Speed ​​God

Chapter 163 Youthful Spirit
"Lu Zhizhou!"

"Lu Zhizhou!"

It was overwhelming and vast, like a summer downpour, humid and sultry, crashing down on you, making it almost impossible to breathe.

Lu Zhizhou stood beside the race car, gazing intently at the dazzling red sea of ​​cars, a smile spreading across his face as his feet finally felt the ground beneath them once more.

He raised his right hand and waved to thank the home crowd for their support.

Ahhhhh!
In an instant, it erupted.

Lu Zhizhou was also startled. To be honest, he was still not used to the grand scene in front of him. He quickly turned around and could see the Ferrari team at a glance.

Cleary stood at the front, banging on the billboard blocking the road, signaling Lu Zhizhou to hurry up and come over; they were waiting to celebrate.

Mechs couldn't help but wonder if Ferrari had listened to Lu Zhizhou's advice and capitalized on the first two pit stops, and if Arrivabene had been more decisive when Vettel and Lu Zhizhou switched positions, would the outcome of the race have been different?

But he managed to control himself.

The point is not about those "ifs," but about how Lu Zhizhou managed to carve out a path to victory in such a chaotic and arduous match.

They started second and finished second, but everyone on the team knew that the significance of second place far exceeded their expectations.

Now, Megis fully understands Marchionne's intentions. Marchionne believes in Lu Zhizhou, in his potential, and in him as Ferrari's future. His mission here is to ensure that Lu Zhizhou can realize his full potential and shoulder the responsibility for Ferrari.

Looking up, Mekes joined the crowd, banging on the billboard and whistling strange noises, which drew a chorus of cheers.

As Lu Zhizhou stepped forward, Cleary grabbed him and patted his helmet repeatedly, exclaiming, "Good lad! Beautiful! A classic match!"

The arms around Lu Zhizhou began to pat him on the shoulders, back, thighs, and chest.

Lu Zhizhou grimaced and dodged, "Hey! I strongly suspect you're taking this opportunity to get revenge!"

Megis waved his right hand and said, "Come on, let's settle our scores and avenge our wrongs. Seize the opportunity!"

The next second, Lu Zhizhou was engulfed by the red Ferrari.

Amidst a burst of laughter, Lu Zhizhou finally managed to break free and removed his helmet, revealing his sweat-drenched, flushed face.

"Aaaaaaaaaaa!"

The audience in the stands instantly lost control, and the cheers and fervor inexplicably rose to an even higher level.

As expected of a home-field advantage!
Ahead, Brendel and the Sky Sports broadcast team had already positioned themselves at the entrance to the mixed zone, welcoming them with smiles.

"Looks like you've already got a lot of teenage fans," Brendel teased.

Lu Zhizhou tilted his head. "I hope they're only interested because of their looks."

Brendel burst into laughter at the serious answer, but time was short, so they didn't continue the small talk and immediately got to the point: "A chaotic and difficult match."

“We saw chaos at the start, we saw two mishaps in the team’s pit stop strategy, and we saw some incidents between you and your teammate Sebastian Vettel on the track, but we don’t know the final situation. It seems there were some problems with the DRS and brakes.”

"What exactly happened? In the final moments of the match, you displayed wisdom and decisiveness, almost turning the tide of the entire game."

Lu Zhizhou's lips curled into a slight smile. "But I didn't. Right?"

A joke lightened the mood.

However, in a moment of reflection, Lu Zhizhou tried to stop the language and thought process from summarizing the competition, but found it still difficult, and he still couldn't exhale that pent-up frustration.

Lu Zhizhou stood there, slightly dazed, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

This is a new Lu Zhizhou. Although the season has only just begun in its third leg, the confidence and composure Lu Zhizhou displays in front of the media have already left a deep impression on people.

At this moment, however, I felt bitterness and helplessness in the silence.

Brundell then realized that they called Lu Zhizhou the baby driver, but always selectively ignored the fact that he had just turned eighteen.

Not only Brendel, but the audience in the main stands could also clearly feel the surging emotions as they watched this scene. Lu Zhizhou really, really wanted this championship.

Letting out a soft breath, Lu Zhizhou smiled again. "Sorry, my thoughts just drifted to Neverland to calm down."

At that, everyone chuckled.

“I think this is a lesson. Just like in qualifying, details are extremely important in F1, and any slight deviation can affect the entire race.”

"Obviously, I still have a lot to learn. So, I think when I get back, I'll sit down with the team and do a good review of the game."

As he spoke, Lu Zhizhou shouted to the bustling Ferrari team beside him, "Are you ready? I won't let any of you get away with this."

The wailing and whistling were everywhere, which showed that Lu Zhizhou got along well with his team.

Just then, Lu Zhizhou saw Ricardo, who had finished celebrating with the Red Bull team. He apologized to Brendel and went to greet him immediately.

"Daniel! What a fantastic match!"

Lu Zhizhou was serious. In the last few laps, Ricciardo did not show any weakness and held onto the victory with a perfect performance under Lu Zhizhou's continuous pressure.

Ricardo deserves this championship.

His regret and resentment are one thing, but this does not diminish the value of Ricardo's victory in the slightest.

Ricardo turned around and saw Lu Zhizhou. He grinned, revealing his big teeth. "Hahaha, I know I'm very handsome. Don't fall in love with me. The line is too long now, you probably won't get a turn."

As she spoke, she nudged Lu Zhizhou's shoulder. "How about it? Am I amazing?"

Such self-praise would be absolutely offensive to anyone else, but Ricardo's smugness is simply hilarious.

"Impressive. Of course impressive. Otherwise, the champion would have been someone else." Lu Zhizhou offered his congratulations frankly. "So, how about we have another match next time?"

Ricardo's eyes widened, his smile vanished, "You madman, you're going to do it again? No, no, no, I like a decisive victory. Such a tense and exciting match is all about the thrill. This old man can't keep up with you young people. Go, go, go, you and Max go play in the mud over there."

Lu Zhizhou waved his hand dismissively, "That's fine too. Next time you see me coming, just step aside. It's a win-win situation for everyone, right?"

Ricardo's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and he punched Lu Zhizhou squarely in the bicep, yelling, "You're bullying an old man! I'll punish you in the name of the moon!"

Joking and laughing, Lu Zhizhou and Ricciardo were in stitches, all traces of the tense atmosphere they had just displayed on the track.

Patting Ricardo on the shoulder and watching him disappear into the swirling flashes of light, Lu Zhizhou stood behind him, then turned and strode toward the testing area.

The game is over, but there are still a lot of trivial matters to deal with. The noise and commotion have kept me from having time to sort out my thoughts. My head is filled with adrenaline.

Looking up, Lu Zhizhou saw Jiang Mo standing quietly outside the barrier opposite the maintenance area, like a lighthouse guarding against raging waves.

Actually—Jiang Mo was afraid.

I was so scared that my knees went weak and I trembled so much that I could barely stand. I was so scared that I clasped my hands together, my fingers clenched tightly, and even with all my strength, I couldn't control the slight trembling of my fingertips. I was so scared that my internal organs felt like they were burning and my breathing was disordered and chaotic.

She admitted that she felt helpless and even terrified, especially during the final close-quarters combat when her heart felt like it was about to explode.

She didn't care about victory or defeat; she just wanted to see her son standing before her, safe and sound.

However, as she crossed the finish line and her tense nerves relaxed, she seemed to be able to sense her son's bitterness and resentment.

Fighting with all your might and persevering to the very end is not just about winning, but also about pushing your limits. That indomitable and tenacious will shines brightly on the track.

At that moment, Jiang Mo suddenly realized that her son had grown up. The little guy who had been taking his first steps under her care had grown into Lu Zhizhou, a man who could stand tall and face any storm.

She had always been curious and eagerly anticipating what that mischievous and stubborn boy would look like when he grew up. In those fleeting years, she always hoped that he would grow up quickly. But before she knew it, he was already standing in front of her, using his still immature shoulders to bear unbelievable pressure and carry the hopes of the home team, winning the respect of the entire audience on the Shanghai International Circuit.

So Jiang Mo straightened her back and stood opposite the repair area. She just wanted to pat him on the shoulder and tell him that he had worked hard today.

then.

Jiang Mo saw Lu Zhizhou, who was full of vigor and confidence in the face of the media's bombardment, but as he turned to leave, he slowly disappeared into the shadows. His back view inadvertently revealed a hint of loss, and for the first time, a trace of vulnerability was exposed under the overwhelming pressure.

He just stood there quietly, letting the shadows that poured down on him press down on his spine little by little.

"Xiaozhou!"

Jiang Mo took a deep breath and shouted.

Lu Zhizhou happened to look up and saw Jiang Mo, Lu Cheng, and Song Bo. His gloom vanished, and a smile returned to his lips, revealing his vibrant appearance once again. As if not wanting them to worry, he jogged over to greet them.

Lu Cheng pulled Lu Zhizhou over, vigorously ruffled his wet hair, and laughed heartily, "Well done!"

"Dad, don't do that. I'm about to weigh myself. Even this little bit of weight is important, okay?" Lu Zhizhou joked with a grin.

Then, Lu Zhizhou looked at Jiang Mo with bright eyes, deliberately raised his chin, and proudly showed off, "Mom, how about it? Second place, not bad, right?"

Jiang Mo didn't speak, but instead opened his arms and pulled Lu Zhizhou into his embrace, a rare occurrence for him.

Lu Zhizhou was completely confused. "Mom, what's wrong?"

Jiang Mo patted Lu Zhizhou on the shoulder, without saying a word, but simply gave his exhausted son a hug.

Caught off guard, Lu Zhizhou's nose tingled, and a surge of grievance welled up in his heart. "Mom, I want to win, I really, really want to win..."

In front of Jiang Mo, and on the Shanghai International Circuit, Lu Zhizhou had never been so eager for a victory.

This was Jiang Mo's first time watching a race live, and Lu Zhizhou didn't want it to be the last. It wasn't just about winning or proving himself; he sincerely hoped his mother could understand the meaning of racing. However, by a hair's breadth, he was missing just that little bit.

From GP3 to F1, this was the first time Lu Zhizhou had experienced such a feeling.

Jiang Mo nodded gently, "I know."

One sentence is enough.

Lu Zhizhou took a deep breath, and his unbridled emotions calmed down completely. He left Jiang Mo's embrace, stood up straight again, and looked at Jiang Mo with slight hesitation.

However, Jiang Mo immediately understood that expression. From childhood to adulthood, he had always been a clever little devil. If he wanted something, he wouldn't say it directly or throw a tantrum. Instead, he would use pitiful eyes to hint at it until she softened. "Next time, let's see how the time is. If there's a chance, let's go to other tracks to watch the races together."

Do you have any recommended tracks?

In an instant, Lu Zhizhou's mood brightened, and he soared to the sky. "Silverstone, Mom, you must go and see Silverstone. Spa and Monza, the on-site experience of those tracks is completely different."

“You’ll like it. Aunt Qiaomu, you should come too! I’ll cover all the expenses.”

Song Bo immediately raised his hands high and cheered silently.

"Ah, I have to go weigh myself, otherwise I might be breaking the rules."

As he spoke, he turned around and jogged along with light steps. As he ran, he suddenly jumped up, and the world instantly brightened up.

Zhang Qiaomu gently patted Jiang Mo's shoulder with a smile.

Jiang Mo also smiled, "Looking at him now, he's still just a child, he hasn't grown up yet."

Zhang Qiaomu glanced at Song Bo beside him and asked, "Do you want to take a look at this guy?"

Jiang Mo burst out laughing.

Jiang Mo knew that she would continue to worry about her son, because it was her responsibility, and it had long since become a habit.

Even if it weren't for racing, and Lu Zhizhou found a stable job after entering society, she would still worry about his health, his work life, and his future.

Now that he has found himself in the world of racing, she should stand behind him, cheer him on, and be his eternal support and haven. He is always welcome back to find peace, and even if the whole world is against him, they will not leave.

Watching Lu Zhizhou's retreating figure, still burning with passion, Jiang Mo knew that coming to the Shanghai International Circuit was the right choice.

When Lu Zhizhou reappeared in the public eye, he had fully recovered and displayed his usual energetic and spirited demeanor.

From the podium to the post-race press conference and then to the mixed zone where reporters were swarming around him, his demeanor was completely different; even amidst the sweltering heat and relentless questioning, he remained completely at ease.

Clearly, overwhelming pressure still surrounds Lu Zhizhou.

Ricciardo, Lu Zhizhou, and Bottas stood on the podium, while Hamilton, Verstappen, Hulkenberg, Alonso, Vettel, Sainz, and Magnussen finished in the top ten and earned points.

Ferrari failed to continue its podium sweep, with the Big Three splitting the top three spots. In the constructors' championship, Mercedes and Red Bull beat Ferrari for the first time this season.

Currently, the season has just begun, and the championship battle is still in its early stages. Ferrari's dominance has been broken, and the suspense has suddenly increased.

The focus is countless.

However, Lu Zhizhou still stood at the center of the storm.

Making his debut at the Shanghai International Circuit, reaching the podium at home, becoming the only driver this season to reach the podium in three consecutive races, and leading the driver standings.

Wait, wait, not to mention that in the dramatic and unpredictable competition, Lu Zhizhou was the absolute protagonist. Everything focused the spotlight on Lu Zhizhou.

From ridicule to doubt to provocation, and now to uproar, this baby car driver who suddenly appeared out of nowhere is indeed changing the landscape of the new season.

Theoretically speaking, people anticipated this scene, and the discussions before the season never stopped; however, now the speculation has become reality, and the shock in the paddock still exceeded expectations. Originally, it was thought that Lu Zhizhou might become a joke, but the joke fell on them instead.

The season expectations of "Vettel vs Hamilton" are being replaced by "Lu Zhizhou's strong lead", catching everyone in and out of the paddock off guard.

So, what does this mean? Is Lu Zhizhou really planning to play the role of a troublemaker and go all the way to the bottom?
No way!

Is this some terrible April Fool's joke?
Not only is the outside world facing a storm, but Ferrari is also experiencing a turmoil inside.

Lu Zhizhou looked at Frankie Penny in front of him and repeated without hiding his surprise, "Mr. Arrivabene wants to see me?" The storm on the track had passed, the storm outside the paddock was brewing, and the storm in the pit area... was unfolding.

Frankie Penny let out a soft breath and nodded in affirmation. "Maurizio is waiting for you in his office." She paused and added, "Now."

Lu Zhizhou raised an eyebrow slightly, but did not rush over in a hurry. He could guess what Ariwabene wanted.

That's perfect, he also wanted to have a good talk with the team leader.

Lu Zhizhou looked at Frankie Penny, "Did he call for Sebastian?"

Frankie Penny shook her head. "No, only you."

Lu Zhizhou revealed a knowing look that said, "Just as I thought."

Clearly, Arrivabene's summons was not intended to reconcile the conflict; otherwise, both drivers should have gone together.

Vettel ignored the pre-race tactical plan and squeezed Lu Zhizhou's lane at the start of two consecutive races. As the team principal, he was not willing to mediate, which meant that he expected Lu Zhizhou to swallow his anger and obey.

The question is, is Lu Zhizhou willing to obediently listen to him?
Frankie Penny looked slightly worried. "Zhizhou, just bear with it and it will pass. Don't talk back to Maurizio."

Lu Zhizhou wasn't angry; instead, he smiled and said, "Don't worry, my Italian isn't fluent enough to argue."

A joke made Frankie Penny burst into laughter.

Lu Zhizhou didn't linger any longer, leaving his seat and heading towards Ariwabene's office.

Lu Zhizhou believes that Raikkonen's personality wouldn't allow him to confront Arrivabene directly—not because he's afraid, but because he's too lazy to speak up. But did this resolve the internal conflicts within the Ferrari team? Did it prevent Vettel from closing his doors to defend Raikkonen on the track, causing the two cars to collide and both be eliminated?

the answer is negative.

In other words, Raikkonen's silence and forbearance failed to resolve the issue and may even have amplified the confrontation on the track to some extent.

Lu Zhizhou didn't believe that taking a step back would bring him a brighter future.

"Knock, knock."

After knocking and receiving permission, Lu Zhizhou pushed open the office door and immediately saw Ariwabene, who was fully on guard and ready to go.

However, Ariwabene was already ready, leaning back in his executive chair in a comfortable position. He slightly raised his chin and scrutinized Lu Zhizhou with a critical and sharp gaze, the scrutiny subtly suppressing his anger, making the atmosphere tense.

Lu Zhizhou came in, closed the door, pulled out a chair, and sat down comfortably.

However, Lu Zhizhou maintained his posture, neither leaning back in his chair, nor crossing his legs, nor slumping down completely. Instead, he stood tall and met Arivabene's gaze.

At first, Ariwabene thought Lu Zhizhou knew he was wrong and was feeling guilty and nervous, just like a student entering the principal's office, unable to sit still.

Soon, Arivabene realized that something was wrong.

Although Lu Zhizhou remained seated, he showed no signs of being flustered or having his gaze wander. He looked directly at him with composure and humility.

His clear eyes met Arrivabene's, showing no sign of having done anything wrong and preparing to bow his head in apology.

Ariwabé felt a lump in his throat, but he controlled himself, maintaining the initiative, and sneered, "What are you waiting for?"

Unexpectedly, Lu Zhizhou nodded, "I'm waiting for an explanation."

Aliwabe's pupils dilated slightly, revealing a hint of surprise.

Lu Zhizhou did not give him a moment to breathe. If Ariwabene was preparing to ambush, then why couldn't he fight back?
"Why can Sebastian repeatedly ignore strategy during the match? We had discussed tactics before the match, but he kept rewriting them on his own?"

"Not only ruined my race, ruined the team's race, but even ruined his own race?"

"Why did he choose to ignore the team's instructions and refuse to cooperate when you gave him the convoy orders, without having to pay any price?"

Every word, every word, not an inch.

The air suddenly tensed.

Arivabene snorted coldly, remaining calm in the face of Lu Zhizhou's aggressive behavior.

"Do you know who you're talking to? I'm the team leader, and my orders are the team's orders!"

"Why did you launch an attack without team instructions? What if you ruin the race? Why did you force a pit stop to change the race strategy without communicating with the race engineer?"

"You think you're so smart, that you're the only smart person in the whole world? You think you're the best in the world?"

"Shifting blame, blaming teammates, and completely ignoring your own mistakes—is this your attitude? You even turn around and lecture me? Are you trying to teach me how to do things?"

The anger escalated steadily, rising continuously. Despite trying her best to remain calm, she could clearly feel the boiling anger in her tense voice, which was almost impossible to suppress.

However, Lu Zhizhou did not back down. He still looked Arrivabene straight in the eye and confronted him head-on, neither humble nor arrogant, "Of course I know you are the team principal, which is why I need an explanation. Are the team's orders only directed at me? Why can Vettel disobey, but I must obey unconditionally?"

"I'm willing to cooperate with the team, but only if the team is also willing to cooperate!"

The change in address from Sebastian to Vettel clearly reveals Lu Zhizhou's toughness.

In that brief moment, Arivabene's expression froze for a moment, then he finally lost control, his voice rising to a thunderous crescendo.

"Because he's a four-time world champion driver! Because he knows how to win a race! And you've only been in three F1 races, you know nothing about the paddock."

"You should protect your role as the number two driver and safeguard the team's core interests!"

Smoke filled the air, and the smell of gunpowder completely ignited the explosion.

“Yes, the team’s interests.” Lu Zhizhou’s gaze remained firm. “So, does Vettel’s personal interest equal the team’s interests, or does Vettel’s personal interest outweigh the team’s interests?”

"I had a tire advantage at the time, I could still compete for the championship, and I still had the opportunity to maximize the team's interests, so why didn't Vettel switch positions?"

"Why am I, who did everything I could to get the team to the podium, standing here receiving a lesson, while Vettel, who ruined the team's strategy and even destroyed the entire race for his own selfish reasons, is nowhere to be seen?"

Firm, tough, and upright.

Lu Zhizhou stared intently into Arrivabene's eyes. "Mr. Arrivabene, believe me, I haven't forgotten. We signed a contract in black and white. I am the number two driver. I haven't forgotten."

"But I'd like to ask, am I Vettel's number two driver, or Ferrari's number two driver?"

Not only did they not back down, but they also took the initiative and firmly grasped the initiative.

"Believe me, I haven't forgotten either. Mr. Marchionne made an exception and signed me not because I could become a great puppet to perform tricks for you; but because he wanted me to step onto the track and fight for the championship. When the chance to win the championship comes, why should we surrender!"

Wave after wave of scorching heat swept over us.

Arivabene had no idea that his anger was utterly insignificant in the face of Lu Zhizhou's conviction, and that overwhelming rage came crashing down upon him.

Wrong!

Arrivabene, feeling suppressed and humiliated, could no longer maintain his usual composure.

He slammed his fist on the table, furious, "Young man, you're too arrogant!"

The atmosphere was tense and confrontational, with the doors and walls of the entire conference room trembling slightly.

Frankie Penny, who had been waiting at the door, held her breath. Her worst fears had come true, but she knew this was not the best time to intervene.

Frankie Penny straightened her back slightly, waved to the rustling, peeking groundhogs, shooed away flies, and mouthed:

Go back. Everyone go back to your own business. Don't peek around here. There's no fun in this. Get out of here, all of you.

Inside the conference room, there was absolutely no time or energy to pay attention to what was happening outside; the pervasive tension escalated into a full-blown eruption of fiery passion.

"Arrogant?"

Lu Zhizhou raised his chin, not only refusing to back down, but also leaning forward slightly, staring intently at Alivabene.

"If arrogance is daring to challenge injustice, then I admit it; if arrogance is the desire for victory and the desire for championships, then without a doubt I am."

"Mr. Arrivabene, perhaps you should think carefully about what you really want? A docile puppet, or a driver who dares to challenge the limits and strive for the championship?"

"I'm not standing here to lose the game in a cowardly manner."

The forceful stance struck Arivabene hard in the chest, igniting a surge of anger within him.

Silence filled the narrow meeting room. Both men's breathing quickened due to their fluctuating emotions, and the suffocating confrontation kept their nerves on edge.

Arivabene clenched his fist tighter and tighter, his knuckles turning white, his flat fingertips digging into his palm. He stared intently at Lu Zhizhou, as if he wanted to devour the eighteen-year-old boy alive.

However, Lu Zhizhou did not back down. With his spine straight and his eyes like knives, he launched a counterattack with righteous indignation and boundless courage, refusing to become an obedient puppet.

Finally, Arrivabene found the voice, "Kid, you better understand that challenging the team's authority is dangerous; you're playing with fire."

Lu Zhizhou stared intently into Arrivabene's eyes. "Then you'd better understand that I'm not Kimi Räikkönen. I won't swallow my pride and remain silent."

“I know I’m just the number two driver, I know Ferrari can terminate my contract at any time, and I know you hold the power of life and death over me.”

"However, as long as I'm on the track, I will seize every opportunity to challenge for the championship. I'm not a flower grown in a greenhouse. If you want to replace me with a docile, obedient one, feel free to do so. I believe countless drivers in the paddock are willing to be your puppets."

"I. Don't. Care."

He spoke calmly and directly, without shouting or making any dramatic pronouncements, and without much emotional fluctuation, as if he were simply saying that the weather was nice today; yet, in every gesture, he exuded an unruly arrogance and conceit, forcefully suppressing Arrivabene.

Then, Lu Zhizhou didn't say anything more. He slowly stood up, calmly straightened his clothes, politely nodded, and turned to leave the conference room.

He even closed the door gently, as if they had just had a fight. His nonchalant attitude, leaving Arivabene speechless, left him dumbfounded.

The only sound in the air was the heavy breathing of Arivabene.

Outside the door, Lu Zhizhou also saw Frankie Penny, who looked completely bewildered and at a loss.

Clearly, she was expecting a furious, red-faced, and disheveled appearance, but instead, she was stunned to see Lu Zhizhou displaying a warm and sunny smile.

"Sylvia, the match is over. I'd like to stay home for two days, is that okay?"

Frankie Penny: ?

Is this normal? She had clearly heard the argument inside from outside the door, but when she turned around, she saw this scene.
Is Lu Zhizhou serious?

Frankie Penny nodded in approval at the professionalism, "Of course, no problem at all. Azerbaijan has two weeks of rest before the match."

"However, weren't you planning to move this week? Even if you leave the entire move to professionals, it will still take time to settle into the new home. So, please plan your time accordingly. If you want to stay at home for a couple more days, then postpone the move until after Azerbaijan."

After rambling on and on, Frankie Penny couldn't help but ask, "Zhizhou, are you alright?"

From the past to the present, Frankie Penny's stance has never changed. She stands with Ferrari, and she longs to witness Ferrari's return to its peak. Whether it's Raikkonen, Lu Zhizhou, or Vettel, they are all the same in her eyes.

Today, it's not just because Lu Zhizhou turned the tide and saved Ferrari from a disastrous weekend, but also because Vettel's selfish actions harmed the team's interests.

Frankie Penny stood unconditionally on Lu Zhizhou's side.

Lu Zhizhou smiled, appearing harmless; anyone who didn't know him would think he was an innocent, naive boy. "I'm fine. What's wrong with me?"

Frankie Penny let out a soft sigh. "Don't blame Maurizio. As the team principal, he needs to oversee the entire team, and he doesn't like anyone challenging his authority."

“I know.” Lu Zhizhou shrugged lightly. “I understand that people should do their jobs.”

“I am very willing to cooperate with the team. After all, I cannot finish the race, let alone win, by relying on myself alone. But I also need him to know that my job is to push the car to its limits on the track and strive for the championship. I will not apologize for doing my best to win on the track.”

"I'm not a good kid."

Frankie Penny couldn't help but burst out laughing at the self-deprecating joke, and joined in the banter, "Very good. Although I had a feeling before that you might not be a good kid, now I can finally be sure. Thank you for confirming."

In fact, Lu Zhizhou was not worried about conflict.

It's not just racing; it's the same in all competitive sports. Everyone craves victory, but there can only be one champion, so conflict is inevitable.

Today, I'm taking this opportunity to withstand the pressure and state my position.

Perhaps this will cause him trouble, and he may even lose some of the sense of security that should belong to the number two driver. He knows his situation and position.

But what if we don't speak up? What if we remain silent, continue to be a compliant shadow, and continue to let Vettel be aggressive?

He would then be forever stuck in the second-place position, with no chance of ever turning things around, just like Raikkonen's situation at Ferrari in the past few years.

On the track, he can face all results with equanimity, giving his all without reservation, and facing the final outcome of the competition with his head held high.

But he refuses to be trapped by other people's rules, to lose his own edges and personality, to lose his own attitude and courage; that's not who he is.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Zhizhou was neither nervous nor anxious. On the contrary, he was glad that he had seized the opportunity.

He realized that he wasn't trying to compete with Vettel for a position; he wanted to compete for a sense of worth within the paddock.

Champions are never won through charity or favors; if you want them, you must take the initiative.

Frankie Penny looked up and glanced at Lu Zhizhou, her youthful spirit soaring in the afternoon sun, once again awakening Ferrari's former glory.

She glanced back at the conference room. If she wasn't mistaken, the person who was tossing and turning at night wasn't Lu Zhizhou.

Just like the Ferrari service area, at this very moment, social networks in mainland China are also experiencing a storm, a storm centered on Lu Zhizhou!

(End of this chapter)