[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 208
“Trust the director. Let’s just watch.”
As soon as the words ended, Leclerc’s hand, released as smoothly as if it were caught, loosened. Even though I was free from him, who had held me, I had no choice but to sit still. It was because Leclerc had let go of my hand.
The reason he released his grip without waiting for a response was that he believed in me. Just as he showed his belief in me, it meant that if I also believed in Minoto, we would simply wait and see.
“……”
Knowing well what lay deep within him, I sat in silence. As he said, the only way to prove my trust in both Leclerc and Minoto was by doing just that.
“What’s going on? Are they fighting?”
“The fight… is just Mercedes beating Ferrari unilaterally.”
“Oh, here we go again… Why do those Mercedes guys always create such a fuss every single day?”
The table fell silent as everyone’s attention focused.
Yeah. Everyone. Finally, everyone. Until now, Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ director, hadn’t been at the Ferrari table, but now he had joined our table, and even the Mercedes team members, who had merely been glaring over here, were slowly edging closer to us.
Thanks to the recent somewhat insulting remark, those who had been separate in the corner were now whispering and watching how Minoto would respond.
They say watching a fight is the most entertaining, and amidst the people’s expectations, Minoto, who had been silent, burst into a hearty laugh and slowly opened his mouth.
“Haha! I see you have great expectations for Ferrari. You seem to be expressing disappointment.”
“Excuse me? How long has it been since all expectations for Ferrari disappeared? And you’re still saying such things?”
Toto Wolff’s words were sharp and cold.
The tone implied how could he still have the conscience to say such things after dragging Ferrari’s reputation down for years.
Even though it came off negatively, it was certainly taken positively. However, even when treated with goodwill, the only response was blatant ridicule.
It was shockingly unbelievable that such words had been said, but even more shocking was that no one dare intervene.
‘…They’ve long crossed the line. The reactions from everyone…’
It was quiet. No one showed any hostility towards Toto Wolff. To be precise, it was because they didn’t dare to confront Mercedes Benz behind him.
The position of Mercedes, possessing all money, honor, and power, was akin to an emperor with unchallengeable authority. Importantly, that power did not end with F1. Seven Constructor Championships and Driver Championships were proof that the company Mercedes Benz was destined to reign supreme in the world.
Money. Yes, it’s all about money. While the skills of drivers and engineers are unquestionable, the value of Mercedes is so high that it cannot be easily converted into money. This value, which cannot be quantified, ultimately translates to countless amounts of money; in the age of capitalism, money is power.
Shouldn’t the FIA intervene the moment financial power influences competition? Isn’t F1 a fair sport that champions fairness and equality?
‘It’s all nonsense. It’s all about money.’
No matter how much one shouts, they are just nice-sounding words. It might be possible to package everything in pleasant terms, but in the end, everything begins with money. The very reason the utterly unnecessary sport of F1 with its noise pollution exists is purely because it is profitable.
The moment one attempts to reject such a natural flow in this capitalist era, F1 would vanish without a trace.
Therefore, even if F1 claims to uphold fairness and equality in competition, that only applies within the circuit. Their principles of fairness and equality are only valid inside the circuit.
The race merely represents a tiny portion of the vast and complex structure of F1 competition. Research and development is part of F1 competition, acquiring talent and attracting investments, as well as team promotion and merchandise creation—all these seemingly trivial matters are also part of the competition.
So, in every aspect of competition that can be resolved with money, Mercedes-Benz holds an absolute advantage.
If Mercedes, which arguably controls the flow of global capital, ever used its financial power to crush another team, no team would stand a chance in F1.
No team can run itself without external sponsorship in the F1 arena, where costs range from billions to trillions. It would even be impossible to maintain operations, let alone survive.
And making that impossible task possible is Mercedes. Not only do they run their team independently, but they can also exert financial pressure on other teams while doing so.
“…….”
“…….”
Thus, even directors can hardly speak up. They know the cost of resisting in such an unfair situation could be enormous.
‘Not that something will happen immediately, but it would still be a burden on them.’
Of course, uttering a single word wouldn’t lead to immediate retaliation, but no one would want to incur the wrath of Mercedes, which is firmly sitting in first place and likely to maintain that reputation. Moreover, from their perspective, there is no need to step in since their team isn’t the one being insulted.
It’s truly a hopeless situation. Even though they want to resist Mercedes’ unreasonable acts, they cannot. It would be one thing if it were just about money, but they were also sweeping through F1 with powerful competitors like Hamilton and Verstaphin.
A situation where no one can point out Toto Wolff’s rude words that represent Mercedes.
However, there is one more team capable of such feats.
While lacking in skill… they are second to none in financial power, a synonym for luxury sports cars. A team that has a 100-year history intertwined with F1, a name that excites many hearts and has made its three-letter name a lifelong dream, driving their red race car.
‘Ferrari.’
Ferrari.
Even though it has been trampled over the last few years, even though Mercedes has dominated F1 in recent years, that name is irreplaceable—Ferrari is that team.
Moreover, while it may be early days, Ferrari was reclaiming its past glory through this Grand Prix. The foundation had become solid, and the team members’ unity was stronger than ever.
The path ahead was clear, they were calmly carving it out, and the commitment and ability to pursue perfection filled them with strength.
Even if others do not realize it, Minoto and the F1 Ferrari team members knew this truth. They firmly believed they could shine Ferrari again in the world with a light greater and brighter than past glories.
Belief and trust. That was what began to change everything for Ferrari.
Perhaps because of this, unlike when he came to recruit me in Korea, Minoto’s face brimmed with confidence. His belief and conviction in the team made him at ease.
“Isn’t it disappointing for Mercedes? No, it shouldn’t be disappointing, should it?”
“Hmm?”
“You should consider it a blessing.”
Toto Wolff tilted his head at Minoto’s seemingly unaffected response to his overt dismissal.
Regardless, Minoto continued with a cold expression.
“What will you do if Ferrari does not settle here? Can Mercedes handle the consequences? Really?”
“……!”
Wow, that hit hard. I was worried our director might get ridiculed in the third sector, but with this level of eloquence, he wouldn’t be treated like that anywhere.
Before Toto Wolff could retort, Minoto aptly added another line to prevent him from seizing the opportunity.
“Haha! Just a joke! Ferrari is definitely not at the point of looking at Mercedes, right? Certainly not. How could we possibly beat Mercedes right now?”
“…….”
The sense of humor that wrapped up the situation as a mere joke while maintaining a friendly smile was truly admirable. Even if it was meant as a joke, if someone didn’t take it as such, Mercedes would look like small-minded fools.
Plus, the strategic inclusion of the word ‘now’ subtly hinted at a provoking challenge: ‘not now, but who knows about later.’
‘Really infuriating…’
Though on the same side, it’s infuriating. Minoto, with his timid appearance, manages to speak his mind so assertively, making it incredibly irritating.
Is this the time when the saying “a face is a weapon” truly applies?
“……”
As proof of that, Toto Wolff’s face looked flustered, almost as if he felt embarrassed.
No, it’s not that he felt embarrassed; he was already embarrassed. He had come swaggering only to end up getting a beating.
“Phew!”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter and unintentionally sprayed the champagne I had been holding.
The sound was loud enough to grab everyone’s attention, and as a result, all eyes turned toward me.
I awkwardly wiped my mouth and said with a grin.
“Ch- Cheers?”
I raised my glass high, but not a single soul matched my gesture.
Bunch of bad guys.