Car Racing without Money-Chapter 525 - 205: Only the Weak Make Excuses

"Xiangbei, on the cool-down lap, try to stick more tire rubber debris from the track to the tires to avoid failing the post-race weigh-in."

Odetto didn’t say any congratulations, just emphasized the issue of post-race weighing.

F1 racing teams try to reduce weight as much as possible, often refueling to the lap limit.

However, fuel consumption is not linear, and anyone who has driven knows that low-speed maneuvers on city streets have fuel consumption far higher than cruising at eighty to one hundred.

To avoid failing post-race weighing, many drivers during the cool-down lap try to pick up rubber debris from the track, commonly referred to domestically as "picking tire poop."

Many times, passing the weigh-in could just be a matter of one or two kilograms of rubber debris.

For instance, in the 25th-season Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari had both cars disqualified post-race successfully, Hamilton’s chassis wood block was worn excessively below the minimum 9mm standard.

Leclerc’s car was 1 kilogram lighter than the minimum standard.

The last time such a ridiculous dual car disqualification happened was back in the 19th season with the Renault Team, and Ferrari even set a precedent for the first time in 75 years.

Chen Xiangbei barely managed to achieve results beyond expectations, and Odetto didn’t want any simple mistakes leading to nothing gained!

"Roger that."

Chen Xiangbei calmed his slightly excited mood and began to zigzag to pick up rubber debris from the driving line.

When the car parked in the parc fermé, Chen Xiangbei went alone to the driver weigh-in area, the place where Verstappen and Ocon almost got into it afterwards, was precisely the post-race weigh-in spot.

Of course, this race’s only possible enemy face-off could be Trulli and Sutil, the old rivals.

But since both did not finish, and added car damage, there was no need to weigh-in anymore.

Seeing Chen Xiangbei arriving, many drivers at the weigh-in area expressed congratulations to him, regardless of what they thought internally, at least on the surface everyone was polite as they competed in the paddock with no incidents.

Apart from these polite factors, Chen Xiangbei’s performance also earned him respect!

No matter how much the F1 paddock is polluted by commercial factors, it cannot escape the competitive essence of sports.

Achieving fifth place in the debut race, and driving the "newcomer" HRT Racing Car, this performance can truly be described as stunning. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

If not for the appearance of the "monster" Hamilton competing for the championship in this rookie season, raising expectations for newcomers ’performance, perhaps the weigh-in area would not only have congratulations but the whole crowd cheering!

Chen Xiangbei stepped on the scales, the displayed weight had decreased by nearly 4 kilograms compared to before the race, just from this number, you can see how intense the F1 sport is, far from just sitting and driving a car as thought by outsiders.

However, objectively speaking, Chen Xiangbei’s dehydration level was a bit high, after all, no matter how calm and composed he tried to appear, as a rookie, his mental state was always at a heightened tension.

Furthermore, the high temperature of the Bahrain Circuit intensified the drivers’ sweat loss.

Race officials recorded Chen Xiangbei’s weight, waiting to add the car’s weight once measured, as long as it met the FIA’s minimum limit standard, it would pass.

Just as Chen Xiangbei was about to leave the weigh-in area, someone lightly tapped his shoulder from behind.

"Xiangbei, you drove very well, congratulations."

When Chen Xiangbei turned around, the face behind him was extremely familiar yet somewhat strange; it was King of Cars Schumacher.

To be honest, ever since the ROC National Cup, Chen Xiangbei had close contact with Schumacher multiple times, considered one of the most "familiar" drivers in the paddock.

Just that never had they spoken privately, nor found any topic to "strike up a conversation."

Schumacher, having retired once, had shed much of his peak era flair, looking upon Chen Xiangbei more from a senior appreciating a junior perspective.

Back then, this Chinese Kid’s prowess showcased in the ROC National Cup greatly impressed him, not expecting he could truly achieve the leap to enter the F1 paddock.

"Thank you, you’re my idol."

Chen Xiangbei sincerely spoke these words as well.

Schumacher can be said to have influenced a generation of Chinese racers, many drawn to the profession by his speed, pursuing wind and freedom.

Even to the extent that for ordinary people, you can be ignorant of racing yet know about Schumacher.

"Is that so?"

Hearing Chen Xiangbei’s words, Schumacher’s face broke into a smile.

"I’m honored, keep it up."

After saying this, Schumacher patted Chen Xiangbei’s shoulder, ready to walk towards the weigh-in scales.

But at that moment, Chen Xiangbei suddenly blurted out.

"Schumacher, watch out for safety while skiing."

Schumacher’s skiing accident shocked the entire world, leaving an unforgettable memory in Chen Xiangbei’s mind even now.

Not knowing whether destiny’s curse or exchanging gain for something else applies.

Like meteors, legends Senna and Schumacher both fell.

Now living a second life, seeing Schumacher again, Chen Xiangbei wonders if history will repeat itself.

But he hopes his existence will alter the future tragedy and Schumacher’s fate.

Faced with Chen Xiangbei’s sudden reminder, Schumacher turned back with full doubt, as the young man’s thinking seemed overly sporadic.

Nonetheless, Schumacher’s love for skiing is widely known, every off-season he visits various ski resorts, only such extreme sports can adapt his nerves accustomed to speed, bringing a slight thrill and excitement.