Car Racing without Money-Chapter 519 - 203: You Must Be More Ruthless Than Your Opponent
"Seven or eight laps have passed, why can’t Schumacher overtake Chen Xiangbei?"
A spectator couldn’t hold back the doubt in his heart and finally voiced the question.
Many staff members who have worked in the paddock for years still have the impression of Schumacher as an unstoppable force during the Ferrari Dynasty era, let alone ordinary fans.
In their hearts, Schumacher is like a god!
"Schumacher’s speed is indisputable, he can’t possibly fail to overtake."
Another spectator spoke firmly, recalling how even Senna couldn’t withstand the pressure when pursued by Schumacher in the past. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
Not to mention a mere Chinese guy?
"Then what actually happened, this isn’t like the Schumacher I remember."
"It’s probably a car issue. From winter testing, we could see that Mercedes’ performance is noticeably inferior to last year’s Brawn GP."
"That’s the only explanation, Mercedes is too slow!"
The idea among the spectators quickly reached a consensus: the performance of the Mercedes car was dragging Schumacher down.
To some extent, this was indeed the case. Compared to Brawn GP, which transitioned smoothly from the original Honda Team, the world-class team like Mercedes naturally had to take control of the team and dominate car development.
The original two different factions’ technical routes transformed from initial cooperation to competition relationships.
Even for ordinary developers, manager Ross Brown was marginalized during the process of gaining control in the Mercedes factory team.
He was replaced by the new team leader Toto Wolff in a few years.
Compared to the spectators’ doubts about car performance, inside the Mercedes Team garage, one of the former "iron triangle" members and current FIA president Jean Todt stood there with his girlfriend Michelle Yeoh.
For the season-opening race, Jean Todt was certainly present onsite to watch. Schumacher’s comeback along with Ross Brown’s role rekindled the friendship from their "comrade-in-arms" days, filling him with nostalgia.
Thus, he came to the Mercedes Team garage to reminisce with Ross Brown about the glorious past.
"Michael, he’s much calmer now."
Looking at the track broadcast, Jean Todt said with a sigh.
Schumacher had been following Chen Xiangbei for so many laps, often crossing the rear wheel line with the nose of the car, yet ultimately chose not to risk it and gave up.
This was very unlike Schumacher’s style.
The former King of Cars would, under the rules, go all out and even force opponents off the track!
Even if Chen Xiangbei was a rookie, he would not be given preferential treatment.
Victory in the paddock is the true goal of a driver.
Today’s Hamilton lacks that unstoppable sharpness.
It seems that even the King of Cars cannot resist the passage of time; the old soldier grows weary!
Facing Jean Todt’s sentiments, Ross Brown felt very complex, showing a look of wanting to speak but holding back.
To some extent, Schumacher indeed lacks his previous edge, but there are more reasons for failing to surpass Chen Xiangbei.
Car performance, physical condition, the tire changes brought by Pirelli replacing Bridgestone, and the addition of the kinetic energy recovery system all affect Schumacher’s once unmatched speed.
Although Jean Todt was one of the Ferrari iron triangle members and had many years of working relations and a deep friendship with him, as the current team leader of the Mercedes Team, Ross Brown’s professional ethics prevented him from revealing more.
Just as Ross Brown struggled with how to respond, an unexpected situation occurred on the track.
Brazilian rookie Bruno Senna made a mistake while overtaking and hit the wall, causing the track to signal another yellow flag.
Simultaneously, since Bruno Senna’s car blocked the driving line, after a brief decision by the race control center, a real safety car was deployed.
[It’s here!]
Ross Brown’s eyes flashed with a gleam.
The two tactics arranged for Rosberg and Schumacher waited precisely for the moment the safety car was deployed.
At this point, Rosberg would pit and use the reduced tire change time to complete an undercut (strategic overtaking) against Chen Xiangbei.
"Rosberg pits!"
Putting aside further chit-chat with Jean Todt, Ross Brown immediately pressed the communication button to issue the pit command.
Hearing this sound, Rosberg instinctively breathed a sigh of relief, then a relaxed expression appeared on his face.
His soft red tires were already worn out, about 0.4 seconds slower per lap compared to Chen Xiangbei’s battle with Schumacher.
If it weren’t for Schumacher’s "assist," plus Chen Xiangbei going all out to PUSH and chase, the lap could be slower by 0.8 to 1 second.
The speed drop from the tires losing grip is just this exaggerated.
Following this trend, even with Schumacher’s help, Chen Xiangbei would complete a real overtake on Rosberg in two laps.
So much so that even a yellow flag wouldn’t save him unless the track turned red!
Some rejoice while others worry.
The HRT Team strategy group members faced this sudden incident with instant solemn expressions.
Rosberg actually gambled it right!
"Xiangbei, the safety car is deployed and now Rosberg’s pitting, according to the time estimate he’ll come out ahead of you."
"You must overtake as quickly as possible, or you’ll face Mercedes Team’s two-car tactics. Are you planning to pit for new tires?"
Odetto simply analyzed the track situation and simultaneously handed the choice to Chen Xiangbei.
Currently, the race has reached 35 laps, and Chen Xiangbei is running on medium yellow tires that have been used for seven or eight laps.
