[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 138

“I will begin.”

With a brief greeting, Enrique finally stood up.

He is a newly joined engineer at Ferrari and my race engineer, who is regarded as the only one with natural talent to succeed Logan as the next head engineer.

Chosen by Minoto at my request, he had elevated his worth, once referred to as “parachute,” to a level that everyone now had to acknowledge as a competent engineer.

Not only had he created a suspension system and established formulas that dramatically improved the performance of the race car, but he also had a significant impact on Ferrari’s ultimate aerodynamic design and was the genius behind the new engine, FR3, which would pull Ferrari forward.

Of course, the design of the FR3 could not solely be credited to Enrique, as head engineer Logan and the legendary Shin Juhyun participated, but the fact that a newly joined engineer, in such a short period of less than a month, discussed engines shoulder to shoulder with such heavyweight engineers was truly impressive.

Even I, as a driver, recognized how remarkable his journey was; one could only imagine how Enrique was viewed by the engineers.

Perhaps they felt like they were witnessing a hero writing a new history in real-time.

That is why no one gathered in this grand conference hall had any doubt or question about Enrique stepping forward as the representative for the engine presentation. Rather, they thought it was his rightful place, and no one would dare to challenge that.

I looked at Enrique with a satisfied smile and then turned my gaze to Mr. Won-jin sitting at the six o’clock position. He appeared to still be trapped in a swamp of guilt, his expression as gloomy as ever.

“If Jin could just mature a little, he could be recognized as much as Enrique…”

Though a mistake is a mistake, I felt very sorry for Won-jin. Considering the unique talent he possessed, he would not be inferior to Enrique.

While Enrique had that talent, he also had a breadth and depth of knowledge, enabling him to make cold judgments, control situations, and deploy people in the right places.

That was his true value.

In contrast, Won-jin still had shallow knowledge and was somewhat unilateral, but this allowed him to come up with extraordinary ideas free from any constraints.

Just look at the hybrid suspension that was successfully implemented on the race car. While the initial idea may have come from Enrique, it was Won-jin who conceived and realized the suspension that bridges automatic and manual.

The groundbreaking design of the double turn crank showcased in the recent FR3 test is also a product of his imagination. The extreme suspension, which modifies the suspension in various ways, is all from his mind.

If we were to discuss Won-jin’s ideas at this moment, they might all seem useless under the name of risk, but no one can deny that a day will come when they shine as time passes and the times change.

Creativity, originality, change, reform, innovation…

That was the reason Ferrari had recruited a new engineer, and as long as Ferrari exists in F1, those values are what we must pursue to the end.

If asked to choose a talent that aligns with those values, it is clear that Won-jin would be much closer than Enrique.

“Now that I think about it, I might be asking for too much.”

In fact, considering the young age of eighteen, it would be unreasonable to accuse him of being immature. Given his age, it is only natural.

Maybe it is harsh of us to expect too much from Won-jin. We desire him to be as original, new, and fresh a talent as he is, while at the same time hoping for adult-like actions and thoughts from him. How selfish is that?

Moreover, during this busy season, although Won-jin may have learned abundant knowledge about aerodynamics, engines, and the race car from the engineers, he had never been taught social skills or humanity.

Of course, the engineers did not have the capacity to teach, and it was true that Won-jin had no time to learn. However, they were in a relationship that first involved being engineers and then, importantly, adults and minors. While there may be a valid reason, one cannot say with no responsibility that an adult has no duty to guide a minor.

Thus, it was simply regrettable.

I wondered if we had been too harsh, negligent, or severe…

As I gathered various thoughts, Enrique’s presentation was moving beyond trivial introductions into a climax.

“While it was risky, considering that the results of this test were based on the application of Engineer Won-jin’s double turn crank and extreme suspension, we no longer need to worry about the previously concerning engine durability, stability, or sustainability issues. The heat generation issue should be viewed in the same light.”

Enrique stated firmly, standing tall. Logan then asked.

“Does saying ‘it seems to be so’ imply uncertainty?”

“No. Without the two technologies from Engineer Won-jin, the engine will maintain a more stable performance until the race ends. When we substituted the Imola Circuit into the system calculations, the results showed that the engine could perform at its best not only for the full lap of 63 laps but also up to a maximum of 90 laps. There may be slight error margins, but it should be within 3 laps. However, since we have not tested it practically, I mentioned, ‘it seems so.’”

“You could take it as saying that stability and sustainability are overflowing, so there is no longer a need to worry.”

“As soon as stability and sustainability are sufficiently secured, those should be treated as consumables. We need to explore ways to sacrifice them to enhance performance.”

Minoto and Logan each added a comment following Enrique’s answer.

“Next, let’s talk about engine performance.”

Enrique continued the presentation without rest. Even after speaking for a while, he still seemed to have much more to say.

“Compared to its predecessor, the FR3 has achieved a dramatic improvement in performance. Please refer to the report for the specific numbers on each detail, but in summary, overall performance has improved by about 48%. This analysis excludes the extreme suspension and double turn crank based on the race on the day of the test, so I hope there is no misunderstanding.”

48 percent. A whopping 48 percent. When aerodynamics improved by 20 percent, there were gasps of amazement everywhere; now, engine performance had doubled that and added another 8 percent to make 48 percent as a holistic figure.

Considering that this engine practically determines the F1 rankings, it’s impressive.

“Mmmm…”

“Phew…”

“Hmm…”

The audience struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions and cheers that seemed ready to burst forth. It was a meeting, so no one could act carelessly.

Only two individuals did not smile: Logan and Won-jin.

Logan was the first to coldly break the silence.

“Simulation is merely a simulation. We do not know what will happen in the field. Yesterday’s test was not an official race but a solo run. Therefore, one should not regard it as an objective and accurate result. It would be wise to leave ample functional leeway for the upcoming development process.”

Logan’s cold remark poured cold water on the previously heated atmosphere.

At that moment, the youngest engineer among the team leaders, although older than Enrique, spoke up.

“The head engineer is correct. However, considering the result came out beyond expectations, wouldn’t it be more efficient to continue developing according to that value?”

He timidly countered Logan’s statement. It may have seemed somewhat impudent, but everyone merely nodded, and no one found it strange.

This was due to the principle of F1 Ferrari, where free speech brings about innovation, maintaining a horizontal relationship. Moreover, they did not want to diminish the sweetness of the success they had finally achieved after so long.

However, the welcoming responses to the following Logan’s words quickly vanished.

“What were yesterday’s temperatures and track temperatures?”

“When calculated on average, they were 11 degrees and 19 degrees.”

“It was quite a chilly day, right?”

“……”

Enrique answered without missing a beat, and the engineers instantly turned into mutes, realizing what they had overlooked.

“Even at 11 degrees and 19 degrees, the heat could barely be controlled and actually exceeded. Naturally, in high-temperature weather, cooling efficiency would further decrease, and then the engine wouldn’t be able to endure.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The engineers, whose vision had been clouded by the sweetness of success, nodded their heads.

After all, we do not race only at specific temperatures. That is a very obvious statement.

We sometimes race in high temperatures exceeding 50 degrees on the track, and at other times, run in cold weather with rain pouring down.

To survive the harsh world of F1, we must create an all-weather race car.

Logan stopped there, having no further need to speak.

Enrique quickly shifted his attention back to his own presentation.

“Next, I will explain on the engine functionality analysis chart. The FR3…”

Many interpretations and opinions regarding the intricately interwoven figures in the analysis chart went back and forth.

The performance in corners, the performance in straights, the high rake, the low rake, engine efficiency relative to heat generation…

Each person freely expressed their opinions as Ferrari moved forward.

The meeting regarding the engine lasted an hour before concluding. However, the main meeting was still far from over.

“Let’s move on to the next agenda.”

“Next, we will have an idea meeting regarding the direction of development. Anyone can raise their hand and speak freely.”

Until now, it had been a session to assess the current state and gather information, and from now on, it would be a time for a brilliant idea meeting to lead the future. It was the most critical time to sift through and refine creative and groundbreaking ideas through collective intelligence.

Ideas that emerged during this time often bloomed beautifully and bore fruit, which is why it was also referred to as the flowering time.

This would be a session led directly by the director Minoto, where even the most ridiculous ideas were acknowledged, which resulted in a multitude of engineers stepping forward.

“……”

“……”

“……”

Today, however, was different.

All the engineers seated at the round table were quiet. They all seemed busy watching each other, with no one showing signs of raising a hand.

It was understandable. They had already poured forth novelty-filled ideas through numerous hurdles, and squeezed out every last drop, leaving no words left to say.

Nonetheless, there was no sign of disappointment visible on Minoto or Logan’s faces. While it is true that human imagination is infinite, it takes ample time for boundless creativity to be filled.

Having raced vigorously until now, it seemed they felt it was time to recharge.

I cannot assert this, but Won-jin must play a significant role. Having fallen dramatically, the freest spirit in the F1 Ferrari team, Won-jin, found it awkward to step forward unless he was certain.

“Hmmm…”

As silence continued, I raised my hand high. In an instant, all eyes turned to me.

It was a questioning gaze about the fact that I, a driver, had stepped forward in an atmosphere that made it hard for engineers to do so.

I spoke without caring.

“I’m not an engineer, but I’d like to speak as well. Is that all right?”

“Of course, that’s fine. This is that kind of place. Go ahead.”

Minoto happily made way for me. I bowed my head and took a deep breath.

And then I let it out. The taboo I could never utter at any other time.

“Let’s put Won-jin’s double turn crank and extreme suspension in the race car.”

“……!”

“……!”

“……!”

Everyone was wide-eyed, not expecting that those words would come out of me, exhausted and fainted due to Won-jin.

Of course, Won-jin was one of those surprised.

Ah… Did I say something unnecessary?