Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 332 Perhaps I should quit.
Talent is only one aspect; what Ross Brown admires even more is Chen Xiangbei's hard work.

Before Chen Xiangbei, he had never seen a young man so self-disciplined, spending almost all his time in the training room and gym. Even Schumacher, who was known for his hard work, was slightly inferior.

From that moment on, Ross Brown knew that this young man was capable of driving it.

Rosberg remained silent as he listened to Ross Brown's words.

Or perhaps he asked this question simply because he didn't want to admit that Chen Xiangbei was better than him.

If he admitted it, Rosberg's confidence would completely collapse, and he would have no choice but to remain silent.

"Boss, Bei got pole position in Monaco."

Williams team principal, Parr, made this statement with a meaningful tone.

He had asked Sir Williams a question a long time ago: Did he regret missing out on Chen Xiangbei?
The answer I received was that I never regretted it.

Sir Williams believes that other rookies are not necessarily weaker than Chen Xiangbei. For example, Hulkenberg won the GP2 championship and also showed unparalleled speed and talent potential.

In fact, Hulkenberg's performance was not bad either. He was basically on par with veteran Barrichello, driving the car to its speed limit, and his long-distance stability and wheel-to-wheel attack and defense were also without any weaknesses.

However, Hulkenberg's potential is not high enough; at least compared to the super new generation of F1 drivers who have entered the F1 paddock in recent years, he is clearly not on the same level.

For example, Hamilton, Vettel, Kubica, and even Rosberg.

Even today, compared to Chen Xiangbei, Hulkenberg remains the same.

This doesn't mean Hulkenberg is bad; it's just that his opponents were too strong.

"As you get older, you're bound to make mistakes sometimes."

Sir Williams, a man known for his strong will, ultimately chose not to continue his stubbornness in the face of his old friend Parr's words.

"It's rare that you're willing to admit you misjudged me."

"Does it matter whether I'm willing to admit that a rookie driver has already reached the point of competing for the world championship?"

Sir Williams smiled. If he had agreed to his old friend Stahler's suggestion while sitting in the VIP box at Silverstone Circuit in the UK, by the floor-to-ceiling window, the fate of the Williams team would probably be different now.

Sir Williams has been utterly exhausted from maintaining the team's operations over the years.

Privately operated teams are increasingly no match for factory teams and capital, and as he gets older, Sir Williams' body no longer supports him in recreating the glory of his nine championships.

To break the trend of decline, a driver who defies fate and wins the world championship title again is needed.

Chen Xiangbei had the potential, but if he missed it, he would never have another chance.

The reason is simple: world champion drivers in their prime will not join a small private team like Williams, as they cannot afford the price.

That's life; once you miss something, there are no going back.

Compared to the amazement and regret of the team leaders, the HRT team, who drove their cars into the pit lane, could only feel excitement.

Before Chen Xiangbei could even get out of the car, the crew members surrounded him, their faces beaming with excitement and elation.

"Bei, you ran fantastic! Your performance was impeccable!"

"Xiang Beijun, you really pushed the limits of the track, you're practically at the level of an Imperial Demon King!"

"Forget McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari, HRT will also stand at the top in the future!"

"That's right, long live HRT!"

In contrast to the crew's celebration, Odette stood with Briatore beside him, arms crossed, his expression relatively calm.

"Don't you have anything to say about this brand new route in the north?"

Briatore countered with a question, noting that Trulli was, in a sense, someone he had personally trained, and he was extremely familiar with the style and experience of his Italian homeland. However, Chen Xiangbei disregarded the other's teachings and cornering data, forging a more extreme and aggressive path.

To be honest, it's not surprising that they are more extreme and radical.

After all, if you're not afraid of death, you can be even more aggressive if you weld the accelerator to your foot.

Surprisingly, Chen Xiangbei succeeded.

Briatore didn't believe that Chen Xiangbei could successfully navigate more than a dozen curves in one go without any precedent or supporting data; it was practically like winning the lottery.

He wanted to know if Odeto had any credit for this.

"No, it has nothing to do with me."

Odeto knew what Briatore wanted to ask and denied it in advance.

"How did this kid do that?"

"talent."

"That's really a bit scary."

Briatore muttered a reply.

His highest praise for Chen Xiangbei was simply that he was the next Kimi Räikkönen, someone who could look up to Schumacher.

It seems that this kid might one day be able to rival Schumacher!
“Perez ran very well too, you should make a decision to give the young man a break.”

Odette turned the conversation to Perez, who was sitting to the side, looking at Chen Xiangbei with envy and melancholy.

He envied his opponent for achieving pole position and becoming the focus of attention for the team and even the entire race. However, the story ended with him failing to renew his contract in the penultimate race, and the pressure on him grew.

This is similar to a company renewing a contract. The deadline is fast approaching, but there's still no word on whether you'll be able to renew. Inevitably, feelings of worry and anxiety will well up inside you.

This is why F1 drivers place great importance on signing a long-term contract; besides securing a seat, it also helps alleviate mental stress.

At least they don't have to be timid and hesitant, worrying that making a mistake will prevent them from renewing the contract.

"I will make a decision after the Monaco Grand Prix."

This time, Briatore didn't beat around the bush and finally gave a definite answer.

After the excitement of qualifying subsided, all the teams returned to their hotels.

Instead of basking in the joy of pole position, Chen Xiangbei went to the basement to drive a racing simulator, wanting to once again verify his success rate in pushing the limits in qualifying.

As it turns out, I might have had a bit of luck involved; I could only succeed two or three times out of ten attempts in the simulator.

Just as Chen Xiangbei was feeling somewhat emotional, Trulli appeared behind him without him even noticing.

"Don't try it. It's impossible to run at the speed of a star every time."

Hearing this voice, Chen Xiangbei turned around and saw Trulli had arrived.

His first words were, "Thank you, Trulli."

Although Chen Xiangbei ultimately did not use the cornering lines that Trulli had taught him in the qualifying session.

However, if Trulli hadn't pointed out the flaws in his previous cornering, Chen Xiangbei would never have been able to achieve a lap similar to Verstappen's in the 23 season, and would probably have already retired from the race.

In fact, this is the third time Trulli has provided crucial assistance to Chen Xiangbei during his professional career.

Although the two were not close friends and had not known each other for very long, Chen Xiangbei was still grateful.

"You're welcome. This is the result you achieved yourself."

Trulli shook his head indifferently; he didn't want to take credit. "I couldn't have escaped without your help."

"Hey, I can't even escape this entire star system myself, how can I help you?"

At this moment, Trulli had a bitter smile on his face. He had once regarded Chen Xiangbei as a rival and had even thought about making the Chinese boy his wingman.

Today's qualifying match made Trulli realize the reality: Chen Xiangbei has not only surpassed him in talent, but also in strength.

Even when he was at his peak and won the Monaco title, he couldn't have achieved such an amazing pole position speed, let alone on his "debut" track in his rookie season!
Chen Xiangbei did not respond to this. Verstappen's lap time is indeed something that most drivers cannot achieve.

Just as Chen Xiangbei remained silent, Trulli suddenly said something unrelated to the topic.

“I bought a plot of land in my hometown in Italy, planning to grow grapes and make wine. You can have a couple of glasses when you have time in the future.”

"What do you mean?"

Chen Xiangbei asked a question in return. In fact, he vaguely understood the hidden meaning in the words, but he was not sure.

"It means I'm planning to retire."

"Have you thought clearly?"

"Ah."

"Okay, I will definitely go if I have the chance in the future."

Without any persuasion or comfort, Chen Xiangbei simply nodded in agreement.

F1 has always been an arena that follows the law of the jungle. Even if there are drivers who get in by paying money, they usually only last two or three years before they have to leave the scene.

Sympathy, consolation, or pity are meaningless in the F1 paddock. Survival of the fittest means that those without strength are destined to be eliminated, regardless of whether they are opponents or teammates.

Any sympathy or help offered to the weak will ultimately only result in a waste of time and energy, and the only effect of making oneself feel good.

Trulli is nearing the end of his career, and even if he stays for another year, he can't defeat the increasingly mature Perez. Choosing to retire at the right time is a dignified choice.

It's better than being laid off halfway through, or being publicly declared a loser in the competition, right?

"OK, then I'll put on a great match tomorrow as a retirement gift."

After saying that, Trulli patted Chen Xiangbei on the shoulder and walked out of the training basement.

In F1, there are only two ways to foster harmonious relationships among teammates.

One scenario is when there is absolutely no competition, like when Trulli plans to retire, and he can still politely invite him and sincerely wish him good results.

Another type is that you're only my good teammate when you're my wingman!
Just like Bottas and Hamilton.

Watching Trulli's departing figure, Chen Xiangbei's expression was somewhat complicated. He then noticed another figure standing outside the door, namely Perez.

"Did you hear that?"

"Truly told me first."

Chen Xiangbei was somewhat surprised to hear this answer.

I had at least some contact with Trulli, and we had both competed and helped each other.

Perez seems to have no connection with the other party, so why would the hot-tempered Italian inform them in advance?

"Congratulations on becoming an official driver for the HRT team next year."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile, "Actually, you shouldn't always think of F1 teammates as 'brothers' or 'enemies.' In most cases, they're just ordinary colleagues, and often not even that good relationship."

When someone leaves, someone else comes in. This has little to do with whether or not someone is fighting for a seat. Perez's performance, ability, and potential are enough to earn him a seat and respect.

"Thank you."

Perez nodded, but didn't show much joy.

He then took a step and sat down in the racing simulator cockpit next to Chen Xiangbei.

"Quite calm."

Chen Xiangbei joked that, in his memory, the young Perez was not a particularly reserved person, much less the composed "Master Perez".

"Because my previous goal was simply to become an F1 driver."

"But the goals are different now."

"So what are your goals for the future?"

Chen Xiangbei subconsciously asked a question in return.

"Defeat you."

amount……

Chen Xiangbei was stunned when he heard this; he really hadn't expected this answer.

But then a playful smile appeared on his face, and he replied with interest, "You can have that idea, but you don't have the opportunity."

An F1 driver is always confident. Chen Xiangbei is not afraid of any challenge, and he also wants to win against all his opponents, including his teammates!

"I will work hard."

After saying that, Perez pressed the start button for the racing simulator.

There's something else Perez didn't say: he once viewed his challenge to Chen Xiangbei as a battle for the team's number one driver status and even resources.

Now, however, he sees Chen Xiangbei as a target to challenge.

Perez was truly impressed and respected by Monaco's pole position.

That's precisely why he wanted to defeat Chen Xiangbei even more.

Only by challenging the strong can you improve and become stronger. On the contrary, seeking a sense of accomplishment from the weak only proves that you are also a weak person!
The night passed by in the blink of an eye, and it was Sunday's main event time for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators flooded into Monte Carlo, a small city with a population of only 30,000, making the area as far as the eye could see truly a sea of ​​people.

In addition to the previous F1 Grand Prix where only the grandstands were crowded with people, the balconies and windows of the buildings around the Monaco circuit were also packed with spectators looking down from above, creating a three-dimensional viewing scene.

In addition to the audience at the venue, more than 100 million people will watch this world-renowned Monaco Grand Prix through various live broadcasts on television or computers.

This is why the Monaco circuit is known as one of the three crowns of motorsport. Regardless of whether the races are exciting or there are thrilling overtaking moments, it is at least unparalleled in terms of viewership.

Just like Le Mans 24 Hours in WEC.

This is also why F1 can surpass the NBA, Super Bowl, UFC, and other single sporting events that the public is familiar with, and is directly regarded as one of the three major world sporting events, alongside the World Cup and the Olympics.

Its confidence stems from its viewership of over 100 million people per show.

Another difference is that, unlike yesterday's qualifying session which was filled with silver Mercedes flags or the traditional red Ferrari flags, today there were large numbers of Chinese red flags on various parts of the track.

The reason is simple: through a single night of dissemination, the news of Chen Xiangbei winning pole position in Monaco has spread throughout the entire world.

This is the first Monaco pole position for a Chinese driver, and even an Asian driver, and according to tradition, he has a very high chance of being crowned the King of Monaco, representing another breakthrough for people of Asian descent in the world's top motorsport!
Upon hearing the news, countless overseas Chinese and students in Europe, as well as many Asian car enthusiasts, rushed to the Monte Carlo circuit in Monaco overnight.

They want to witness the birth of the new King of Monaco!
(End of this chapter)