Chen Xiangbei spoke in a calm tone, but his gaze was fiercely fixed on Perez beside him.

Feeling the pressure of this gaze, Perez averted his eyes.

Compared to Chen Xiangbei, he was the real F1 rookie!

Of course, after expressing his attitude, Chen Xiangbei didn’t continue with any show-off provocations but instead joined Liang Chi’s technical team for car calibration.

He essentially belonged to the kind of person who doesn’t cause trouble unless provoked.

"Uncle Liang, use the hardest springs and anti-roll bar, paired with high-speed compression damping, to handle the heavy braking zone at the end of the long straight."

"Utilize a large negative camber on the front wheels to enhance the tire contact patch in high-speed corners, indirectly compensating for the downforce deficiency of the aerodynamic package."

"The cooling system must be of the highest priority, maximize the brake duct air inlets, as this section puts extreme pressure on the front wheel brakes."

"Adjust the differential lock entirely towards optimizing corner exit speed; I need sufficient traction and power output balance."

"The gearbox ratio should be optimized for top speed, ensuring the end-of-straight speed approaches the redline."

Chen Xiangbei endlessly explained his calibration needs to the technician group, leaving everyone present stunned.

Even Odetto displayed a look of disbelief.

It should be known that the hardest calibration plan was not the result of the team’s strategy discussion; rather, after observing Chen Xiangbei’s "immersed" state, it was a spontaneous decision.

This meant the team had no calibration plan in place, requiring the driver, technician group, and strategy group to discuss together.

Yet now Chen Xiangbei handled it all by himself, as if this plan had always existed in his mind, just waiting to be articulated.

The issue is that Chen Xiangbei has never raced at the East Sea International Circuit, let alone done simulator training between the races; where did he get this calibration plan, and how can he ensure its effectiveness?

According to Odetto’s understanding of Chen Xiangbei, this kid never fights an unprepared battle, let alone provides a plan for no reason.

There can only be one possibility, during the two-week break, Chen Xiangbei did not slack off; he kept focusing on the East Sea International Circuit!

As for Perez, watching and learning nearby, he felt a sense of awe amid his surprise.

Chen Xiangbei, knowing full well his own "ambitions" and challenges, was openly and generously sharing his calibration plan with the technicians and race engineers.

Is he the strongest rookie of the new season, not viewing himself as a threat?

Or is Chen Xiangbei really this forthright, not caring if I secretly learn from him?

While the car was being calibrated, Lu Xiaoman approached and spoke.

"Xiangbei, there’s an interview scheduled before the practice session, should we head to the media center now?"

"Which media?"

"Someone you know, Sha Tong, the host from CCTV Sports."

Back at the Australian Grand Prix, Chen Xiangbei had encountered the ten-year anniversary celebration of Australia’s return, fortuitously being promoted to receive an interview by CCTV Sports.

Now, arriving at the East Sea International Circuit, as one of the world’s top three races plus being a local driver, Chen Xiangbei unquestionably qualified for his own pre-race exclusive interview!

And being in the East Sea Circuit media center implies it’s also a live broadcast.

"Alright, I’ll change and head over."

Chen Xiangbei nodded; he needed to change into his formal HRT racing suit.

In a sense, this level of domestic interview is a great opportunity to boost the team’s fame and promote sponsors, so he had to adopt some commercial spirit.

About ten minutes later, Chen Xiangbei arrived at the East Sea Circuit media center, which was packed with people and equipped with various lighting setups, all prepared for his arrival.

"Xiangbei, please take a seat, long time no see."

With a smile, Sha Tong greeted, recalling the last interview with Chen Xiangbei, which left a deep impression.

He had never seen any Chinese athlete so sharp-edged, even reaching the point of brazenness.

Yet admittedly, upon reflection, Chen Xiangbei’s words occasionally made sense and were quite satisfying to hear!

"Hello, Host Sha."

Chen Xiangbei smiled in response and then sat opposite Sha Tong. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

This wasn’t his first formal media interview, so he was quite adept with the process.

After brief greetings and once everything was ready, Sha Tong nodded to the cameraman, and then Chen Xiangbei’s image appeared on the East Sea International Circuit’s giant screen, instantly exciting the audience awaiting the practice session.

"Look, Chen Xiangbei is here!"

"A special interview with the home field treatment!"

"I wonder what shocking words Xiangbei will say this time!"

Not only was the host, but many spectators at the scene were deeply impressed by Chen Xiangbei’s previous interview in Australia.

This Chinese driver showed the audience another side of tenacity.

"Firstly, thank you, Mr. Chen Xiangbei, for accepting this interview by CCTV Sports."

Sha Tong gave a standard opening and then officially started with the questions.

"At the Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago, you delivered a miraculous performance in the rain, starting from P9 and ultimately making it onto the podium, which is quite rare in F1 history, especially for a rookie."

"After the race, global media eagerly reported the results, and many said they saw a shadow of Senna in you. However, many have also questioned your racing style as being dangerous and reckless. What do you think about this?"

If it were before, Sha Tong wouldn’t have posed such sharp and externally influenced questions to Chen Xiangbei during the interview.

He would have followed routine, politely congratulated Chen Xiangbei on his good performance, then perhaps asked about the training process, feelings after the podium, and the honor of representing the country—just courteous remarks.

In essence, just like interviewing any other athlete.

But this time, he chose to change and be genuine!

Sha Tong understood why Chen Xiangbei opted to be so remarkable; this young man intended to break the stereotype of Chinese athletes—as not just modest and courteous.

Bold and flamboyant youthfulness should also be part of an athlete’s persona.

Compared to the earlier Australian interview where he wasn’t the main focus, and considering his fame was limited, the broadcast impact was somewhat restricted.

This time at the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, Chen Xiangbei became the real focal point, his every word and action would be broadcast nationwide!

Instead of uttering harmless cliches, they seized the opportunity for Chen Xiangbei to express himself, allowing the national audience to witness the confidence and strength of China’s top driver!

"If they’ve seen the shadow of Senna, then they should recognize that his style inherently brimmed with aggression and madness."

"I haven’t even rammed an opponent off the track yet, what danger?"

Chen Xiangbei spoke the most arrogant words with the calmest tone!

The drivers from Senna’s era, including Senna himself, could be characterized by aggressive driving, frequently knocking competitors off track, not hesitating even in the championship-deciding races.

Comparatively, I’ve been too peaceful...

His remarks caused an uproar among the audience at the interview and even members of various racing teams.

Chen Xiangbei had always had a knack for saying shocking things, and now he dared to talk about knocking others off track, portraying himself as a "rogue"?

The audience on site had never witnessed such an interview scene.

They knew Chen Xiangbei was arrogant, but didn’t expect him to be this arrogant!

Unaware of the outside reaction, Chen Xiangbei could, however, glean a general idea from the expressions on Sha Tong’s and the staff’s faces.

They were surprised and shocked; his words were overly provocative, even potentially causing some negative public opinion.

But so what?

In the world of competitive sports, it never matters what you say, but what you do.

Take boxing and MMA as examples, filled with trash talk and taunting opponents.

Are they ostracized?

On the contrary, they’re the hottest, the highest paid, like the famously brash Conor McGregor.

The reason is simple: they turn their boasts one by one into reality.

It’s the same for Chen Xiangbei, no matter how unlikable he is, or even if he becomes the ultimate villain in the paddock. As long as he can crush doubts with results, and his aggressive, fiery driving style lets spectators feel the speed and thrill of professional racing.

They will eventually become fans of Chen Xiangbei.

Just like those who once scoffed or even cursed him among European fans, they gradually recognized this Chinese rookie’s style as immensely satisfying, many turning from critics to fans.

Performance is, after all, the eternal theme of competitive sports!