He wants to help Hamilton overtake!

To be honest, Chen Xiangbei was somewhat surprised and unexpected. Even though the two hadn't fallen out at this point, such cross-team cooperation between drivers from different teams is still very rare.

Similar situations over the years often occur in the battle for the annual championship; otherwise, who would want to do such a thankless task?

"Hamilton, seize the opportunity to overtake!"

McLaren Team's instructions were simultaneously conveyed to Hamilton's ear; now is the best time to overtake!

Actually, there was no need for Whitmarsh to emphasize, Hamilton understood what was happening and knew what he should do.

World champions in F1 have never been about upholding sports ethics. On the contrary, they can be ruthless for victory.

Not to mention cross-team instructions to overtake, even if there were cross-team instructions to push Chen Xiangbei off the track, Hamilton could comfortably accept the victory.

Unfortunately, he underestimated Chen Xiangbei's defensive will. Facing his overtaking maneuver, Chen Xiangbei resolutely changed lanes to block ahead, showing an intent to go down fighting.

Now Hamilton holds the advantage, becoming the driver with shoes, while Chen Xiangbei is barefoot!

Seeing this situation, Rosberg, who's already taken action, doesn't care about being blatant.

He stepped on the brakes once again, slowing down, and positioned himself firmly in front of Chen Xiangbei, simultaneously taking a better line for the corner, putting Chen Xiangbei in a "no way out" position.

Thus, a bizarre scene emerged on the track: the three cars from the leading group were moving unusually slow, completely out of sync with F1's usual pace.

"What is Rosberg doing? Maliciously blocking to benefit Hamilton?"

Mizutani Sho asked angrily.

He had vaguely felt something was wrong earlier, but the confusion between the two different teams was too great. Plus, Mizutani Sho was still considered a rookie in F1, so he hesitated to draw conclusions.

Now he can be 100% sure that there are cross-team instructions between Mercedes and McLaren Team!

"This is a violation of race fairness and sports ethics; we must file a complaint to the FIA!"

Sawano Hiroyuki responded angrily.

Japanese domestic races are often clearly divided into several factions due to scale, unlike this situation where there is no apparent relationship yet they form a covert interest community.

Using cross-team instructions against a rookie, McLaren Team seemed to be unable to afford losing.

"What's the use of complaining?"

Odetto coldly retorted.

Cross-team instructions are rampant in the paddock because they are extremely difficult to pinpoint.

You simply cannot prove whether the car in front is defending normally or deliberately helping a third party to gain.

Even when issuing team orders, one could just make a private phone call, or simply agree on a code name in advance, like the commonly used Plan A or Plan B.

Who knows what the initiation of Plan B means?

"If the opponents can make the first move, we can counter!"

Odetto then added, pressing the communication button on the headset.

"Trulli, execute the dual-car strategy, assist Bei in overtaking."

"COPY."

Trulli's voice came through the headset, while Mizutani Sho and Sawano Hiroyuki showed admiration on their faces.

"Leader, did you predict McLaren would issue cross-team instructions, which is why you delayed Trulli's pit stop?"

Mizutani Sho couldn't help but ask; Odetto's move was extraordinary!

Initially, Trulli was running behind in P11, but due to Odetto's delayed pit stop order, he just led by a pit-stop window period, temporarily ahead of Rosberg.

Judging by the outcome, Trulli could currently help Chen Xiangbei, turning the one-on-two situation into a two-on-two duel.

Compared to cross-team instructions, the same-team dual-car strategy is superior!

"I didn't anticipate McLaren's cross-team order, but Trulli staying on the track was indeed to execute the dual-car strategy to surpass Rosberg."

Without pretending to have foresight, Odetto answered honestly.

Chen Xiangbei's single-stop strategy was destined to be an extreme tire-saving tactic, meaning it couldn't involve too much overtaking battle.

Rosberg and Chen Xiangbei had exchanged harsh words, and they had a past grievance. The opponent certainly wouldn't let him pass easily; his defensive will would be very strong.

Therefore, someone was needed to assist Chen Xiangbei in overtaking, and without a doubt, it was Trulli.

The current two-on-two situation resulted more from a happy accident.

But at this moment, race engineer Sote said: "Leader, Trulli's medium compound tires have already completed twenty-five laps, well past the peak of grip. Asking him to block Rosberg now is difficult and risky!"

Drivers are deeply tied to their race engineers, often choosing to advance or retreat together even if they switch teams.

This means race engineers may not always consider solely the team's interests, with driver interests often taking precedence!

Trulli was not suited to cars with understeer; the excessive tire wear worsened the tail spin, making it extremely likely that defending against Rosberg in this condition could lead to unpredictable consequences.

"I know, but there's no other choice."

Odetto's expression was calm, yet his tone carried an unmistakable firmness that was hard to oppose.

Facing such words, Sote fell silent, knowing it was meaningless to argue further.

The team needed someone to step up and support Bei under this situation, and that person could only be Trulli!

"Heh, Odetto, we're actually a lot alike."

Briatore approached at this moment, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.

When it came time to use the second driver as a tool, Odetto showed no signs of holding back.

Team spirit, sports fairness, it's all just pretentious slogans.

Only results matter; that's the eternal melody of an F1 team!

"No, I'm not like you."

"You only sacrifice a driver to maximize your own interests, but I won't favor Driver Bei."

"If one day Trulli is in front, it will be Bei who blocks the cars!"

Odetto's tone was firm, this was what distinguished him from Briatore.

His team orders were never based on the drivers but concerned the objective situation on the track.

Even if it meant harming his own interests for the team's benefit, Odetto would still issue and execute them without hesitation.

"Really?"

Briatore's tone was playful.

They say survival is paramount. He was somewhat looking forward to seeing Odetto face a tough decision!

Conversations at the outdoor command table couldn't affect the confrontation on the track.

Rosberg's attention was entirely focused on pressuring Chen Xiangbei, without noticing the distance to the other HRT car ahead was getting ever closer.

At this moment, Chen Xiangbei was on the verge of "breaking through." His hard skills were not equal to Hamilton's, but relying on home track advantage at East Sea International Circuit and top-level racing instinct in this lifetime, he maintained the fight.

One-on-one, he could barely hold his ground; one-on-two was unbearable for much longer.

Today's track situation taught him a lesson on what paddock politics is, demonstrating that races are not just kill or be killed, but also involve camaraderie and human connections!

Just as Chen Xiangbei was about to push his limits, Odetto's voice came through the headset: "Bei, prepare to overtake!"

[Overtake?]

Before Chen Xiangbei could react to what it meant, just as a blind corner passed, he saw a black-and-orange HRT car conveniently blocking Rosberg's driving line.

In an instant, Chen Xiangbei understood everything. Using Rosberg's moment of slowing down to avoid, he floored the gas pedal to speed and overtake, the entire process could only be described as lightning quick.

Even Rosberg saw only a black shadow whirring past his car.

Chen Xiangbei seized the fleeting opportunity, effortlessly completing the overtaking of Rosberg!