I read this thread and I decided to do this timeline. It took me ages putting it all together and shrugging off my lestappie mentality, because while I was doing this, I realised that maybe all this time we hit the wrong pair.
But before we begin. This is what we have to know about the guys. In case anyone doesn’t know, it adds to what I’m trying to show you.
Alex: Alexander Philippe Albon Ansusinha. He is the oldest one in the band. Born on 23rd March 2001 in London and raised in Suffolk. He has four siblings and twelve pets. He grew up into music and acting from a young age; he knows how to play the piano, and during high school, he took part in a couple of plays. He had so much potential that he also got to do a few small roles on TV and in movies. In one of those, he met George. So when FL were formed, they quickly became inseparable. He auditioned for The X Factor with Don’t Stop Me Now and passed with a standing ovation.
Max: Max Emilian Verstappen. He was born on 30 September 2002 in Hasselt, Belgium. He is Dutch and Belgian and the eldest of two children. His parents divorced when he was young, after which he lived with his father. Max has three other siblings from his father's second and third marriages. His life was always associated with music, his parents being classical musicians. He knows how to play the piano, the violin and the guitar.
He said his father was so strict on him to become the best that if he couldn’t get the piece right, he wouldn’t get to eat a single thing, or he would get the silent treatment (and these were some of the less grave ones from what he told us). Also, his dad wasn’t fond of his auditioning for The X Factor because he wanted him to be a classical musician. In fact, he had to escape to do so, and when he passed, he had to beg to stay in the competition. He auditioned with Piano Man, and God, you can hear he sang like his life depended on it.
Charles: Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc. Born on 16 October 2002 in Montecarlo, Monaco. He’s the middle child of three brothers. He moved to London at a young age because of his dad’s job. He grew up playing the piano and singing for the clients of his mum’s hair salon. He was also into acting, doing minor roles on TV, and did modelling to help his family. That led him to audition for The X Factor, singing Coldplay’s Viva La Vida.
George: George William Russell. Born on 15 February 2003 in Norfolk. The youngest in his family. From a young age, he knew he loved music and adored entertaining people. So he went to an art school and took classes in musical theatre. His parents used to think the acting thing was a phase, but he was serious about following this path, and he went to audition for different roles on his own. He met Alex at one of these gigs.
At fourteen, he auditioned for the first time on The X Factor. He passed the TV producers, then made it to the bootcamp, and made it to the judges' houses. There, he got cut by Toto, who told him to return in two years. George did exactly that, and his audition with Something Beautiful received a standing ovation from Toto.
Lando: Lando Norris. The youngest in FL. He was born in Bristol on 13 November 2004. He’s the middle child in his house and has three siblings. He went to a performing arts school and learnt to play different instruments, such as the guitar, drums and trumpet. He used to be the lead singer in his high school band, Quadrant. His mum was the one who motivated him to audition for The X Factor, so he did. In 2019, he auditioned by singing "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room".
THE ULTIMATE GAX TIMELINE
2019
July: Max and George met in the X Factor when they were put together in the band. But they were near each other the previous days for the bootcamp. We also have the lestappen hug.
Mid-August: 2 weeks in Lando’s parents' house. Here, they named the band FastLane, and in their movie Between The Lines, it is mentioned that they became friends.
End of August: Judge’s houses. It’s quite a short period of time in Toto’s House, but for the galex girlies it’s important because Alex broke his collarbone while riding bikes with G, and G took care of him.
September: Live stages. During this time, they started making weekly vlogs, and Lando began to have the “flirt” reputation among the contestants (he was 14!).
December: finals. They ended up 3rd, but Toto still gave them a contract.
NOTES: Lando said in this interview that Max and George didn’t get along during this time because their personalities clashed. They fought about everything.
2020
January-February: They have their first photoshoots and interviews, and they’re active on their socials. They’re on tour with X Factor. On their YT channel, they upload 3 video diaries.
Then, in March, COVID started. So based on their IG stories, we know the boys are living together in London and GAX are roommates. During this time, we have a lot of FL content. They do IG lives, stream gaming together and upload covers.
op in youtube saved almost all FL lives, and I discovered a few gax hints.
gaming: I realised every time 5/5 were playing together, whatever they were playing, there was always a joke about G or M getting distracted by smth one of them said or did. For example, they were playing fifa (this one at minute 6:12), and the moment M let G choose the team he always chooses, Charles mocked them, saying G had privileges. Lestappies use this clip as a ‘jealousy proof’, but looking back, it doesn’t give that vibe.
Talking about jealousy, I reviewed those moments with their context, and again, we missed the real interaction. Cha was teasing them all this time.
i.a.: Cha went on Live, showing their cooking skills (which they barely have) and he asked Max to whom the dish he was preparing was dedicated. Cha did not wait for an answer; he just said it was for G, all giggly.
Covers: most of G’s covers were made with Lando and Alex. BUT the very few he did on his own felt more personal and closer to his own taste. 1) Eyelashes by Tori Kelly. 2) From Eden by Hozier. 3) Paper Rings by Taylor Swift (Not an actual cover, but he did sing it on a live when asked about his current fav song)
On the other hand, Max did covers but in a group, especially with Charles (here’s the playlist of the songs they sang together). The only time he did an IG Live singing alone was with a self-composed song, Fool for You. Surprisingly, he never got to do one with George alone.
Lyrics for Fool for You:
This love is tainted
I need you and I hate it
You're caught between a dream and a movie scene
In a way, you know what I mean
When the dark turns to mist, I just can't resist it
'Cause I'm a fool for you
And the things you do
I'm a fool for you
And the things, the things you do
The things you do
The things you do
When you're looking like this
I just can't resist it
I know sometimes I hide it
But I can't this time, 'cause it's gonna defeat me
But you won't believe me
Believe me
'Cause I'm a fool for you
And the things you do
I'm a fool for you, and the things
The things you do
NOTES: this is my pov. 1) Their covers were chosen to answer the song of the other. First, Max and Alex covered Ocean Eyes and Suddenly I see. Then Lando and George did I see the light (from tangled). Max responded singing with Charles There is a light that never goes out. G and Alex sang Meant to Be (from Teen Beach Movie). AND Max did Say You Love Me with Cha and Oh Darling.
And on and on. They were flirting in front of our eyes.
2) The songs lestappen sang are the ones directed to G, because Max never did a cover alone, and those are the ones G answered.
May: They gave a few interviews talking about their sudden rise to fame since The X Factor, and they confirmed the new album.
August: FL posted various teasers on YouTube introducing the boys days before the ‘To the Beautiful You’ music video's release date.
The following day, they started the promotions with interviews on Radio 1, Capital FM, and so on. Toto books them on everything.
September-October: They perform live for the first time To the Beautiful You. This part of the promo tour is mainly UK-based.
November: FL releases Gotta Be You as a single with a music video.
Then FL’s first album, Greenlight.
In December, it was confirmed that Max broke up with his gf Sarah (who is 6 years older than him),
2021
January: FL releases the music video for Somebody to You.
They do a press tour around various European countries.
February: In this French interview, Max told us he wanted to do a cover with George during quarantine, but G always came up with excuses.
What was in the air in Germany that, in this interview, the interviewer pointed out a love bite on Max’s neck and Charles came up with the excuse, saying it was made in the gym? All this was happening while G’s ears got red as fuck.
May: They began the Greenlight Tour in the UK and Ireland. Later on, they extended it to North America and Oceania. They did 54 shows and recorded one for Netflix.
Around the North American leg of the Greenlight Tour, we have video diaries where we can see them being goofy and joking together.
Notable mentions: 1) Gax warming up their voices together before their performance on Good Morning America, and then they sang the chorus of Billy Joel’s Piano Man in front of the camera when George joked with the nickname he calls Max, which is Piano Man. 2) Gax sleeping next to each other before a show. 3) Gax next to each other planning Alex’s surprise birthday. 4) Max wearing George’s England jumper. 5) George wearing Max’s PSV t-shirt.
August: They were on Radio Disney, and they were playing a game of guessing the photo on their foreheads. Max had Brad Pitt (ugh) and Charles was giving him hints. Cha said that person is beautiful, so Max guessed, “George!”.
September: In this interview, they were playing games of who knew each other better. Lando was asked what George’s girl type is, and he basically described Max. I quote: “He’s into blondes with blue eyes, tall. G likes when, in terms of personality, it’s like his complete opposite. That person definitely must like music and be kind of an addict to gaming to be with George."
September: FL releases their perfume, they starred in the TV commercial.
They release the behind the scenes. In the min 1:22, Gax they're seen arriving together, and Max carries G’s bags.
November: on the 24th George makes a live on Instagram; he sings for the first and only time Love Songs, which he self-wrote. Why Gax related? Let’s read the lyrics:
I'll take away the hurt
Tell me all your fears
And if you're feelin' scared, I'll be here
You don't have to be tough with me
I'll protect you from it all
I could be your safety net, if you'd let me
'Cause when you're happy, I'm home
Smilin' feels different with you
Cryin' feels better with you
If love is a game, then I'm willin' to play
'Cause somethin' was missin' 'til you
Somethin' was missin' 'til you
I'll be there through your flaws
Catch you if you fall
And if you call for me, I'll be there
I just wanna make you feel loved
I'll carry the weight for you
You deserve everything life can bring
'Cause nothing compares to you
Smilin' feels different with you
Cryin' feels better with you
If love is a game, then I'm willin' to play
'Cause nothin' is missin' with you
Nothin' is missin' with you
2022
January: FL releases the music video for Live While We're Young.
February: FL releases the music video for Little Things.
March: They release the album In Motion on the 9th, and on the 16th, they release the music video for What A Man Gotta Do.
In the video they share the dance scene. On the behind-the-scenes they’re seen practising together and laughing at their own terrible moves. In the quick interview they do, Max says George looks like a royal in his costume.
April: Starts the In Motion Tour.
June: Max goes live and sings another self-written song Love Love Love
Well, maybe I'm a crook for stealing your heart away
Yeah, maybe I'm a crook for not caring for it
Yeah, maybe I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad person
Well, baby I know
And these fingertips
Will never run through your skin
And those bright blue eyes
Can only meet mine across a room
Filled with people that are less important than you
Oh, 'cause you love, love, love
When you know I can't love
You love, love, love
When you know I can't love
You love, love, love
When you know I can't love you
So I think it's best
We both forget
Before we dwell on it
The way you held me so tight
All through the night
'Til it was near morning
July: George cries on stage singing The End.
August: Max and Kelly are confirmed to be dating after they are seen together in public in NYC.
Days after the news broke, George posted a TikTok with Olivia Rodrigo's song Deja Vu.
November: FL releases the music video for Best Song Ever on the 15th
a brief note: george is the sexiest sexy secretary ever
The world premiere of the concert film FastLane: Between the Lines took place at Leicester Square in London on November 29. George hard-launches his relationship with Carmen there.
December: On the 8th, FastLane: Between the Lines is released in theatres.
In the movie, there’s this scene where they’re about to board different flights for their vacation. George says to the camera he’s going to miss the boys because it's the first time in three years they’re going to be apart for more than two weeks. Then he waves goodbye to Max, who hugs him TIGHT.
During the press tour, they do an interview where they play “Who’s the most…” Max tries his best to get George’s attention, naming him in each question. George looks pissed.
brief note: at that time everyone thought it was funny, or G was kind of flattered?
2023
January: FL releases the music video for Story of My Life.
February: FL releases the music video for Midnight Memories
March: They release the album Midnight Feelings on the 15th, and on the 30th, they release the music video for You & I.
In Part 2 of the behind-the-scenes video, Max explains You & I. He says (the song) it’s about wanting your love story to be different and not giving up no matter the fights or how difficult things get.
May: Began the All of Us Here Tour.
July: In Amsterdam FL covers Rewrite the stars. And god, we always thought it was THE lestappen song because Max sings the first verse and Charles the first chorus. BUT rewatching the cover, Max’s part and George’s part are in fact connected. They answered each other:
Max:
You know I want you
It's not a secret I try to hide
You know you want me
So don't keep sayin' our hands are tied
You claim it's not in the cards
And fate is pullin' you miles away and out of a reach from me
But you're hearin' my heart
So who can stop me if I decide that you're my destiny?
George:
You think it's easy
You think I don't wanna run to you, yeah
But there are mountains
And there are doors that we can't walk through
I know you're wondering why
Because we're able to be just you and me within these walls
But when we go outside
You're gonna wake up and see that it was hopeless after all
AND READ THIS PART
Lando: All I want is to fly with you
Alex: All I want is to fall with you
Charles: So just give me all of you
Max: It feels impossible
George: it's not impossible
M: Is it impossible?
FL: Say that it's possible
August: George and Carmen are seen vacationing in Italy
The following week, Max and Kelly are photographed on a yacht in Sardinia.
September: George posts a cover after more than a year since the last one. It’s Two Of Us by the Beatles, and it seems he recorded it in a cabin.
December: The Sun confirms George and Carmen had broken up.
2024
February: FL releases the music video for Clouds.
April: FL releases the music video for Night Changes.
June: They release the album Four on the 9th.
July: George attends F1’s Silverstone GP with Alex
September: Begins All To Drive For Tour.
November: On the 20th, it's announced on Max’s and Kelly’s IG that they’re engaged.
On the 25th, Max is signed off on FL activities due to stress and heads to his house in the Netherlands.
On the 28th, a photo emerged of M holding another woman around the waist
December: Max leaves the band
The following day, G cries on stage while singing Story Of Another Us.
2025
February: George attends Real Madrid’s match against Atlético de Madrid in the Bernabéu.
He posts a dump in IG with RM’s players (one of them Jude Bellingham, who follows him after this meeting)
March: FL releases Drag me down
May: FL releases Perfect
A couple of photos resurface with George and Jude partying together.
June: Made in the AM is released
During FL’s press tour, George is SHADY af; he never mentions Max directly, but he hints at it.
July: FL releases History.
George attends the Wimbledon men’s final and appears in a video with Janick singing We’re The Champions.
August: Max releases his debut single Starting Line
Nylon publishes an interview with Max, and he says he’s not so sure if he has four friends anymore.
George likes tiktoks defending FL's music authenticity
George is seen hanging out with tennis player Jannik Sinner and his friends.
September: FL covers for BBC Radio Lounge Million Reasons
Max and Kelly broke up
November: Max releases the music video for Sunshine
December: FL last appearance in The X Factor
2026
February: Max releases the music video for Place in Me
March: Max releases his first album Bloodline and the music video for Slip Away
May: George releases his first single “OK Love You Bye”
Shortly after, George is announced as a judge in Toto’s new talent show.
Max and George attend the AMAs. Max wins best new artist, and George sings his new song.
AND we have this gax moment in which they greet each other very briefly. It’s AWKWARD. Max is chatting with someone, and then George approaches to shake his hand.
June: George sings on BBC Radio Lounge his new song, The Hardest Part.
Photos resurface of the pair dining together and of George attending Jannik’s matches in Wimbledon.
July: Max starts the first leg of his Max Verstappen: Live on Tour.
This is Max’s set list for now
- Perfect Lie
- The sweetness
- Bloodline
- Repeat
- Jigsaw Falling Into Place
- sunshine
- Diamond
- Closer to the edge
- Thirsty
- Slip Away
- Place In Me
Encore
- Do I wanna know?
- Comedown
- Starting Line
August: Starts Toto’s new show (not gonna say its name). George is the mentor for one of the groups selected (kimi, ollie, franco, gabi and arvid).
September: George releases “Danger” on all platforms and performs it live on Toto’s show.
Jannik Sinner post on IG stories with George dining together
The next day, in Chicago Max covers "Still Feel Like Your Man"
Max in NY dates sings a new song called “The Last of The Real Ones”
October: In an episode of Toto’s show, George has a scene where he tells his group, which was having some problems on a mission, that they have to learn how to communicate if they want longevity as a band and fewer misunderstandings.
Max uses his IG and posts a black background that says “funny”
George is asked by a fan for his thoughts about Max's post. He says that if it were about him, then it's not the most honest take.
On Australian dates, Max covers “Angels Like You” and “Piano Man”.
November: George releases an EP whose main single is Dive. Songs included are The Hardest Part, Danger, Dangerously Easy and Cross My Mind.
George with his group sing Dive in one of the missions
Max goes MIA
December: "If I Can't Have You" gets leaked as a song that didn't make it into G's EP.
I can't write one song that's not about you
Can't drink without thinkin' about you
Is it too late to tell you that
Everything means nothing if I can't have you?
George sings You Can't Hurry Love in Jools' Annual Hootenanny and The Hardest Part.
Max is spotted in the Netherlands with his family
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