Car Racing without Money-Chapter 376 - 158: You Really Picked the Wrong Opponent

Chapter 376: Chapter 158: You Really Picked the Wrong Opponent

"We can sign a guarantee clause. As long as a vacancy arises for a full-time driver seat, you will be the first in line to replace."

"Xiangbei, to be honest, the chances of being promoted next year are very high!"

Blair wasn’t bluffing this time; he just wanted Petrov’s sponsorship and didn’t really believe this driver would make it through the whole season.

The Russians are inherently reckless!

But in Chen Xiangbei’s ears, this was pure nonsense.

It seems Renault and Alpine are truly from the same lineage. In the future, to retain Piastri, they made a similar promise, forcing this talented driver to sit on the bench for a year.

This resulted in the "post-2000s workplace reform," which led to a public uproar.

Now, drawing cakes for myself ten years early, do I, Chen Xiangbei, look like an idiot?

"Sorry, unless it’s a full-time driver contract, I won’t consider it at all." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"Also, thank you, Blair, for the kind offer. The second round of the F3 main race is about to begin, so I’ll be heading off now."

With that, Chen Xiangbei stood up, prepared to leave gracefully.

Seeing Chen Xiangbei’s straightforward and decisive actions, Blair and Prost both showed surprised expressions on their faces.

One must understand that the status between drivers and teams is not equal.

Most of the time, there are twenty official F1 seats, and only a few vacant seats each year, but there are tens to hundreds of qualified drivers competing for them.

And those who are not qualified but still harbor F1 dreams are countless.

In theory, as a newcomer, Chen Xiangbei has no bargaining power with the teams, especially with a top-tier team like Renault.

Does Chen Xiangbei dare to be so sure that he will definitely get a full-time driver seat with another team by rejecting Renault’s invitation?

At this point, Prost, as a special guest, spoke up.

"Xiangbei, I hope you’ll reconsider. Renault’s resources and platform are bigger than you can imagine."

Prost’s stance was from the perspective of a senior in the paddock, reminding the young Chen Xiangbei.

The reason why a factory team is a factory team is because it has a huge automotive group behind it.

Renault is not only a factory team but also an engine supplier, having client teams in the paddock, like Red Bull!

Many times, an engine supplier can influence a client’s team decisions, even sharing reserve drivers and providing official driver seats.

The subtext of Prost’s words was to tell Chen Xiangbei that his path to an official driver seat is not limited to the Renault Team but also includes the client teams within the Renault camp.

Just like why rumors circulated later on the internet about Zhou Guanyu competing for a Cadillac seat.

On one hand, it was because Cadillac’s team principal was Zhou Guanyu’s agent, allowing him to take advantage of the situation.

On the other hand, Cadillac was a customer team of Ferrari engines, and Zhou Guanyu has always been a member within the Ferrari universe throughout his F1 career, giving him a natural advantage to adapt quickly.

"Thank you, but unless it’s a full-time driver contract, I won’t consider it."

Chen Xiangbei remained resolute; even if invited by the Ferrari Team, he wouldn’t waver without a full-time driver contract!

"Xiangbei, it’s good for young people to pursue dreams, but often you can’t aim too high. I hope you can think calmly and make the best decision for yourself."

"There’s only one Kimi Raikkonen in the paddock, don’t regret making a hasty decision now."

Prost tried to persuade once more. The biggest difference in personality between him and Senna lay in their extremely rational way of thinking, avoiding any unnecessary risks.

To give a simple example, Professor Prost and Senna were in the same race; winning would earn ten points but with significant risks.

If you don’t win, you still get eight points—a mere two-point difference.

Senna would decisively choose to risk everything for victory, while Prost would unhesitatingly choose the latter.

For him, two points were not worth the risk!

The choice before Chen Xiangbei now: the Renault camp can offer him a stable third driver seat and is highly likely to help him secure an official driver seat next year.

Don’t just look at the "highly likely," it might have a better chance of success than if Chen Xiangbei competed directly on his own.

This is why Prost would add that there’s only one Kimi Raikkonen in the paddock.

To leap into F1 in four races, it’s extremely difficult, if not miraculous, for a rising Chinese talent without background or huge sponsorship.

Young people should think a bit more realistically.

"Mr. Prost, I will not regret my decision today."

"Indeed, there’s only one Kimi Raikkonen in the paddock, because I will only be Chen Xiangbei!"

After saying this, Chen Xiangbei left the Renault office without looking back.

Different paths lead to different beliefs; Chen Xiangbei very much respects Prost’s driving skills and even thinks that if F1 ranks GOAT of history, the professor’s four championships may rank above Senna’s.

But he doesn’t agree with Professor Prost’s philosophy!

Drivers should chase the freedom of the wind and challenge the limits of speed.

Why did Senna, with only three world championships, still earn the title of Car God?

A big factor lies in the fact that he died on the track.

Often dying on the track is an honor for a driver.