[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 132

“Can you do it? I glanced at the blueprint, but with the engine in its current state, I think it would be impossible to last until the end…”

Leclerc approached me as I changed into my race suit and handed me my helmet, speaking with concern. I took the helmet and responded.

“It doesn’t matter. I didn’t say I could do it, anyway. If the engine can’t hold up, it’s Jin’s fault, not mine.”

That’s completely true. I’m just a shrimp caught in a whale fight. I’ve been forced into this battle, but before that, I was a perfect third party. As a mere Go stone, piece in an abstract game, there’s nothing for me to be responsible for.

I’ve seen Go players blame themselves, but I’ve never seen a Go stone being blamed.

If there were a player like that, he would just be a real madman.

So, I can say that I’m completely free from any responsibility.

“… As expected, that’s so you.”

“You’re exaggerating for something so trivial…”

I waved my hands dismissively as if I had nothing to do and got into the race car.

“Hmm… It fits perfectly.”

The race car, set up to my specifications, was incredibly comfortable. The shape of the seat gently enveloping my entire body and the moderately reclined narrow position provided a sense of stability.

An ergonomic design that mitigates the loss of body balance due to gravity acceleration.

While the engine, wing, and every other factor that directly affects lap time are important, in the world of professionals, these small details can often be key points that determine the 1st and 2nd places.

As I donned the HANS device, which is a safety device that keeps my neck from snapping, Enrique came over.

“We’re going to do it just like the existing race. No need to push it. Just drive as you usually do. Don’t worry if the engine performance drops; just keep going straight.”

“Are you saying it’s fine if the engine fails?”

Enrique grasped the halo with both hands, leaning forward. As if revealing some great secret, he spoke carefully.

“Yes. Actually, the issue of whether we can manage the heat generation is a mere formality. The real goal of this test is collecting data. Just think of it as figuring out which part is the first to overload, and where its weaknesses are. So don’t think about the engine failing; just drive. I’m not saying to do nothing entirely. You understand what I mean?”

Since we can’t solve the problem right now, it’s better to move in a way that allows for a more detailed understanding of the source of the problem.

In other words, the top brass has already concluded that the cooling system won’t be able to handle the heat generation.

“You think nothing will work if Jin isn’t around, right?”

“As you know, the expected heat generation exceeds 20% of the cooling system. Even 10% is borderline risky, so 20% is virtually impossible…”

Seeing Enrique trail off, it seemed that only Won-jin was saying YES, while everyone else was calling NO.

“What? Then does that include you too, bro?”

Enrique shrugged his shoulders.

That’s a bit heartbreaking…

Even though I have many close relationships, Enrique is the person Won-jin trusts and follows the most. He might be termed a mental support pillar. I recognized and followed both his qualifications as an engineer and his humanity.

“Our Jin must be really troubled…”

Regardless of the outcome of this bet, it’s obvious that he would be very upset.

I, too, was a person who made possible that which everyone else declared impossible, so I could fully understand Won-jin’s feelings.

But society, this field, is such a place. It doesn’t matter what my opinions are; it’s a place where I must be recognized through results.

If I want to dismiss those perspectives, there are only two methods.

Either leave this field or achieve such outstanding feats that no one can dismiss.

Like Shin Juhyun, a legend of Ferrari, where every word holds weight.

“You can do the pit stop as you like; I will inform you about any additional details via radio. Should I display the heat generation on your helmet HUD?”

With the rise in technology, I could display various information on the helmet incorporated display like Iron Man.

“What? Real-time heat generation? No, don’t show it. I don’t want any distractions.”

I declined. Quantified information is certainly useful for operation; however, reliance on it can lead to a loss of sensation. It’s like the muscles in an unused part gradually atrophying.

In a sport where sensation shines, I can’t rely on cheating. Besides, HUD usage is not allowed under F1 regulations anyway.

“Then let’s get started.”

Mechanics and engineers, carrying various equipment, exited the grid.

Vroom! Vroom! As I pressed the accelerator as a test, the quickly revving engine boasted a torque value that was definitely higher than before.

“The RPM increase is insane…”

I don’t know how they designed the crankshaft, but the RPM needle quickly approached the end of the gauge. The change was so enormous and dramatic that it even felt burdensome to me.

However, the engine was roaring with confidence, as if it was the only YES-man backing up Won-jin.

Hoo!

However, a hot wave rushing from behind the seat made my head spin like disconcerting thoughts.

This test was definitely going to be challenging.

It was ringing alarm bells in my mind.

*

*

*

[Heat Generation 35%]

“On the 10th lap. Current heat value is 35%, and the cooling system is operating at 100%.”

In the distance, I could see Won-jin biting his nails nervously while watching the test and Logan standing at the pit wall, looking composed. Leclerc glanced back and forth between the two before asking Logan.

“Logan, what do you think? About the results of this test.”

“The test results…”

I feel sorry for Won-jin, who is the team’s ace and a promising prospect, but… it’s undoubtedly a failure.

While there may be no limits for humans, there are clear limits for machines. Everything that makes up a machine—material, design, power—is scientific. Machines are born of science and move with it; hence they can never surpass their limits.

This could be seen as an inherent limitation.

If machines could surpass their limits, Ferrari wouldn’t have spent the last few years stuck in the lower ranks.

That’s a very natural principle of nature; a truth. Just as you cannot cut iron with a branch. This is a matter of probability, but it’s closer to the discernment of a proposition concerning truth or falsehood.

So,

“Absolutely not. It’s bound to fail. It’s hard, it’s tough, the possibility is slim… No, it’s impossible.”

Logan could declare failure without allowing any small probability to sneak in.

It is absolutely impossible to succeed. This isn’t just Logan’s thought. Minoto, Shin Juhyun, Jihyun Lee—all the engineers and mechanics, except for Won-jin, were all unified in thinking of failure.

To prove that, Minoto and Shin Juhyun echoed Logan’s words.

“While Jin’s idea is incredible, I think it’s impossible this time. At least Yui-hyun is driving exceptionally well.”

“It’s of course impossible; even if that worked, it would be too risky. The axle durability is one thing, but the RPM change is so extreme that driving would also be challenging. Right now, just stabilizing and driving well on the 10th lap is already impressive.”

The focus of the conversation had shifted. Despite the outcome, the observation point was leaning toward praising Yui-hyun’s driving.

In reality, every time Yui-hyun cornered with near-miraculous control, gasps erupted from everywhere.

“Wow, is he really cutting the corner like that? If he had hit the curb wrong, the tire would have burst or he would have retired right there?”

“Considering the tough situation, I wish he would drive a bit more safely in the actual race, but… It’s hard to criticize when he drives like that.”

“Hey, it’s KING! Why worry unnecessarily?”

“That’s right, isn’t it?”

Praise for Yui-hyun had become almost religious.

But that’s as far as it went.

“Still, if it can’t be done, it can’t. Driver Yui-hyun is impressive, but this will be hard to overcome. No, impossible to overcome.”

“Yeah, it’s not about whether he’s good or not. It’s a matter of possibility versus impossibility.”

“Anyone who has seen the crankshaft design made by Won-jin would know? This time, scientifically or structurally, it’s absolutely impossible.”

While everyone was calling NO, Leclerc was lost in thought, absorbing their conversation.

This is a space ruled not by cold logic and reasoning but by emotion and possibility.

‘Is it really impossible?’

Is it truly impossible? When logic and reason shout impossibility, does the term ‘absolute’ really remain unchanged? Can humanity not change that?

In fantasy, peak masters can slice iron with a twig or cleave mountains in two. Though it’s just fantasy, perhaps what defines possibility and impossibility isn’t what one holds in hand, but who holds it.

‘It’s not impossible.’

Thus, Leclerc reached that conclusion. Although countless engineers who knew the race car better than him were declaring impossibility, they were just engineers. While they might not understand the race car, he knew the race better than anyone present.

He was one of only two unique drivers among hundreds. He was the sole person who could view this race as a driver.

He was certain.

[Heat Generation 63%]

Is that why? Even with the frighteningly rising heat generation, Leclerc didn’t blink an eye.

“Yui-hyun… You think the same as I do, right?”

He just murmured softly.

A small camera illuminating the cockpit captured Yui-hyun’s movements. The hands and feet that were creating a miracle were moving without rest.

“We’re entering Lap 30!”

The race was now reaching its midpoint.

*

*

*

A red race car speeding alone around the Imola Circuit. Even while racing at an incredible speed, the car drew a beautiful trajectory, manifesting as art.

The double-turn crank designed by Won-jin generated a magnificent sound that shook the ground as the race car shot out like a b*llet. The steering wheel and pedals danced in Yui-hyun’s hands.

Had they heard Leclerc’s telepathy? It seemed they were unaware of impossibility.

But,

“Ugh, d*mn. It’s so hot. Is this really going to work? Am I going to d*e if the engine blows up?”

d*mn, d*mn. It’s scorching hot. With the communication turned OFF, Yui-hyun unleashed a torrent of profanity.