[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 198

The defense of the Blue Bull Duo was firmer than expected. Their defense, which they themselves orchestrated as if forming a wall, was not only high but also incredibly thick.

When Leclerc moved to the left, they blocked the left; when he moved to the right, they blocked the right. Occasionally, when a gap in Perez’s defense briefly appeared, and Leclerc tried to exploit it, Ricciardo was invariably there to hold his ground in front of him. Even if he momentarily overtook Perez, a situation arose where the order would inevitably be restored by Ricciardo.

They were perfecting a defensive battle by covering each other’s weaknesses.

“I can’t see a way out…”

Having two drivers from the same team racing side by side was a dire and frightening situation that made one want to give up the race immediately. There was no dirtier tactic than completely breaking the opponent’s will. However, such a dirty tactic could only be effective if one had the skill to execute it. Both Ricciardo and Perez were top-tier drivers, long-time partners who had honed their synergy over time, making this tactic possible.

Moreover, it was only because they were who they were that such a strategy was feasible. Normally, Perez would not show many gaps, yet he was exposing them repeatedly, which was evidence of the pressure he was under. Juggling the dual responsibilities of having to closely chase Ricciardo and also defend against Leclerc was causing Perez to continue to waver.

In this case, the phrase “synchronizing” might not even be applicable. For Ricciardo, chasing Yuihyun was the utmost priority, and he was driving as he pleased, whereas Perez was forced to adapt to his teammate’s rhythm while also defending.

Of course, Ricciardo wasn’t pleased about Perez being overtaken, so he would occasionally lend a hand. However, in the end, synchronizing meant that one of them had to make a sacrifice, whether two or one. Thus, Perez became the sacrificial lamb in this Grand Prix for the rise of Blue Bull.

That’s why Perez was continuing to race in such an unsteady and anxious manner.

In other words…

“Even if the Blue Bull’s shield is strong, Perez’s shield is not that sturdy…”

Perez, constantly revealing gaps as he tried to coordinate with Ricciardo while defending himself. Seeing this, Leclerc clenched his teeth and his eyes gleamed.

There was an opportunity. If he could drive his hidden dagger into the gap of “Perez” and break down the massive, thick wall of “Blue Bull,” there would surely be an opportunity for him as well.

– Leclerc, there’s still a chance. Perez’s condition isn’t good as he’s straining to keep up with Ricciardo. The race car isn’t in good shape, and neither is Perez himself… You must attack in the corner.

His race engineer did not give up on the race despite only five laps remaining until the last lap. Anyone who understands the significance of having only five laps remaining until the race’s end would know just how futile the hopes of Leclerc’s race engineer were.

And then…

– It will be tough, but let’s give it our all until the end. You’re not going to give up, right?

He understood. He knew better than anyone that for Leclerc to overtake and breach the walls of Blue Bull was a matter of hoping for luck—no, a miracle. However, it would not be easy for anyone, Leclerc or not, to attempt to conquer this impregnable fortress.

The race engineer did not hold any expectations for an overtake. He wished only that the outcome of their driver not breaking through their fortress would not lead to the collapse of his own.

“Ugh…!”

Leclerc did not respond to his inquiry. More accurately, he lacked the capacity to respond. He was pouring all his focus just managing to cope with driving earlier than his usual timing. It felt as if every nerve connecting to his body was working in unison to adapt to that timing.

Vroooom!!!

The calculated path of the race car began to take shape in Leclerc’s mind. The line unfolding on the track drew a curve slowly while leading the V-1.

It was smooth. Smooth and infinitely perfect.

If there were a massive and perfect sphere that could cover the world, it would take the form of this curve. A line plotted perfectly according to mathematical logic without a single mistake, being drawn from Leclerc’s hands.

– Leclerc…

The race engineer watching the situation couldn’t help but widen his eyes. Without realizing it, he found himself rising from his chair and softly whispering Leclerc’s name.

It was pure admiration.

Today at the Bahrain Grand Prix, or rather, throughout the years of sharing a career as Leclerc’s race engineer, it was the most perfect lap he had ever witnessed.

Who could argue that it wasn’t art? Leclerc was drawing such a perfect curve with his sensibility. Both the angle and speed were flawless. The operation of DRS and hybrid suspension was entirely mechanical. Every control he could manage was executed in the right place at the right time.

“What on earth has happened…?”

The race engineer, having removed his headset, mumbled.

He wasn’t astonished that such an occurrence was possible. He knew. He knew that Leclerc riding on the Titanic known as Ferrari could not illuminate the world merely due to its existence; if it were floating in the open sky instead of in the depths of the sea, it would be a light that could engulf the entire world. He knew.

Therefore, he was not questioning the divinely inspired driving Leclerc was exhibiting. His inquiry revolved around what or who had unearthed Leclerc’s hidden competitive spirit that was buried somewhere deep.

He soon found an answer. He couldn’t help but find it.

The cause was right there on the circuit, and the only one worthy of that was her.

“Yuihyun…”

Yuihyun. Not metaphorical or rhetorical, but in the truest sense, she was like a comet that appeared in this world and changed everything.

She had given the fallen Ferrari the will to race again with her mere presence, bestowed faith and trust with a few words, and imparted hope and future with a single action.

Truly the savior of Ferrari. Even if one claimed that she was a divine agent sent to rescue Ferrari, that assessment would still be too lenient, for Yuihyun was virtually akin to ‘God’ for Ferrari.

It was inevitable that her influence spread throughout all of Ferrari. From the lowly staff with almost no standing to Minoto, the head who leads F1 Ferrari. There would be no one who was not inspired by her or who did not envy her.

If it was her. If it was her…

“That’s right, it’s Yuihyun. Yuihyun…”

Leclerc, submerged in the depths of the infinite sea, would ultimately be pulled to the surface.

Leclerc was soaring. Shed of the heavy darkness and moisture of the deep sea that had been weighing him down, he was now rising into the sky.

Vroooom!!!

With a roar more magnificent than ever and a heart-thundering sound, the V-1 shot through the sky in a terrifying burst.

The darkness of the deep sea no longer enveloped Leclerc. Bright lights illuminating the track and the roars of the audience surrounded him.

The moisture that had clung to him like skin and weighed down his wings had long since dried up. His wings, now dry and gleaming, fluttered behind him.

Grumble!!! Ohhhh!!!

His wings became the V-1, intensifying the acceleration as it flapped powerfully.

It got faster and faster. It continued to gain speed. Everything he was unable to unleash thus far exploded in one go, creating a formidable transformation.

Whoosh!

Although his movements had slowed, they were also nimble. The racing line simplified yet also became intricate. Driving felt emotional yet perfectly mechanical.

Everything was like that. At this moment, Leclerc’s movements could not be described by any one thing. It felt as though it could be anything yet nothing all at once, and the deeper he thought, the more the depth of thought clouded his judgment. Leclerc’s driving, just like his life that was sometimes sad and sometimes filled with happiness, could not be defined by anything at all.

Simply put.

“Leclerc.”

That driving could only be called Leclerc. It was something only he could do and that only he knew. The driving of Leclerc’s life was just that.

As he reached three laps, two laps, one lap… Leclerc roared in a final bellow, advancing bravely into the last lap. Though he was still behind Perez, the race engineer never thought that he would end there. In terms of momentum, Perez had already been engulfed.

Skrrrt!

He slammed the curb, producing a destructive sound. Before long, he was midway through the final lap. Just one more half-lap to go before the race would end.

[Leclerc is finally prying into Perez’s side!!!]

[Perez has completely fallen away!]

Leclerc naturally and dramatically peeled away from Perez, doing so so seamlessly it almost seemed trivial. It was the moment the first line of defense for Blue Bull crumbled.

No sooner had Leclerc shed Perez than he surged towards the next target. Because of this, Ricciardo had no choice but to abandon Yuihyun, who’s out of reach. A monster was chasing from behind as well.

[Lewis Hamilton has already been out of the race for more than a minute, but the battle between Blue Bull and Ferrari isn’t over yet!]

[There’s barely half a lap left! Just one decisive move can change the numbers!]

Now, there was barely half a lap left. Only a few more corners to pass before their race would conclude.

[Leclerc’s momentum is fierce! But Ricciardo, who has the initiative, has a significant advantage!]

[The outcome will soon be revealed! Ferrari’s Yuihyun is only one corner away from the finish line!]

Yuihyun was already on the verge of stepping into the final stretch.

Leclerc and Ricciardo were locked in a fierce battle. This was it, the very end. There was nothing left to hold back or conceal. They had to deploy everything they could to overtake the opponent and defend.

Naturally, the race became nothing short of chaos.

Roar!!!

When Leclerc’s V-1 roared,

Crunch!

Ricciardo’s B-31 screamed as it cleverly defended against Leclerc. Nevertheless, both were trading blows at an incredible speed.

A fierce contest at speeds exceeding 300 km/h. A battle of heightened concentration unfolded like a finale at the end of the race. The audience roared with excitement at the dazzling and awe-inspiring duel. Yuihyun’s rush was remarkable, but if one were to pinpoint the most thrilling moment of today’s Bahrain Grand Prix, it would undoubtedly be now.

“Ahhhh!”

Leclerc roared within his helmet. He intended to grab the bull charging forward with its heavy and powerful frame in his hands. He would prove why he was who he was and why Ferrari could reign as Ferrari.

That mindset boiled up inside him and burst from his throat.

The RPM climbed endlessly.

Speeds exceeding 350 km/h became a trivial matter.

DRS and hybrid suspension added acceleration to acceleration.

And then the final corner.

Vroooom—!!!

He entered the corner at a speed that transcended grip limits. His trajectory veered to the outside, taking a very close path around Ricciardo. This was the final move.

Vroooom…

Time seemed to flow slowly. He entered alongside Ricciardo, who turned his head to look at him. The expression twisted like a goblin was visible even beyond the helmet. Leclerc did not shy away from that gaze; he simply pressed harder on the pedal.

Vroooom!!!

As time sped up, both race cars emerged from the corner. What lay ahead was the straight. No more fancy moves were required. All he needed to rely on were his skills and the race car.

Simultaneously, both drivers slammed down their full power on the accelerator, shooting out like bullets.

However,

[Leclerc is faster!]

[He is marginally ahead!]

Having exited the corner at a quicker speed, Leclerc began to surge forward, mocking the difference in their race cars. While Ricciardo might have taken the lead over time, there was no longer any time left for that.

Whoosh—!

With an exhilarating sound, Leclerc’s V-1 crossed the finish line.

[Leclerc secures 7th place for Ferrari!!!]

[Ferrari’s two wild horses bring Blue Bull’s bulls to their knees!]

Yuihyun came in 6th, Leclerc 7th.

Thus ended Ferrari’s season opener. It was a goal higher than the highest they could achieve.

“You’ve worked hard, Leclerc…”

The race engineer found himself breaking into hot tears before he even realized it.

The painful and difficult past was finally, at long last, patting his back.

The days spent together loomed vividly, feeling simultaneously contemptible and beloved.

And thus.

“Thank you…”

Those days were indeed ones to be thankful for.