This is why F1 drivers value signing a long-term contract; besides seat security, it helps alleviate mental pressure.

At least they don’t have to worry about making mistakes that could prevent them from renewing their contracts.

"After the Monaco Grand Prix, I’ll make my decision."

This time Briatore didn’t beat around the bush and finally gave a definite answer.

After the hustle and bustle of qualifying, all team members returned to their hotels.

Chen Xiangbei didn’t immerse himself in the joy of pole position; instead, he went to the basement to drive the racing simulator, wanting to verify the success rate of pushing limits in qualifying again.

As it turns out, perhaps luck played a role, as he only succeeded two or three times out of ten in the simulator.

Just as Chen Xiangbei was feeling a bit sentimental, Trulli somehow appeared behind him.

"Stop trying; it’s impossible to hit Star Circle speed every lap."

Upon hearing this voice, Chen Xiangbei turned around to see Trulli had arrived.

His first words were, "Thank you, Trulli."

Even though in the end Chen Xiangbei didn’t use the cornering techniques Trulli taught during qualifying.

If Trulli hadn’t pointed out the previous cornering flaws, Chen Xiangbei wouldn’t have been able to run a lap akin to Verstappen’s Star Circle from the 23rd season; he might have crashed out and retired.

This was the third time Trulli had given crucial help in Chen Xiangbei’s career.

They might not have a deep friendship or known each other for long, but Chen Xiangbei remains grateful.

"You don’t need to thank me; you achieved this result yourself."

Trulli shook his head nonchalantly, not wanting to take credit.

"Without your help, I couldn’t have achieved this."

"Hey, even I can’t run your Star Circle lap, so how could I help?"

Trulli’s face showed a bitter smile; he once saw Chen Xiangbei as a competitor and even thought of making the Chinese kid his wingman.

Today’s qualifying made Trulli fully realize that Chen Xiangbei surpassed him not only in talent but also in strength.

Even in the year he won Monaco at his peak, he couldn’t achieve such an astounding pole speed, especially on a "debut" track!

Chen Xiangbei did not reply to this. Verstappen’s Star Circle lap is something most drivers can’t replicate.

While Chen Xiangbei remained silent, Trulli suddenly mentioned something off-topic.

"I bought a piece of land at my home in Italy, planning to plant grapes and brew wine. If you have time in the future, come for a drink or two."

"What do you mean?"

Chen Xiangbei asked back, though he vaguely understood the implied message, he wasn’t sure.

"It means I’m planning to retire."

"Have you thought it through?"

"Yes."

"Good, when I get the chance in the future, I’ll definitely visit."

No persuasion, no comforting words; Chen Xiangbei simply nodded in agreement.

F1 is always an arena that follows the jungle law, even among pay drivers who come in through financial means; they generally last two to three years at most before quietly leaving.

Sympathy and comfort hold no significance in the F1 paddock. Survival depends on strength; without it, you are destined to be eliminated, regardless of whether the person is a rival or a teammate.

Any help or sympathy towards the weak ultimately results in a waste of time and effort, only serving to comfort oneself.

Trulli has reached the end of his career; even if he stays another year, he can’t win over the increasingly mature Perez. Choosing to exit at the right time is a dignified choice.

It’s definitely better than being cut midway or publicly declared a failed competitor, isn’t it?

"OK, then tomorrow give a spectacular performance as my retirement gift."

After this, Trulli patted Chen Xiangbei’s shoulder and walked out of the training basement.

In F1, there are only two ways to maintain harmonious team relationships.

One is when there’s no competition at all, just like Trulli planning to retire, he can still courteously invite and sincerely wish the opponent well.

The other is when you’re my good teammate only if you’re the wingman!

Like Bottas and Hamilton.

Watching Trulli’s departing figure, Chen Xiangbei felt somewhat complicated, and then he noticed another figure standing outside the door, which was Perez.

"Did you hear?"

"Trulli told me first."

Upon hearing this reply, Chen Xiangbei was surprised.

He had at least interacted with Trulli for a period, with competitions and help.

Perez didn’t seem to have any connection with Trulli, so why would the fiery Italian tell him in advance?

"Then congratulations on becoming an official driver for the HRT Team next year."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile; indeed, often it’s better not to see F1 teammate relationships as "brothers," perhaps "enemies." In most cases, it’s just a regular colleague relationship, often not a good one.

Someone leaves, someone enters; it doesn’t have much to do with seat competition, Perez’s performance, strength, and potential all earned his seat and respect.

"Thank you."

Perez nodded without too much of a happy expression.

Then he moved, sitting in the neighboring racing simulator cockpit with Chen Xiangbei.

"Pretty calm."

Chen Xiangbei teased; in his memory, young Perez wasn’t particularly reserved, nor had he reached the calmness of "Master Pei."

"Because my previous goal was simply to become an F1 driver."

"But now the goal is different."

"What’s your future goal?"

Chen Xiangbei instinctively asked.

"To defeat you."

Uh...

Chen Xiangbei was momentarily stunned by this response; he really didn’t expect such an answer.

But then a playful smile appeared on his face, he replied with interest, "You can have that thought, but you won’t have the chance."

An F1 driver is always confident; Chen Xiangbei isn’t afraid of any challenge; he wants to win against every opponent, including teammates!

"I’ll try my best."

After saying this, Perez pressed the start button on the racing simulator.

There is something Perez left unsaid: he once saw challenging Chen Xiangbei as competing for the team’s top driver title and resources.

Now he sees Chen Xiangbei as a target to challenge.

This Monaco pole position really made Perez deeply respect and recognize him.

Because of this, he desires more to defeat Chen Xiangbei.

Only by challenging the strong can one improve and become stronger. Conversely, seeking a sense of achievement from the weak only proves one is also weak!

An overnight passed unknowingly, bringing the focus to Sunday, the main race day of the Monaco Grand Prix.

A hundred thousand spectators flooded into this small town of Monte Carlo, originally only thirty thousand people, turning every visible corner into a sea of people.

And compared to previous F1 Grand Prix where crowds gathered mainly in the stands, the balconies and windows of the buildings lining the Monaco Circuit also brimmed with countless spectators overlooking the race, forming a three-dimensional viewing scene.

Besides the live audience, there are over a hundred million viewers who will watch this globally recognized Monaco Grand Prix via various broadcasting methods through televisions or computers.

This is why the Monaco Circuit is called one of the motorsport’s Triple Crown; regardless of whether the main race is exciting or full of overtaking, it stands unparalleled in terms of ratings.

Just like Le Mans 24 Hours in the WEC.

Additionally, this is why F1 can surpass globally familiar events like the NBA, Super Bowl, UFC, directly ranking alongside the World Cup and Olympics as one of the three major world sporting events.

A single race attracting over a hundred million viewers is where its confidence lies.

Moreover, compared to yesterday’s qualifying session covered with silver Mercedes flags or the traditional red Ferrari prancing horse flags, today’s track is largely adorned with Chinese red flags.

The reason is simple: overnight, the news of Chen Xiangbei clinching pole position in Monaco has spread worldwide.

This is the first Monaco pole position for a Chinese and even Asian driver, following tradition, there is a great chance to be crowned as the "King of Monaco," representing yet another breakthrough for Asians in world-class racing!

Countless European Chinese expatriates and students, as well as many Asian fans, rushed to the Monaco Circuit upon hearing the news.

Just to witness the birth of the new King of Monaco firsthand!