[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 197

Finally, Lap 50.

As we reached the final moments of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which concludes at Lap 57, all the drivers began to unleash everything they had been holding back. Fifty laps sacrificed for this moment. The desire for victory that had accumulated over time and the competitiveness as drivers exploded all at once on the circuit.

The forms of the battle were all different. Some were racing solely to renew their personal best lap, while others aimed to overtake opponents or defend themselves. There were also those striving to enhance their capabilities by using this Grand Prix as a turning point.

A battle to surpass one’s peak.

A fight to prove one’s worth by overcoming or blocking rivals.

A struggle to sacrifice today for the sake of future Grand Prix.

Despite having only ten teams and twenty drivers, the dynamics of racing were vastly different.

Among them, the second and most fiercely contested battle was between Ferrari and Red Bull. No one could disagree with this fact. Fans of other teams were neglecting their own drivers and holding their breath as they watched that fight unfold.

“Ah… it’s the last one.”

“I wonder if the rankings will change?”

“We’ll have to see…”

Vroom!!!

Shoooosh!!!

Ferrari and Red Bull race cars were blasting off at incredible speeds, their engine sounds reverberating fiercely.

Leading the pack, though not far ahead in terms of competition, was Ferrari’s Yooihyun. She was driving V-1 more aggressively than ever, seemingly unwilling to allow Ricciardo to gain any speed behind her.

In second place, Red Bull’s Ricciardo was chasing her down fiercely, as if this Grand Prix were the last of his life. He paid no heed to the B-31 and showed a determined spirit to achieve his one goal, clearly evident in his driving style—he would push ahead, even if it meant breaking down.

That fierce obsession and desire drove him closer to Yooihyun.

In third place was Red Bull’s Perez, desperately trying to keep up with his teammate’s reckless pace. In such brutal competition, overtaking teammates was naturally impossible due to the inevitable losses that could occur, leaving him with no choice but to desperately stick close. He was undoubtedly facing a more challenging race than Ricciardo.

The fourth and final contender in the lineup was Ferrari’s Leclerc. Having reduced a seemingly impossible 20-second gap, he was now applying pressure on Perez with a pace that was noticeably different from earlier. Maintaining a precarious distance, he occasionally moved threateningly as if about to overtake. Had Ricciardo not been ahead of Perez, he likely would have overtaken him long ago.

[With most rankings fixed in place! Ferrari and Red Bull are igniting their final flames!]

[Which team’s flame will reach the end of the race without extinguishing?]

Yes. They are flames that will never be extinguished. It’s not them that ends; it’s the finish line that must approach them for it to be truly over—a forever flame. No one shone less brightly than the others.

*

*

*

“Urgh…!”

I barely managed to secure my breath as I rounded the corner due to the gravitational acceleration tightening around my throat. Normally, it would be bearable, but entering a corner at this speed was a first for me. My body, pushed to its limits, was losing its functionality.

My hands gripping the steering wheel and my entire body failing to respond as I wished. I didn’t have enough strength to exert the force required. As a result, there was a slight delay in my reaction time. Of course, it was only natural that I wasn’t closing in on Perez.

“……!”

I bit my lower lip tightly and began to pour all the energy within me into the vehicle. To control V-1 properly in my current state, I would need to dig deep for every ounce of strength I had left.

The race had now entered Lap 52. Only five laps remaining. The time granted to me felt like a mocking question.

‘Can you do it? Can you turn the tide in just five laps with that kind of body condition and skill?’

‘Do you really believe that?’

The devil of reality, shaking my faith and beliefs, mocked me relentlessly. However, I couldn’t easily respond to that whisper with “No.” My subconscious was also acknowledging that overtaking Perez in just five laps was impossible.

Without realizing it, I had accepted my defeat. Leaning on the very reasonable and undeniable sweet excuse of reality and time, I was agreeing with the word “impossible.”

I shook my head fiercely.

‘There will be absolutely no compromise. Win or lose, it’s all my responsibility. I’ve taken on everything I could, and there’s nothing lacking.’

Excuses are just excuses. If I can’t achieve it, it’s my fault for not achieving it.

Struggle until the end. It’s fine to lose, but struggle until the end. Accepting defeat during the process is no different than succumbing to weakness. It’s never too late to accept defeat after the outcome is clear. Giving up is the true defeat.

Steeling my weakened spirit, I began to think of ways to overcome again. Though I wasn’t getting any closer, at least I wasn’t falling further behind Perez, so I knew I wasn’t on the wrong path. There must be a method, a way to navigate through this predicament.

‘What is it? What exactly is it…!’

“Please…”

I was certain there had to be a way to break through this frustrating situation, but it wasn’t likely that an idea would simply pop into my head at the right moment. I began to feel the strength seeping out of my body. I had already exhausted my limits, and it was happening in an instant. My body was getting slower.

At that moment.

‘Am I slowing down…?’

In fractional moments, I noticed my reaction time was gradually dragging.

‘If my body is slowing down, can’t I just bring my timing earlier?’

A simple and intuitive thought struck me: If I was losing out due to slowed reactions, doesn’t that mean I can just hasten my timing by the same amount? If I can calculate that timing well, I could race at the same speed as before or even faster than before.

Of course, it wouldn’t be as easy as it sounds. Changing the timing means fundamentally altering not just the timing itself but everything about the driving—entry angle, speed, and more…

A myriad of processes, complex procedures, calculations, and the instincts of a driver must all align to finally change that timing.

‘Can I… do it?’

Could I really do this?

I couldn’t make any guarantees. No, it seemed impossible. I had decided not to bury my face in the impossibility, but if I had to express it, I couldn’t avoid saying that it felt impossible.

If I just continue to move forward without trying anything, at least I could maintain my current position. I might not rise in the ranks, but I wouldn’t fall behind either.

It would be fine to settle for this. I have already achieved so much. I secured the 10th grid, overcoming the vast gap with the race car to rise to 9th place. Even if someone might feel regretful about settling for this, no one would throw stones.

But did I race here to be satisfied with this position? After spending years and pouring my intangible resources of spirit and will, was this the goal I aimed for?

‘No.’

Absolutely not. The brilliance I’m seeking is not here.

One step forward, then another. One more step, and then more…

Taking a step back now will not move me forward. That single retreat will crush my spirit, and I know this better than anyone.

So.

“I will do it.”

No matter what outcome awaits me, I must do it. Even if I fail today, there is always tomorrow. And to make tomorrow more valuable, I have to fail today. It would be nice if that leads to success, but that is merely a wish.

Screech!!!

Chasing Perez from a distance around the corner, I began to bring my timing three times earlier.

The discomfort. My body and mind resisted violently against this completely alien correct answer, but I pressed forward, suppressing my resistance.

I couldn’t afford to give up on tomorrow.