[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 112
I had anticipated that there would be many ongoing research projects, given the large number of employees…
“This is too much…?”
The amount of research far exceeded my expectations.
The laboratory resembled a well-organized factory, the processes efficiently subdivided, with humans replacing machines, each performing their designated roles.
As in a factory, the work never ceases. One task is completed, and another one follows in an endless cycle. The humans carry out their work silently, without changing their expressions, demonstrating machine-like efficiency.
Is this the level required for Ferrari to survive?
By the time I had walked around the laboratory, I was exhausted by the sights and remarked about it, to which Leclerc responded.
“It’s been like this since the end of last season. The only difference from then is that you and other engineers have been added?”
“So the lab has been running like this since the season ended?”
“It couldn’t be any other way. There was talk of completely overhauling the team. Even the director.”
The news of a complete turnover in team members didn’t surprise me much. With Ferrari’s overwhelming financial power, it would be strange if they weren’t dismissed, especially while finishing in 8th place.
What’s remarkable is that they have maintained this full operational state until now. It’s human nature to awaken in a crisis, but that doesn’t imply sustainability. Going beyond limits typically manifests in brief moments and quickly fades.
I don’t know if the employees continue their work with a great sense of mission. In such cases, it’s usually due to exceptional leadership and charisma.
Why do the Spartans in the movie 300 continue to fight fiercely despite facing extreme odds? Because they had a brave and strong leader in King Leonidas.
Mattia Binotto. The curly-haired head of F1 Ferrari.
Well, there’s a significant gap between comparing King Leonidas to Binotto in terms of appearance… but seeing the laboratory operating with a passion that boils like a furnace, I couldn’t help but acknowledge at least that level of leadership.
“The director was desperate. He was busy trying to ensure that no one would be dismissed. He even set up a household in the director’s office, repeatedly holding meetings… He was the textbook example of leading by example.”
Could Binotto really be such a notable figure…? That adorable, curly-haired fellow?
For a moment, the cheerful and gentle Binotto, reminiscent of Pororo, popped into my mind, causing a sense of incongruity.
“By the way, you went to personally recruit Enrique too, didn’t you?”
“Oh, right?”
That’s true. Such an event did occur.
As stories about Binotto intertwined, I gradually felt how deeply he wanted to revive Ferrari. His responsibility as a director to protect his employees, coupled with his grand ambition to restore the glorious history to the present.
It was embedded in every little action he took.
“It’s an atmosphere where you can’t help but work hard.”
“Right. The director works the hardest, so who would do things half-heartedly?”
Is it true that Binotto in this world truly has a ‘Master Plan’…?
My heart swelled!
“Well then, I should give it my all in For One…”
One can’t lose to others in passion. Just as I was about to ramp up my efforts in For One, I sensed a nagging discomfort poking me in the back, prompting me to check the time reflexively.
“Oh… They said they were selecting a manager.”
I had no choice but to sprint back to accommodation, contrary to my own will.
*
*
*
Shin Juhyun, called the legend of the Korean engineering community, was exhausted from comforting a junior he had encountered at the airport.
“Are you okay? You’re sweating a lot. Let me wipe that for you.”
“I, um, that’s…”
Having spent over a decade in the field, Shin Juhyun’s weathered hands, calloused and frayed, gently wiped the sweat from Ji-hyun’s forehead, holding a handkerchief.
Despite their rough appearance, those hands were surprisingly delicate and gentle. Ji-hyun unconsciously leaned into the comfortable touch.
This was Shin Juhyun. The renowned master of Ferrari, a legend who had shared ups and downs with Shumi.
It was hard to believe that she happened to meet such a legendary engineer at the airport, let alone being in a situation where he was wiping her sweat.
He was the embodiment of the hope that Ji-hyun could become an engineer.
As Ji-hyun was lost in thought, she vigorously shook her head to clear her mind. She had to say something. Although her thoughts were still swirling in her head.
She couldn’t just stand there like a speechless fool in front of a senior.
“I’m a fan. Engineer Shin Juhyun.”
How could those words, “I’m a fan,” come out? Ji-hyun wrapped her hands around her flushed face.
Of course, it’s not strange for Shin Juhyun to be like a god among engineers, so saying she’s a fan doesn’t matter. But couldn’t there be more sophisticated words?
Like “You’re an idol!” or “I respect you.” or “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Why do such expressions come to mind only after speaking? She was almost resentful of herself for addressing Shin Juhyun as a fan, as if dealing with a celebrity.
However, Shin Juhyun seemed to understand the profound meaning behind that simple word born from overwhelming emotion.
He smiled warmly and patted Ji-hyun’s shoulder.
“I thought no one would recognize me by now, so I’m truly thankful that I still have a fan.”
“Who wouldn’t recognize Engineer Shin Juhyun? You’re an idol for all engineers…”
“How many engineers are greater than me? Calling me an idol is too much. You’re making me feel like I’m boarding a plane just by talking about this.”
Shin Juhyun tossed a tedious dad joke while humbling herself, but her achievements were not things that could be diminished by a mere jest.
She had produced Ferrari’s legendary winning cars and brought innovative technology that continually expanded the horizons of F1 every year.
Anyone interested in F1, not just in Korea, would know of her significant standing.
Perhaps thinking that Ji-hyun’s stiffness stemmed from her unamusing joke, Shin Juhyun stopped laughing and spoke kindly.
“I see here that you’re going to Ferrari HQ for training?”
“Yes. I applied after getting my certification, and fortunately, I was accepted…”
Ji-hyun fell silent in embarrassment as she had to answer. It couldn’t be helped. She had to respond since she was asked…
It felt almost like fumbling in front of a pupa. Obtaining a senior engineer’s certification is definitely no easy feat, but in front of Shin Juhyun, no certification could hold any meaning.
“Oh my, to go as a trainee, you’d need to have at least a senior-level qualification. You look young, but you already achieved that? That’s impressive.”
“It’s not that impressive. I just worked hard…”
“That is impressive. Working hard is no easy task.”
Every word from Shin Juhyun had a comforting effect. Perhaps it was because she had spent so long coordinating with hundreds of team members, making communication important in F1.
Her method of elevating the other and lowering herself, listening to others and responding with pleasant reactions.
No matter how skilled one is, a lack of character prevents one from earning the title of legend.
Even before exchanging many words, Ji-hyun instinctively felt that she was a good person.
“I’m curious, why did you apply to Ferrari? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I’m asking out of curiosity since it’s my hometown team.”
“Well…”
Maybe that’s why.
Ji-hyun was freely sharing stories she wouldn’t normally divulge to a stranger with Shin Juhyun, without any hesitation.
Having become excited about talking to Shin Juhyun, Ji-hyun suddenly stopped speaking. She had mentioned wanting to go to Ferrari, but the true reason she desired to go there came to her mind.
“I have a friend at Ferrari.”
“Really? That friend must be amazing, just like Ji-hyun. So, who is it?”
“Um…”
Ji-hyun took a moment to recall her closest friend, Yoo Yi-hyun, and the pause seemed to heighten the tension, adding weight to her answer.
“Yoo Yi-hyun, Hyun is my friend.”
“Really? You’re talking about the newly recruited driver Yoo Yi-hyun, right?”
“Yes, that Yoo Yi-hyun.”
“…What a coincidence is this?”
This was a piece of news that could shock even the legendary Shin Su-hyun.
A female student casually meeting at the airport happens to be a trainee for her hometown team, and that trainee’s friend is the driver for her hometown team.
It had the kind of improbability that would only seem believable in a drama, movie, or web novel.
“So, are you going to meet your friend? You must be pretty close.”
“That’s true. I want to lead Hyun to victory. In the driver’s seat, she’ll perform her part, and in the engineer’s seat, I’ll do mine so that we can achieve our dreams together.”
“Dream…”
Yoo Yi-hyun’s achievement of becoming a champion. Ferrari’s constructor victory.
Ji-hyun’s journey to Ferrari was not a simple decision of “because my friend is there.” It was a challenge of pursuing a dream that intertwined with fate alongside her friend.
While it was a difficult decision to board a long-sunk ship like Ferrari, which had already hit rock bottom.
In fact, the more it was at the bottom, the more she wanted to go.
She thought of it not as stepping on the glory built by others, but as a path to create her own glory.
“Dream… Ji-hyun, you’re really pursuing a wonderful dream.”
“Thank you. Hehe…”
Ji-hyun, praised by her idol, grinned sheepishly while lowering her head in embarrassment.
Shin Juhyun opened her mouth at the same time.
“At my age, it might be out of place, but I have a dream too.”
Shin Juhyun, gazing far into Italy, paused for a moment before continuing.
“It seems like Ji-hyun and I are on the same boat now.”
“…”
The eyes of a middle-aged person who has spent many years sparkled brighter than the stars in the sky.