FLYING. It GUNS it for a long sweeping turn--

As the car enters Maggots and Becketts, the car’s aero setup betrays it, WOBBLING with an OVERSTEER that takes the car toward the barrier. Its driver desperately CORRECTS, which fishtails it the other way. SMOKE spits from locking tires.

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IN THE RACE BAY: MONITOR DATA goes RED in a cascade, noting the underperformance. The Technical Director, KATE MCKENNA (40), Irish, removes her headset and sighs:

Behind her stands her boss, Team Principal KASPAR SMOLINSKI (50), a pragmatic Polish wet blanket.

A squadron of MECHANICS dolly the car backwards into a space- age garage, labeled “APX GP, a Division of Cervantes Capital Group.” The driver emerges, sheds his helmet, to meet JOSHUA PEARCE (25). Kaspar CLAPS hands--

As Joshua turns for Engineering, he has to tangle with a cord which a shy mechanic JODIE (25) has attached-- she fixes, backpedals -- but collides with another MECHANIC carrying a TOOL TRAY. Joshua dodges falling wrenches.

Jodie wants to dissolve.

Joshua greets Chief Mechanic KARIMU “DODGE” DAUDA (43, Ghanaian) as he heads to Kate’s console to study DATA SCREENS, clearly frustrated.

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Kate has to take that on the chin.

Joshua exhales in frustration.

They turn to see Kaspar has brightened: at the sight of an Austrian blonde ex-model, LIESL (39), entering the garage with two blonde YOUNG KIDS.

The kids run straight for Joshua’s car. Kaspar raises his DAUGHTER in the air with pride, then places her in the cockpit like it’s a coin-op machine. Joshua and Kate look gutted:

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Kaspar leans over Dodge.

APEX PUBLICIST, LISBETH BAMPTON (30s) approaches Joshua.

Joshua’s Manager and childhood friend, JACOB “CASH” HUDSON (30), pulls Joshua aside.

This dawns on him. A moment.

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Across the room, the blond girl bounces in the cockpit, while her brother climbs on the front tire. Liesl’s doing a private photo shoot:

As the kids climb all over the car -- Ruben steps into the garage. Spotting the boss, Kaspar shoos his guests out:

All follow...to see SONNY HAYES hop the fence into the pit lane.

He’s got his gearbag and helmet. Raises a hand in a casual wave. Mechanics and engineers turn...to see Ruben smiling.

Ruben dashes out to meet Sonny:

Ruben wraps an arm around, walks him back to his team:

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Ruben brushes over the tension - continues introductions:

And there’s tension immediately...

Looks of surprise...

It takes a beat for that to land on Joshua. Then,

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Kaspar takes Ruben aside.

Sonny casts Ruben a look.

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THUMP. Sonny plants his helmet on the center console and steps to inspect the black-and-gold prototype. Kate trails:

Dodge brings out a pre-fabricated seat. *

JOSHUA * Bruv, it’s been a minute since you’ve * driven here. The balance on these cars * are tricky. Watch out for Turn One and * Nine. Scary. Wouldn’t want you to get * hurt-- *

Sonny ignores him. *

KATE

He grabs his helmet and heads to prep. Ruben’s beaming. Kaspar stews beside Joshua and Kate.

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Jodie and MECHANICS surround the car, making final adjustments, venting exhaust, holding tire blankets in place.

Now in full race kit, Sonny ties his shoe revealing ODD * SOCKS. Kate notices. Sonny sees Kate looking at his socks. *

Sonny LOWERS into frame. Gets strapped in by Mechanics. His * hands grip the high-tech steering wheel...deep breath...and nods--

Dodge points at various buttons on a complex steering wheel. * Dodge takes Sonny through a map of the track on a screen. *

Sonny and Ruben share a look. *

Tire blankets whip off. Cables detach. Car lowers off jacks to touch floor.

Dodge points “go” fingers at Sonny and gives the “all-clear”. VROOOOOM! Like a dragon from a cave, Sonny accelerates onto the track...

Joshua joins Dodge, watching the car depart:

Kate takes her seat at the trackside monitors, alongside Kaspar and two Engineers, the clean-cut, very British HUGH NICKLEBY (30) and tough, brusque Mexican RICO FAZIO (45).

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Nickleby pulls up a TRACK MAP split into three sectors: ONE (33.14), TWO (35.08) and THREE (32.12). He impishly sets a 20- pound note on the console.

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Nickleby looks down to see his elbow on the “TALK” button.

IN SONNY’S CAR: Sonny’s focused on finding his brake points, getting a feel for the car on his warm-up laps.

IN SONNY’S CAR: Getting comfortable now. He ACCELERATES the back stretch, ZIPS final chicane, rounding for main straight--

ON FINAL EXIT: --where he OVERSTEERS, SLIDES, CORRECTS, SLIDES AGAIN...and ends up SPUN to a halt facing backwards.

IN SONNY’S CAR: He winces. Takes a moment.

ON TRACK: ...and FAST-PIVOTS the car back in the right direction, instantly ACCELERATING main straight, full throttle, like a THUNDERING STORM--

ON PIT WALL: --and BLASTS under the gantry past the team, as the TIMER starts clocking, digits in THOUSANDTHS flying by--

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TURN ONE: --as Sonny BRAKES as late as he can, WHIPS a sharp opening corner into a tricky CHICANE--

ECU DETAILS: FRONT WING gills vibrate from AERO FORCES buffeting through. A REAR SOFT TIRE takes G’s in a CORNER, spitting MARBLES OF RUBBER as it quickly degrades.

IN THE COCKPIT: Sonny strains as he fights the G’s, either full on the throttle or brake. There’s no coasting. The next turn upon him just as he’s clear of the last. And just as it seems he’s found an opening groove...

TURN SEVEN: He ZIPS a high-speed sweeping exit, and his front tires LOCK UP. A PUFF OF SMOKE as they drag -- the rear end wobbles -- he corrects and saves it--

ON PIT WALL: --but the Engineers react like it’s fatal--

END OF SECTOR STRAIGHT: --as Sonny’s car BLASTS BY a MARKER--

ON PIT WALL: the TIMER shows PRC 28.542. Sector 1 HYS 28.735 (+0.2s) on monitor LIGHTS UP RED. He’s two-tenths slow.

IN THE COCKPIT: Sonny grimaces, knowing that cost him. Grips the wheel as the next chicane comes--

ECU DETAILS: METAL FLOOR GUARD spits SPARKS as Sonny cuts a corner, STRIKING BUMPS marking roadway’s edge. REAR WING VIBRATES as he cuts the other way.

ON PIT WALL: Ruben’s gripped, watching ONBOARD CAMERA POV:

IN THE COCKPIT: Sonny focuses on the SHARP TURN ahead, brow perspiring, empty bleachers RIPPING BY in reflection--

SONNY'S POV: --as the CORNER’S upon him, about to collide--

ON PIT WALL: Under his breath...

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IN THE COCKPIT: --as Sonny BRAKES with full force, his MEDALLION snaps forward...as does his forehead perspiration -- to smack his visor, suddenly blurring his view--

ON MIDDLE CHICANE: --just as he navigates another tricky “S”, UNDERSTEERS and runs off-track, SNAP-TURNS to avoid a gravel pit, sending him into another LOCK-UP -- a long one -- as he SLIDES, battles the skid, just barely regains control--

ON PIT WALL: Where Engineers react -- disaster--

The timer shows PRC 37.059. Sector 2 HYS 37.448 (+0.4s) on monitor LIGHTS UP RED. Four-tenths too slow.

IN GARAGE: Joshua nudges Dodge, with a small smile.

ON HIGH-SPEED TURN: Sonny HUGS THE APEX of a full throttle left-hand sweeper, fighting the crush of sideways G’s--

ECU DETAILS: REAR WING FLEXES with the massive pressure. Hot air ROARS from the DIFFUSER exhaust. Tire rubber SIZZLES--

ON PIT WALL: Kate leans in, her creation under fire--

INTO FINAL CHICANE: --as Sonny WHIPSAWS the car left and right through curves, shaving corners for precious hundredths, perfectly suctioned to the track--

IN GARAGE: Watching the lap timer, Joshua’s smile fades...

IN THE COCKPIT: Sonny’s gaze locks on the final turns--

ON FINAL SLALOM: --as he RIDES a RIGHT-HAND SWEEPER into the FINAL STRAIGHT -- just as he crosses the timing line,Sonny goes wide onto the left curb, bottoms out, then snaps to the right, SMASHING into the barrier at the PIT WALL! Carbon SHRAPNEL flies through the fencing! SHEARING wings and sending tires BOUNCING...

ON PIT WALL: Ruben, Kate, Kaspar, Nickleby and Fazio LEAP UP.

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Sonny groans in pain,shit that hurt. He takes a beat before * pushing the radio button. *

Sonny climbs from the wreckage, unsteady but marveling. Mechanics come running as he clutches his back -- but gives a thumbs-up to signal OK...as Ruben and the Pit Wall group arrives.

Joshua and Kate react, he knows what he’s talking about.

Sonny looks at her.

He smiles, as if genuinely surprised. He walks off. Impressed, they watch him go. Dodge elbows Joshua,see, I told you.

Burna Boy plays as Joshua drifts onto the road in his AMG sports car. Cash rides in the passenger seat.

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This isn’t a fundamental concern of Joshua’s he has something heavier on his mind.

To establish.

Joshua tucks into the freshly fried plantain like he’s never eaten before. His mother, BERNADETTE, wipes the stove with a towel. Josh’s phone dings, he checks it to see an F1 NEWS * ALERT: “APX GP’s Future in Question”. He shakes his head, * puts down the phone. *

He finishes cleaning, they lean against the counter.

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Joshua laughs.

He’s destroyed. Quiet.

They smile at each other.

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AERIAL finds a vintage MERCEDES GALANDERWAGEN speeding down a winding road, quite a bit faster than it probably should...

...as Sonny slams the truck to a STOP at a rural intersection, blocked by a DOZEN COWS. An old FARMER tries to coax them down the narrow road.

A bell’s RING-RING turns him...as a CYCLIST comes cruising on a road bike at a speedy clip. Windbreaker, backpack. As she gets closer, Sonny realizes it’s Kate.

She gives a nod, slows only slightly as she weaves around the cows and rides off in the distance. Sonny remains.

Sonny finally pulls in...beside Kate locking up her bike.

DOORS SLIDE OPEN on a gleaming FACTORY FLOOR, where a hundred EMPLOYEES are busy working on car fabrication...

Entering with Ruben, Kaspar and Kate, Sonny shakes hands with Lisbeth.

Sonny moves on.

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Sonny’s in a promotional photo shoot in his APX GP race suit. He is slightly bemused by the process, Lisbeth and the photographer give instructions but Sonny refuses when asked to do any of the F1 driver “poses”.

Sixteen DATA ANALYSTS stand at tiered workstations, in a room of high-tech screens. Sonny greets RACE STRATEGIST, PIPPA LEGUIN (24), a friendly face with glasses and bangs.

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IN DOCU-FOOTAGE SHOTS: Young Sonny in a 90’s Lotus F1 uniform with Ruben, shots of them on the track, then recent footage of Sonny on vastly-different circuits across the globe...

A BANNER displays a brand-new PROMO IMAGE of Sonny and Joshua in Apex gear next to a full size Apex car.

Joshua arrives with Bernadette and Cash. They all stop to take in Sonny’s promo image now dueling his. Bernadette can’t help but marvel at Sonny -- he sure knows how to hang his Apex jumpsuit.

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Cash’s words land hard on Joshua. He steels himself for what’s to come.

REPORTERS are gathered for an intro PRESS CONFERENCE. Sonny and Joshua sit at a table of microphones.

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Sonny laughs, the crowd is charmed, and Cash is loving it in the wings. An energetic Englishman, DON CAVENDISH (65) addresses Sonny.

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Much amusement. At back of the audience, Kate, Ruben and Kaspar trade looks. Sonny turns to exit. Lisbeth hustles up to him.

Sonny exits, leaves by herself -- pulling her hair out in frustration.

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Sonny and Joshua are put through the paces of a BRUTAL THREE- WEEK TRAINING REGIMEN. But they take different approaches:

In the gym, Joshua does a VO2 Max Test, running on a high tech treadmill with an oxygen mask, as blood is drawn.

Outside, Sonny, wearing his HEADPHONES, runs the road that rings the factory.

Joshua faces an onslaught of SPONSOR EVENTS, PHOTOSHOOTS, FASHION SHOWS etc. Selfies with fans, etc.

Joshua battles a wall-mounted FLASH REFLEX TRAINER, slapping illuminated discs...while Sonny hangs upside-down, bouncing TENNIS BALLS off a wall to himself.

Joshua battles a state-of-the-art SIMULATOR, facing a giant CYCLORAMA SCREEN...while Sonny sits in a nighttime office, munching popcorn, watching RECENT F1 RACES, taking notes...

Sonny stares at the digital clock. 2:33am. He’s wide awake. * Quick cuts of Sonny doing his F1 workout, studying his race * prep materials, and flipping cards -- his personal * meditation. *

He’s wide awake too.

Silence. Morning mist hugs the green English landscape...as over a rise comes a COLUMN OF FANS, trudging with rucksacks, dressed in colors of Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes...

...RACE SUPPORT TRUCKS approach, RUMBLING the road beside them. A TRAVELING CONVOY arriving on Grand Prix Load-In Day.

The SUPPORT TRUCKS enter Track Complex, passing a sign: “RAF SILVERSTONE, Birthplace of the Formula 1 World Championship.”

The TRUCKS arrive at the paddock, as various MECHANIC TEAMS disembark and begin the long day’s load-in...

...while a lone figure sits atop the grandstand, in sweats, shorts and sneakers. Sonny reverently takes in the scene.

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Sonny laces up his SNEAKERS. He puts hand to pavement. Rubs marbled rubber between fingers. Then begins a morning run.

Midway through load-in, EQUIPMENT CRATES moving to and fro. Joshua arrives in street clothes with Bernadette and Cash.

They enter to greet Dodge and Mechanics -- just as Sonny runs past down pit lane, drenched in sweat.

ZAM-ZAM-ZAM! F1 RACE CARS fly past in a DEAFENING BARRAGE. FANS fill stands. GRAPHIC:BRITISH GRAND PRIX - SILVERSTONE.

ON VIDEO SCREEN: three CARS stop at Parc Fermé posts labeled P1, P2, P3. Three legacy team DRIVERS emerge and wave...

ANGLE BACK FROM TV, to find Dodge, Jodie and Mechanics working on Sonny’s car...while Sonny SITS INSIDE IT, in street clothes, practicing “finger drop” paddle starts, HEADPHONES on, GLOVES on.

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42 OMITTED 42 *

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MUSIC RISES. Sonny takes the VINTAGE WATCH off his wrist, sets it beside the (unseen) photo frame. He pulls off his shirt, revealing a long-faded SURGICAL SCAR down his back...

QUICK CUTS: Two MISMATCHED SOCKS. The Apex JUMPSUIT snapped in place over his medallion. The top PLAYING CARD taken off the deck and tucked into a pocket.

Sonny turns to find Ruben in a business suit and smile.

Joshua sits facing a mirror, going through a lap in his head. Cash plays an F1 racing game, Bernadette sits on a couch.

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We take notice of Sonny, still a distance away, but drawing nearer.

Sonny’s right there now, heading past.

Bernadette elbows Joshua - meaning “actually apologize”.

Sonny’s a ways off now.

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ANGLE TRACKS the row of DRIVERS, all standing for “God Save the King.” At the end of the line, Joshua and Sonny stand side by side. Steely-eyed and focused, Joshua faces straight ahead...as JETS SOAR OVERHEAD, trailing red white and blue smoke...Ruben walks and talks with LAWRENCE STROLL. [ALT: Ruben and Banning walk and talk with LAWRENCE STROLL.]

Kate, Kaspar, Nickleby and Fazio take command post seats. Kaspar looks up high to the Paddock Club, waving to his kids and Liesl (who barely notices). Then he unpeels a raw ONION and takes a bite. His colleagues are appalled:

Don Cavendish scuttles by.

He chortles past. Joshua surveys the stands. The bastard’s right.

The Apex cars are side by side (P21 and P22). GRID-PASS VIPs are departing as Sonny heads over to find Ruben with PETER BANNING (38), an Oxford VC type.

Sonny reads the situation before Ruben has time to expand.

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Sonny duly shakes hands. Part of the gig he doesn’t miss.

Sonny moves away.

Ruben mouths “thank you” as he leads Banning away. Sonny puts on his helmet and kneels next to the car, closing his eyes for a moment. Jodie notices from her position next to the right front tire.

Joshua puts on his balaclava, glancing at the remaining celebs and media being cleared off the grid, when a WOMAN (20s) catches his eye. Stylishly dressed, intelligent eyes, she corrals a group of executives towards the exit. For one moment, she looks his way, smiles, and then she’s gone. Joshua’s eyes focus back ahead.

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Sonny sits in his car, taking it all in. He shakes his head. *

SONNY * (to himself) * What the hell are you doing Sonny? * You’re out of your mind. *

A CLOCK advances to “12:00,” triggering FIVE GREEN LIGHTS...

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ON TRACK: The twenty two cars begin their lap, pulling away like a daisy chain...except for Sonny, whose car hasn’t budged.

IN SONNY’S CAR: No panic. He adjusts settings on his wheel.

ON PIT WALL: Kate, Kaspar, Nickleby -- incredulous.

A luxury paddock home base for the team. VIP GUESTS watch TV: CLOSE-UP on Sonny, PUTTERING off in jerky fits and starts.

Banning winces. Ruben’s heart sinks.

ON TRACK: Just as Sonny SPUTTERS off the starting grid heading towards Turn One, the jerking finally stops. The crowd mockingly ROARS to see the final car in motion...

ON PIT WALL: Kate pinches a migraine. Kaspar shrugs.

ON TRACK: Sonny sets off WARMING HIS TIRES in a slow slalom, working the full width of the track...though he now trails the field by half the circuit...

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IN JOSHUA’S CAR: He SLOW-SLALOMS his #9, checking mirrors.

IN SONNY'S CAR: He prowls, herky-jerky, all fits and starts.

ON PIT WALL: Kate and Nickleby scan data, confused.

Kate studies her monitors.

ON STARTING GRID: The field returns to re-take their START MARKS, P1 to P21...all waiting interminably...

ON GANTRY: Red lights GO DARK, from five to one...

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Cars BLAZE zero to 180 in an instant -- with several leaders’ wheels smoking as COLD TIRES lose grip. The MIDFIELD CARS BOB and WEAVE, looking for a safe path through the chaos--

--while Sonny TRIGGER-SHIFTS fast through his perfect-working gears, gunning FULL THROTTLE for a far outside line. As Joshua’s tires struggle, Sonny zips the long way around--

The Midfield DIVES LOW toward Turn One as a cautious pack, while Sonny BARELY SQUEEZES PAST two cars--

--which leaves him well-positioned for Turn Two, DIVING LOW to pass two more, and another two on a quick STRAIGHT--

--at Turn Three, two cars WHEEL-TO-WHEEL separate, opening up a gap for Sonny to brazenly SHOOT -- and with the field fanning out after four turns, Sonny finds himself FLYING AT 180 in the thick of the action!

IN RACE BAY: Dodge leads Mechanics in fist pump cheers!

ON PIT WALL: Kaspar turns to Kate, like he just woke up:

IN APEX SUITE: VIPs CHEER in surprise. Delighted, Banning hands Ruben a glass of champagne.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 42.

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Now in P22 -- last -- he BRAKES for two SKIDDING CARS ahead, forced to retreat from harm’s way.

IN SONNY’S CAR: He BATTLES for control, RIDING a chicane on the P13 car’s wing, picking up VIOLENT VIBRATIONS...

ON TRACK: A tone sounds in Sonny’s ear and he hits the DRS button on his wheel. His rear wing FLARES OPEN, giving him a boost of acceleration as he SLINGSHOTS past the Perez’s P13 Red Bull--

IN APEX RACE BAY: Mechanics applaud with each overtake.

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny’s battling, grim, sotto:

ON TRACK: Chased by the Ferrari now, Sonny BARRELS into next turn, but can’t get separation...which allows the Red Bull to return the favor next straight: DRS open and passing Sonny.

IN SONNY'S POV: Sonny CHASES through the next chicane, picking up more VIBRATIONS in the car. They’re bone-rattling.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 43.

ON PIT WALL: Kate slams console, seeing Sonny’s pace drop.

TIME CUT TO LAP 20: Joshua is in last place, chasing the P21 car ahead to no avail...

IN PIT LANE: Joshua DECELERATES in. Mechanic Jodie braces:

Mechanics expertly swarm. Two JACK MEN lift the car, Jodie and fellow WHEEL GUNNERS loosen nuts, but Jodie’s malfunctions.

She drops the gun and grabs her backup to finish the job. JACK MEN drop, Dodge signals “release” -- clocked at “7.06 seconds” until Joshua’s right tire RUNS OVER Jodie’s dropped WHEEL GUN on exit--

Dodge glares. Jodie winces.

ON TRACK: Sonny WHIPS a chicane but an Alpine PASSES him...

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Sonny rounds onto main straight and DIVERTS for pit lane...

IN PIT LANE: Sonny DECELERATES in. Mechanics ready to swarm--

--and they do! But the FRONT JACK fails! She can’t get the wheel off. Her two tire men wait--

Pit Timer scrolls past 3 seconds, 4, 5. Kaspar instinctively BARKS at them in Polish.

Poor Jodie locks eyes with Sonny -- ZZZT! ZZZT!-- tires finally get switched -- and crew gets it done. Car drops, Sonny ZIPS AWAY. Pit clock hits “9.22”. Kaspar ROARS. Jodie puts head in hands.

ON TRACK: Sonny ACCELERATES from pit lane, merging back onto the track with Joshua just behind and GAINING fast--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: He FIGHTS G-FORCES into the first chicane. The DRS tone sounds in his ear.

ON TRACK: REAR WING FLARES OPEN on his #9 as he activates DRS, chasing down Sonny...who VEERS SLIGHTLY WIDE, impeding Joshua’s path, surprising him into a lift -- REAR WING FLARES SHUT. At next corner, Sonny’s still leading--

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 45.

ON PIT WALL: Kate and Engineers look to Kaspar:

Kaspar agrees, nods.

IN SONNY'S CAR: Flying at 180, Sonny merely checks mirrors.

ON PIT WALL: The Engineers react. Kaspar commandeers RADIO:

ON TRACK: Sonny ROCKETS a corner, HOLDING Joshua off...

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua locks in, grips wheel, defiant:

ON TRACK: Sonny slashes out of a corner, SPARKS flying. Joshua tries to pass wide, but Sonny keeps him at bay -- till Joshua FLARES REAR WING, riding DRS up alongside--

--leaving them WHEEL-TO-WHEEL as they round a high-speed turn, causing a back grandstand FAN SECTION to ROAR!

They dart a chicane -- only millimeters separating their cars- - Joshua trying to pass Sonny on the outside --

-- but the tires make contact -- sending both cars SPINNING into a wide GRAVEL RUN-OFF, SHOWERS OF PEBBLES sent high!

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 46.

ON PIT WALL: Engineers despair. Kaspar rips off his headset.

IN GARAGE: Mechanics react, groan in dismay, heads drop.

OUTSIDE APEX SUITE: Ruben bursts out onto the balcony to see the two Apex cars sitting in a cloud of dust trackside.

Ruben mumbles in Spanish before he turns back to the track, staring grimly at the debacle before him.

IN THE GRAVEL: Sonny sits in his beached #7. He rubs his neck.

Grounded nearby, Joshua clambers out in fury, helmet on. He eyeballs Sonny. And storms backs to --

BAM! Joshua’s helmet upends a tool tray as he chucks it, storming in from pit lane. The race goes on without them.

Kate, Kaspar, Nickleby and Fazio cross from pit lane. Sonny ambles in too.

Jodie wishes she could disappear.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 47.

Sonny looks at everybody.

Sonny looks at Joshua.

Joshua balks.

Joshua charges Sonny, who doesn’t back down. Kasper steps in * between putting hands on both. *

Sonny turns and makes for the paddock corridor. Everyone looks at each other. Not Joshua. He goes after him.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 47A.

--to get him alone.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 48.

Joshua grabs him by the shoulder.

SUDDENLY-- From corridor’s end, out in the paddock, flashbulbs.. Photographers filming them.

Sonny turns to Joshua. An unspoken battle flashes between them. Joshua’s seething anger vs Sonny’s amused indifference.

But then, Joshua eases into a smile and claps a glad hand on Sonny’s back. The camera’s flash. Sonny turns his back to the press.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 49.

Sonny walks off.

Alone, Joshua waves to the cameras. Sonny’s words swirling in his mind.

A BAG OF ICE gets dumped in a giant plastic waste bin as a hose line fills it from a faucet. Sonny grimaces from the * pain, BACK SCAR prominent, headphones on... *

Looking beat to shit, he lowers himself into the makeshift ICY PLUNGE POOL...until Jodie BACKS in, carrying tire blankets --

And JODIE slams her fists down on a table in frustration. SONNY doesn’t look up...

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 50.

Jodie thinks about it.

She leaves. Sonny puts on his headphones and closes his eyes to OCEAN SOUNDS soaking his pain.

Ruben enters through the doorway.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 51.

180 hairpin.. But Ruben’s ready..

He turns to leave.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 51A.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 52.

Ruben exits. Sonny sinks in, eyes shut, shivering, recovering. OCEAN SOUNDS grow to a ROAR...

...of AERO FURY. A half-size RACE CAR MODEL is lowered onto a conveyor, WHEELS spinning, while a robotic PROBE takes measurements around it.

Kate and two AERO ENGINEERS track airflow and drag. A KNOCK on the door. Sonny surveys the expensive tech.

She looks at him. Seriously?!

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 53.

Two pints hit the bar. Kate sits with Sonny.

She looks at him.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 54.

Sonny nods slowly.

He waves his finger from her to him.

ON SONNY -- Completely snookered. He smiles.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 55.

She nods.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 56-62.

She walks off. Sonny sits there.For the first time, he looks like he just lost..

Sonny sits on the floor, flinging playing cards into a bowl, deep in thought.

Sonny pulls up a video on his ipad/phone. It’s race footage * where Joshua does an astounding move. Sonny looks impressed. *

Sonny reaches for his phone, dials. *

RUBEN * What do you want to know? He did it * the hard way, like you. Built his own * karts, hauled them all over Europe, * trying to get a junior team to give * him a chance. He lost his dad along * the way; he felt cheated. And he * managed to turn that into fire. He’s * fearless raw potential, Sonny, but * it’s him against the world. It’s his * gift and his curse and I can’t break * through that. Now tell me why you’re * asking. To help this team... or just * to find your edge against him? *

To establish.

Joshua sits in the darkness, watching a YouTube VIDEO. Grainy footage from the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix, a yellow Lotus chases the iconic red and white McLaren of Ayrton Senna...

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 56-62A.

On screen, the two cars battle it out, neck and neck--

Suddenly, the Lotus kicks out and snaps, CAREENING into a wall and SPLITS IN TWO, tossing Sonny onto the tarmac, still attached to his seat.

His body settles in the middle of the track like a mangled puppet.

Joshua SHUTS his laptop. CLOSE ON his troubled gaze...

Twenty Apex ENGINEERS at the PRE-RACE BRIEFING, linked by * headsets, studying laptops. Joshua studies a laptop too. *

KATE * Our models predict all teams are going * to be targeting a one-stop race. Plan * A is to switch from Mediums to Hards * between Lap 27 and 33. Plan B will be * Medium-Hard-Medium. First window 16 to * 21. Second 45 to 51. Plan C for softs * doesn’t make sense. At this temp, the * tire deg will be too high. * (surveys room) * Anything else? *

JOSHUA * Yep. *

KATE * Yeah, Joshua? *

JOSHUA * So we've just gotta drive our race, * right? Let’s not try to be heroes, * let’s make it through those first * turns clean. * (MORE)

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 56-62B.

FAZIO * Yeah. *

JOSHUA * Yeah! *

SONNY * Create your own breaks. *

JOSHUA * Umm, hello. Hi. I just said that. *

SONNY * Hope is not a strategy. *

KATE * Anything else, Professor? *

SONNY * Drive fast. *

VERSION 1: *

Sonny pulls up his suit, An ACHE in his back, he stretches, * breathes through it. He grabs a BOTTLE of WATER, starts * drinking. Joshua storms in. Sonny keeps drinking-- *

JOSHUA * I don’t like having a new teammate * out of nowhere. Especially one that * flamed out twenty years ago. This * isn’t Daytona. This isn’t Rally. * And this sure as shit ain’t Nascar. * This world isn’t what it was thirty * years ago, Sonny. *

Sonny finishes the bottle of water. *

SONNY * Can you hold this for a second? *

He passes it to Joshua, Joshua holds it. Sonny pats him on * the shoulder. *

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 56-62C.

Sonny exits. Joshua stands for a moment alone, holds the * water bottle for second before he throws it a garbage can. *

VERSION 2: *

Sonny pulls up his suit. A painful ACHE in his back -- he * stretches, breathes through it. Joshua’s seen from the door: *

JOSHUA * Spanish Grand Prix. Turn 11. You * must think about it all the time. *

Sonny shrugs, grabs a bottle of water to hydrate. *

Sonny hands him bottle. *

SONNY * Hold this for a second. *

JOSHUA * --you’re never as fast again. * Is that what it’s been like for * you? *

Joshua looks at the bottle, confused. Sonny walks by him. *

SONNY * Thanks. *

Left alone, Joshua chucks the bottle in the trash. *

Sonny goes through his pre-race routing, kneeling next to his car before climbing in. Joshua watches from his side of the garage, the horrific image from Sonny’s accident still fresh in his mind.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63.

FIVE RED LIGHTS GO OUT. A MERCEDES car BLASTS off pole, fighting for the Turn One horseshoe with RED BULL and FERRARI. GRAPHIC: HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX -HUNGARORING.

IN THE MIDFIELD: Sonny and Joshua are in the thick of it (P16 and 17). An Alpine squeezes both Apex cars to the wall, giving Sonny nowhere to go, the second Alpine just ahead.

IN SONNY’S CAR: Sonny and Joshua trade desperate looks.

ON TRACK: On Turn 1 the two Alpines make contact, debris scatters across the track. Sonny picks up a PUNCTURE in his right rear tire, irrevocably damaged as Joshua SPEEDS past!

ON PIT WALL: Nickleby spots it.

IN SONNY'S CAR: He slams his wheel, as two more CARS pass--

ON PIT WALL: Kate, Kaspar and Nickleby look concerned...

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63A.

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny seethes, passed by yet another CAR--

IN PIT LANE: Sonny’s #7 DIVERTS into pit lane. Dodge looks to pit wall unclear what the plan is as Jodie and the rest of the pit crew race into position--

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny scowls to see them swarm with (hard) tires rimmed with WHITE STRIPES--

And this time it’s PERFECT PRECISION: JACKS raised, WHEELGUNS whirl -- even Jodie nails it!

JACKS drop -- RELEASE LIGHT -- Dodge gives Sonny the GO! Except Sonny’s car doesn’t move. Jodie gasps. Behind his helmet, Sonny stares down Engineers. Kate scans data:

The Pit Timer is FLYING: 7 seconds, 8, 9. Kaspar spins:

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63B.

IN APEX SUITE: Ruben and Banning watch the TV with dismay:

IN PIT LANE: Pit Timer hits 00:15. Kaspar’s a raving madman.

Sonny just sits there, staring forward. Kaspar’s spent, drops his head.

Dodge signals the crew: they JACK UP the car, WHEEL GUNS whirl, white-stripe tires come off, red-stripe tires go on.

ON PIT WALL:

IN PIT LANE: Sonny ROCKETS off. Pit Timer mercifully stops at 00:22. Jodie sighs, pressure off, to a colleague:

LAP 3: SONNY P20 now - Sonny comes out mid-pack, a lap down and a few seconds behind Magnussen in the Haas.

ON TRACK: Sonny chases down Magnussen in the Haas - hard racing over the next few laps.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63C.

TIME CUT: LAP 10: ON TRACK:

Sonny is right on Magnussen’s tail. He CHARGES to chase the Haas. As they slow for a corner, Sonny makes a LATE LUNGE but the Haas shuts the door on him -- shearing off his front wing! Shrapnel SKITTERS into the road.

AT PIT WALL: Kate looks anxiously to Nickleby:

AHEAD OF THE LEADERS: A SAFETY CAR pulls out from pit lane, forcing the leaders to reduce speed for a couple laps...

IN PIT LANE: The LEAD CARS -- Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari -- all divert for fresh tires, while MIDFIELD cars don’t.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63D.

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: He stays out, right in the thick of things.

IN PIT LANE: Sonny brings his WING-LESS CAR back in.

Dodge and Mechanics swarm. They ATTACH new FRONT WING and SWITCH OUT a new set of SOFT TIRES.

ON PIT WALL: As he blasts away, Kate’s gobsmacked:

Kaspar blinks in disbelief. Down pit lane, GUNTHER STEINER leans way back in his seat. Kaspar meets his stern gaze with a helpless shrug.

ON TRACK: Sonny exits pit lane.

TIME CUT: ON TRACK: Safety car ends. We see it come back in.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63E.

Sonny is mid pack but one lap down. He’s in front of an Alfa Romeo, creating a BLUE FLAG.

But Sonny briefly defends into a chicane, making it hard.

He braces for the Alfa’s pass, but in an awkward spot on Turn 6/7. CONTACT! Sonny splinters his new front wing.

ON PIT WALL: Kaspar chucks his half-eaten ONION into the garage. Mechanics duck. Then drops his head on the console.

IN APEX SUITE: Ruben laments. Banning’s on his third beer:

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: He sees a second SAFETY CAR come out...

Engineers are uncharacteristically frozen...

Kate’s locked on the screen.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63F.

Kate makes a call on instinct.

VROOM! Sonny’s car hits DEAD STOP. JACKED UP, GUNS WHIRL, NEW TIRES, FRONT WING re-replaced. Dodge sighs.

Sonny nods, exits pits. Zooms onto track behind a Williams.

It dawns on Kate.

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Other cars box ahead of him but he stays out. He’s frustrated but racing hard...

PADDOCK CLUB: Cheers for Joshua’s move!

Camera pans from Joshua’s chewed up tires to his face, struggling to hold his position on track.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63G.

ON PIT WALL: They watch screens, rapt, sensing it...

IN SONNY’S CAR: He races main straight chasing Sargent. He looks up to the monitor to see Joshua in P10 followed by Stroll’s Aston Martin 13 seconds behind. He’s preparing...

ON PIT WALL: Kaspar’s gone beyond morose. He’s lost it. He sits giving AN IMAGINARY INTERVIEW to his own reflection in the screen. [like Herbert Lom in the Pink Panther..]

ON TRACK: Side by side, Sonny makes his move. Sargent defends into Turn 2. Sonny goes to the inside at Turn 2 and then the outside of Turn 3.

Sonny hangs on around the outside but goes off track BLOWING THROUGH the polystyrene markers and through the grass strip. More debris on the track.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63H.

ANOTHER YELLOW FLAG. ANOTHER SAFETY CAR.

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua alerts, diving toward the inside--

ON PIT WALL: Kate leaps up.

Kaspar stops his “interview”. Turns to Kate...

IN PIT LANE: Dodge, Jodie and the crew are poised for battle--

IN PIT LANE: As the Mechanics brace for action, Jodie closes her eyes, imagining the perfect pit stop. Dodge catches a glance before her eyes snap open, her wheel gun at the ready--

as Joshua DECELERATES in -- and they swarm -- JACKS, WHEEL GUNS, TIRES -- TIRES, WHEEL GUNS, JACKS -- and gone...in 2.9.

ON MERGE LANE TO TRACK: Joshua ACCELERATES back onto track, with Stroll’s ASTON CHARGING -- to merge paths at the same instant -- Joshua uses his fresh tires to accelerate getting just barely ahead...

IN PADDOCK CLUB: VIPs erupt in astonished CHEERS, seeing “Pearce - P10 - 1 point” blinking on the FINAL LEADERBOARD.

Elated, Banning grips Ruben who shakes his head in disbelief.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 63I.

Joshua’s #9 car DECELERATES in

to a “P10” post, as the crowd cheers. The real celebration is far up ahead, but for Apex, this is gigantic...

Sonny’s battered #7 car pulls to the back of the grid. The mechanics rush to cool the car. Sonny motions for help and the mechanics help pull him out, battered from the race.

Joshua marvels, just shakes his head:

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 64.

Weary, Sonny turns and heads over to Kate--

He smiles.

He turns and walks away. She watches him leave. Nickleby saunters over. He was eavesdropping.

She slowly tunes in from Sonny, to Nickleby, standing next to her.

She walks off, leaving Nickleby dumbstruck.

58A OMITTEDMOVED TO 65A IN MONZA 58A

BRIGHT LIGHTS. FLASHBULBS. SHOUTED QUESTIONS. Microphones in Sonny’s face. He blinks. Overwhelmed? It’s been awhile. LIZBETH stands by his side, at the ready.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 65.

Fernando Alonzo gives a Sonny a nudge and a smile as he walks by.

Huge reaction.. Over The laughter..

Huge cheers. Applause.

Sonny walks into a meeting between Ruben and Banning.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 65A.

Sonny exits.

[ALT ENDING: Sonny grabs a chair and sits down -- something’s on his mind.

Joshua’s downtown dancing, celebrating the race. He sees a * TRIO OF CLUB GIRLS talking about him, as if they’re working * out who’ll first approach... *

...but suddenly a DRUNK BRO’s in his face. *

BRO FAN * Hey, Apex GP! Great race yesterday! *

JOSHUA * Thanks-- *

BRO FAN * Hilarious you [guys] got your first * point off your teammate’s total * incompetence. *

JOSHUA * Actually, I-- *

BRO FAN * What a joke. *

The drunk guy moves on. Joshua sees the Trio of Girls have * turned their backs, chatting with other guys now. Cash * arrives, hands a drink, checking alerts on his PHONE... *

JOSHUA * My fans be talking? *

CASH * (nods, grim) * All ‘bout him. *

Off Joshua’s look... *

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 66.

POV slaloms a Monza chicane on screen...as Sonny pivots in the Sim. He’s locked in, pushing it, furious. One level above, Joshua reaches the window, watching...

Joshua takes that in.

Late. Sonny exits, headed home...till he notes Kate’s BIKE. Looks to her office above him. LIGHTS still on.

CFD SCREENS track AIRFLOW PATTERNS over a virtual Apex car trailing a second MODEL. Like their Apex car is “chasing.”

Kate sips tea, studies a new “rippled” floor edge below the side-pod intakes.

Kate doesn’t look up from her work..

Sonny watches the air-flow patterns...

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 67.

Still Kate doesn’t look up.

She walks out. On Sonny --- his mind processing. 0-100MPH in 3 seconds.

Sonny runs in workout sweats and sneaker; the abandoned banked track now overgrown with weeds. Camera reveals a small group of MECHANICS trail behind him.

Lovely FERRARI FANS scream after two CHARLES LECLERC and CARLOS SAINZ, eager for a photo. Sonny crosses the other way, not in uniform yet, mostly undisturbed...until he hears:

A crazed Spanish fan is screaming from above, face painted black-and-gold.

Sonny gives their first fan a half-hearted wave.

Joshua is ushered through the crowded paddock as Lisbeth rapid-fires through his press schedule.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 67A.

Joshua spots the STYLISH WOMAN from Silverstone chatting to her friend as she moves in the opposite direction.

His eyes come alive in recognition but she doesn’t see him. And just as quickly, the crowd has moved on and she’s gone.

Kaspar sits for his press grilling, flanked by two rival team * reps, McLaren’s ZAK BROWN and Ferrari’s FRED VASSEUR. *

KASPAR * We compete as top teams do. Race * models change. We must adapt. *

TOM CLARKSON * Zak, you’ve faced Hayes before -- * in Endurance and Rally. You’re used * to this “gray area” he lives in. *

ZAK BROWN * Well obviously, it’s grayer now. * We keep tabs on where he is. Back * there. Behind us. *

TOM CLARKSON * And Fred, concerns from you? What * does Ferrari think about Apex? *

FRED VASSEUR * We don’t. *

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 68.

Another PRE-RACE BRIEFING, with all the Apex engineers. Headsets, laptops, a Keynote layout of the race strategy.

He directs a sullen shrug Sonny’s way.

Joshua, Kate, Engineers all trade concerned looks...

He turns to Joshua...who couldn’t be more surprised.

And as the sound of TWENTY-TWO ENGINES RISE...

ZZZZOOM! Cars FLY BY at 200mph, with Joshua chasing the top nine. GRAPHIC: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX - MONZA.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 69.

--as ANGLE FLIES BY BARRIERS, to pick up the rest of the field, half a lap behind, with Sonny LEADING this group.

ON PIT WALL: Kate, Kaspar, Engineers track data:

Jodie and the Mechanics RUSH OUT to pit stop positions--

ON TRACK: Various teams get ready for a pit stop.

ON TRACK: --as Sonny SKIDS around final corner, almost no grip left, heads toward pit road...and then diverts--

ON PIT WALL: Kate cranes her neck to see Sonny ZOOM BY.

IN SONNY’S CAR: On the main straight, Sonny checks his mirrors, sees cars behind him DIVERT TO PIT LANE.

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ON PIT WALL: Kate, Nickleby, Fazio trade confounded looks:

ON TRACK: The TIRES on Sonny’s #7 look nearly worn through. POCKMARKED, smoking strips of rubber FLECKING OFF.

IN SONNY’S CAR: Sonny is BUFFETTED by erratic vibrations...

IN APEX SUITE: Ruben grimaces, watching TV, to see a CLOSE-UP of Kaspar as he flips the camera off. Banning tries to cheer him up.

ON TRACK: Sonny approaches Turn Four where he runs WIDE running his tires through the gravel, kicking stones across the track. Sonny struggles as one of his tires punctures.

But two pursuing CARS DODGE the gravel, nearly making brief CONTACT. More debris!

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: He sees the “VSC” LIGHTS, reduces speed:

ON PIT WALL: Kate watches RACE MODELS re-calibrate:

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 71.

Sonny’s BATTERED #7 comes trundling down pit lane. Mechanics swarm as it hits its marks.

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua rounds main straight, watching six of the nine cars ahead of him head for pit lane--

IN PIT LANE: Kate can’t help but grin.

Sonny’s car drops from jacks. Dodge signals release. Sonny checks his mirrors and pauses before he ACCELERATES hard -- pulling alongside the P1 car but the pit lane narrows so the other car has to slow and follow behind him--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: He GUNS IT for the three cars left ahead--

Joshua registers the words. Briefly stunned, he locks in...

IN PIT LANE: Kate grabs Kaspar, now realizing:

IN APEX SUITE: Guests CHEER to see “Pearce” leap up the leaderboard. Ruben shakes his head. Banning’s more reserved.

Buff Revision - 12.15.24 72.

ZZZAM! Four cars FLY BY, with Joshua’s #9 keeping pace... while ANGLE CROSSES a BARRIER to find the rest of the field, and bringing up the rear, Sonny’s BLAZING #7.

IN SONNY’S CAR: Sonny CHECKS the leaderboard pole as he HURTLES main straight...and then notes DARK CLOUDS beyond.

ON PIT WALL: Among many screens, one tracks WEATHER RADAR:

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny battles, frustrated by the situation:

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua CHASES the P3 car expertly, but he’s unable to get any closer...as SMALL DROPLETS hit his visor.

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IN SONNY'S CAR: He watches two CARS ahead SKID on a final turn, DIVERTING into the pits...

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua SKIDS on a wet section, recovers:

The cars ahead now kick up SPRAY. Getting hard to see.

ON TRACK: The P2 and P3 cars WOBBLE a turn and DIVERT into the pits...while Joshua WOBBLES too, but stays out.

IN APEX SUITE: Ruben and Apex guests ERUPT to see him claim “P2.” Banning’s at the bar. He passes an EXPENSIFY CARD to the bartender, marveling:

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny HURTLES through the decreasing visibility, feeling every hundred-mile-an-hour slip of grip.

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IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua FIGHTS to maintain track feel too, seeing the P1 car far ahead...but now in sight...

ON MAIN STRAIGHT: Sonny SKIDS the final turn, RECOVERS, and DIVERTS into pit lane!

IN PIT LANE: Engineers and Mechanics scramble. Pure panic.

--but no one knows the plan. Sonny DECELERATES onto his mark.

Jodie and mechanics scramble for the green Intermediates.

ON TRACK: Joshua GUNS the back straight, through spitting mist. The P1 car remains a turn ahead, barely visible.

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny looks up to the leaderboard, sees “Pearce P2”. 3 LAPS TO GO. The light mist continues to fall.

ON PIT WALL: Kate spins to screens, realizing what he’s up to. “P1” and “P2” icons round Sector Three.

Nickleby and Fazio look alarmed. Kaspar waves Sonny off:

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny stares dead ahead at pit lane exit:

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ON PIT WALL: Nickleby’s tense. Kaspar warns him and Kate:

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny remains locked in and calm...

Kate and Nickleby trade a look.

ON TRACK: Joshua’s #9 CHASES the Leader toward final turn, as AERIAL rises to take in the main straight and pit lane...

ON PIT WALL:

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny ACCELERATES off his pit lane marks. Kaspar screams in vain.

ON TRACK - HIGH ANGLE: Sonny picks up speed, as the P1 car and Joshua ZOOM down the main straight -- their paths about to converge...perhaps collide...

...as Sonny reaches full throttle and DARTS onto the track just barely wheels ahead of the P1 car!

ON TRACK: Sonny ZIPS around Turn One, oversteering intentionally to WOBBLE off his line. Under the conditions, the P1 car has to lift off the throttle for safety--

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IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua sees the FIGHT ahead closing...

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny BARELY HOLDS OFF the leader through Turn Two, UNDERSTEERS to make him back off through Three--

ON TRACK: The P1 car finally gets a straight, opens DRS and BLOWS PAST Sonny. But now Joshua’s right behind--

IN SONNY'S CAR: --and Sonny sees him in WET MIRRORS--

ON PIT WALL: Engineers follow raptly, on edge of seats:

ON TRACK: The three-car CHASE reaches the back straight, where Sonny opens DRS in pursuit of the leader, and Joshua opens DRS in pursuit of Sonny, close enough to touch--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: All Joshua can see is Sonny’s REAR WING--

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny’s locked on the P1 car’s line--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Still chasing Sonny’s line on pure faith--

ON TRACK: Joshua SLINGSHOTS out from behind Sonny, SPEEDING BY, right on the Leader’s REAR WING, into a turn--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua’s on the Leader, never closer to P1--

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IN SONNY'S CAR: --as he sees the lead cars disappear ahead--

ON TRACK: Full of adrenaline, Joshua goes full throttle into Turn 11 on the outside -- and into the lead!

IN APEX SUITE: Ruben watches on screen.

ON TRACK: Joshua drifts wide off the track, striking a DIAMOND CURB WHICH FLINGS HIM AIRBORNE -- aero forces whipping him like a spun kite -- SOARING OVER the barrier, SMASHING INTO THE TREES as it BURSTS INTO FLAMES!

IN SONNY'S CAR: His tense focus snaps, seeing the FIREBALL ahead and the instant RED FLAG warnings to stop the race--

--as he rounds from Turn 11, SLAMS his car to full stop at track’s edge and SNAPS FREE of his cockpit--

--sprinting to the WRECKAGE where Joshua’s trapped inside, obscured by FLAMES. Sonny can’t get close -- it’s too hot--

--as finally TRACK MARSHALS come running with EXTINGUISHERS and a MEDICAL CAR arrives on-scene with a Track PHYSICIAN.

He grabs an extinguisher off the safety car, joining the battle to knock down the flames-- a gap in the inferno--

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IN JOSHUA’S CAR: --where Joshua slowly stirs, but is unable to free himself from the cockpit, his suit and helmet blackening--

OUTSIDE: --so Sonny LUNGES into the breach, letting his fireproof suit take the punishment. He manages to grab Joshua and pull -- dragging him from the mangled half-chassis--

Marshals turn the SPRAY on the drivers as Sonny gets Joshua clear. The Track MD descends with an oxygen mask. Joshua’s not moving. Sonny stands helpless as SIRENS cry.

Joshua sleeps in a recovery bed, bandaged and bruised. NURSES check his vitals, switch out his IV. Bernadette sits at his bedside, holding his hand.

Sonny, Kate, Kaspar, Cash, and Ruben sit, quietly anxious. A TV plays clips of the accident and the trophy ceremony...

He marches to the TV. It takes him three tries to pull the wires out. The TV dies.

Bernadette comes out of the corridor. Kaspar stands, nervously...

She looks straight at Sonny, interrupting.

She walks to the corridor.

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She steps in, close to Sonny, eyeballing him.

Inside the hospital room, Joshua has heard it all.

Sonny looks back towards the Apex team in the waiting room and then heads out alone.

Like a gathering storm, PRE-LAP the fury of the PRESS…

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QUICK CUTS: REPORTER after REPORTER shouts questions--

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NATALIE PINKHAM * Does Joshua blame you for the accident, Sonny?

WILL BUXTON * Come on Sonny, it was you who kept him * out on slick tires in dangerous * conditions. Even if you told him not * to pass, wasn’t an accident * inevitable? *

REVERSE to see Sonny beside Ruben and Kaspar on stage, mics in hand. Sonny seems to be considering the debate.

Kaspar and Ruben sour.

The same Press Conference is on TV, while Joshua sits in bed. Bernadette gently finishes changing the bandage on his hand.

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Bernadette shakes her head at the report -- Joshua notices but says nothing.

Kate opens a box to reveal the NEW RIPPLED FLOOR EDGE Kate’s been developing. She supervises as Sonny and Dodge watch * Jodie bolt it onto the car. *

Sonny’s deep in thought, doing a one-hand shuffle, as Kate runs the race simulation/strategy brief meeting.

Sonny looks up to see them waiting for a scheme.

A silence...until Nickleby pounds the desk, slowly, in a drumbeat rhythm. Fazio joins him, then the other Engineers, Reserve Driver Luca, Kate, finally Kaspar...

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The Strategy meeting is being Internet SIMULCAST on the main RSR screen. Pippa LeGuin and analysts join the DRUMBEAT...

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...except for Joshua, sitting in, at an analyst’s desk in the back row. His hand still bandaged, he’s unable to join in.

ON TRACK: ZZZAM! GRAPHIC:DUTCH GRAND PRIX. FIELD blasts by main straight, with Sonny’s #7 opening his DRS wing, and overtaking Reserve Luca Cortez in the #9, moving up to P21.

IN SONNY'S CAR: He battles G’s, chasing into first corner...

IN APEX GYM: Joshua’s working on the REFLEX TRAINER, trying to “tag” the chaser light discs. Cash paces while scrolling on his phone.

Race board shows Sonny at P15 and then P13.

ON TRACK: SPARKS fly as Sonny OVERTAKES a McLaren on a high- speed corner, wheel-to-wheel, but giving no ground...

ON TRACK: Sonny OVERTAKES an Alpine on the final chicane...

Ruben pumps his fist with Banning. First points for Apex GP. *

Sonny takes off his gear and turns to see Kate: *

SONNY * It’s working. *

Sonny spins her around in the air and she laughs. *

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Secretly the walking wounded, Sonny lowers into another ICY- WATER WASTE BIN. GRAPHIC OVERLAYS NETHERLANDS RACE RESULTS: “Cortez” Q19 to P19, but “Hayes” climbs from Q21 toP11.

Ruben sits at his desk writing checks, with Kaspar and Banning. Lisbeth pops her head in.

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Joshua RUNS while Cash rides an e-scooter.

CLOSE ON a DECK OF CARDS shuffled and cut. TOP CARD put in a pocket. MISMATCHED SOCKS pulled up.

Kaspar, Nickleby and Fazio settle into stations. From Paddock Club above, Liesl waves with the kids:

She huffs, but blows a kiss and goes. Kaspar sits, unpeels an onion. Fazio and Nickleby unpeel ONIONS too. Kate arrives:

ZZZZOOWWWW! Sonny’s Apex #7 SHOWERS SPARKS, cornering tight. GRAPHIC: JAPANESE GRAND PRIX - SUZUKA.

IN APEX GYM: Joshua unwraps the bandage from his arm, starts working on the REFLEX TRAINER, still falling behind. Frustrated, he looks across the room...to the PULL-UP BAR.

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny BATTLES the G’s on another turn, with BARRIERS whipping by, meters away, at 150 miles an hour...

Sonny has contact with Magnussen sending him into a spin.

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ON PIT WALL: Engineers cheer. Kaspar grabs Kate:

IN APEX GYM: Joshua hangs upside-down from the pull-up bar, throwing TENNIS BALLS to himself. (Like we saw Sonny do.)

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny fights a Mercedes, wheel-to-wheel, coming down the final straight, where it just pulls away...

Sonny’s physically spent at the checkered flag...

GRAPHIC OVERLAYS JAPAN RACE RESULTS: “Cortez” goes from Q17 to P15. “Hayes” climbs from Q14 to P8.

Sonny walks in after a drive, gives Ruben a celebratory fist * bump as he walks to the back. (The upgrade works.) *

A81 INT. RUBEN’S OFFICE A81

Lisbeth pops her head in to talk about Sonny. Ruben stares off, braces for what’s coming.

Kate works a late night.

Joshua RUNS while Cash rides an e-scooter.

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Drivers wave to fans as they’re driven around the track. For ApxGP, Sonny drives while Luca Cortez waves to the fans.

A TEAM ENGINEER tests fuel in the Aramco fuel analyzer.

Sonny preps and gets into the car.

A wild ROAR from a CLUSTER of newfound Apex fans, faces painted black-and-gold, waving flags.

VROOM! Twenty cars BLAST BY, charging off the grid. GRAPHIC: MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX. Sonny’s #7 is in a scrum--

--as he EVADES another car’s lockup with a late-braking dodge, then CHASES another car into Turn Two and Three...

IN APEX GYM: With the Mexico race on the gym TV, Joshua takes notes on other drivers (as we saw Sonny do).

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny CHASES an Aston into a tricky chicane, only centimeters off its rear wing. Focused, determined...

IN APEX SIMULATOR: Joshua’s at the wheel, BATTLING a Simulation. He spins out, slams his wheel...

ON SONNY’S CAR

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ON PIT WALL: Kaspar gives Kate an encouraging nudge.

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IN PIT LANE: With #7 on approach, Jodie’s first to leap up:

The Mechanics hustle, following her leadership role...

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny’s full sweat, taking physical punishment.

IN SIMULATOR: Joshua GUNS IT for the checkered flag too, glancing to the corner of the screen for his final time. But “Pearce” clocks in right behind six times for “Hayes.”

CLOSE ON JOSHUA, settling into the sim car. *

IN APEX SIM - #1: Joshua battles a RAINY TRACK on screen, * fighting Verstappeninto the corner. *

We’re in his POV AS HE REPLAYS HIS MONZA MOVE: *

--as SCREEN POV drifts wide and goes airborne, just like it * happened. RESULT reads “Pearce - Final Lap DNF.” *

JOSHUA * Run it again. *

IN APEX SIMULATOR - *

JOSHUA TRIES A DIFFERENT TACTIC. He feigns to the outside, * then cuts in to overtake on the inside. He loses grip and * slides into Verstappen taking them both out. Another DNF. *

IN APEX SIM: ...Joshua battles but hearing Sonny’s voice this * time: *

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This time, Joshua follows Max thru the turn, gets DNS on the * straight -- and passes the Redbull just before he crosses * the line with a CHECKERED FLAG. *

RESULT flashes: “Pearce - Italian GP - P1.” *

Joshua pauses. Takes his hands off the wheel. *

CU on Joshua’s face - he understands. *

Sonny climbs out of his P5 car, completely exhausted, pulling off his helmet...as GRAPHIC OVERLAYS MEXICO CITY RACE RESULTS: “Cortez” from Q15 toP12. “Hayes” from Q9 to P5.

Sonny spots a small cluster of FANS in black-and-gold, gives a weary wave, as Mechanics converge to congratulate...

IN APEX SUITE: Ruben watches the fans celebrate, bittersweet: *

Ruben considers Banning’s encouraging words. *

Banning joins him in his toast.

Joshua sprints the last hundred meters of his run, outruns Cash on his e-scooter. A fire lit from within.

...as Sonny staggers in, stiff-legged, hand to his spine, and SLIDES down his door as he shuts it.

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On the floor, in quiet agony, he seems anything but.

The Ardennes forest looms beyond a glorious hill. We hear the sound of FOOTFALLS on asphalt, BREATHING--

Sonny jogs up Eau Rouge, glancing back with a smile... now followed by his entire mechanic crew. All 20 teammates in a jogging pack. GRAPHIC:BELGIAN GRAND PRIX - SPA.

ANGLE FROM GRANDSTAND: In the distance, they make the challenging climb. A united cluster in black-and-gold.

From a mezzanine, Joshua watches...

Engineers applaud as Joshua enters, making his return -- with Bernadette and Cash. Kaspar, Fazio, Kate all embrace him.

Sonny offers a handshake and smile.

They find seats for the Pre-Practice 1 Strategy meeting.

The Apex #9 rolls to a P14 start position. Joshua’s inside.

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IN JOSHUA’S CAR: His gaze is locked diagonal...at Sonny’s #7 up ahead, starting P11. Race gloves flex, grip the wheel...

Sonny locks in on the gantry lights... as they blink on from ONE TO FIVE--

ON STARTING GRID: --then out! Twenty-two CARS leap off the line, accelerating up the short blast to La Source and Turn One--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua DIVES for the inside, getting past the P13 car as it LOCKS UP leaving the grid. His gaze remains locked on Sonny two places ahead--

ON TRACK: Sonny FIGHTS around Turn One’s hairpin, wheel-to- wheel, forced to relent...while Joshua DUCKS dangerously low, ducking past the P12 car and gaining on Sonny--

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny sees Joshua gaining in his mirrors, edges to the middle of the track at Turn 2 to give him room--

ON TRACK: --and as they both arc into Turn 3, with Joshua CHASING HARD, he veers closer Sonny’s way...and STEERS RIGHT INTO HIM, with an intentional tap of his left rear wheel--

--which SPINS Sonny wide, losing control, sent PIROUETTING off into gravel. Wheels DIG hard. Dead stop. Race over.

ON PIT WALL: Kate, Kaspar, Engineers react in dismay.

IN APEX SUITE: Ruben and guests throw hands skyward. Banning is distant, lost in his own thoughts.

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny sits, facing backwards, as the last cars FLY PAST HIM down Eau Rouge and on through Lap One.

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua speeds onward, confidence renewed...

Distant CHEERS. Mechanics mill, cleaning up. Sonny sits in the back of the garage...

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Joshua strides into the garage, getting congrats from Dodge * and his Mechanics...until he spots Sonny. *

Sonny silently walks by Joshua grazing him with his helmet. *

Joshua explodes, shoves Sonny. Sonny explodes, shoves Joshua * hard against the wall. The Apex crew fan out. *

JOSHUA * No one gets past us without a * fight...right? *

SONNY * You push me off the track again, I * will knock your (fucking) * teeth out. You don't even know what * you’re doing. You take me out of * the race, there’s even less of a * chance you're gonna have a seat * next year. You know what? I don’t * give a shit, I've seen a hundred * guys like you. *

JOSHUA * You flamed out. Why should I listen * to you? *

SONNY * Because I flamed out. That's why. You * want to throw it all away. Go ahead. I * don't give a crap about you. What I * care about is that you're screwing * over Ruben. This is his team. He gave * you a shot. And you pull this shit. * You're gonna destroy your own career * and take the whole team down with you. * Don’t do it. *

Sonny heads for his prep room, passing by the open door to Joshua’s. Inside, Bernadette sits, TV on. Joshua’s on screen in the Media Pen being interviewed by F1 press.

This stops him, in her doorway.

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Bernadette considers.

Joshua sits alone, wrestling with his actions. Bitter regret * sets in. *

Close on feet jogging. Wider to reveal Sonny runs down the old Las Vegas Strip. Overlap with the weekly F! PODCAST: *

An “APX GP” envelope waits for Sonny on the table. He grabs it and walks towards the large window overlooking the Wynn hotel and Las Vegas Strip.

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Opening the envelope he sees Kate’s handwriting: “Team Dinner 9PM.”

A lush and sexy restaurant in a luxury hotel on the Strip. Sonny arrives at the host’s stand, with the envelope, in one of the few collared shirts he owns. Joshua arrives. Holding an envelope too.

As PATRONS part...they glimpse Kate, in a cocktail dress. Waiting at a leather booth for three.

Sonny and Joshua take seats at either end of the booth. Kate sits in the middle like a referee.

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She holds out a hand. Sonny narrows a look.

Sonny leans back, folds his arms.

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Joshua’s not about to back down. So Sonny pulls out his deck.

MUSIC UP as cards are dealt around the table. Hands are played. Chips pass back and forth...

Drinks and dinner arrive. All the while, the poker game grows playful, but intense. Kate sips a Heineken 00. Sonny, Joshua and Kate make bets, focus locked in...

As GAME CONTINUES, Kate’s stack of chips dwindles until it’s down to Sonny vs. Joshua now...

SONNY JOSHUA

I’ll go first. I’ll go first.

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Joshua lays his cards.

Sonny lays his cards.

She flops her cards.

She rakes in the chips..

SONNY JOSHUA

Don’t be such a dick. Don’t be such an asshole.

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A silence.

SONNY

Huh?

Sonny does a cool shuffle.

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Awkward pause. Even Sonny seems wrong-footed.

JOSHUA SONNY

I was thirteen. I was thirteen.

This makes them both pause.

Four cards face up. One remains face down. Sonny checks his hole card. Sonny pushes his chips to the middle. Joshua studies Sonny’s face.

A tense moment.

That lands on Joshua. He pushes all his chips in.

SONNY tosses in his cards, defeated.

Just then, Cash claps Joshua’s shoulder:

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Joshua gets up, extends a handshake. Sonny takes it.

Joshua exits the restaurant with a spring in his step -- posing for pictures with young FANGIRLS at the door...

Kate and Sonny, now alone. Kate looks at Sonny. She holds the look. He seems unsure. Until, eyes flare.

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SONNY turns his “losing” cards over--it’s three kings.

A loaded beat...and Sonny smiles.

As GUESTS depart, Sonny and Kate stumble-crash in, her lips meeting his. He hits buttons.

Dancing bodies, pulsing music. Joshua sits in a VIP booth, with a few other drivers, overlooking the dance floor crowd.

She gives a playful smile and turns away. Joshua surveys the party -- “the noise” -- Sonny’s words hang in his mind. It’s lost all its appeal. He gets up to go.

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As he makes his way out, Cash saddles up next to him, double- fisting Dark and Stormies.

Cash holds his gaze, picking up on...something.

But Joshua’s eye is caught elsewhere. It’s the STYLISH WOMAN with a group of friends on the dance floor. He beelines towards her.

Cash looks frustrated.

Joshua approaches and taps the STYLISH WOMAN on the shoulder, she turns. They both smile, aware of the wild attraction between them.

She takes his phone and puts her number in.

She hands the phone back to him. Joshua takes that in and smiles. He turns and walks away.

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He looks down at his phone and sees she hasn’t entered her name. He looks back...

But she’s disappeared into the dancing crowd.

CUT TO BLACK:

Over darkness, the distant sound of a screaming V-12 engine, it gets closer...

SMASH CUT to a first person POV in the cockpit of a 1990 Lotus-Lamborghini ripping down a straight at over 200mph. The camera shakes violently as the driver wrestles with the steering wheel, chasing down a red and white McLaren ahead.

SMASH CUT to the POV as the car enters a sharp curve.The tires screaming as they lose grip, hurtling us towards a metal guardrail.

ANOTHER SMASH CUT as the POV explodes out of the car like a piece of shrapnel, legs and arms flail at the spinning world before settling at a canted angle on the asphalt, an ankle twisted the wrong way like a rag doll dropped on the floor. Off the sound of an approaching siren...

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Sonny’s eyes snap open. He exhales, releasing himself from the grip of this familiar nightmare. The pulsing lights of the city softly illuminate the luxurious hotel suite. He looks over to see Kate, sleeping peacefully.

Sonny steps out onto the balcony overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. He ponders the circuit’s main strait as it slices it’s way through the heart of the city.

He turns to see Kate as she joins him at the railing. The city’s just starting to stir.

Sonny smiles.

She stands next to him. Looking out at the view.

She traces a finger lightly along the SCAR ON HIS SPINE.

Playful, she pulls him to face her. Sonny smiles but stalls.

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She looks at him, moved by this.

...when there’s KNOCKING at the door. A doorbell RINGS. They trade looks. It’s not even dawn.

Kate pulls on a robe as she answers the door...to find Ruben.

He glares at her.

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Ruben heads in. Finds Sonny coming in from the balcony.

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FIA SCRUTINEERS surround the car for forensic checks in the now-cordoned-off garage. On pit lane, Mechanics fret. Sonny, Joshua, Kate, Ruben and Kaspar confront an FIA RACE DIRECTOR.

He gives Kaspar a clipboard of DOCUMENTS featuring the RIPPLED FLOOR.

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He walks in a circle of fast Spanish expletives.. Stops.. Apoplectic.

He charges the FIA Director, but Sonny bear-hugs him away... *

Still hot, he wrestles free. Storms off after the FIA Man:

He blows by Kate and Kaspar. They face Sonny, shaken:

This lands on Sonny.

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Sonny SLAMS in, privately hot. He grabs his deck of cards and throws it scattering across the room.

AERIAL DOWN THE PACKED AND GLIMMERING STRIP...AS 22 CARS WRAP UP THE FORMATION LAP, TOWARD DESTINIES AHEAD...

ON PIT WALL: Kate, Kaspar, Nickleby, Fazio take stations.

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny SLALOMS his car, warming tires around the final turn as he takes his P5 slot, only four cars back of pole. He sees Joshua arrive in his mirrors, at a diagonal - - P6.

INTERCUT PIT WALL/BOTH CARS: Engineers watch take shape...

The team trades tense looks. Sonny and Joshua lock gazes.

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ON PIT WALL: Kate, Kaspar, Nickleby, Fazio. Nervous now..

IN SONNY'S CAR: Locked on the gantry.

Sonny narrows his eyes. Suddenly puts a glove in his pocket, feels the flap. No card inside.

A sinking feeling as LIGHT ONE BLINKS RED -- TWO -- THREE -- FOUR -- FIFTH RED and LIGHTS GO OUT--

ON TRACK: Cars BLAST OFF THE LINE! The McLaren on pole duels a P2 Ferrari. A P3 Red Bull CUTS THE ANGLE toward first corner, as a P4 Mercedes tries to get past outside--

--so Sonny DIVES TO THE INSIDE OF TURN ONE way too fast, locking up his tires and forcing the P4 Mercedes straight into Joshua’s path--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Forced to hit the brakes, dodging the car in front, battling his wheel--

ON TRACK: SONNY REVS out of the turn, right on the P3 Red Bull’s rear wing as both pursue the two leaders -- now with a burst of distance from the field--

ON PIT WALL: They exhale the near-miss.

IN GARAGE: Ruben stands with the Mechanics in front of the monitors.

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IN SONNY'S CAR: Right on the rear wing of the P3 Red Bull--

ON TRACK: Sonny blasts down the Las Vegas Strip, turns the ENGINE STRATEGY KNOB on the steering wheel then GUNS AFTER the Red Bull--

ON PIT WALL: Kate shakes her head, looking at data:

ON TRACK: Sonny makes a bold move, CHARGING FAST around the final corner, a fast blind left hander, trying to pass the Red Bull on the outside. He pushes into a gap that barely exists--

ON TRACK: --and COLLIDES HARD with the Red Bull’s rear tire vaulting Sonny and his car into the fence!

IN SONNY'S CAR: His body takes a COLOSSAL IMPACT, helmet snapped sideways, striking his headrest--

ON TRACK: Carbon SHARDS scatter as he RICOCHETS back, popping tires. The P5 Mercedes and P6 Joshua narrowly avoid the shrapnel -- Joshua coming to a stop just past Sonny’s smoking wreck--

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny sits sideways at track’s edge, in a strange state of shock. His vision BLURS as he climbs out...

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Sonny staggers from his car, pulls helmet free. The stands seem distant now. He sees Joshua, race ruined too...

His VISION BLURS further...something’s not right...as he WANDERS into the track.

...as his VISION BLURS at oncoming lights...then a SAFETY CAR warping...looks like it’s coming right at him.

The world BLURS WILDLY as he collapses.

CUT TO BLACK.

FADE IN:

A fantasyland, out a window, in the distance.

Reveal Sonny’s in bed, three days unshaven. He wears hospital trousers and a t-shirt, but otherwise seems a prisoner.

He turns to the doorway. Sees a wistful lament. Ruben steps in and walks to the window.

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Outside the room Joshua arrives with a GIFT for Sonny.He stops before going in when he hears Ruben’s voice.

Ruben lifts Sonny’s chart from the foot of his bed, flips to back pages:

Sonny knows it’s serious. Still he offers a half-hearted..

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Joshua takes this in...

Ruben hands Sonny an envelope.

Sonny meets Ruben’s eyes.

Ruben leaves. Sonny turns to the window.

The gift is by the door as Ruben exits. But Joshua is gone.

Sonny’s camper van with dirt bike and surfboard sits parked as promised. He limps gingerly over, about to climb in--

Banning approaches, in a suit and a smile... *

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Intrigued, Sonny waits at the van.

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[ALT: *

Sonny puts the pieces together. *

SONNY * You forged those documents, sent them * to the FIA... *

END ALT] *

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Banning smiles - all’s fair in love and war.

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Banning thumps his arm, heads to leave--

Banning gives a thumbs-up. Sonny gets in his van -- a little wince from a back twinge -- shuts the door. He sits there, thinking. Starts his engine.

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AERIAL over Abu Dhabi... GRAPHIC:ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX.

An epic track course fills with FANS. Teams prepare garages.

In the stands, a wave of black-and-gold FANS arrive...

Same FANS on TV. Joshua watches with Mom. He turns, serious.

Bernadettes looks at him.

Bernadette nods, takes this in. Just then, Cash bursts in:

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His manager stops. Bernadette looks up.

Cash can’t fathom it at first, he looks to Bernadette.

Cash understands this is the way things are now. He nods.

Dodge, Jodie and the mechanics, still morose. Joshua enters. Drops his gear-bag.

Joshua nods, unzips his gear bag..

Banning leads NINA BEHRENDT (50s), SATYA BANGA (40s) and a * group of CORPORATE EXECS on a tour.

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Empty, as Ruben wanders in watching the cars arrive.. He takes a seat at center console...taking it all in one last time.

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He looks out at the track and sees...

Joshua leads the team in their jog around the track. Coming from a chicane...

ON RUBEN -- He smiles.

As Banning glad-hands the great and the good, the exec Satya * Banga peers over the balcony. *

SATYA * What’s that lot doing?

Banning comes over. They’re watching the Apex Mechanics jogging Main Straight as a group...led by Joshua. Apex fans CHEER as they pass.

Joshua leads the team from a chicane...to see a FIGURE in street clothes walking their way, on track, with a gear bag and helmet. They all stop jogging...like it’s some mirage.

Sonny gives a wave, arriving. Joshua marvels with a grin.

Seals cut and car covers removed as Joshua and the Mechanics return...with Sonny now among them. Ruben stands sharply. So do Kate, Kaspar, Engineers.

Sonny hands Ruben PAPERWORK.

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Ruben snatches the paperwork and starts reading it.

He pulls the ENVELOPE out that Ruben gave him. Rips it in half.

He notes the cars. Sees the UPGRADED FLOOR is there.

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Ruben sees something in Sonny’s look that moves him...

119 OMITTED 119 *

QUICK SHOTS: Sonny’s gear bag hits. Watch gets placed beside * the deck of cards. Mismatched socks go on. Racing kit zipped up.

Sonny sits with private anxiety and nerves. Joshua sits with * private anxiety and nerves. *

Sonny has a dizzy spell, steadies himself against the wall. * Joshua’s in his doorway, now dressed too. A look of concern. *

JOSHUA * You good? *

SONNY * Yep. *

Sonny cuts the deck, takes top card and slips it into his pocket. *

Engines HUMMING. Fans CHEERING in anticipation. Sonny drops into his cockpit, wincing as he settles in. Joshua drops into his own, making last checks. Mechanics start to disperse--

--as Sonny looks to pit lane, sees Kate at pit wall. A wary nod. He nods back, closes his VISOR. Dodge signals “release”--

--and Sonny ROARS his #7 into the arena. A moment later, Joshua’s #9 joins too. A procession of rival CARS follow.

Banning still entertains his future Corporate Colleagues, as a BUZZ starts to sweep through the room:

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Banning spins full around, nearly tipping his sushi plate.

NINA * Oh good, Peter! That’s your guy!

Alarmed, Banning pushes through to the pit lane overlook--

--to see the cars assembling on the pre-race grid, as Mechanics converge. Sonny climbs out at P22. Dodge is there:

Dodge hands it to him. Sonny looks to the Paddock Club.

Banning’s phone BUZZES. He finds it, reads the incoming TEXT:

Banning snaps his head up. Amidst the massing crowds on the grid, Sonny’s a statue, staring his way--

--and then heads for the gantry with Joshua, where drivers gather for pageantry. Don Cavendish comes running with a mic:

Sonny motions to an Apex crew member and walks towards his car. The crew member hands Don an envelope. Don opens it to reveal 10 grand in cash.

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As the UAE national anthem finishes, JETS are on approach overhead. The stands are ROARING...as at the end of the row of drivers...Sonny and Joshua take it in, side by side.

[ALT:

END ALT:]

SONNY * Elbows out? *

JOSHUA * Elbows out. *

Red gantry lights BLINK DARK. Engines SCREAM--

Pedals HIT floor. Clutch paddles DROP. Wheels SPIN from dead stop. Steering units LIGHT UP with revs.

IN SONNY'S P22 CAR: He BLASTS off the line, barely avoiding the bad start of the P20 McLaren ahead cutting to the left--

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--but the P21 Alfa Romeo gives him nowhere to go, so he’s forced even wider, the long way around -- as P19 cuts into the P20 gap, which gives Sonny an opening for Turn One--

IN JOSHUA’S P11 CAR: -- the P9 and P10 go to the inside (left), so he goes to the outside of Turn 1.

ON TRACK: --as the three cars are wheel-to-wheel-to-wheel, no one giving ground -- but Joshua anticipates and brakes early, cutting down the inside as the others continue, picking up two places to P9--

P9 and P10 tangle and push wide missing the apex, go over the curb and off the track rejoining at Turn 2--

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ON TRACK: --but the Alpine on the inside washes wide CLIPPING Sonny’s left rear -- he’s headed off track --

IN SONNY'S CAR: -- he cuts a curb, wheels come off ground, he bottoms out, and SPIDERWEBS his right side mirror! An ominous omen.

ON PIT WALL: Kate exhales. They both survived Lap One--

Mechanics watch LEADERBOARD shift, Apex cars on the hunt: JOSHUA P7, SONNY P14...

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny battles VIBRATIONS from degraded tires. In his POV, the shaky horizon line is maddening...

ON PIT WALL: Kate and Engineers trade knowing looks--

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny keeps locking up, tires SMOKING, as he sees a Haas car gaining in his mirrors--

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ON TRACK: --and as he rounds TURN 9, MAGNUSSEN’S HAAS follows very close and dives late into TURN 11 on the inside.SONNY moves to block and MAGNUSSEN clips his right rear wheel. The Haas’s whole left front wing SPLINTERS, scattering carbon DEBRIS across the entire track -- YELLOW FLAGS blink on -- just as he comes into view of the pit lane entry:

IN PIT LANE: Mechanics rush to position. Jodie fine-tunes:

Perfect stop. Sonny REVS from the pits, back into action...

IN JOSHUA’S P6 CAR: As he rounds the last turn under VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR (VSC) LIGHTS, he watches the cars ahead all SWERVE into the pits--

ON PIT WALL: Kate watches the screens play out...

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She lifts up her pant cuffs, revealing one BLACK sock and one GOLD. Kaspar raises an eyebrow.

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GREEN FLAGS now, and the concertina pack of cars PULLS AWAY, back to full speed -- with Joshua temporarily in front. He fights hard, attacking every corner--

IN SONNY'S CAR: On fresh tires in the midfield in P16, he ATTACKS--

ON TRACK: Sonny BLASTS past the P15 car into Turn 6, gets the P14 in sights...and on the next straight between 7 and 9, he ROARS past that too into P14--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Two CARS finally get past him...

IN PIT LANE: Mechanics RUSH out for Joshua’s pit stop. Joshua zooms in, jacked up, tires switch then locks in as car’s dropped. He looks to the garage and spots Bernadette before * he zooms off. Leaderboard drops Joshua back to P8, now on Lap *

IN SONNY'S CAR: Perfectly sticking every apex...

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ON TRACK: Coming around main straight, once a Red Bull and Mercedes stay out, a Ferrari SWERVES into the pits--

ON PIT WALL: Kate springs up:

IN RACE SUPPORT ROOM: Pippa and Analysts watch MODELS change--

IN SONNY'S CAR: He sees the Ferrari leaving pit lane ahead--

ON TRACK: Sonny pushes harder, even with the ACCELERATING Ferrari as it exits pit lane -- and he edges just ahead at Turn Three--forcing it to GO WIDE -- the Ferrari comes back on track aggressively right behind Sonny and dives to inside into Turn 5 -- he locks up and goes deep damaging a SMOKING tire--

IN PADDOCK CLUB: Banning watches Apex climbing.

NINA * Peter! This is amazing! How are they staying so close to the lead?

IN THE RACE BAY: Bernadette’s so excited that she takes Ruben’s hand, all nerves, double fingers-crossed.

On fresh tires, Joshua’s climbing positions, due to cars between him and the leaders making final pits...

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Down into Turn 3, Joshua sees the lead Mercedes and Red Bull COMING OUT of the pit lane -- and this time he GUNS it -- beating them both and taking the temporary lead!

IN SONNY'S CAR: Only a few seconds back in P4, Sonny sees the Mercedes and Red Bull far ahead -- but he’s too busy defending the Ferrari on his rear wing. High deg for both.

ON PIT WALL: This five-way duel takes shape toward Lap 54...

ON TRACK: Joshua’s tires SKID, they’ve lost too much grip. The Mercedes and Red Bull overtake and drop him to P3...

IN PADDOCK CLUB: Most Apex guests MOAN to see Joshua fall back, but not Banning, who sighs with secret relief...

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny’s BATTLING hard...VISION BLURRING...

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IN APEX BAY: Ruben pushes up from his seat, throws off his headset in a burst of despair. It startles Bernadette.

ON TRACK: Sonny is battling with Russell’s Mercedes (P4). As they come in the final complex around the hotel, the Merc has * a slide and bad exit, which allows Sonny to have a run on the outside in the awkward Turn 14--

Russell takes the line with no compromise and squeezes Sonny to the wall: light contact made but they both get away with it.

IN SONNY’S CAR: Sonny is angry for falling short, for getting squeezed, as he tucks in behind dangerously close...

ON TRACK: On the exit of the final corner, Sonny can only go to the outside along the straight and gets alongside for turn 1. They are side by side approaching the fast turn 2.

ON PIT WALL: Kaspar sees he’s driving hell-bent...

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But just as Sonny gets his nose ahead, Russell’s front right tire MAKES CONTACT with Sonny’s back left sending Sonny’s cars spinning off with lots of smoke--

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Sonny spins and his car smashes into the barrier SHATTERING THE REAR WING, sending shrapnel across the track--

IN PADDOCK CLUB: Fans GASP. Banning bolts up, arms raised--

IN SONNY’S CAR: Recovering from spin, Sonny’s disoriented--

He’s still moving, but slowly, seeing CARS coming behind him--

ON TRACK: As other cars attempt to maneuver through the * debris, RED FLAGS wave. *

IN APEX BAY: Ruben head in his hands, suddenly perks up...

IN SONNY’S CAR: Sonny coaxes his machine, REAR WING dragging, TIRES BLOWN, as he tries to find a way forward...

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IN APEX BAY: While Mechanics despair, Ruben sees only hope. He grabs Dodge, watching Sonny’s tortoise-pace on monitors:

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: He sees RED FLAGS. The SAFETY CAR appears ahead of the Mercedes and Ferrari in front of him. *

IN PIT LANE: Dodge and Mechanics race out. A flurry of activity up and down pit lane as all crews CHARGE OUT:

ON TRACK: Rounding final turn, Sonny fits-and-starts his mangled car into pit lane...

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IN PIT LANE: As Mechanics swarm, *

Kaspar sees a mechanic struggle to get the rear jack under * the damaged car, he abandons his headset and runs to the * car... *

KASPAR * I’ve got it... *

Kaspar sees what the problem is-- *

The mechanics lift the car and Kaspar manages to get the jack * under it. He looks at Jodie. *

Kaspar glances up to the stands to see LIESL, hands clasped * nervously, admiring him from above. She blows him a kiss -- * Kaspar smiles broadly. *

Sonny speaks to Kate on the radio-- *

A mechanic goes to help Sonny out of the car, but he shakes * his head: he’s going to stay in. *

Sir Lewis Hamilton paces nearby, watching the car being * fixed. *

Joshua goes up to Sonny. *

JOSHUA * You good? *

SONNY * Yeah I’m good. *

Sonny points at the replay of the contact with Russell on * grandstand screens--

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He hustles off to oversee the crew’s work on his car. Sonny looks to Kate on pit wall. She looks grim. *

SONNY * That was my corner! *

A FLURRY of action: new REAR WING flies in. New SOFT TIRES put on. Dodge leads Jodie and Mechanics in an emergency repair master class, like trying open heart surgery on a battlefield patient.

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Banning orders yet another drink, watching incident replays:

Ruben comes in close to Sonny and leans in, nothing to do but * watch the crews work:

He’s grateful for the ride. *

Sonny looks around. *

SONNY * How are we doing back there? Are we * gonna make it? Dodge?! *

DODGE * We’re on it. *

Kaspar is flat to the asphalt, grease-spattered, wrench in hand, as his crew re-assembles the car’s rear around him. *

New SOFT TIRES go on Joshua’s car. As other DRIVERS climb into their cars, Sonny-- *

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JOSHUA * Patience! *

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Joshua nods, puts his helmet on, climbs into his car.

He looks up. Jodie, Dodge, Kaspar stand proud: *

CARS finish a warm-up formation lap, returning to the grid...

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: He settles into P3 on the grid, second row. Glances to mirrors to see Sonny’s car coming.

IN SONNY’S CAR: He pulls up diagonally just back of Joshua...as the grid fills in behind him...

IN PADDOCK CLUB: Banning’s pacing, as news comes on TVs:

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The VIPs cheer. Banning’s look turns sour.

IN SONNY’S CAR:

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua gets the news over his radio...

IN APEX RACE BAY: Ruben sits beside Bernadette, emboldened:

LIGHTS OUT. Sonny and Joshua’s cars ROAR BACK ONTO THE TRACK--

--and FIGHT to hold position, with the whole pack accordioning tight into Turn One -- where they emerge still P3 (Joshua) and P4 (Sonny)...

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ON TRACK: Sonny and Joshua give chase on the two leaders: a Mercedes (P1), a Ferrari (P2). The two Apex cars on fresher tires, conserving their power, no fighting here--

IN SONNY’S CAR: Sonny’s trailing Joshua, VISION BLURRING.

IN JOSHUA’S CAR:

But as Joshua’s forced to slow into Turn 5 behind the Ferrari, Sonny slips inside for a narrow PASS. Joshua can’t help but smile at the fearless gambit:

ON TRACK: Sonny provides an aero boost to Joshua into the 5-6 straight, approaching the chicane--

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny struggles to keep track of Joshua in his FRACTURED side mirror -- flashes of DOUBLE VISION too--

INTO TURN 8: Where Sonny and Joshua hunt down the P2 Ferrari now, not waiting for the next straight, but attacking on the turns--

IN SONNY'S CAR: --as the extreme force now CHIPS OFF pieces of Sonny’s mirror. Bit by bit, he’s losing his view--

Sonny BRAKES LATE into the high-speed TURN 9, OVERTAKING on the outside line -- tires barely gripping track as he gets by and with the Ferrari getting a bad exit, it’s unprepared for Joshua cutting past the other way on TURN 10.

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INTO THIRD SECTOR: Leaving them just P1 Mercedes to catch-- *

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Joshua’s eyes gleam to see the leader--

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny exits a turn, takes it full throttle. Body getting BATTERED, but he no longer feels a thing...

ON TRACK: Joshua blasts through the 2-3-4 chicane. So does Sonny right behind. Mere centimeters apart, with precision speed.

IN RACE BAY: Bernadette’s clutching Ruben now, a bundle of nerves. Mechanics jump and yell, urging them on--

INTO TURN FIVE: Joshua is right on the Mercedes’s rear wing, * and Sonny on Joshua’s--

ONTO 5-6 STRAIGHT: --as they round the bend, flying past the grandstand, with the crowd going wild -- as Sonny and Joshua fan out on the leader’s flanks again, DRS open--

IN SONNY/JOSHUA’S CARS: Pulling even, catching eyes--

INTO TURN 6: --as the Mercedes holds them off again, DRS wings shut, unable to overtake in time--

ON PIT WALL: Kate and Engineers are alarmed--

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INTO SECOND SECTOR: Sonny and Joshua chase the P1 Mercedes, HURTLING fearlessly side-by-side -- through visors, meet eyes, knowing whoever attacks first advantages the other...

ON PIT WALL: Suddenly fearing neither of them will do it...

IN SONNY'S CAR: Sonny grips his wheel one final time...

INTO BACK STRAIGHT: Last chance to overtake, as Hamilton GUNS IT and Sonny and Joshua FAN OUT FLANKING again, DRS open--

--and this time Sonny GUNS IT too, creeping up on the right--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Reacts instantly, instinct sending him left

ON TRACK: --as the Mercedes veers right to cut off Sonny, his * first attacker -- which allows Joshua a path to ZOOM PAST on his left--

--as the Merc squeezes Joshua toward edge of track -- which * allows Sonny a path forward, able to overtake on his right -- with the tight TURN 10 coming up--

--where the Merc’s front tire clips Sonny-- *

--which sends Sonny’s car into a FATAL WILD SKID, spinning like a top as all three exit the turn--

--as Joshua and the Mercedes BLAST BY, neck and neck. Joshua’s eyes dart to his mirror, as Sonny spins from sight--

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IN RACE BAY/PIT WALL: Everyone gasps -- the end for Sonny--

ON TRACK: --as he somehow gets control back, avoids a smash.

IN SONNY’S CAR: On pure instinct, he re-orients the car, now three fatal seconds back--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: Now has the lead, fending off the Mercedes-- *

ON TRACK: The Mercedes pulls even into the front straight, chasing, wild -- precariously close to the barrier--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: --as Joshua anticipates what’s coming--

ON TRACK: --while the Merc threatens to touch, wheel-to-wheel with the next TURN 1 approaching, running out of track -- Joshua can only feel him -- doesn’t lift -- holds position--

--Hamilton doesn’t back down either and -- BANG! -- both cars collide and are spun off-track into the run-off...

...leaving the Mercedes and Joshua knocked out of the race.

ON PIT WALL: Kate and Engineers leap up, stunned.

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IN SONNY'S CAR: A full three seconds back, still gutting it out...he hears it on radio...

His eyes widen in confusion...but seeing Le Clerc’s Ferrari and Russell’s Mercedes growing in his mirror, he GUNS it for the final lap!

IN GARAGE: Nobody can breathe...

ON FIRST SECTOR: Sonny’s car still REVS strong, passing the double spinout safely off-track in the infield--

IN JOSHUA’S CAR: --as Joshua roots him on--

ON TRACK: --as Sonny PUNCHES IT down the straight and through the curves, with theduo of new RIVALS on his heels--all sound drops away. All we hear is his breath.

Sonny CARVES through the turns hitting every apex. He is one with his machine--where he belongs.

ON PIT WALL: All watch screens, incredulous, breathless:

Kate smiles.

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Mechanics, Engineers, Kate, Ruben, even Bernadette...all race across pit lane for the finish--

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--as the CHECKERED FLAG waves...and three CARS fly around the final turn, onto main straight, DRS opening up for every car but one...Sonny’s battered Apex #7--

--the crazy black-and-gold beast they’ll never catch--

--and Sonny calmly shuts his eyes...until he hears:

ON THIRD SECTOR: Joshua sees a section of black-and-gold fans erupt in a ROAR -- and thrusts his arms skyward.

IN SONNY’S CAR: Sonny takes it all in, overcome. A profound sense of peace...as cannons lining the finish shoot VICTORY FLARES...

There’s celebration all around for Apex VIPs...except for ashen Banning, and his Corporate Guests: *

NINA * Fun party, Peter. Means three more years for Ruben, right? Guess we’ll check back about that deal. (drops the smile) Presuming you’re still on the Board.

They depart. Banning stares at fireworks. A SERVER offers him a champagne flute.

Sonny’s battered car comes to a stop at the P1 marker. He staggers out...into the embraces of his gathered Mechanics, with Jodie first to greet him. Kaspar is overcome, WEEPING.

Sonny turns to see Joshua...strolling the final turn on foot, much like Sonny himself has appeared before...

Sonny wraps him in a powerful hug.

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Grandstand full of FANS, winning TEAMS on pit lane, as Sonny’s PROMO VIDEO appears on the GIANT PODIUM SCREEN...

Crowd ROARS as Sonny takes the top step of the podium. A PRESENTER removes the Trophy from a Louis Vuitton case and offers Sonny his Trophy, but he declines...

He spots Ruben in the wings.

The confused Presenter shrugs to her bosses, and hands the trophy to Ruben instead. Laughing, he graciously takes it. Sonny steps off the podium and Ruben steps to intercept.

RUBEN * You get one day to say it, Sonny. * Today you are the best in the world. * [ALT: I love the way you...Never * change!] *

Ruben hugs him, buoyant.

Joshua continues walking and gets a pat on the back from TOTO WOLFF.

Together, Ruben and Sonny survey the scene...

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DOWN BELOW: Mechanics carry Joshua on their shoulders. Fazio and Nickleby celebrate with Kate. Kaspar hugs Liesl as she lavishes him with kisses. Bernadette meets Sonny’s eyes and smiles. Lisbeth is there too...

Joshua gets back on the ground and runs to hug Bernadette and Cashman.

Behind them, some celebrating crew move to reveal the STYLISH WOMAN amidst the crowd. She smiles at Joshua and comes closer.

She puts out her hand and he takes it.

ON STAGE: As the P2 AND 3 WINNERS spray champagne, Ruben grabs a bottle too...but Sonny surveys the FIREWORKS and FANS, and strangely looks a little lost.

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DOWN BELOW: Ruben sends a SPRAY into the crowd. Kate ducks and dries her eyes, then looks back up. Amidst the wild celebration, she’s the first to notice...Sonny’s gone.

IN THE PIT LANE: Close on Sonny as he pushes his way, head down, through the celebratory mob.

BENEATH THE PODIUM: Kate looks for Sonny. She runs into Ruben * and they hug and celebrate, before Kate continues on. *

Sonny enters and quickly slams the door behind him.

He collapses to his knees, letting a wave of emotion pour out of him.

O.S. celebration continues, as Kate searches the halls--

--to find Sonny’s room empty -- all of his stuff gone.She processes for a moment, turns to go and sees Sonny in street clothes, bags at his side, waiting for her...

KATE * Another race I don’t know about? *

SONNY * Somewhere. *

KATE * That beats this? *

Sonny gives her a look. *

SONNY * I’m going this way, you’re going that * way. How about we meet in the middle? *

He allows a smile. She steps to him...for a kiss. *

KATE * Hold onto that until then. *

SONNY * Anything else? *

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KATE * Drive fast. *

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Sonny crosses to his airport van, with his gearbag and helmet, watch on. A long ways behind, Joshua comes running, still in race gear and wet from champagne:

Sonny turns, has to shout across the distance:

Sonny nods, smiles.

He raises a farewell wave. Joshua blinks, a little stunned. But lifts a goodbye hand too. Sonny gets in his airport van.

Alone, Sonny pulls the playing card from his pocket. For the first time ever, he turns it over, but we don’t see what it is. He muses, then puts it back in his pocket. Keeps it there.

AIRPLANES taxiing on the runway...as ANGLE FINDS Sonny through the window at a booth in street clothes, with his gear-bag, unfolding a map like he did months ago...as a WAITRESS arrives with an ice cream sundae. She sets it down at his table...with a napkin and spoon.

He regards for a long, satisfied moment. Then tucks into his ice cream, sketching a route on his map...

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Sonny’s van THUNDERS a remote road, headed for the coast. Draped in desert dust from an arduous journey...

Two custom off-road CLASS 1 BUGGIES go hurtling over dunes on a makeshift loop course. A ramshackle garage has been built, labeled “Cruzado & Sons Baja Racing.”

Three Mexican MECHANICS surround a third Buggy: an OLD-TIMER (70), his SON (40) and a GRANDSON (16). The three generations gather, seeing Sonny emerge...

The guys trade a look. Haven’t heard of him.

Off Sonny’s smile, and the wild ROAR of engines...

...as the classic rock KICKS IN and we--

CUT TO BLACK.