Car Racing without Money-Chapter 397 - 163: That Man Has Returned (10K)

"That’s right, we’ve agreed."

Staler nodded in acknowledgment.

"Odetto, the team scored zero points at the Spa Station, and we have lagged behind the mainstream group in terms of mid-term upgrades. Meanwhile, with over seven hundred employees, the team has already laid off nearly a third, yet we still face a deficit situation."

"The Daimler Group has set conditions that, in order to receive their technical support and engine supply for next year, we must relinquish control of the team."

"The championship is right in front of us, we have no choice!"

Ross Brown’s tone was filled with agony; when it comes to selling the team, no one would feel more pained than he, the team leader.

Back then, to maintain the team and give the RA109 car a chance to prove itself,

Ross Brown poured all his assets into it, begging for investments in every way possible, which kept the Honda F1 team from disbanding and allowed the three technical teams’ achievements to shine.

But it still wasn’t enough!

F1 teams are a capitalist game; just as Chen Xiangbei considers the factors of mid-term upgrades, a championship-contending team cannot fall behind in this aspect.

The Brown GP Team had already established a huge lead early on, and if they watched Red Bull Racing Team turn it around...

Not only would Ross Brown be unable to accept it, but the super Aguri technical team that was laid off could not accept it, making their "sacrifice" meaningless.

The Daimler Group is the only lifeline for Brown GP, and the support of the factory team can also stabilize the remaining team employees.

Sometimes making a decision involves more than just personal interests, but the entire team as well.

It was with this understanding that Staler agreed and cooperated with Ross Brown’s decision,

to sell to Mercedes, giving Brown GP a brighter future!

"Even if sold to the Daimler Group, North will still have competitiveness; didn’t you help fight for him?"

Odetto doesn’t have Chen Xiangbei’s foresight, so naturally, he doesn’t know the next few years would belong to the Red Bull Dynasty.

In his view, if the issue of team ownership is not considered, the acquisition is actually a good thing for the driver. After all, the capital and technical strength of the factory team far outweighs a private team like Brown GP!

Odetto previously only warned Chen Xiangbei of the risks and didn’t give direct advice.

The reason was that, following the current trend, Brown GP’s seat would soon be mired in the plight of a private team, and even with Mercedes’ technical support, it could only maintain a mid-tier position.

In contrast, the TF110 prototype left by Toyota had a chance of gambling on the Mars Rover.

But once Brown GP becomes a complete Mercedes factory team, the car’s speed would surpass a mid-range level; according to their cooperation with the McLaren Team, it might even climb to the "Big Three" position.

Betting on the TF110 in such a situation clearly reaps less benefit compared to the risk.

A thirty percent winning probability is called betting.

A ten percent winning probability is called giving away!

The upper limit of the TF110 car might just be the lower limit of the Mercedes car.

Is there still a need to bet in a losing situation?

"Couldn’t fight for it."

Staler shook his head.

"Why?"

Odetto felt puzzled; even if Mercedes was vast and wealthy, surely new driver talent was still worth considering?

Given Chen Xiangbei’s astonishing performance at Spa Station, there should at least be some hope to strive for, right?

"There is a driver making a comeback, and the Mercedes executives have reserved a seat for him."

"Who?"

"Michael Schumacher."

Upon hearing this name, Odetto was stunned.

He was just wondering, who had such an influence to make a giant like Mercedes reserve a seat?

When this name came up, any disputes had no place.

Only this man would make the team spare no effort to secure him.

"Michael is back."

Odetto murmured, anyone who has experienced Ferrari’s Prancing Horse era would never forget that time.

If Schumacher joins the Mercedes Team, then two-thirds of the former Ferrari trio would reunite, only Jean Todt would be missing.

At the same time, Odetto vaguely understood why Schumacher would choose to return with Mercedes, likely due to his old friendship with Ross Brown.

"Yeah, he’s back."

Ross Brown repeated, a storm will sweep the F1 paddock again next year!

"North, have you finalized the sponsorship funds for the HRT Team?"

Staler turned to ask.

Lu Xiaoman had previously informed Staler to assist during the negotiations with the Huali Group, he was aware of Chen Xiangbei’s two-fold preparation.

"Pretty much settled."

"If needed, I can sponsor it."

Now that the road with the Mercedes Team is blocked, Staler would do everything in his ability to help Chen Xiangbei seize his last chance to enter the F1 paddock.

"Thank you, Staler."

Chen Xiangbei smiled, this old Briton had helped him immensely.

Since the Brown GP Team’s shares have been sold, there is no need to get embroiled in the paddock disputes and instead enjoy a peaceful life.

"North, I have some understanding of the HRT Team; their organizational structure is very weak."

"If you could acquire enough shares for a say, I could offer you two pieces of advice."

As they say, "A deal that doesn’t go through leaves bonds," Ross Brown also watched Chen Xiangbei grow and hoped for a bright future for this Chinese kid.

As the Ferrari team leader during the Iron Triangle days, Ross Brown stands as a historic figure in team management, and his professional experience can greatly assist Chen Xiangbei.

"Mr. Ross, please go ahead."

Chen Xiangbei understood and spoke very politely.