Upon hearing Chen Xiangbei's blunt response, Hank's face revealed a "just as expected" smile.

The Chinese Kid hasn't changed a bit in half a year—still as arrogant as ever!

"Xiangbei, as everyone knows, F1 driver seats are fiercely competitive, do you believe your performance and skill can achieve the feat of skipping levels?"

"Of course, with no suspense!"

The media wants hype, Chen Xiangbei wants attention. He hopes that the management of the ten F1 teams present will hear his current thoughts and goals and extend their "olive branch."

If he doesn't have absolute confidence himself, which team would break the norm to recruit such a weak "rookie"?

With Hank raising the topic, the group of journalists interviewed on-site immediately got excited.

Some among them have heard rumors about Chen Xiangbei's test run at the Catalonia Circuit, preparing to join an F1 team.

But most didn't take it seriously, considering it just exaggerated hearsay.

After all, who gave this Chinese newcomer, who has only run a few races, the courage to leap to F1? Does he really think he's fit to become the next Kimi Raikkonen?

It's worth noting that Raikkonen wasn't some "sudden emergence." On the contrary, he trained professionally in karting from the age of 8, sweeping through Finland and Nordic series, earning the guidance of the racing veteran Hakkinen.

To be fair, Chen Xiangbei's record in the few races he participated in was indeed outstanding, showing signs of a potentially talented driver.

Yet his professional resume is still far from sufficient, even more lacking a mentor with enough say within the team!

"Xiangbei, any teams currently in contact?"

"Xiangbei, where do you think your advantages in skipping levels lie?"

"Driver Xiangbei, KIMI's miracle cannot be replicated; you can never become the next Raikkonen!"

The topic of skipping levels will spark skepticism and controversy among journalists, all within Chen Xiangbei's expectations.

Now that his fame has already risen, the F1 management within the paddock must have noticed—there's no need for further verbal debate; performance in formula racing speaks for itself.

But the final journalist's slightly "disdainful" words stirred Chen Xiangbei's pride and competitiveness.

What's so great about Raikkonen?

He may be a super talent in the paddock, performing the unparalleled "triple jump" miracle.

But he's not the highest peak within the F1 paddock!

Honestly, Chen Xiangbei has never compared himself with Raikkonen.

It's not that he feels inferior; on the contrary, Chen Xiangbei's targets have always been driving legends like Senna and Schumacher, or future potentials like Verstappen.

If he's going to do it, he wants to be the strongest—that's Chen Xiangbei's ultimate goal!

Not to mention that Chen Xiangbei has years of extraordinary experience, even Verstappen's rotating teammates have never openly admitted that they can never outrun the "Tower."

From Sainz, Ricardo, Gasly, to the later Perez, Lawson, Kakida Yuuki.

Even if every single teammate knows they can't outrun Verstappen, they always say in interviews they have a chance to defeat this great demon king.

The reason is simple: as a top professional driver, if you lack the confidence in defeating your teammates or opponents, you truly can't win.

Fear, you'll lose for life!

"You're right; I indeed won't become the next Raikkonen."

Faced with the reporter's provocations and contempt, Chen Xiangbei only replied calmly.

Upon hearing this, those present displayed varied expressions.

Most journalists showed an understandably smug look, thinking this Chinese Kid has a sense of reality, knowing he can't compare with Finland's historic super talent.

In contrast, Chen Xiangbei's team members, including Odetto, Liang Chi, Lu Xiaoman, etc., instantly became serious.

Even the conservative Japanese members Sawano Hiroyuki and Mizutani Sho had somber expressions for a moment.

The team often hopes Chen Xiangbei can restrain his flamboyant personality, purely to avoid external media pressure.

But restraint doesn't mean being afraid.

They absolutely don't want Chen Xiangbei to publicly admit he's inferior!

A driver must have an unstoppable spirit, otherwise, it means going downhill.

This particular race makes Chen Xiangbei seem different, but he shouldn't become "weak"!

"Xiangbei, are you admitting you're not as good as Raikkonen?"

Sky Sports reporter Hank somewhat incredulously confirmed again.

Among these journalists, only he understands the Chinese Kid's temperament.

The saying goes, it's hard to change one's nature — impossible for Chen Xiangbei to become cowardly in just half a year.

Where's the Chen Xiangbei that used to be so arrogantly unbeatable, who sought to crush opponents?

"Of course not; I merely said I won't become the next Raikkonen—I'll become the first Chen Xiangbei!"

This is what Chen Xiangbei truly intends to express; he will never be branded as someone's second, nor become anyone's replica or substitute.

Like when Chen Xiangbei denied he would become the next Sato Takuma.

Being first is Chen Xiangbei's goal!

Upon hearing this response, Hank's face revealed a playful smile.

"If you can enter the F1 paddock, do you think you'll be stronger than Raikkonen?"

Old acquaintance is old acquaintance, but a reporter's duty to create buzz must not be abandoned.

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