Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 272 The Legacy of F1 History

Just after Chen Xiangbei finished his thank-you speech, Vettel, who came in second place, and Alonso, who came in third place, also arrived at the interview area.

Although they were fierce rivals on the track, there was no deep-seated hatred between them after the race. The two of them politely came over to congratulate Chen Xiangbei.

Of course, deep down they were definitely not convinced.

Chen Xiangbei's performance and overall strength in this match can almost be described as indisputable.

The HRT team, however, did not perform so well during the race.

It's difficult to determine whether Trulli's blocking of the car was intentional or accidental, especially given Briatore's previous Renault "crash gate" incident.

It's clearly impossible to convince top drivers like Vettel and Alonso in this situation.

After a simple handshake and hug, the three stood side by side for a photo with the media.

At this point, other reporters on site couldn't resist and handed over their microphones to conduct post-match interviews.

"Hello Bei, I'm a reporter from the German sports newspaper. You were incredibly fast during the Chinese Grand Prix. How did you manage that?"

"Individual effort plus teamwork."

"Besides, this is China's home turf, and I'm in charge here!"

Ten years ago was the time when Jay Chou's "Dynamic Zone" advertising slogan was popular, and Chen Xiangbei borrowed a line from it.

"Kita, I'm a reporter from Asahi Shimbun. First of all, congratulations on winning the race and becoming the first Asian F1 driver."

“We all know that you have a lot of controversy surrounding you, and you even have the title of ‘public enemy of the track’. How have you overcome these negative opinions and the psychological pressure brought by external doubts along the way?”

If we're talking about which Asian country has the most profound understanding of "cold stares and ridicule," then Japan is undoubtedly the one.

When their drivers arrived at the European paddock, they were basically ridiculed and looked down upon, and often regarded as clowns!

Yuji Ide, Takuma Sato, Kazuki Nakajima...

In today's context, it's similar to how car enthusiasts view Ma Zeping, Latifi, and Sargent.

In fact, apart from the extraordinary person Yuji Ide, there were also Takuma Sato, Kazuki Nakajima, and Kamui Kobayashi, among others.

They all had glorious moments driving mid-range race cars and aiming for the podium.

If we're really going to compare, I could sit at the same table as Sainz, Stroll, Magnussen, and others.

While it's still not much better, it certainly hasn't fallen to the level of a "director."

If Chen Xiangbei could share some of his experience in dealing with pressure, it would be of great help to future Japanese drivers.

However, Chen Xiangbei's answer was completely unexpected by the Asahi Shimbun reporter.

"Psychological stress?"

"Have you ever?"

A contemptuous smile appeared on Chen Xiangbei's lips.

The Japanese reporter still doesn't understand one thing: the moment you admit to feeling psychological pressure, you've already lost the battle!
Chen Xiangbei never showed weakness to the outside world. Even though he was labeled as arrogant and domineering, he still maintained his tough image.

Public opinion pressure is nothing, so what if someone is the public enemy of the racetrack?
If you don't like your audience or drivers, are you going to rush onto the track and gang up on me?
If they want to get revenge, they'll have to rely on racing.

Today, the Donghai International Circuit had more than 200,000 spectators, of which there were about 150,000 Chinese fans and 50,000 foreign fans and tourists.

Countless of them had mocked and insulted Chen Xiangbei; the scene of tens of thousands of people ridiculing him at the Australian Grand Prix was still vivid in their minds.

The results of it?
After the game, amidst thunderous applause, Chen Xiangbei refused to believe that not a single foreign spectator had participated.

The essence of F1 lies in the worship of the strong.

If Schumacher didn't have a world championship, and if Senna didn't have top-notch speed, their reputation in the F1 paddock would be that of "thugs" and "reckless brutes."

Actually, there is an even better example: Verstappen, who used to have that negative nickname "turret" but how many people still call him that?
"Damn, this is the Chen Xiangbei I know!"

"That's arrogant enough, I like it!"

"I'm still a bit timid. I didn't realize that pressure makes me afraid, and fear leads to defeat!"

"What negative public opinion from the outside world? Aren't the 1.3 billion Chinese people who support us human beings?"

"Chen Xiangbei has the power to be an enemy of the world!"

A frenzied shout rang out, and as Chen Xiangbei's interview spread across the Chinese internet, at least the car enthusiast community knew what kind of person he was.

The type of driver determines the type of fans.

There is no weakness whatsoever; Chen Xiangbei will stand firm to the end!

Just then, an old face appeared in front of Chen Xiangbei.

Sky Sports reporter Hank also came to the Donghai International Circuit, but Chen Xiangbei is no longer the unknown figure he once was, and it is not so easy to get an exclusive interview with him.

Hank racked his brains but couldn't find a good opportunity.

Now that he's finally pushed me to the front row, I'm bound to ask some sensational questions.

"In the North, Trulli collided with Hamilton midway through the race. Was there a secret team instruction involved, similar to the Renault door crash incident?"

Many people had this question in their minds, but most reporters refrained from asking it at this time due to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Chen Xiangbei's victory.

Hank and Chen Xiangbei are used to their "love-hate relationship". When the other party has no topics, he helps to create popularity. Now that Chen Xiangbei has popularity, he naturally has to create topics.

"No."

Chen Xiangbei gave his answer without hesitation, because at least he didn't hear any hints in the team's voice chat that Trulli had deliberately crashed the car.

Is this the only answer you can give based on your position and background?

Hank, of course, wouldn't give up so easily and tried to break through this barrier.

"No, you underestimate Trulli's pride as a driver and his feud with Briatore."

"Furthermore, I expect Hamilton not to make excuses for his recklessness and mistakes. It was a very common track accident, and there was nothing hidden behind it."

With a God's-eye view from later times, Chen Xiangbei understood Hamilton's early "bitter woman" personality all too well.

Like Alonso, he likes to complain in front of TR and the media.

Undoubtedly, driven by pride and confidence, Hamilton would never admit defeat to Chen Xiangbei and would inevitably attribute his loss to Trulli's crash. In that case, Chen Xiangbei simply took the initiative and silenced Hamilton's complaints!
But when he said that, the entire Mercedes team, including Hamilton, looked extremely grim in the pit room.

Chen Xiangbei's actions are blatant harassment!

As the youngest world champion in history, a super talent who could contend for the title in his rookie season, Hamilton had never been provoked like this before.

Even Ross Brown, who had a good personal relationship with Chen Xiangbei and had helped him before, looked somewhat solemn at this moment.

If you have different stances, then you are an "enemy".

"Chen Xiangbei, I am He Cheng, a reporter from Xinhua News Agency. What are your goals for the future?"

Realizing that Chen Xiangbei's responses to reporters' questions were becoming increasingly confrontational, a reporter from China News Service quickly stepped in to ease the tension.

"World Champion".

These four extremely simple and straightforward words represent Chen Xiangbei's ultimate dream!
Race winners are indeed impressive, but the true pinnacle of F1 is the world champion.

"World champion? Bei, you're aiming too high."

One reporter scoffed, saying that someone who barely managed to win a stage title by relying on home advantage immediately dreams of becoming a world champion.

Chinese kids really love to dream.

"Remember your words, and when the time comes, look up to me standing on the highest podium."

Chen Xiangbei pointed at the reporter and made the classic Uncle Sam gesture.

Champions are destined to be admired!

Just then, a track staff member came over to remind Chen Xiangbei that an awards ceremony would be held soon and that he needed to go to the champion's lounge to prepare.

In addition, Chen Xiangbei really stole the spotlight. Vettel, the champion of the race, and Alonso, the third-place finisher, did not have a chance to answer questions from reporters.

Chen Xiangbei waved to the crowd nonchalantly, then turned and left with a flourish.

The top three finishers in F1 do not return to their team's pit garage or lounge while waiting for the awards ceremony. Instead, they wait in a special lounge called the Champions Lounge.

Many memorable moments often occur in the champion's lounge.

For example, if two drivers have a grudge, or if one driver is unwilling to accept defeat, they might have an uncontrollable outburst in the champion's lounge.

During the 07 European Grand Prix, Alonso crashed into Massa, causing the car behind him to argue and shove in the locker room. Alonso also uttered a classic "greeting" in Spanish, similar to the Chinese "grass mud horse".

To some extent, Alonso did have a notorious reputation in his early career, and he was involved in almost all the famous car crashes.

Of course, if the drivers are on good terms, they will sit on the sofa and celebrate their victory together.

Unfortunately, Chen Xiangbei was not familiar with Vettel and Alonso, and the two of them subconsciously harbored a sense of hostility towards the newcomers who challenged them, making the three of them feel somewhat awkward while waiting for the award ceremony.

If possible, Chen Xiangbei really wanted to have a good talk with Vettel and Alonso.

After all, they were all people Chen Xiangbei once looked up to!
Especially Alonso, no matter how "despicable" he was in his pursuit of victory during this period.

Chen Xiangbei's impression of him was always that of an old general who refused to admit defeat in later generations!

Even at the "advanced age" of over forty, and even driving an Aston Martin race car that wasn't particularly competitive, he still fought tenaciously on the track.

There were no complaints from his youth, nor many "dirty tricks".

It's just unknown whether Alonso, when looking back, regrets his past arrogance and conceit.

If they had tempered their temper a little more, if they had faced reality sooner, and chosen a team to grow together steadily, perhaps there would never have been the original Red Bull dynasty, or the Mercedes dynasty.

After the awkward waiting time passed, the staff came in again and told Chen Xiangbei and the other two to go to the podium on the second floor.

As he set off, Chen Xiangbei stood in front of the mirror and checked his appearance, especially wiping the national flag on his belt that indicated his identity as a driver.

Because this time, Chen Xiangbei will stand on the highest podium with it!

After leaving the champion's lounge and climbing the stairs to the awards platform, a row of hostesses was already standing there, and below them was a dense crowd of track spectators, numbering at least tens of thousands!
Furthermore, this was done with safety considerations in mind, limiting crowd gatherings as much as possible; otherwise, even more fans would have left their seats to witness Chen Xiangbei's coronation as champion.

Looking down at the surging crowd below, Chen Xiangbei waved his arm in greeting.

A simple gesture once again sparked a frenzy of cheers.

"Car God Bei!"

"Facing the cold stares and ridicule, I finally stood at the peak!"

You will definitely become a world champion!

"China No. 1!"

All sorts of voices and words converged into cheers for Chen Xiangbei.

The world's largest fan base is not fans of any one person, but fans of the champion.

Especially in the realm of competitive sports, the runner-up is merely the biggest loser. The moment you reach the top and become the champion, the whole world will take notice!

After the excitement subsided, just like a regular awards ceremony, the third-place winner, runner-up, and champion took to the podium to receive their awards.

When the host announced Chen Xiangbei's name, he stepped onto the highest podium. Listening to the cheers of the crowd, he subconsciously closed his eyes, savoring his moment of glory.

Looking back at the previous stop in Australia, Chen Xiangbei was actually quite satisfied with his third-place finish. However, when Schumacher stood on the highest podium and became the absolute protagonist in the paddock, he couldn't help but feel a sense of envy.

Standing to the side, he, the third-place winner, felt like he wasn't even a supporting character, just a nobody.

At that time, Chen Xiangbei secretly vowed in his heart that one day he would make history, stand on the highest podium, and hear the Chinese national anthem played.
He did it today, and this day came sooner than expected!
Just as Chen Xiangbei was enjoying himself, he suddenly felt himself being lifted up.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that it was Vettel and Alonso coming on stage, and I put my arm around their shoulders.

This is a traditional ceremony for F1 drivers: when a new driver achieves his first victory, the other drivers celebrating on the podium will carry it on their shoulders, symbolizing a passing of the torch.

Unfortunately, this legacy last appeared in the 12 season when Venezuelan driver Maldonado, nicknamed "King of Polo," won his first Spanish Grand Prix, carried on the shoulders of two world champions, Raikkonen and Alonso.

For the next six or seven years, no new first-win champion emerged, and with the gradual retirement of veteran drivers, this tradition disappeared into the annals of F1 history.

Because of this incident, Maradona was very careful with Raikkonen and Alonso when he tried to tackle them in the paddock, and basically only bumped into Hamilton.

This tradition continues today, with Chen Xiangbei sitting on Vettel and Alonso's shoulders, sending the audience into a frenzy.

From this moment on, Chen Xiangbei was no longer a complete newbie in the paddock, but had gained the recognition and inheritance of senior drivers.

After winning the championship, it's time to take over the baton for the World Championship!
(End of this chapter)