Car Racing without Money

Chapter 679 271: The Legacy of F1 History

Right after Chen Xiangbei finished his thank-you speech, the second-place Vettel and third-place Alonso also arrived at the interview area.Even though they were fierce rivals on the track, after the race, there was no deep-seated hatred between them, and both came over to congratulate Chen Xiangbei politely.

Of course, internally, they were certainly not convinced.

Judging by Chen Xiangbei's performance and pure strength in this race, it was almost indisputable.

However, the HRT Team did not appear so glorious during the race.

Whether Trulli's blocking was intentional or accidental was hard to define, especially given Briatore's prior record with Renault's "Crashgate."

It's evidently impossible for top drivers like Vettel and Alonso to be wholeheartedly convinced.

After simple handshakes and hugs, the three lined up for media photos.

At this time, other on-site reporters couldn't hold back and handed over microphones for a post-race interview.

"Xiangbei, hello, I am a reporter from a German sports newspaper. You were very fast at this Chinese Grand Prix. How did you do it?"

"Personal effort combined with team collaboration."

"Furthermore, this is China's home ground. On my turf, I make the rules!"

The year 2010 happened to be the period when Jay Chou's "M-Zone" slogan was popular, and Chen Xiangbei seized the moment with a borrowed line.

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

"We all know there are many controversies surrounding you, even being labeled as the track's public enemy. How have you managed to overcome this negative publicity and the psychological pressure from outside doubts along the way?"

When it comes to understanding "cold stares and ridicule," no Asian country understands it quite like Japan.

Their drivers used to arrive at European tracks and were generally the subject of ridicule and disdain, often viewed as clowns!

Ino Yuji, Sato Takuma, Nakajima Ikki…

Nowadays, it's akin to how fans view Mazepin, Latife, and Sargent.

In fact, aside from the legendary Ino Yuji, be it Sato Takuma or Nakajima Ikki, as well as Kobayashi Kamui and others,

they all had glorious moments chasing podiums with mid-tier cars.

If you really want to compare relentlessly, they deserve a seat at the table with Sainz, Stroll, Magnussen, and others.

Although still not exceptionally strong, they're definitely not at the level of being "directors."

If Chen Xiangbei could share a bit of his experience handling pressure, it would greatly benefit future Japanese drivers.

However, Chen Xiangbei's answer completely defied the Asahi Shimbun reporter's expectations.

"Psychological pressure?"

"Have I ever had any?"

Chen Xiangbei's mouth curled into a disdainful smile.

The Japanese reporter still hadn't grasped this principle: the moment you admit to having psychological pressure, you've already put yourself at a disadvantage!

Chen Xiangbei would never show weakness to the outside world, even if it meant being labeled as arrogant and high-handed, he still presented a strong image.

What does public opinion pressure amount to? And so what if I'm the track's public enemy?

If spectators or drivers disapprove of me, could they charge onto the track to gang up on me?

Trying to redeem themselves, they still have to rely on racing.

Today, the East Sea International Circuit had over two hundred thousand spectators, among which there were at most one hundred fifty thousand Chinese fans, along with fifty thousand foreign fans and visitors.

Who knows how many of them had previously mocked and cursed Chen Xiangbei; the group jeering at the Australia Grand Prix is still vivid in his mind.

And the result?

The thunderous applause after the race—Chen Xiangbei didn't believe for a second that not a single foreign spectator participated.

Admiration for the strong is the essence of F1.

If Schumacher didn't have world championships, and if Senna didn't have top speed, in the F1 Paddock their reputations would simply be "thug" and "brute."

Another great example is Verstappen; how many still use that negative nickname "the turret" now?

"Damn, this is the Chen Xiangbei I know!"

"Cocky enough, I like it!"

"The Japanese are still a bit timid, not realizing that acknowledging pressure means fear, and fear leads to loss!"

"What outside negative public opinion? Aren't the support of 1.3 billion people considered?"

"Chen Xiangbei has the strength to defy the world!"

The frenzied cheering noises flared up, and as Chen Xiangbei's interview circulated on the domestic internet, at least the fan community knew what kind of image he had.

The type of driver determines the type of fans.

There's no room for weakness; Chen Xiangbei will remain strong until the end!

At this moment, a familiar face showed up in front of Chen Xiangbei.

Sky Sports reporter Hank also came to the East Sea International Circuit, but now Chen Xiangbei is no longer that unknown rookie—getting an exclusive interview with him isn't that easy anymore.

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

Finally, he managed to get to the front row, so he definitely needed to ask a sensational question.

"Xiangbei, midway through the race, Trulli and Hamilton collided, is there a team-secret instruction involved similar to the past Renault Crashgate?"

Many people harbored this doubt, but most reporters refrained from asking due to the celebratory atmosphere of Chen Xiangbei's victory.

Hank had been used to a love-hate relationship with Chen Xiangbei; when the other had no topics, he helped crank up the heat, and now that Chen Xiangbei was hot, naturally, he had to stir the pot.

"No."

Chen Xiangbei didn't hesitate to respond; at least he didn't hear any hinting words suggesting Trulli to crash in the team radio.