Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 198: The Opening Match Begins

"Chen Xiangbei, keep it up! Try to get into the top six in your debut!"

"Come on, Driver North!"

"China's strongest F1 driver, show the foreigners your skills!"

"Driver Bei, you will also become the world's strongest F1 driver!"

I wonder if only the most ardent fans would crowd into the driver's lane to wait for Chen Xiangbei to pass by.

Or perhaps it was Chinese fans who witnessed the unfriendly scenes directed at Chen Xiangbei during practice and qualifying sessions.

At this moment, voices of encouragement and support dominated.

"Thank you, thank you, I will do my best."

Chen Xiangbei waved repeatedly, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn't quite describe.

This world is not black and white, nor is there absolute love or hate.

No matter what, you always have supporters behind you!
As we approached the racetrack's driver assembly area, a modified float was already parked there, and the drivers awaited the official start of the parade.

To be honest, Chen Xiangbei is no stranger to F1 drivers from various teams.

From the initial F3 support races to the winter testing period at the end of the season, and now to the opening race of the new season, we've seen many facets of it all.

However, Chen Xiangbei was still unfamiliar with these drivers.

On the one hand, the two sides don't have much interaction. Being in different teams is equivalent to "each serving their own side." On the other hand, they are also rivals competing on the same track. At most, they can shake hands and greet each other when they meet, and it is difficult to find common topics.

Another aspect is Chen Xiangbei's status as a Chinese driver.

Racial discrimination is an unavoidable topic in the paddock. From the very beginning of F1 racing, it has been an aristocratic sport belonging to white people.

Compared to sports like football and basketball, racist remarks in F1 are often less noticeable due to the high level of education and prestige associated with the sport.

But that doesn't mean it doesn't exist!
Just like Red Bull consultant Marco, who publicly declared during Perez's slump that South Americans cannot have the focused mind of Verstappen.

Without a doubt, the underlying meaning behind this statement is racial discrimination.

If Perez were still a Red Bull driver, both had been on the same team for many years and would have had some relationship with each other. For Markle to say something like that was unexpected for many people at the time.

Another example is Max Verstappen's father-in-law, Piquet Sr., who subconsciously referred to Hamilton as "Little Nig" during an interview.

It's important to remember that this is already the 21st century, and "political correctness" has become mainstream in Europe and America. The fact that this situation still occurs can only mean that some mindsets are already deeply ingrained.

Of course, Chen Xiangbei's cold reception cannot be entirely attributed to "racial discrimination".

The main issue lies in his unlikable public image and lack of training and competition experience in Europe.

In the past, the image of Chinese athletes, or rather Asian cyclists, was that of cautious and timid people who would rather suffer a loss than offend others, almost as if the words "easy to bully" were written all over their faces.

People who pose no threat are naturally easy to be "liked".

Chen Xiangbei, on the other hand, was completely different. Not only was he arrogant in lower-level competitions, but he also acted recklessly at the new season press conference. In the qualifying rounds, he even cut in line with Sutil, showing his tough and unyielding style.

There is no doubt that this kind of driver has a "torpedo" tendency and courage.

In addition, F1 drivers are actually a very small circle. Most of the drivers who have entered the paddock today have been in contact with each other since they were a few years old, becoming teammates or rivals.

For example, Hamilton, Sutil, and Kubica are players who have been competing since they were young.

Chen Xiangbei has no such experience, so it's normal that he's not familiar with him.

While waiting for the parade, the drivers chatted happily, and even newcomers such as Petrov, Di Grassi, and Trulli quickly joined in and received a warm welcome.

Only Chen Xiangbei remained standing alone on one side, looking somewhat lost.

"Would you like me to introduce you?"

Trulli's voice rang in my ears.

Compared to newcomers like Chen Xiangbei, Trulli, despite his fiery temper and the many people he has offended in the paddock, has a much wider network of connections, having worked with teams like Prost, Renault, Jordan, and Toyota over his decade-long professional career.

Originally, Chen Xiangbei's affairs had nothing to do with Trulli, and he didn't have time to worry about them.

However, watching Chen Xiangbei's first-person perspective video recording in the car gave Trulli some insights and inspiration. He was straightforward and didn't like owing favors to others.

"no need."

Chen Xiangbei shook his head. Making friends is something that happens naturally; there's no need to force yourself into a circle.

"what ever."

Trulli naturally wouldn't rush to help if the other party didn't need it.

He simply replied with two words and then caught up with his friends.

About ten minutes later, the event organizers signaled for the drivers to board the floats, which were about to parade around the track, allowing the audience to see their favorite idols more clearly.

Chen Xiangbei naturally followed the crowd and got into the car. As the car started, thunderous shouts and screams rang out in the paddock, a completely different feeling from sitting in a race car.

The rookies kept waving their arms toward the stands, while the veteran drivers were already used to the parade and chatted in twos and threes, leaning against the railings of the floats. Only Chen Xiangbei stood alone at the very back, looking around with great interest.

After all, this was his first time experiencing it, and it was full of novelty and unfamiliarity.

Just then, a driver dressed in white and orange came to Chen Xiangbei's side. He was none other than Lewis Hamilton, the youngest F1 world champion!

"Not used to it?"

Hamilton asked a question.

Looking at Hamilton beside him, Chen Xiangbei was stunned for a moment, his first reaction was actually a sense of unreality.

Even though they had met many times in the world, this was the first time they had communicated so closely. The "virtual" person who had only been seen on television screens before was now taking the initiative to speak to them.

"Fortunately."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile.

"I've been through the same thing as you. Keep going."

Hamilton had noticed Chen Xiangbei long ago, and was even more aware of his "loneliness".

Hamilton could empathize with this kind of situation.

As the first black driver in F1 history, he has come a long way under the shadow of discrimination.

In the early days of driver parades, Hamilton was often seen walking out of the driver's tunnel without any of the drivers greeting him, just like Chen Xiangbei's situation today.

Even when standing on the float, there were scenes where the lines were clearly drawn, with Hamilton standing alone on the side, and only his friend Sutil occasionally taking the initiative to talk to him.

However, he abandoned this friend with his own hands.

Hamilton was already aware of the potential for discrimination based on skin color at that time.

When interviewed by the media, he clenched his fist and replied, "Things like these won't break me; they'll make me stronger. I'll learn how to build confidence in the face of adversity and turn grief into strength to become even more powerful!"

This explains why Hamilton often engaged in politically correct actions in later generations. To some extent, it stemmed from his own experience, leading him to hope that speaking out continuously could change the status quo.

"I understand, thank you." Some things don't need to be said aloud; Chen Xiangbei understood what Hamilton was trying to express.

As the two were talking, the originally noisy cheers on the track gradually became unified and orderly.

"Schumacher! Schumacher! Schumacher!"

All those words converged into one name: the welcome from the more than 50,000 spectators at the scene for the return of the racing legend.

"This is the glory of a seven-time champion, and I hope that I will have that day too."

Hamilton's eyes were unfocused, and he murmured something in a longing tone.

When fans of different racing teams on any unrelated track are willing to collectively cheer for the same name.

Without a doubt, this is the highest honor for a race car driver!

Upon hearing Hamilton's words, Chen Xiangbei instinctively wanted to reply: "You will have this day someday."

But he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

History has changed, and the championship will no longer be Hamilton's exclusive domain.

……

After completing a lap of the parade, the drivers returned to their pit lanes to make final preparations for the race.

The team's mechanics were giving the TF110 a final check and preheating the fluids when Briatore came over to Chen Xiangbei, put his arm around his shoulder, and asked, "Nervous?"

Is this pre-match psychological counseling?

Chen Xiangbei casually asked a question in return.

Many racing teams have dedicated psychologists to counsel their drivers before the race to prevent excessive psychological pressure and distractions from affecting their performance.

To save money, the HRT fleet did not have a dedicated psychological counselor position; the strategy team would often come over and give a few instructions and that would be it.

"No, I was just asking."

"It seems you're not nervous."

Briatore remains nonchalant; he seems intent on putting immense pressure on his drivers, even offering psychological support.

Later generations of newcomers like Duhan and Colapinto, before even starting their careers, would announce that their professional careers were entering their final five games. If they didn't achieve results, they would immediately sell their seats to the next "destined person".

To some extent, he shares a similar philosophy with Chen Xiangbei: if an F1 driver can't even handle basic pressure and needs to be managed, then what's the point of competing on the track?

Get out of there and make room for the team; it'll generate revenue for them!

Hua Bu's question was purely to tease Chen Xiangbei, and it also proved that the Chinese kid had good mental fortitude.

"Anything else?"

Chen Xiangbei replied irritably. Although he wasn't nervous, it didn't mean he enjoyed being teased by the Italian old rogue before the match.

"Would you like me to share some competition tips with you?"

"explain."

"Rosberg is slow to start in the main competition, but once he gets into his rhythm, his consistency is terrifying. Kubica is very fast and aggressive; he will launch a relentless attack on you."

"If you fail to overtake Rosberg before he gets into the zone, the outcome of the race is basically decided sooner rather than later."

"North, I predict you only have three laps left."

Briatore casually revealed his "secret".

Three laps?

Three laps!

Hua Bu gave a positive answer again, making it seem as if Chen Xiangbei was not one of his drivers.

"understood."

Chen Xiangbei responded expressionlessly.

Actually, he didn't need Briatore to teach him the "secrets"; he had a clearer understanding of Rosberg and Kubica's abilities.

Rosberg needs no introduction; a future world champion driver who defeated Hamilton at his peak thanks to his consistency.

Kubica hasn't driven any fancy cars, so naturally he doesn't have any outstanding achievements.

However, both Alonso and Hamilton have considered him their strongest opponent.

The 10th season in history was also Kubica's peak year.

"GOOD, your emotions are stable, keep it up!"

Seeing Chen Xiangbei's calm and composed demeanor, Briatore's face revealed a satisfied expression.

Chinese newcomers are really becoming more and more to my liking!

The oil quickly preheated to the designated temperature, and the race command center gave the order to start the race.

Chen Xiangbei got into the cockpit, lightly pressed the accelerator, and drove onto the starting grid of the main track, followed by a large group of more than a dozen crew members.

Even during the short time F1 cars wait to start, there are still needs for cooling, tire warming, and other support. To protect Chen Xiangbei from the high temperatures at the Bahrain circuit, someone even held up a sun umbrella for him. The team took meticulous care of the logistical details.

The heat from the track distorted the air, and the roar of the F1 engine at 8,000 RPM gradually heightened the tension of the race. Even Chen Xiangbei, who had been calm throughout, now had a serious expression on his face.

It's a lie to say there's no pressure.

A true driver must resist the impact of pressure on their performance and always maintain extreme composure!

Not long after, two red lights illuminated on the track, indicating that the warm-up lap was about to begin and all crew members had to leave the track.

"Bei, just run with a calm mind."

Odeto didn't give Chen Xiangbei any further instructions, or even set any performance requirements.

As a newcomer, Chen Xiangbei has already done a good job, so there's no need to put too much pressure on him.

"Go for it, Xiang Bei Jun!"

"Brother Bei, come on!"

The crew members cheered Chen Xiangbei on, and then, demonstrating their professionalism, they methodically and orderly evacuated the entire set of equipment behind the track guardrail.

Unlike Renault racing cars, the crew members did not completely leave and return to the pit lane. They remained outside the safety barrier waiting for the car to start, in order to deal with possible emergencies, such as the engine stalling at the start.

The countdown began with a "beep, beep, beep" sound, and the lights came on. The drivers started revving their engines and getting going.

There were no overtaking maneuvers on the first warm-up lap, and the high temperatures at the Bahrain circuit also reduced the need for tire warm-up. The drivers were all driving quite calmly and completed the warm-up smoothly.

The twenty-four race cars returned to the starting grid, but this time the atmosphere was completely different. The roar of the race car engines was louder, and the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder.

Five red lights above the track lit up one after another. The moment they went out, the roaring engines unleashed their furious power, and the 24 F1 cars shot off like arrows. Chen Xiangbei even turned his attention directly to Rosberg and launched an attack!
(End of this chapter)