[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 123
“Still, I don’t think we should only see things negatively. Once we get used to using it and find ways to utilize it, then it will be something to look forward to. This is our unique Ferrari technology that other teams do not have.”
– “Yes, being unique is definitely an advantage.”
This suspension system is indeed a double-edged sword. But if we have the skills to handle it well, can’t we turn the threats of one side into advantages?
It was clear that the drawbacks were larger than expected, but this is just the beginning. Systems are always followed by updates, and through testing and real combat, we can address the shortcomings. Through countless repetitions and practice, not only the system but also I and Leclerc will progress.
Right now, this is just the first use, so we’ve only realized its advantages and disadvantages. Moving forward, all that’s left is to develop further.
Although it’s true that Ferrari’s performance is dismal, isn’t it the world’s best company, regardless of what anyone says? By communicating and cooperating with Leclerc and the engineers, we will find better countermeasures.
– “Well… For now, its use is too limited to even imagine how to apply it in real combat. Regardless, it’s true that lap times have decreased by about 3 seconds.”
“That alone is very satisfying. It will give us an advantage in qualifying, so it’ll be easier to secure pole position. Once we take pole position and maintain the lead, it will be all clean air.”
The greatest advantage of the hybrid suspension is acceleration. The drawback is that controlling the vehicle becomes difficult due to that acceleration. However, if we are in the lead or in clean air, that disadvantage can be offset.
So, it’s only natural that it’s advantageous in qualifying, where the fastest lap is measured. Based on that advantage, we could secure pole position and the number one grid. Once we have that pole position, we can easily hold the lead, maintaining a constant clean air state while continuously leveraging the benefits of the system…
Given that faults are clear, the advantages are also clear. If we were to run our happy circuit mindlessly, we could think positively like this.
“Ah, there’s no need to worry about that now. Lap times have decreased by 3 seconds…”
Yes. Regardless of the complicated matters of advantages or disadvantages, it’s 3 seconds.
We’ve been evaluating the system too strictly. The fact that we’ve managed to reduce the lap time by nearly 3 seconds is a success on its own. And not just a success, but a huge success.
Enrique and Won-jin, along with the engineers, shot their arrows directly at the essence of making the race car faster; they fulfilled their roles. Now, it’s up to the drivers to research how to use it.
It’s a problem that only I and Leclerc need to solve. That’s why Minoto and Ferrari chose me. I have to live up to the expectations.
– “This is the last pit stop. We have 10 laps left, so please hang in there a little longer.”
As if symbolizing the glory that will rise again, the midday sun radiates heat and light. Inside the calm voice of Enrique that resonates in my ears, we raced toward the finish.
There were so many things waiting for us.
*
*
*
Following Yooihyun, Leclerc’s race car came to a complete stop in the pit, marking the end of the first test of the hybrid system. The result displayed in Won-jin’s screen was starkly clear.
Name / Time / O / X
Yihyun Yoo 1:08:222 / 1:11:392 –3.170
Charles Leclerc 1:09:671 / 1:12:301 –2.630
Yooihyun achieved a maximum reduction of 3.17 seconds. Efforts do not betray.
The visibly shortened lap times made the engineers and mechanics—indeed, the Ferrari staff—cheer and celebrate the success of the project.
“Wow!!!”
“Today it’s chicken!”
“3 seconds! 3 seconds! 3 seconds!”
Cheering and clapping was mild compared to some who were openly crying.
“Ugh! I’ve worked so hard to make this… sniff. How much I’ve struggled… sniff!”
The memories of sleepless nights and hardships suffered for several days without any promise flickered through their minds.
Enrique and Won-jin, who led most of the project, were not crying, but they felt an overwhelming joy that was no different from that of the others.
Enrique shared his overwhelming emotions with several staff members before finally finding Won-jin.
“Jin, thank you for working hard under me. I wouldn’t know how long it would have taken without you.”
“What do you mean? I merely added to your idea.”
“That’s how it is…”
The title of “Hyung” felt natural. Spending the entire day, 24 hours, stuck together—working, eating, sleeping. It sounds strange, but they occasionally fought together, and their relationship had evolved beyond that of mere collaborators.
It was now more awkward to refer to each other by titles.
As they embraced each other and relished in their joy, the two drivers who had trusted the system and raced for a full 60 laps completed their changes and emerged. The staff shouted their names in excitement. It was a sign of respect and gratitude for the dramatic results they achieved on their first attempt.
“Thank you. You all worked hard.”
Yooihyun and Leclerc, drenched in sweat as if they had just come out of the shower, wiped away the discomfort with a single towel and immediately moved to the analysis desk.
They were curious about the fundamental reasons behind the lap time reduction of 3 seconds. Knowing it in detail would allow them to utilize advantages more efficiently and improve upon the shortcomings.
Ultimately, it would bring them closer to victory.
For these reasons, the two drivers pushed their tired bodies toward the desk.
“Both of you worked hard.”
Amidst the bustling scene, Enrique and Won-jin were waiting for them in front of the analysis desk. Their relaxed waving and smiling made it seem like they knew the two would come.
They took their seats next to them, and instead of formally expressing gratitude, quickly dove into the main topic.
Enrique manipulated the mouse to present data on aerodynamic efficiency, tire and brake efficiency, and more between the system-applied vehicles and those without.
The scattered figures clearly showed at a glance that the system-applied vehicles were demonstrating outstanding performance.
As Yooihyun examined the data, she nodded and spoke up.
“It looks like what I was thinking. Cornering and straight-line performance have improved, but the stability has significantly decreased.”
You gain something, and you lose something.
It was true that the race car’s class had increased, but it was also unstable. At least, thanks to the control of drivers like Yooihyun and Leclerc, the stability figures were at least average; otherwise,
for an ordinary person, the imbalance would make driving nearly impossible.
Knowing this, Enrique cautiously spoke up.
“I’m sorry to say this, but… I think the drivers will have to bear that part. We’ll work hard to improve the balance, but as you know, this is an inevitable outcome.”
Though it might sound like they were shifting the responsibility for instability and imbalance onto the drivers,
“No, no. It’s only natural. That’s what we’re here to do.”
“There’s no need to feel sorry, Engineer. If you keep making it like this, we will be happy.”
Yooihyun and Leclerc, who understood what it meant better than anyone, waved their hands dismissively instead, apologizing.
As they encouraged and praised each other, a warm and comforting scene continued. Before long, Won-jin, who had been quietly observing, interjected and broke the mood.
“Right. This is something noona and Leclerc have to handle. No, they have to overcome. Otherwise, we can’t win.”
Won-jin’s expression was quite serious. It seemed he was genuinely worried about Ferrari’s future, not intentionally breaking the mood.
With the characteristic cluelessness of his age, he continued speaking.
“Although our system is a success, that success is based on our standards; to other teams, it’s nothing.”
Following Won-jin’s gesture, last season’s lap records at the Imola Circuit were lined up neatly.
① Lewis Hamilton 1:01:229 [Mercedes Benz]
② Max Verstappen 1:01:881 [Mercedes Benz]
③ Valtteri Bottas 1:04:931 [Renault]
:
:
⑩ Mick Schumacher 1:08:012 [Beta Tauri]
“See? We didn’t even make it into the points. Yooihyun noona set a time of 1:08.222, so we just placed 11th. That means we didn’t earn a single point. Well… for last year’s Ferrari, finishing 11th would feel like a blessing.”
Though Won-jin was stating objective facts, his words felt cold to the listeners. That’s the harsh reality facing Ferrari.
The result produced through time and effort, devoted to meticulous work, couldn’t even make it into the points last season.
“You might say we surpassed Mick Schumacher, but our goal isn’t 10th, is it…?”
After a pause, Won-jin raised his hand to point at the top.
“Up there, that’s it.”
The first place, the high summit, the unshakeable fortress occupied by Hamilton and Mercedes Benz.
Won-jin’s fingertip was pointing at it.
Even second place was taken by Mercedes’ Max Verstappen. The wall of Mercedes was thick and solid.
“They have brains, too, so they’ll be faster than last season. Hamilton clocked 1 minute and 1 second, so this season we might break the minute mark. No, it’s guaranteed to be broken.”
Unlike animations where the main characters transform and merge without interference, reality doesn’t wait; if it charges ahead, it will do so without waiting.
Mercedes has maintained its position as the world’s best team for several years in a row. Being a company on par with or even more advanced than Ferrari, there’s no telling how much they’ll progress this season.
In summary, while Ferrari’s race car performance has improved, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the gap with Mercedes or other teams has closed.
As those facing the grim reality began to increase, the atmosphere that had been warmed turned cold enough to be called an ice age.
Won-jin, looking bewildered, cried out, “I didn’t mean for it to turn out like this! I wasn’t trying to just say bleak things. I just meant we should work harder…”
Despite Won-jin’s efforts, the atmosphere showed no signs of returning to its former warmth.
At that moment, Yooihyun clapped to get everyone’s attention and shouted,
“Don’t worry! Our Engineer Won-jin says he has a secret trick to cut down the time by 5 seconds. Everyone, cheer and clap for him!”
“Wow!!!”
“Won-jin! Won-jin! Won-jin!”
“Our youngest has a plan!”
The scene turned into a festive atmosphere.
“Noona, seriously…”
Won-jin’s noble sacrifice as he scrunched his face was what brought the atmosphere back to life.
Yooihyun, boldly telling a lie, laughingly winked at Won-jin.
“Since you’re going to reduce it anyway, right?”
Yes, the path of hardship is already clear. Isn’t that what Ferrari is here to walk?
With a weak smile, Won-jin dramatically changed his frown into a bright smile and replied,
“Of course.”