"Odetto is very strict, I like it."

Briatore, who was standing to the side listening to their conversation, showed a very approving expression.

It’s worth noting that this Italian rascal was quite unsatisfied with Chen Xiangbei’s commercial value in China.

Theoretically speaking, when the first world-class F1 driver emerges, all kinds of commercial endorsements should come flooding in, especially from domestic giant enterprises that should support and sponsor actively.

For example, similar to the level of Perez’s Mexican Telecommunications giant.

However, the commercial cooperation can only be considered as acceptable; Chen Xiangbei has a lot of personal endorsement intentions, but the team hasn’t gained much revenue.

It’s the same situation as Zhou Guanyu being praised but not doing well in terms of attendance in later years.

Of course, in terms of Chen Xiangbei’s current achievements and influence, he’s already surpassed Zhou Guanyu of later years.

However, due to the constraints of the era and economic development factors, the number of giant enterprises able to gain commercial value from F1 is limited, and the advertising fee starting at several million US Dollars is truly difficult to recoup.

After all, sponsoring Chen Xiangbei personally is cheaper and can rely on the domestic market, whereas sponsoring a car company requires global returns.

Currently, there aren’t many domestic enterprises with a global layout...

Briatore may not be a "China connoisseur," but he is a businessman with keen insights!

Winning the championship on home turf would add unimaginable benefits to Chen Xiangbei’s earnings; once he crosses this last hurdle, prospective team collaborations would no longer be limited to private enterprises. At that point, he will engage in discussions with true Chinese giants.

This is why he wholeheartedly agrees with Odetto’s aggressive tuning plan.

Taking risks for benefits is worth it!

Of course, Odetto’s intention is certainly different from Briatore’s, but their ultimate goals coincide.

The team of technicians followed Odetto’s instructions for tuning, and Chen Xiangbei found Perez had somehow appeared in the garage, squatting by the car, studying and learning attentively.

This scene resembled Chen Xiangbei himself from earlier days.

Back then, he already knew that an F1 driver who doesn’t understand car tuning is destined never to become a great F1 driver.

Chen Xiangbei would seize any spare moment to learn about automotive engineering and aerodynamics, and he would collaborate with Liang Chi and the others in tuning the car, all to fully understand the car he was driving.

Undoubtedly, Perez also had this goal.

After a slight hesitation, Chen Xiangbei walked over and squatted beside Perez. At twenty, before he grew a beard, Chen Xiangbei’s youthful appearance really resembled famous movie star Tom Cruise, making him a textbook handsome guy.

"Learning to tune the car?"

Chen Xiangbei asked.

Suddenly hearing a voice, Perez turned to see Chen Xiangbei squatting next to him, and an unexpected expression appeared on his face.

He then nodded in response without saying much.

"You’re quite dedicated, learning F1 knowledge while competing in GP2 events."

Chen Xiangbei praised him; he appreciated those who worked hard.

You know, GP2 events are confined to European tracks due to transfer costs.

By wanting to learn F1 knowledge, Perez is following the team on international transfers, flying everywhere to manage both aspects without neglecting either.

Especially the few Grand Prix races in Asia, where dealing with time zone flips adds significant pressure to a driver’s physical condition.

"Weren’t you like this too?"

Perez casually replied.

"You know me well?"

Chen Xiangbei was somewhat surprised; Perez sounded like he was very familiar with his past.

"Yes, I know your efforts and contributions."

"So, am I your idol?"

Chen Xiangbei joked with a smile; his reputation in F1 started to rise from the Australian rain battle.

If Perez knows his efforts, it means he has been paying attention for a long time.

Could it be that I have my first fanboy so quickly?

But Perez’s next answer shattered Chen Xiangbei’s illusion.

"No, you’re the target I want to defeat in the future."

Upon hearing this, the playful smile on Chen Xiangbei’s face faded; he understood Perez’s intention.

This guy has already assumed he will replace Trulli as the official driver, and he intends to compete for the team’s number one driver position, gaining more resources and priority.

"Before achieving this goal, you first need to have the qualification to challenge me."

When it comes to arrogance, Chen Xiangbei is no less than anyone else.

He appreciated Perez from future impressions but that doesn’t mean he could tolerate a challenge.

If Perez indeed gets the chance to become his teammate, then Chen Xiangbei must let him recognize his place early.

The prerequisite to becoming a championship contender is to possess an unstoppable kingly aura, and how can one tolerate others sleeping soundly beneath the couch?

Accompanied by these words, the dominating aura from Chen Xiangbei surged out, vastly different from his previously easygoing and amiable demeanor, exerting immense pressure on Perez instantly.

In that moment, Perez somewhat understood why Chen Xiangbei was called the strongest rookie of the season.

This Chinese driver has two faces!

"I will prove myself!"

Even feeling the pressure, Perez still gritted his teeth to say this.

The reason is simple; he’s a pay driver with financial backing, suffering the same criticism and doubt that Chen Xiangbei once faced.

To shed the pay driver tag, one must deliver the performance and speed to prove themselves, while also showing a tough image to mask their weaknesses.

"Alright, I’ll be waiting for you."