Car Racing without Money

Chapter 835 - 343: An Unexpected Overtake

"BOSS, there’s something wrong with Kubica’s condition."Renault Sport manager Nelson looked at the live onboard footage, his face very unpleasant as he informed.

Taking the defensive line early has no meaning; there’s no rehearsal situation in F1. Kubica’s behavior seemed more like an instinctive reaction upon seeing Chen Xiangbei’s car closing in.

He panicked!

To be honest, Kubica isn’t a weak driver. He came from an ordinary family and entered the F1 Paddock step by step through his talent and effort. His life experiences destined him to face much competition and setbacks, without the smooth-sailing protagonist script.

If he was even a bit soft, he would have been eliminated in the intense competition.

At the same time, drivers from ordinary backgrounds often have more drive and desire to win. Hamilton is like this, Ocon is like this, and Perez is also like this.

After entering his professional career, Kubica’s obsession with racing and his effort levels could almost be called a weakened version of Verstappen. The reason he had an accident that led to his disability was because of his participation in various other automotive races during his free time, including Touring Car events and Rally racing.

Three days before the accident, he was still participating in pre-season testing in the F1 Paddock and secured the fastest lap to showcase his speed and talent.

As a result, three days later, participating in a Rally event, he lost control and crashed into something akin to a highway divider, with a section directly penetrating the cockpit, thus rendering his right hand disabled and marking a turning point in his career. The young genius initially selected by Ferrari fell to the point of having no car to drive at one time.

A driver so obsessed with racing and filled with a desire to win theoretically shouldn’t have a mindset fearing opponents.

Why did Kubica panic?

Nelson couldn’t understand, so he could only inform Renault team leader Blair of the "condition issues" in hopes they would find the cause and solution.

"Kubica has lost to Bei too many times, probably causing a lack of self-confidence."

Blair offered his guess. When Chen Xiangbei first entered the F1 Paddock, he matched against Kubica several times, and their records could be described as complete victories for Chen.

Now facing the more mature and stronger Chen Xiangbei, he increasingly lacked the confidence to defeat his opponent.

"I believe the team’s initial signing choice and some internal team opinions have given Kubica considerable pressure."

Listening to the conversation between the two, Kubica’s race engineer Elton replied indignantly.

"Internal opinions?"

Blair looked a bit surprised; he didn’t know about any internal team opinions.

"Yes, many in the team say management regrets not signing Driver Bei initially and choosing Kubica to steer Renault’s flag."

Regret?

Elton’s response left Blair and Nelson looking at each other.

To be honest, they did harbor such thoughts. If they had signed Chen Xiangbei with a main driver’s position initially instead of choosing Kubica, what would Renault Team look like now?

But they also understood that there’s no "if," especially as Kubica’s performance wasn’t bad. Securing the third fastest lap in the Monaco Circuit qualifying undeniably proved his speed and talent.

"We never said anything like that."

Nelson retorted, thinking as he may but never foolish enough to say it outright.

"It doesn’t matter, as long as many in the team think so."

Elton shook his head. The idea of a rumor being believed by many isn’t unique to China; it’s the same abroad.

Moreover, Blair and Nelson’s frequent praise and acknowledgment of Chen Xiangbei’s remarks already expressed their true inner thoughts.

Just like other people’s children, comparison brings endless pressure and self-doubt, even if the parents or the team management themselves aren’t aware.

Silence, Blair and Nelson both fell silent.

In this brief conversation time, another lap of the race had been reduced, Chen Xiangbei officially closed in on the back of Kubica’s car, entering the slipstream attack range with a speed faster than many expected!

"Kubica, I always believe you are the strongest driver of the middle generation, Hamilton was not wrong, and the team’s choice has never been wrong!"

Blair said this through team radio to Kubica.

No ordinary encouragement, no cheering slogans, and no stern goals.

He wanted to convey only one concept: the team trusts Kubica, and he can go all out!

In a way, this mirrors the wisdom of Sir Williams of old. When questioned by the outside world if he regretted missing Chen Xiangbei, he steadfastly expressed no regret.

Even if just stubbornness, at least it sent a strong signal to the team and gave enough trust and respect to the chosen team member.

For Kubica, this was a belated letter of trust.

But even if late, it’s better than never.

"I understand."

After replying with a deeply emotional sentence, Kubica’s eyes became resolute once again.

He should have been the twin star alongside Hamilton, with Rosberg and Vettel trailing behind.

This new generation rookie Chen Xiangbei, don’t think you can defeat me again!

Car No. 13 HRT Racing Car began accelerating crazily, just like the entire audience anticipated, Chen Xiangbei attacked Kubica without hesitation.

The Chinese newcomer is always like this, like the sharpest blade on the track, once unsheathed, it never returns.