Car Racing without Money-Chapter 483 - 190: The Pressure of the F1 Paddock
One night passed, and Saturdayโs third practice and qualifying arrived as scheduled.
Compared to yesterdayโs lively Bahrain Circuit, the atmosphere in the paddock today could utterly be described as explosive. ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฃ๐ธ๐๐๐.๐๐๐
The excitement of qualifying is ultimately incomparable to practice sessions.
The main testing goal for the third practice is qualifying simulation, with a duration of only sixty minutes.
In most cases, qualifying simulations are definitely conducted using soft red tires, as this tire compound heats up the fastest and offers the best grip.
However, sometimes due to tire quantity limitations and considering a greater strategy space for the main race, teams might opt to test using medium yellow tires or hard white tires, allowing them an extra set of tires for the main race.
Just like the 25-season F1 Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen used a four-stop strategy; by the final stop, the team had no new red tires left for him to change, forcing him to switch to the least suitable hard white tires.
Undoubtedly, the speed of the hard white tires was far behind that of the competitorsโ soft red tires, and after exiting the pit, Verstappenโs position kept slipping like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.
The white tires failed to surpass physical limits, and the scenario where humans conquer nature also did not materialize.
Watching as opponents overtook him one by one, "Autobot" Verstappen finally broke down emotionally, reverting to his former "turret" state, almost launching a torpedo strike at Russell.
Ultimately, Verstappen received a ten-second penalty and had three points deducted from his Super Driverโs License.
The Super Driverโs License points system, similar to a civilian driverโs license, has twelve points. Once theyโre all deducted, a one-race suspension will ensue, and the points will reset.
This means if Verstappen has another violation, he will face suspension.
The high temperature at the Bahrain Sakhir Circuit results in significant tire wear, so teams often choose a two-stop strategy, typically using two sets of red tires paired with one set of yellow or white tires.
If a car accident occurs and the safety car is deployed, drivers will seize this window period to take a forced pit stop for tire changes, leading to three or four-stop scenarios. Otherwise, your old tires wonโt match the performance of othersโ freshly changed ones.
Thatโs why Verstappen implemented a four-stop strategy.
Although the third practice is structured as a qualifying simulation, actually, teams and drivers wonโt really push at full speed according to qualifying standards.
The reason is simple; before qualifying, letting other teams know what your carโs limit lap times are puts you in a very passive situation.
Especially competing teams, they would formulate tactics aimed at you.
To avoid such situations, teams will have both drivers carry out some partial simulations separately.
For instance, letting Chen Xiangbei test the maximum speed on the straight or the limit of high-speed corners.
Meanwhile, Trulli would test the limit in slow corners and traction in complex corners.
This way, the teamโs strategy group could gauge the carโs normal limit speed.
In contrast, other teams remain clueless about how much is hidden behind this performance.
The F1 event is far from as simple as it appears on the surface; itโs filled with intrigue at every turn.
Originally, all the teams planned to keep their cards close to their chest for the opening race, but Chen Xiangbeiโs first-place achievement in the second practice made many teams and drivers restless, especially the "new army" teams entering the paddock this year.
Itโs known that with the substantial increase in team numbers, a situation arises where thereโs not enough sponsorship and ads for everyone.
If one wants to shed the "new army" label and establish themselves firmly in the F1 paddock, they must secure a significant amount of sponsorship to aid team construction and gradually ascend from the middle group to the top three elite teams.
Just like the Red Bull Racing Team that joined F1 in โ05!
In terms of team construction, HRT has already made considerable advancements ahead of others.
If Lotus and Virgin canโt come up with something impressive, potential sponsors will be completely drawn away by Hua Bu and the Chinese Kid.
Virgin Teamโs capital lies in their identity as a United Kingdom team, naturally occupying the household registration advantages.
Besides that, Virgin Teamโs predecessor was the lower-level Formula powerhouses, Manor Team. Kimi Raikkonen, Hamilton, and others had served for them, possessing a certain foundation and base.
Lotus Teamโs trump card is the renowned "Lotus" brand power in F1 history and having recruited the legendary Sennaโs nephew, Bruno Senna. Many potential South American investors are evaluating the value of investment and sponsorship.
However, things change with time.
Now, it has been 16 years since Sennaโs passing; the influence and aura of the legend have gradually dissipated, no longer offering sufficient shelter to young Senna.
Just like Mick Schumacher Jr. in later generations, only seven years since King of Cars Schumacherโs skiing accident, the remaining influence failed to allow his son to establish himself in the F1 paddock.
If King of Cars Schumacher were in normal condition, let alone crashing two Haas cars, even crashing two Ferraris wouldnโt affect Mickโs stable seat if he wanted to drive!
"Bruno, get a good lap time in the third practice, you need to prove yourself."
Inside the Lotus Teamโs lounge, team leader Tony reminded little Senna sitting on the sofa.
Aside from Chen Xiangbei, Bruno Senna is indeed another rookie focus in the 10-season.
Compared to Chen Xiangbeiโs various hype and controversies under Hua Buโs operations, little Senna naturally attracts attention, as his presence equals linking with his Brazilian legendary uncle.
This brings young Senna significant attention and sponsorship to enter the F1 paddock.
