Car Racing without Money-Chapter 394 - 163: That Man Has Returned (10K)

In ’24, we have the capital to compete with Red Bull Racing for the championship.

As for ’25, there’s no need to mention it; Red Bull Racing is no longer our rival, it’s more about internal competition within McLaren now.

Odetto’s meaning is clear, betting on the TF110 car is a huge risk. With Mercedes’ aid, the Brawn GP Team can comfortably secure its position in the mid-tier group, regardless of circumstances.

"It depends on the money. If we can secure twenty million US dollars, then talk to the Brawn GP Team."

"For thirty million US dollars, I would choose to invest in the HRT Team."

Chen Xiangbei expressed his true thoughts; moderation has never been his style.

Even if there’s only a one percent chance, a driver should fight for that championship, rather than watching others cheer on the podium!

"GOOD."

Odetto did not try to dissuade him; instead, he was very satisfied with Chen Xiangbei’s answer.

The old Italian doesn’t like being conservative. That’s why he provided a risk warning to Chen Xiangbei rather than a direct suggestion.

He didn’t want his personal likes and dislikes to influence Chen Xiangbei’s career path.

Destiny should be in the hands of the young!

"Let’s think about sponsorship tomorrow. Now, it’s time to celebrate properly."

Odetto exclaimed and took Chen Xiangbei to the bar for a celebration.

Tonight, they’re determined not to go home until they’re drunk!

The night quickly passed, and in the morning the team members were all resting. Chen Xiangbei got up early as usual for his physical exercises.

Being able to withstand the G-force of an F3 car doesn’t mean he can handle an F1 car yet.

Lateral forces don’t increase linearly with car speed; it’s an exponential rise.

This means even if the speed only increases by twenty kilometers per hour, the impact of the G-force on the driver could double!

Moreover, Chen Xiangbei is very disciplined; he doesn’t drink alcohol.

Alcohol numbs a driver’s reflex nerves. At the F1 level, victory is often determined in the blink of an eye.

Additionally, the F1 paddock has two cautionary tales: fellow Finnish drivers Mika Salo and Kimi Raikkonen.

The former was once praised alongside world champion Hakkinen as the "Finnish duo," but his career went downhill after he was caught racing drunk and was kicked out of the paddock.

Raikkonen’s case is even worse; his drinking habit directly destroyed his career, quickly ending his prime due to this vice.

Chen Xiangbei doesn’t want to follow in their footsteps. Discipline is a necessary condition for becoming a top professional driver.

After about an hour, Lu Xiaoman casually walked into the gym, looking lazy. She was accustomed to seeing Chen Xiangbei training here regularly; if he’s not competing, his professional routine remains steady as a rock!

Lu Xiaoman casually found a gym chair to sit down and asked, "Any plans for sponsorship?"

"Huali Automobile and Jiuli Sports are the main ones. We can also reach out to Brother Cheng Long and the Dong Family from Eastern Shipping."

"The funding gap is significant, so we might have to look for potential sponsors domestically. If all else fails, we might have to use Qin Lianjie and Staler’s connections for sponsorship."

While drunkenly partying in the bar last night, Chen Xiangbei was already pondering the sources of sponsorship funding in his mind.

For Huali and Jiuli, there’s no need to say more; if they can come up with the money, it’ll solve a big problem.

Brother Cheng Long was previously a sponsor out of friendship, and he’s more inclined towards starting a racing team.

Now that HRT is willing to transfer 20% of its shares, this partially aligns with Brother Cheng Long’s goal to form a racing team.

It’s just that even if Brother Cheng Long can play around with Le Mans, F1 may be a different story; the team’s financial needs and investments are too exaggerated, and even an international superstar might not meet the "requirements to play."

As for the Dong Family from Eastern Shipping, they do have the capability, plus their long-term sponsorship of the Macau Grand Prix indicates a certain investment intention.

However, there’s still the problem: three million US dollars translates to over two hundred million RMB.

And during the team’s mid-term upgrades, additional investments may be required.

Back in ’09, not just individuals, even businesses would consider it a massive funding, possibly necessitating joint sponsorship to make up the amount.

"Do you need me to handle the negotiations?"

"Of course, you’re my agent after all."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile. In terms of commercial negotiations domestically, Lu Xiaoman is more familiar and skilled than him.

Besides, Chen Xiangbei doesn’t have that much time to focus on commercial operations, as handling this is the agent’s responsibility.

In reality, even F1 drivers don’t directly negotiate contract renewals with the team; their agents take care of everything.

On one hand, it maintains a grace, as it’s often better for a third party to discuss many terms.

On the other hand, it helps maintain composure, as the negotiation process can easily affect the driver’s emotions and state.

In racing, a clear mind is often essential.

"Tch, being your agent is a loss!"

Lu Xiaoman complained. Most agents earn money, but she’s taking on multiple roles without earning a dime, even exhausting her own connections.

"Sister Man, you’re investing in the future. One day, you’ll become the most famous F1 agent."

"You’re ambitious, kid! You’ve already learned how to draw a big picture?"

"Haha, I’ve been pitched so many ideas lately; I just learned a bit."

"Only learning the bad stuff, focus on training!"

Despite her complaints, Lu Xiaoman won’t dawdle on the tasks she should do.

It’s just that a commercial sponsorship worth over a hundred million isn’t something that can be settled in a few words. It requires considering many detailed terms and connecting with HRT Team.