Car Racing without Money

Chapter 680 271: The Legacy of F1 History (Part 2)

"Does your position and identity force you to give such an answer?"Hank certainly wouldn't let it go, trying to pierce through this facade.

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

"Also, I expect Hamilton not to make excuses for his rashness and mistakes. It's just a common track incident, nothing more."

With the God's-eye view from the future, Chen Xiangbei is well aware of Hamilton's early "complainer" character.

He, like Alonso, loves to complain in front of the TR and the media.

Undoubtedly, driven by pride and self-confidence, Hamilton would never admit he lost to Chen Xiangbei and would certainly blame the loss on the collision with Trulli.

Since that's the case, Chen Xiangbei simply made a preemptive move to block Hamilton's complaints!

But when he said this, the faces of the entire Mercedes Team, including Hamilton, were extremely grim.

Chen Xiangbei's actions were a direct challenge!

As the youngest world champion in history and a super talent capable of contending for the championship in his rookie season, Hamilton had never faced such provocation.

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

Different positions mean "enemies."

"Chen Xiangbei, I'm He Cheng, a reporter from Huaxin News Agency. May I ask what your future goals are?"

Sensing that the tension from Chen Xiangbei's answers was escalating, the reporter from China's Huaxin News agency quickly stepped in to ease the atmosphere.

"World Champion."

Four extremely direct and forceful words, this is Chen Xiangbei's ultimate dream!

A Grand Prix win is indeed impressive, but the true pinnacle in F1 is the world champion.

"World Champion? You seem to be aiming too high, Bei."

A reporter scoffed, mocking the notion that securing a Grand Prix win with home advantage would lead to dreams of becoming world champion.

The Chinese Kid sure loves dreaming.

"Remember your words when you look up to me standing on the highest podium."

Chen Xiangbei pointed at this reporter, making the classic Uncle Sam gesture.

Champions are destined to be gazed upon!

At this moment, track staff came over to remind Chen Xiangbei that the award ceremony would soon be held, and he needed to head to the champion's lounge to prepare.

Additionally, Chen Xiangbei really stood out, and as Grand Prix winners, Vettel and the third-place Alonso hadn't had the opportunity to answer any reporter questions.

This made Chen Xiangbei wave goodbye to everyone calmly, then turn away and leave gracefully.

As F1's top three wait for the award ceremony, they won't return to their team's garage or lounge but instead gather in a dedicated lounge called the champion's lounge.

Many famous scenes occur in the champion's lounge,

such as when two drivers have grudges, or if they are unwilling to accept defeat, it might explode in the champion's lounge.

In the 2007 European Grand Prix, Alonso, noting that Massa caused a collision, couldn't resist arguing and pushing in the lounge, using classic Spanish "greeting words," similar to "caonima" in Chinese.

From a certain perspective, Alonso did seem notorious at this earlier period, with almost every famous crash involving him.

Of course, if the drivers have good relations, they'll sit on the sofa and celebrate victory together.

Unfortunately, Chen Xiangbei wasn't familiar with Vettel and Alonso, and in the subconscious of both opponents, there was a hint of hostility towards challenging newcomers, making the waiting process a bit awkward.

If possible, Chen Xiangbei really wanted to chat with Vettel and Alonso.

After all, they were once the figures that Chen Xiangbei looked up to!

Especially Brother Head Alonso, no matter how "despicable" he was for victory during this period,

Chen Xiangbei will always remember him as that veteran of later years who refused to admit defeat!

Even in his forties, driving an Aston Martin car that isn't very competitive, he still fights unyieldingly on the track.

No young-time complaints, nor too many "dirty tricks."

Who knows when Alonso looks back, if he ever sighs at his former arrogance and pride.

If his temperament had been restrained a bit, and he realized reality earlier, picked a team to grow with, maybe there wouldn't have been an early Red Bull Dynasty or Mercedes Dynasty.

The awkward waiting finally passed as the staff walked in again, notifying Chen Xiangbei and the other two to head to the podium on the second floor.

At the moment of departure, Chen Xiangbei stood in front of the mirror to tidy up his appearance, especially wiping the national flag on his belt representing his identity as a driver.

Because this time, Chen Xiangbei is going to stand with it on that highest podium!

Exiting the champion's lounge and ascending the award platform stairs, a line of etiquette ladies was already standing above, while below was a dense crowd of track spectators, numbering at least tens of thousands!

And this was even considering safety factors to limit the gathering of crowds. Otherwise, more fans leaving their seats would want to witness Chen Xiangbei crowning as the champion up close.

Overlooking the surging crowd, Chen Xiangbei waved his arms in greeting.

A simple gesture immediately sparked another passionate cheer.

"Car God Bei!"

"Facing cold stares and ridicule, finally stood atop the pinnacle!"

"You will definitely become the world champion!"

"China no.1!"

Various voices, various terms, all converged at this moment into cheers for Chen Xiangbei.

The largest fan group in the world isn't fans of someone, it's champion fans.

Especially in the realm of competitive sports, the runner-up is just the biggest loser. When you reach the top as the champion, the whole world takes notice!

After the commotion, like a regular award ceremony, the third-place, runner-up, and champion ascend the podium separately.

When the host read out Chen Xiangbei's name, he stepped onto the highest podium, listening to the frenzy of voices, and instinctively closed his eyes, savoring his moment of glory.

Reflecting on the previous race in Australia, Chen Xiangbei was actually quite satisfied with his third-place ranking, but once Schumacher stood on that highest podium, becoming the absolute protagonist inside the paddock, there was an uncontrollable envy in his heart.

Standing as a third-place beside them, as if he couldn't even be classified as a supporting role, just a lame character.

At that moment, Chen Xiangbei secretly vowed that one day he would make history, stand on the highest podium, and play the national anthem of China.

Today he has done it, and this day has come sooner than expected!

While Chen Xiangbei was immersed in the moment, he suddenly felt himself being lifted up.

Opening his eyes, he realized it was Vettel and Alonso mounting him on their shoulders.

This is a traditional ceremony among F1 drivers: when a new driver wins their first victory, the fellow drivers celebrating together mount him on their shoulders to symbolize a form of legacy.

Unfortunately, this legacy last appeared in the 12th season, when Venezuelan driver Maldonado, "Massa King," had his first victory in the Spanish Grand Prix, carried by Raikkonen and Alonso, two world champions.

Since then, over the span of six or seven years, no new first-win champions emerged, and with the gradual retirement of older drivers, this tradition vanished in the long river of F1 history.

Massa King, because of this carrying, became respectful to Raikkonen and Alonso in the paddock later on, even if he drove like mad, essentially only crashing into Hamilton.

Now this legacy persists, as Chen Xiangbei sits on Vettel and Alonso's shoulders, plunging the audience below into a state of madness.

From this moment forward, Chen Xiangbei is no longer just the paddock's pure rookie but has received recognition and legacy from veteran drivers.

After winning the Grand Prix, it's time to take on the relay baton of the world champion!