Car Racing without Money-Chapter 598 - 236: One Day We Will Make History

"Xiangbei, we’ve always had complete trust in you!"

"That’s right, Xiangbei, you’ve always been the most badass driver in my heart!"

"Great race, Xiangbei."

"We’ll become champions in the future!"

The team members were equally thrilled as they congratulated and encouraged Chen Xiangbei. Finishing on the podium was far beyond pre-race expectations, and the Chinese Kid truly proved himself.

After a brief celebratory hug, the journalists waiting for interviews were already eager.

A familiar face shoved a microphone in front of Chen Xiangbei, then asked, "Xiangbei, congratulations on securing third place at the Australia Station, fulfilling the bold claims made during the parade."

"Especially in this rainy battle, I think you surpassed the performance of Raikkonen during his rookie days. What do you think?"

If another journalist had said this, Chen Xiangbei would likely feel his performance had conquered them.

But looking at the face of Hank, a Sky Sports journalist from the United Kingdom, he had no doubt this British ’troublemaker’ was setting a trap for him.

Already the fans of Xiangbei and Raikkonen were like water and fire, especially with Raikkonen out of the F1 paddock and racing rallies. Is this jerk just trying to add fuel to the fire?

"I think both have their advantages and disadvantages."

This time, Chen Xiangbei didn’t show his arrogant side. Often a driver’s growth and evolution are like this; those without achievements need media hype and harsh measures to establish their image.

Take Verstappen, for example. Those who started watching after the 2020 season would never guess his annoying reputation within the paddock, where most drivers accused him of being a reckless ’torpedo’."

Even the vast majority of fans disliked this ’big baby’ type of driver, needing others to pamper and accommodate him like a forever-unmatured child.

Within just a few years, Verstappen transformed into a precise ’robot,’ amassing countless global fans. Calling him a new-generation F1 superstar is not an exaggeration.

Concealing one’s sharpness is also a step toward becoming legendary.

Clearly, this answer was unsatisfactory for Hank.

Journalists need eye-catching buzz, and especially with China’s first driver on the podium, but now the once arrogant Xiangbei is using evasive tactics, speaking in those typical safe phrases used by Chinese athletes.

What’s the point of such formal interviews? 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Even leaving aside the journalist’s and the trend’s identity, Hank hoped to see more of the individualistic and rebellious Chinese Kid!

So, Hank decided to add some spice.

"Xiangbei, from the practice session you’ve been targeted by many drivers in the paddock. Now, having defeated them, what do you have to say?"

"Not much to say, drivers should settle their rivalries on the track itself, I think it’s fine."

Chen Xiangbei continued with a calm demeanor, like an old Chinese saying, settling matters in the paddock.

As long as grudges remain within the paddock, he feared no targeting.

Realizing that Xiangbei did not become arrogant after reaching the podium, his emotions disturbingly stable.

Hank quickly turned the mic towards Hamilton, asking, "Hamilton, we saw how hard it was for you to defend at the final stage of the race, could Xiangbei overtake you?"

Hamilton was initially answering other journalists’ questions, but upon hearing Hank’s question, he subconsciously glanced at Chen Xiangbei.

The moment their eyes met, they felt an unyielding battle spirit and pride.

"No."

An extremely brief and direct answer, Hamilton has never been a pushover in the paddock and doesn’t care much about external and colleague opinions; he knows that strong people are destined to be lonely!

Moreover, as the youngest world champion in F1 history, defeating the historically talented driver Alonso upon debut, how could he admit he’s inferior to a new Chinese rookie?

From Hamilton’s standpoint, this question has no second answer!

Upon hearing Hamilton’s reply, Chen Xiangbei’s lips slightly curled up, showing a faintly smiling expression.

For a newcomer, being unyielded by a GOAT-level driver like Hamilton already signifies a form of acknowledgment.

If Hamilton didn’t consider him a rival, the prior glance wouldn’t have been filled with fighting spirit but contempt instead!

"Xiangbei, do you think you can surpass Hamilton?"

In terms of stirring the pot, Hank absolutely reached a masterful level, immediately turning the microphone towards Chen Xiangbei.

"Of course, I’ll definitely surpass him."

Chen Xiangbei’s response carried a double meaning.

He’s not only targeting overtaking on the track but achieving career accomplishments!

It’s like the saying, a soldier who doesn’t wish to become a general is not a good soldier.

A newcomer without the challenge or the courage to surpass a world champion is doomed to remain subordinate forever.

This time, Hamilton didn’t respond, perceiving any further exchange as nothing more than a verbal jousting.

For a world champion to argue about superiority with a freshman is like lowering one’s status to sit at the children’s table.

He merely cast a cold glance at Chen Xiangbei before heading towards the drivers’ lounge, awaiting the award ceremony.

As for Chen Xiangbei, he didn’t engage with further journalist questions, merely bid farewell to the team members and similarly went towards the drivers’ lounge.

Perhaps due to unfamiliarity or a hint of tension from the interview, during the wait, only Schumacher exchanged polite words with Chen Xiangbei, while Hamilton sat nearby, silent.