Chapter 842: Chapter 346: Aiming to Be the Strongest Driver
The eye contact between Chen Xiangbei and Alonso didn’t last long. Salina, the outdoor host from Sky Sports, came over holding a microphone, ready to ask Chen Xiangbei questions.
The historical honor and significance of today’s Monaco Grand Prix will undoubtedly cause a "nuclear bomb" level of sensational effect globally, so this post-race interview is even more emphasized.
It might be because she is a female reporter, or it might be due to Chen Xiangbei’s strength and performance, which have long overturned the discrimination and prejudice of many early onlookers. Salina spoke with a friendly tone and a smiling face.
"Xiangbei, congratulations on winning the Monaco Grand Prix. This is the first time a driver from China and Asia has ascended to the highest podium. We all know that your journey has been filled with doubts and belittlement. Many people, especially at the beginning of the season, didn’t believe you had the hard skills to handle an F1 car and assumed you relied entirely on Chinese investment and sponsorship."
"Today, I believe this victory in the Monaco Grand Prix will completely prove that you are not some flash in the pan but rather the next shining star driver in the paddock, which is undoubtedly a legendary moment in F1’s sixty-year history."
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us once again use the warmest applause and cheers to greet the birth of the new king of the Monaco Circuit, and he is the driver from China, Xiangbei~~~!"
The more Salina said, the more uncontrollably appreciative and excited her tone became.
Aside from personal enthusiasm, the gold content of Chen Xiangbei’s Monaco victory adds to this.
It’s important to realize that Chen Xiangbei not only set a track record but also earned the title of the young King of Monaco. At just twenty years old, his future is boundless. Salina felt she was witnessing the birth of history!
Her emotions also infected the audience at the podium, and countless people responded with shouts and cheers.
"Chen Xiangbei, your next step should be to take the world championship!"
"Chen Xiangbei, you will absolutely become a demon-level driver in the racing world!"
"Go, Xiangbei, let the world hear the roar of the dragon from the East!"
"Today’s new king of Monaco, tomorrow’s F1 world champion!"
If Chen Xiangbei’s supporters once saw the world championship title as a dream, now they can already see the dawn of that dream coming true.
Defeating Alonso means Chen Xiangbei is just one step away from ushering in a new era.
At the same time, these words filled with confidence and pride were also announced to the world through the camera, declaring that in this top global motorsport competition, a Chinese driver will firmly hold a place.
And it is at the very peak!
"Xiangbei, we all know that this victory didn’t come easily for you, especially with the front wing damage in the earlier stages of the race. Many supporters felt desperate at that moment, and you must have been under enormous pressure too."
"Can you tell us how you managed to adjust?"
Without intentionally creating tabloid headlines or stirring the pot, Salina was more interested in knowing about Chen Xiangbei’s mental journey.
This kind of pressure would undoubtedly be called "spirit-crushing" for any rookie driver, and making the adjustment is no easy feat, not to mention ultimately reclaiming the lead car step by step until winning the championship.
"The team gave me confidence and strength. I believe they would make up for the time lost due to the accident."
"Additionally, I want to thank my teammate Perez. Without his dual-car strategy, I probably wouldn’t have been able to secure this championship."
Saying this, Chen Xiangbei gave a thumbs-up to the camera.
At this moment, Perez had returned to the pit room, watching Chen Xiangbei’s star-studded victory moment with the on-duty staff and Trulli.
Such is competitive sport; all attention is focused on the champion. As the runner-up, Alonso did not get much screen time, let alone Perez, who only came in seventh.
To be honest, watching Chen Xiangbei, who was shining in the spotlight, he felt a bit sour inside.
And even fantasized about what if he were the number one driver, receiving all the team resources and having a teammate to block others; could he also achieve what Chen Xiangbei did and win in Monaco?
Rationally, Perez knew he couldn’t.
If that’s the case, there’s no need to be sour; just admiration would suffice.
Now, hearing Chen Xiangbei’s public gratitude made Perez’s feelings even more complex.
Blocking wasn’t his intention, more from team orders, but at that moment, he indeed felt the power of teamwork.
"The Chinese Kid is very frank, and that’s why I was willing to help him,"
Trulli, beside him, noticed the change in Perez’s facial expression and said calmly.
"Are you content with that?"
Perez asked back.
"Not content,"
"But that’s how the F1 paddock is; there is a number one driver, and there is a number two driver."
"As the losing competitor within the team, you must accept reality. At least the current HRT Team is relatively fair. If it were Briatore’s Renault days, you wouldn’t even have the right to fail in competition."
Trulli’s face was full of mockery. Back when he competed with Alonso, he was actually the winner, finishing the entire season with more points than the Spanish newcomer, yet Briatore forced him to leave the team.
Moreover, Trulli understood that the current Briatore only changed, allowing two drivers to "fairly" compete, rather than favoring whoever brought more sponsorship, fundamentally because of Chen Xiangbei.
Only when the Chinese Kid is willing will others have the right to compete.
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