Car Racing without Money-Chapter 463 - 184: Building a Win-Win Partnership

HRT Leifield Technology Center Manager’s Office.

Briatore sat with his legs crossed on the boss’s chair, holding a big cigar in his hand.

On the desk were newspapers from famous European sports media from the past few days, all having a common theme: reports on Chen Xiangbei’s stunning winter test lap times, with the Chinese driver achieving the first place among rookies and second overall.

Only behind last year’s runner-up, Vettel!

Compared to the "newcomer" HRT, Vettel had the backing of the Red Bull Racing Team, challenging the position of the "Big Three."

Many media outlets predict that if McLaren and Renault continue to "decline," next year’s paddock Big Three would be Ferrari Team, Mercedes, and Red Bull.

The strengths of the two sides are not on the same level at all, but Chen Xiangbei can keep up with Vettel, which is truly impressive.

"North, have you seen these reports? You’re about to become the next F1 Paddock superstar."

Hua Bu’s face was filled with pride, Chen Xiangbei and the HRT Team’s performance undoubtedly made him feel great.

The old guys at the FIA want to penalize me?

What a ridiculous notion!

Without Renault, I, Briatore, can still make a comeback.

"Isn’t it a bit early to talk about being a superstar?"

Chen Xiangbei replied helplessly. In the past, he might have pursued media hype.

But now, with Hua Bu around, there’s no lack of hype, and he feels it’s a bit excessive.

Competitive sports ultimately rely on results, and he has achieved nothing yet...

"Early?"

"NO NO NO."

Briatore shook his finger and added, "Star power needs publicity and packaging. Many talented drivers remain unknown for their entire careers; if the hype comes late, its effectiveness is greatly diminished."

"Many people judge a driver more by their first impression."

The star drivers of the paddock in the last decade or more all became famous at a young age.

Schumacher paid for a seat at Jordan Team for just one race and was immediately snapped up by Benetton Team.

Raikkonen made the "triple jump" achievement, deemed the next superstar before even handling an F1 car.

Alonso did the same, squeezing out the veteran Button while still a rookie.

Hamilton, needless to say, reached his peak at the start, just one point away from the world championship in his rookie season.

Is it early for Chen Xiangbei to become popular now?

Briatore thinks it’s not early at all!

Of course, this Italian old rascal wasn’t saying all this just to boast about Chen Xiangbei; he has his own goals and interests in reality.

"North, I think you need a real agent to handle team contracts and commercial matters."

As expected, after a few words, Briatore revealed his true intentions.

He has long coveted the role of Chen Xiangbei’s agent, as that would continually earn him substantial benefits.

At the moment, Hua Bu serves as an agent for two drivers in the F1 Paddock, one being Alonso from Ferrari Team and Weber from Red Bull Racing Team.

One earns a $30 million annual salary, the other $8 million.

Briatore charges a 20% commission from both, not just on their salaries, but also all commercial endorsements and personal image earnings.

During his time with the team, Hua Bu has observed Lu Xiaoman for a long while and determined she is not a qualified agent, merely a contact person.

She cannot help drivers handle tricky issues and cannot bring in high returns.

Behind Chen Xiangbei is a massive Chinese market, with potential far beyond the current $10 to $20 million in advertising sponsorship.

Briatore believes that if he can team up with Chen Xiangbei, they can make a fortune!

"No need, things are good as they are now."

Facing Hua Bu’s probing, Chen Xiangbei flatly refused!

Though he greatly trusts Briatore’s capabilities, he’s more aware of the old Italian rascal’s character.

Once they’re too closely tied, Hua Bu would habitually manipulate drivers.

Needless to say about Alonso, with his F1 politics threatening teams, the infamous McLaren "Spygate" and Renault "Crashgate" had involvement from the head honcho.

Many times, character really does decide fate; Alonso’s "team selection genius" isn’t without reason.

This inclination towards politics and strategy made other teams and teammates detest him early on; even though he’s incredibly skilled, he couldn’t defy fate. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Alonso’s situation is often due to Hua Bu’s instigation behind the scenes.

The reason why the Italian rascal incites such actions is simple: by constantly pressuring teams to increase salaries, he gets more from the split.

Hua Bu used this tactic not only on Alonso; in the historical 2010 season, he also incited Weber, creating in-fighting at Red Bull Racing Team and disputes over first and second drivers, similar to his encouragement of Trulli.

Hua Bu incited Weber’s in-fighting because he saw the Red Bull 2010 season in the lead, with championship potential.

Since you’re already a championship team, a salary increase for drivers isn’t excessive, right?

If it doesn’t happen next year, just stir up in-fighting early; it’s not about losing the championship to see how flustered the team gets.

With someone like this trying to sign as an agent, who knows what tricks they’d pull behind the scenes.

In terms of racing, he’s okay, but when it comes to business or paddock politics, Chen Xiangbei knows he’s no match for him!

Hence, adopting a stance of avoiding trouble where possible, he’s ignored Hua Bu’s many hints until today when the old figure couldn’t hold back anymore.