Car Racing without Money-Chapter 534 - 208: Only the Mediocre Escape Envy

A mere debut fifth place, really thinks highly of himself?

Especially with Australia itself filled with anti-China sentiment, which intensifies the hostility toward Xiangbei.

As a result, when HRT Team members appeared, the airport pickup crowd instantly split into two camps.

Xiangbei’s fans, wildly cheering for him!

"Xiangbei, go for it, aim to get on the podium this race!"

"Chen Xiangbei, show the outside world the power of a Chinese driver!"

"China’s Car God Bei, this title is now truly fitting, waiting for you to become the World’s Car God!"

The supporters’ passionate enthusiasm far exceeded Bahrain, as back then they mostly cheered from a stance and compatriot perspective, without much confidence in any actual results.

Through the Bahrain race, Xiangbei’s demonstrated strength was not just about scoring points, it showed a hope for reaching the podium.

A Chinese rookie can also become a top driver in the F1 Paddock!

Originally, those fans who disliked Xiangbei, considering the influence and dignity, merely watched coldly.

But now, hearing the "brain-dead fans" boast crazily about him becoming the World’s Car God, they truly couldn’t tolerate it.

"Chinaman dreaming of the podium, finishing the race would be a win for him."

"Really think ’torpedo’ style can scare F1 drivers? One more time and the Chinaman would definitely be knocked off the track."

"Get lost! Drivers without sportsmanship don’t deserve to stay in the paddock!"

"Not enough with bumping Raikkonen, now he dares to humiliate at the bar, Kovalainen will show him what Finnish drivers are made of!"

Once upon a time, Xiangbei faced such adversity on junior series circuits and no one stood up for him.

Or rather, the voices of support were too few, too few.

But now it’s different.

Even in Australia, this "away game" with many hecklers, the voices fighting back were still not backing down.

"FUCK YOU, won by skill, what do you mean lacking sportsmanship?"

"Even Kovalainen has the nerve to taunt Xiangbei, let him see the taillights first, okay?"

"Chinese drivers not only can reach the podium, but can also win a Grand Prix one day, we’ll see!"

"Which driver dares to try the ’torpedo’ at Bei, if not, shut up!"

The arrogant responses arose in succession, the type of driver dictates the type of fans. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

An outwardly "arrogant," "flamboyant" Chinese kid, whether or not this is his true nature, asking his supporters to be low-key and forbearing is simply a joke.

Just like Verstappen’s fans, never criticizing the "torpedo" style.

And to some extent, the public image Xiangbei has crafted has influenced many Chinese fans.

Shedding timidness, no longer worrying about negative impacts, boldly voicing their inner thoughts, showcasing their inherent courageous spirit.

If even the idol doesn’t flinch, why should the fans fear?

If facing adversity, go ahead and attack my idol...

Facing these supportive voices, Xiangbei smilingly raised his fist high.

This move undoubtedly "added fuel to the fire," igniting the supporters’ passionate fervor, making the airport’s two camps’ shouting and friction grow more intense.

Seeing the situation worsening, airport security and race officials canceled the brief photo and autograph session, directly arranging for Xiangbei to leave through another VIP passage.

On the transport bus, Ah Yong, still excited, said, "Bei, that was really damn satisfying earlier, now we don’t have to swallow our pride, we can openly fight back."

Cold remarks and ridicule mean nothing, being evenly matched is crucial.

"It was satisfying, but Xiangbei is likely to face more negative press."

Liang Chi responded somewhat helplessly; the world of the young is truly hard for him to keep up with.

"Liang, drivers who aren’t envied are mediocre!"

"Think about Schumacher and Alonso, their early reputation was entirely as villains."

"Villainous drivers winning, isn’t it thrilling?"

Briatore was extremely excited; once upon a time, he was the biggest villain and bad guy in the paddock.

Now Xiangbei is developing in this direction, very much in line with Hua Bu’s "birds of a feather flock together" concept.

How could upright gentlemen ally with great villains?

Regarding Briatore’s perspective, Liang Chi could only shake his head helplessly.

After all, he is one of the older generations of Chinese racing practitioners, many different ideas he can understand but find difficult to agree with.

Standing from a traditional Chinese viewpoint, values using virtue to win over people.

Of course, as the old saying goes, "seek common ground while reserving differences," Liang Chi understands well that in the survival-of-the-fittest F1 paddock, "nice guys" often find no space.

Even the successful Kimi Raikkonen often relies on the formidable Finnish racing foundation behind him.

This icy snow country produces nearly as many top drivers as the United Kingdom!

The discussions on the bus didn’t last long; after the brief excitement, everyone quickly fell into the exhaustion of travel.

A twenty-hour flight wasn’t short, and with the jet lag effects, even Xiangbei leaned back in his seat, dozing off.

After about more than an hour’s drive, the transport bus stopped at the hotel alongside the track.

Members responsible for the HRT Team’s relocation had already checked-in ahead but were standing at the entrance to welcome them.

This gesture was partly to showcase team unity.

On the other hand, Xiangbei’s performance at Bahrain Station had thoroughly won their recognition.