Car Racing without Money-Chapter 599 - 236: One Day We Will Make History (Part 2)
After a short break, a few people stepped onto the podium on the second floor.
As the third-place driver, Chen Xiangbei was first to stand on the lowest podium, waving at the dense crowd below. In response, there was a wave of enthusiastic cheers, with a few red flags faintly visible in the air.
To be honest, before the race, few spectators believed Chen Xiangbei could make it to the podium, so naturally, no one was prepared to wave the national flag in celebration.
Otherwise, it would not just be a few here and there; perhaps there would be a sea of red flags!
However, even so, Chen Xiangbei was still very satisfied. In two lifetimes of career, he not only stepped into the F1 Paddock, the highest temple of the racing world, but also made it to the podium, creating history.
Although it’s just a third place, which may seem insignificant to many racing powerhouses, it was China’s first podium and the third Asian driver to step onto the podium, only behind Suzuki Aguri and Sato Takuma.
Even Nakajima Goro, known as the "Japanese Hero," only ever entered the points zone but never made it to the podium!
If Chen Xiangbei goes one step further, it would break the chances of Japanese drivers, with a Chinese driver standing at the pinnacle of Asian racing!
Standing in the P room, Trulli watched the broadcast footage of Chen Xiangbei enjoying the cheers of the crowd, a complex expression on his face.
Next to him, race engineer Sote saw this and comforted him, "Trulli, it’s nothing. Bei just occupied the team’s resources bias, getting newer and faster upgrade kits, that’s all."
"Next time, I believe you can catch up!"
Upon hearing the race engineer’s words, Trulli gave a wry smile.
"Sote, admit the facts, Bei is indeed very fast."
"Every generation will eventually grow old, and the future will belong to these newcomers."
After saying this, Trulli turned around and left, his back slightly desolate.
Compared to Trulli’s loneliness, team manager Briatore was in high spirits.
He was facing a group of media reporters, boasting about his unique vision, discovering Chen Xiangbei’s racing talent and also mocking the FIA.
At the same time, Briatore released the news to the media that he will bring in large crocodile capital and high sponsorship, aiming to build the HRT Team into a giant in the paddock and challenge the status of Red Bull, McLaren, and even Ferrari.
HRT will become the next Renault Dynasty, becoming great once again in his hands!
At this time, Chen Xiangbei certainly didn’t know what Hua Bu was saying because the award ceremony was still proceeding.
Runner-up Hamilton was the second to step onto the podium, appearing much calmer compared to Chen Xiangbei’s inner turmoil.
After all, being a world champion driver, just a mere runner-up in a single race wouldn’t satisfy Hamilton; his eyes are currently only on the championship!
Finally taking the podium was the champion driver Schumacher.
Returning to the champion podium three years after retirement, it was undoubtedly a proclamation of the return of the king.
When he stepped to the top, it was like throwing a bomb among the fans and audience below, with deafening applause and screams erupting all around.
"Schumacher~~! Schumacher~~! Schumacher~~!"
Thousands of words turned into shouts of his name.
This is what it means to have dominating heat and influence.
In some sense, Schumacher has already become a symbol of F1.
Only Chen Xiangbei standing by, looking up at Schumacher on the highest podium, felt a mix of emotions.
The world must think that this is the return of the king, Schumacher and Mercedes joining forces to attack for his eighth championship.
Only he, with the God’s-eye view, knows very well that this will be the glow of sunset; no one can withstand the aging of time.
However, speaking of which, history has already changed, and Chen Xiangbei does not dare to confirm if the destinies of Schumacher and the Mercedes Team will proceed along the established course.
If not, Chen Xiangbei hopes to have a direct confrontation with the legend.
Defeating Schumacher would be a badge of honor in his career!
As a German flag appeared on the big screen behind, the on-site cheers abruptly stopped, with everyone listening to the broadcast of the German national anthem.
At this moment, Chen Xiangbei felt a bit of envy and longing in his heart.
Once in the lower-level formulas, listening to other countries’ national anthems being played, he silently vowed to himself to have China’s national anthem play on the highest podium in the racing world.
Today he is getting closer and closer to this goal, and one day he will realize it!
After the national anthem ceremony ended, the award ceremony commenced, with the top three drivers all receiving a trophy.
The design of the trophy would feature some local characteristics, depending on the hosting country.
For instance, in the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in ’04, the trophy was modeled after the "Chinese Ding."
Now, the Australian Grand Prix trophy is a simple ring. Anyway, Chen Xiangbei couldn’t figure out the designer’s source of inspiration, perhaps because he is unfamiliar with Australia’s historical background.
As for the champagne spraying segment after the race, a trace of secret relief flickered in Chen Xiangbei’s mind.
Thankfully, he managed to beat the local driver Weber; otherwise, if he had a chance to step onto the podium, he would showcase an Australian traditional celebration known as the "Shoey."
In later years, the Australian driver Ricardo, nicknamed "Big Tooth," famously drank from his racing shoe after making the podium, leaving an indelible impression on Chen Xiangbei.
Even more outrageous, he even forced it upon fellow podium drivers, team management, and on-site hosts, like Horner, the Red Bull leader, who also fell victim to this "moment."
If the "Shoey" was handed to him, it would be an awkward decision to make whether to drink or not.
Really cannot afford to provoke...
As the celebration concluded, Chen Xiangbei returned with the trophy to the team P room, undoubtedly greeted by another round of cheers and celebration, with the trophy passed around among team members.
"Alright, the race is over, Bei, go take a shower."
When the emotions settled down, Odetto stepped out to stop the on-site frenzied celebration.
Chen Xiangbei wasn’t in great condition, as sweat mixed with rain had already soaked through his racing suit, and combined with Australia’s high-temperature climate, the sensation was definitely uncomfortable.
"OK."
Chen Xiangbei nodded, indeed feeling somewhat stifled.
He walked into the driver’s resting room alone, just in time to see Trulli, who had already showered and changed into casual clothes.
They exchanged a glance, slightly complex and awkward.
In the end, it was Trulli who first spoke, flatly saying, "Congratulations."
The congratulations were slightly bitter, but at least speaking it out showed Trulli was magnanimous in defeat.
"Thank you."
Chen Xiangbei nodded, returning the politeness.
However, after a brief hesitation, he added, "Thank you."
The two thanks carried different meanings, the first being politeness, and the second in response to blocking.
Just like during the race, when Chen Xiangbei blocked Sutil, Trulli had once said thanks as well.
"Actually, no thanks are necessary. We’re even now."
Trulli shook his head; they had helped each other once, and neither owed the other anything.
"Yeah, we’re even now."
Chen Xiangbei didn’t say much more; this was a conversation between men and drivers, pretentiousness did not suit their identities.
However, after this race, many emotions subtly changed. At least there wasn’t the previous hostility brought by competition, and they could more thoroughly face their teammate status and the existence of team collaboration.
After a simple wash and change into casual clothes, Chen Xiangbei found that Briatore had somehow appeared in the driver’s lounge.
"Bei, hurry back to the hotel, I have an important announcement."
"What announcement?"
Chen Xiangbei queried.
"Since it’s an important matter, it certainly needs a sense of ceremony; you’ll see when the time comes."
After conveying this message, Briatore turned and left, perfectly embodying his free and unrestrained personality.
