Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 237 One Day History Will Be Made

"Xiang Beijun, we have always trusted you completely!"

"That's right, Brother Bei, you'll always be the best driver in my heart!"

"Well done, heading north."

"We will become champions in the future!"

The team members were equally excited to congratulate and encourage Chen Xiangbei. Reaching the top three on the podium had far exceeded their pre-competition expectations, and the young Chinese athlete had indeed proven himself.

After a brief hug and celebration, the reporters waiting nearby were already impatient to conduct their interviews.

A familiar face held a microphone to Chen Xiangbei's mouth and asked, "Bei, congratulations on winning third place in the Australian leg, fulfilling your bold promise made during the parade."

"Especially his performance in this rain game, I think it completely surpassed the level of Raikkonen during his rookie years. What do you think about that?"

If another reporter had said that, Chen Xiangbei would most likely have thought that he had won them over with his performance.

But looking at the face of Sky Sports reporter Hank, he had no doubt that this British "troublemaker" had dug his own grave.

He was already at odds with Raikkonen's fans, and now that Raikkonen is no longer in the F1 paddock racing rallies, does this bastard intend to add fuel to the fire?

"I think they each have their advantages and disadvantages."

This time, Chen Xiangbei did not show his arrogant and conceited side. This is often how drivers grow and evolve. Only hotheads without results need to rely on various forms of public opinion to create trouble and to establish their image through various tough measures.

For example, Verstappen. New viewers who only started watching his races after the 20 season would never have imagined his "hated" side in the paddock. He has been criticized by most drivers as a reckless torpedo driver.

Even the vast majority of car enthusiasts dislike this kind of "giant baby" driver who needs to be pampered and coaxed by others, like a baby who never grows up.

In just a few years, Verstappen became a sophisticated "Autobot" with countless fans worldwide, making him a worthy next-generation F1 superstar driver.

To conceal one's brilliance is also a step on the path to godhood.

Clearly, Hank was not satisfied with this answer.

News reporters need to generate buzz, especially since China's first driver has reached the podium. However, the once arrogant driver, Bei, is now playing it safe, spouting the platitudes common among Chinese athletes.

What's the point of this bureaucratic interview?
Even setting aside his identity as a reporter and his involvement in trending topics, Hank would much rather see that Chinese boy full of personality and rebellious spirit!

Since that's the case, Hank decided to add another bombshell.

"Bei, from the practice sessions onwards, you've been targeted by many drivers in the paddock. Now that you've defeated them, what are your thoughts?"

"There's not much to say. I think it's good to resolve the competition between drivers on the track."

Chen Xiangbei remained calm, just like the old Chinese saying, "What happens in the martial world should be settled in the martial world."

As long as the grudges are confined to the hunting grounds, he is not afraid of any targeting.

They realized that Chen Xiangbei was not conceited after taking the stage; his composure was frightening.

Hank immediately turned the microphone on Hamilton and asked, "Hamilton, we saw you had a very tough time defending in the final stages of the game. Can North overtake you?"

Hamilton was answering questions from other reporters when he suddenly heard Hank's question, and he subconsciously glanced at Chen Xiangbei.

The moment their eyes met, both sides felt a fierce fighting spirit and pride.

"No."

In an extremely brief and direct answer, Hamilton was never a pushover in the paddock, nor did he care much about the opinions of outsiders and his peers. He knew that the strong were destined to be alone!
Moreover, as the youngest world champion in F1 history and a legendary talent who defeated Alonso in his debut, how could he possibly admit that he is inferior to a Chinese rookie?

From Hamilton's perspective, there is no other answer to this question!
Upon hearing Hamilton's reply, Chen Xiangbei's lips curled up slightly, revealing a half-smile.

For a newcomer, being challenged by a legendary GOAT like Hamilton is itself a form of recognition.

If he truly didn't consider her an opponent, then there wouldn't have been any fighting spirit in his eyes just now; on the contrary, they would have been filled with disdain!

"North, do you think you can surpass Hamilton?"

When it comes to stirring up trouble, Hank is absolutely a master; he immediately turned the microphone towards Chen Xiangbei.

"Of course, I will definitely surpass him."

Chen Xiangbei's reply contained a double entendre.

He's not just aiming to overtake on the track, but also to achieve success in his professional career!
Just like a soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier.

Newcomers who never challenge or even surpass world champions are destined to remain subservient to others for life.

Hamilton didn't reply this time, since continuing would just be a waste of breath.

For a world champion to argue with a first-year student about who is better is simply lowering himself to sit at a children's table.

He merely glanced at Chen Xiangbei indifferently before heading towards the drivers' lounge, awaiting the awards ceremony.

As for Chen Xiangbei, he did not answer any more questions from reporters. He simply greeted the crew members and then went to the drivers' rest area.

Perhaps due to unfamiliarity, or perhaps because the interview had been a bit tense, only Schumacher exchanged a few polite words with Chen Xiangbei during the wait, while Hamilton remained silent sitting to the side.

After a short rest, the group went up to the second-floor award stage.

As the third-place driver, Chen Xiangbei first stood on the lowest podium, waving to the sea of ​​spectators below. He was met with enthusiastic cheers and could vaguely see several waving red national flags.

To be honest, very few spectators thought Chen Xiangbei would be able to go on stage before the match, so naturally no national flag was prepared for him to wave and celebrate.

Otherwise, the audience would be more than just a few faces; it might be a sea of ​​red!

Even so, Chen Xiangbei was still very satisfied. In his two lifetimes of professional career, he not only stepped into the F1 paddock, the highest hall of motorsport, but also stood on the podium and made history.

Although it was only a third place finish, which would be insignificant for many racing powerhouses, it marked China's first podium finish and the third Asian driver to reach the podium, with only Akuri Suzuki and Takuma Sato ahead of him.

Even Satoru Nakajima, who is hailed as a "Japanese hero," only ever made it into the points zone and never managed to take the stage!
If Chen Xiangbei makes another breakthrough, the chances of Japanese drivers will be broken, and Chinese drivers will stand at the pinnacle of Asian motorsport!

Trulli, standing inside the P room, watched Chen Xiangbei basking in the cheers of the crowd on the broadcast camera, his expression complex.

Seeing this, the race engineer, Sott, comforted Trulli, saying, "Turulli, it's nothing. North just gets to take up some of the team's resources and get newer, faster upgrade kits."

"Next stop, I believe you can catch up!"

Trulli gave a wry smile upon hearing the race engineer's words.

"Soter, let's admit it, the North is indeed very fast."

"One generation will eventually grow old, and the future will belong to these new people."

After saying that, Trulli turned and left, his back looking somewhat lonely.

In contrast to Trulli's dejected state, team manager Briatore was in high spirits. He was currently facing a group of reporters, boasting about how insightful he was in discovering Chen Xiangbei's racing talent, and taking the opportunity to mock the FIA.

At the same time, Briatore also announced to the media that he would bring in big capital and high-profile sponsorships to build the HRT team into a giant in the paddock, challenging the status of Red Bull, McLaren, and even Ferrari.

HRT will become the next Renault dynasty, and will become great again in its own hands!
Chen Xiangbei, of course, had no idea what Hua Bu was saying at this moment, since the awards ceremony was still ongoing.

Runner-up Hamilton was the second to stand on the podium. Compared to Chen Xiangbei's surging emotions, he appeared much calmer.

As a world champion driver, Hamilton is not satisfied with a mere second place in a race. His eyes are only on the championship!

Finally, champion driver Michael Schumacher took to the stage.

Returning to the champion's podium after a three-year retirement undoubtedly heralds the return of a king.

The moment he reached the top was like a bombshell dropped among the fans and audience, eliciting deafening applause and screams from the entire venue.

"Schumacher! Schumacher! Schumacher!"

All the words in the world are condensed into these cries of name.

This is what it means to have dominant popularity and influence.

In some ways, Schumacher has become a symbol of F1.

Only Chen Xiangbei, standing to the side, looked up at Schumacher on the highest podium, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Everyone must think this is the return of a king, with Schumacher and Mercedes joining forces to launch an offensive for his eighth championship.

Only someone with God's perspective could clearly see that this would be the afterglow of the setting sun, and no one could withstand the passage of time.

However, history has changed, and Chen Xiangbei cannot be sure whether Schumacher and the Mercedes team's fate will continue along the predetermined path.

If not, Chen Xiangbei hopes to have a head-to-head confrontation with this legend.

Defeating Schumacher will be a badge of honor in his career!
As a German flag appeared on the large screen behind them, the cheers stopped abruptly, and everyone listened to the German national anthem playing on the loudspeaker.

At this moment, Chen Xiangbei felt a mixture of envy and longing.

He once heard the national anthems of other countries played in lower-level formula racing and secretly vowed to play China's national anthem on the highest podium in the racing world.

Today he is getting closer and closer to this goal, and one day he will achieve it!

Following the national anthem ceremony, the awards ceremony will take place, where the top three drivers will each receive a trophy.

The design of the trophy will incorporate local characteristics depending on the host country.

For example, the trophy for the first China Grand Prix in 04 was shaped like a "Chinese tripod".

The current Australian Grand Prix trophy is just a regular ring. Chen Xiangbei couldn't figure out what the designer's inspiration was, perhaps because he wasn't familiar with Australia's historical background.

As for the champagne-spraying segment after the game, Chen Xiangbei felt a secret sense of relief.

Fortunately, he defeated Australian driver Webber. Otherwise, if Webber had seized the opportunity to stand on the podium, it would have been a traditional Australian celebration, known as "shoe wine".

Chen Xiangbei vividly remembers the image of Ricciardo, the Australian driver nicknamed "Big Tooth," drinking from his racing shoe as a glass after reaching the podium.

Even more outrageous, he also forced drinks on the drivers receiving the awards, as well as team management and the on-site hosts, such as Red Bull team principal Horner, who was "persecuted".

If someone were to hand you "shoe wine," you'd be caught in a dilemma: would you drink it or not?

They're really not to be trifled with...

As the festivities ended, Chen Xiangbei returned to the team's pit garage with the trophy, inevitably leading to another round of cheers and celebrations. The trophy was even passed around among the team members.

"Alright, the game is over. Bei, go take a shower."

After venting his emotions, Odeto stepped forward and called a halt to the revelry.

Chen Xiangbei is not in good condition right now. His racing suit is already soaked with sweat and rain, and coupled with the high temperature in Australia, the perceived temperature is definitely very uncomfortable.

"OK."

Chen Xiangbei nodded; he was indeed feeling rather stifled.

He walked into the drivers' lounge alone and happened to see Trulli, who had already showered and changed into casual clothes.

The two exchanged a glance, their expressions slightly complicated and awkward.

In the end, Trulli spoke first, saying simply, "Congratulations."

The congratulations were tinged with bitterness, but the fact that Trulli said them at least showed that he could accept defeat.

"Thank you."

Chen Xiangbei nodded and replied politely.

But after a moment's hesitation, he added, "Thank you."

Two "thank yous" have different meanings: the first is polite, and the second is a response to someone stopping the car.

Just like when Chen Xiangbei blocked Sutil during the match, Trulli also said thank you.

"Actually, there's no need to thank me. We're even now."

Trulli shook his head. The two of them had helped each other out once, and neither of them owed the other anything.

"Well, it's settled."

Chen Xiangbei didn't say anything more. This was a conversation between a man and a racer, and being pretentious was not in line with their status.

However, after this game, many emotions have subtly changed. At least the hostility brought by competition is gone, and we can face our teammates and the existence of teamwork more calmly.

After a quick shower and changing into casual clothes, Chen Xiangbei discovered that Briatore had appeared in the drivers' lounge at some point.

"Bei, hurry back to the hotel, I have something important to announce."

"whats the matter?"

Chen Xiangbei countered with a question.

"Since it's an important matter, it should be done with a sense of ceremony. You'll see when the time comes."

After delivering the news, Briatore turned and left, true to his carefree and unconventional personality.

(End of this chapter)