My Formula 1 System

Pre-race driver press conferences were a customary thing in Motorsport, and in any sport as well. A quick 1-2 hour session that brought the top five of the standings together in one large room with the press. This activity was smartly schemed at key times, like at the start of the season, midseason, and just before the final Grand Prix or Mega Prix as it is called. This applied to both F1 and F2, with F2 always carrying out any of their activities the day before F1's.

The Federation put up this conference for several different reasons. One of the most important reasons was to bring the young drivers before cameras more often. Here, they'd learn more about their experiences and thoughts so far and what they aimed to achieve for the rest of the season.

Another reason was to align with their restive rule, which was to help familiarize the drivers amongst themselves. This might help eliminate bitter or dangerous rivalry that could creep in, especially when they rarely saw each other outside the atmosphere of competition. However, the Federation was more than glad to entertain any slight form of drama that might occur between them during this activity.

Halasz Pavilion, a well-decorated arena-like government property just a little away from the edge of Budapest's heart, was the venue for today, and reporters with their corresponding cameramen were already present, shuffling around the white conference room with the red high table looming ahead.

Scott Cole, dressed smartly in a navy blue suit with a red tie and a white dress shirt beneath, was ready for today. Besides his in-race English commentary, this was a rare job assigned to him, and he was determined to carry it out well.

Meanwhile, as soon as Sara and Mallow touched down in Budapest with an afternoon plane, Sara headed to pick up Luca without taking any time to rest. She was granted access into the training center and waited a few minutes for Luca.

Luca had just finished his Daily Quest, running the long stretch until his System notified him of the quest's completion. He returned to the base, refreshed, and got dressed in a red Trampos team-branded polo shirt, paired with brown pants and casual sneakers. Ansel had offered to wait for him, but Luca politely refused. He had no idea exactly when Sara would arrive, and he didn't want to keep anyone waiting.

Surprisingly, by 3:30 pm, Sara was on the premises, and Luca softly hurried out with just his phone in his pocket. He slid into the passenger seat and offered her an innocent smile, knowing fully well she had pushed herself today.

Arriving at the conference center, Luca noticed a small crowd of reporters gathered outside. It seemed they were either unofficial or lacked the necessary credentials to enter. Regardless, Luca had been advised he wasn't required to engage and to proceed directly into the main conference room.

"Welcome, Mr. Luca Rennick," Steve Cole greeted with an enthusiastic tone as Luca stepped into the cool, air-conditioned room. Extending his hand across the table, Steve smiled broadly, and Luca reciprocated, the camera flashes capturing their handshake. "Just two more drivers to go!" Steve added, glancing briefly at his wristwatch.

Luca's eyes met Ansel's, who sat comfortably at the center of the table, giving him a knowing nod. He then took in the sight of the other two drivers seated at the left edge: Max Addams, who wore a relaxed, carefree expression, and Dani Walding, appearing younger and more focused. It was actually Luca's first time seeing Dani up close.

Taking the seat between Dani and Ansel, Luca was handed a microphone. He clipped it to his team-branded polo shirt as the broadcasting crew made their final adjustments, ensuring he was ready for the live session, just like the others.

"25 minutes before we go live!"

Ten minutes later, Miles walked in, followed shortly by Sean Aaronson. Steve Cole's face lit up as he noted the complete lineup and requested that the drivers acknowledge each other. Silent nods and brief glances were exchanged around the table. Luca avoided eye contact with Aaronson, who, in turn, didn't greet anyone. Max Addams offered a half-hearted mumble, his gaze was distant and indifferent. Only Ansel and Miles exchanged firm nods of acknowledgment.

Realizing there wasn't much he could do to foster more camaraderie, Steve shifted his focus as the head broadcaster announced they would be going live in a few moments. He adjusted his posture, took a deep breath, and prepared to begin.

"...a special F2 pre-race driver press conference today ahead of the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix. Good afternoon, I'm Steve Cole, and it's an honor to guide this conversation."

"...let's begin with a quick reflection on the last round. Each of you had defining moments at Stadhaven, which got you to your respective positions... or lost all. Luca, you managed a spectacular late race domination after a battle in the storm. Max, you defended fiercely in those final laps. And Dani, your fight through the midfield was electric..."

"...I want to start by asking: what was going through your mind during those intense final moments of the race, coupled with the harsh weather, and how did that influence your approach heading into Hungary...?"

A moment of awkward silence hung over the drivers before Miles broke it, shrugging and leaning forward to face Steve. "There's not much to it, really. Not much to influence. My approach, and I believe theirs too, is to win—regardless of what might have happened in the last race," he said quickly.

From the far end of the table, Max Addams muttered, "He's right," drawing the attention of everyone around.

Steve nodded, then turned to Aaronson. "I get that, Miles," he said before shifting the focus. "But after such a dramatic race, there were some bold statements made. For example," Steve continued, fixing his eyes on Aaronson, "unfortunately, you didn't finish, leaving your team with just two points. After the race, you said, and I quote, 'If nobody deals with him [Luca], I will.' Those are strong words, and everyone is curious what you intend to do to back that up, especially now that you're starting at the back of the grid after your DNF."

A faint smile appeared on Luca's face. One competitive driver down and one less concern for the upcoming race.

Aaronson bit his lip as though Steve's words had offended him. He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Steve, I consider myself one of the best F2 drivers of this generation, if not the best. In every season I've participated in, it's customary for the best to push the weaker drivers—the frauds—out of the way. I intend to do that over time, not just in one race," he said.

Steve raised his eyebrows, interest piqued. "So, are you implying that Luca is a weak driver, a fraud?"

Luca, toying absentmindedly with a grain of sand he had found on the table, raised his head at the question. The tension in the room thickened as everyone's eyes fixed on Aaronson, waiting for his response.

Aaronson shrugged. He knew Steve was baiting him for a sparking reply, and it was wise not to take it. But Aaronson didn't care, he stood for his word. "I don't recognize him as a driver. I don't recognize any of these new lads, including the one sitting next to me."

"...Mr. Aaronson, we advise courtesy and ask that you address everyone by their names," one of the organizers interjected.

Miles shot Aaronson a disgusted look. "The name's Bellingham, Miles Bellingham. Funny you forget, seeing as I stood third on the podium," he sneered.

Aaronson opened his mouth to retort, but Steve interrupted. "Relax, gentlemen. Let's keep this professional," he said, turning to Luca. "Luca, you've heard your opponent's remarks. The very one you outmaneuvered at Stadhaven, seizing your first GP win after a grueling physical encounter. What's your response?"

He's a big dork.

Luca exhaled, his expression calm. "I'm not sure what kind of response he's looking for. Yes, maybe his result in the last race was impacted by me—legally. But I've shown resilience with three podium finishes so far, compared to his two," he said, turning his gaze to Aaronson. "So, I don't think 'weak' is the right word."

Cameras rolled and flashes sparked as the conversation aired live. While F2 never garnered the colossal attention of F1, recent seasons, especially this one, had drawn significant audience interest.

Steve Cole smiled at Luca's response and turned to Max, who sat more relaxed now, his palm resting under his cheek. "Max, I noticed you chuckled after Sean's words. What's amusing you?"

Max chuckled again, his shoulders shaking slightly. "He said he's the best F2 driver of this generation," he muttered, a smile playing on his lips as he shook his head.

"And… you find that funny?" Aaronson asked irritably.

"No. I find it hilarious," Max replied, still shaking his head. "Big words for someone with zero championships."

Steve, sensing the tension veering off course, quickly intervened. "Gentlemen, we're here to discuss plans for success, not debate it. Before we move to the reporters' Q&A session, I'd like to hear from Ansel and the rest regarding their approach for the Hungarian Grand Prix," he said. "Ansel? You and your teammate, Luca, had a brief battle in the London rain shower. He won, securing P1. What's your mindset going into this race? Do you plan to climb up and take P1 or whatever position he's holding?"

Ansel paused for a moment before answering. "Yes. It's competition, and I'm sure he understands. So, yes."

"Oh, straightforward. Anyone else want to share a remark? Dani? Luca? Miles?"

Just like Luca had guessed, Miles would like to put in some words.

"Believe it or not, I know Luca more than anyone in this room. And I can tell you, his highs are as wonderful as his lows," Miles said, looking to the side where Luca was just a seat beyond Ansel. He wanted Luca's gaze, but Luca wasn't giving it to him, Luca had his eyes on the reporters and maybe that his grain of sand. "And just like before, I'm always ready to be the cause of the lows and competitively make them permanent."

"Thank you for those words, Miles," Steve continued, looking at Luca. "Would you like to—"

"No, not at all," Luca replied.

"Alright," Steve said, turning to the cameras. "Let's proceed to the next segment. First question goes to Max Addams."

A reporter in the front row raised a hand.

This went on for about thirty minutes more as the reporters started asking individual questions to each of them. They inquired about their personal strategies for navigating the standard track of Hungaro Ring while maintaining their competitive edge.

Max Addams was pressed on his recent performances and how he intended to reclaim his dominance in the series. Miles entertained the room with sharp-witted answers, making Luca feel uneasy, worried he might face some trouble from him on Saturday.

Ansel was once again asked to share insights about his dynamic with his teammate, Luca. He simply emphasized that there was mutual respect between them and that they would work together for a team victory—save for any 1v1 situations.

Luca downplayed any questions that came his way, carefully ensuring he avoided any traps that might provoke the wrong response. Luckily, the session concluded just in time, as he felt he was about to lose his composure.

The air in the conference room was palpable as the murmur of the media grew stronger. All drivers were required to shake hands with one another upon the completion of the session, and with the host, Steve, once more.

"Mr. Ansel, Mr. Luca? Please come this way," a man in black gestured toward them in the room that had grown into a frenzy. All drivers were led out through different exits that guided them to the open area where fans eagerly awaited their presence.

Trampos' fanbase was smaller compared to the likes of Bueseno Velocità Jnr and Squadra Corse Jnr. Even so, their supporters exuded loud energy and excitement upon the emergence of their two drivers from the building.