Crush Overtake Love

“The team has no choice. Being 11th in the Constructors’ Championship means the prize money is minimal. Our immediate priority is to raise our Constructors’ ranking. Only then can we allocate more development funds to the machines we’re currently working on. You understand, right?”Philip Weber, who had been racing in WRC for two years after moving away from F1, achieved a good result of 7th place in his comeback race. Eventually, Alfa Romeo clung to Weber, who then reversed his retirement decision and chose to become an F1 driver again. There was no place for Johann.When Johann was nineteen, Thierry Leroux solidified his position at Scuderia Wellington and signed a long-term contract.When Johann turned twenty, Weber’s partner transferred to another team, leaving a seat vacant. Johann believed he would be called up this time. However, it was a newspaper article that revealed the truth to Johann.“Alfa Romeo Starlight Racing Team, partnering with Dylan Spencer for the next season! Indeed, the father is great, launching the new season as ‘Alfa Romeo Delight’.”Media outlets were filled with pictures of Dylan’s father holding his son’s hand and cheering. Standing next to them was Robert Wellington. The event was an official announcement of the second team’s naming sponsor change.“Does our team lack money that much?”“It’s not that the team is out of money. But sometimes, more money can make impossible things possible. Scuderia Wellington needed such an opportunity.”It was then that Johann realized he was poor in this world. It was like facing a world he couldn’t understand.“You’re still young, Johann. And our first driver isn’t Thierry yet. When Thierry becomes the first, a seat will be vacant.”So Johann remained a reserve driver, with countless fans eagerly awaiting his debut, but Johann Hayward was not the only super rookie driver.Dylan, who was called up, was dragging the team down with his poor performance. Fans mocked him as ‘Crash Mate,’ and despite his father continually providing more money to the team, Johann remained a reserve driver.In the summer when Johann turned twenty, while excelling as a test driver diligently providing feedback on vehicle updates, it was the season F1 called the summer break. At the very time drivers began signing contracts for next year’s seats and the development of new season’s cars was roughly completed.“Sorry, Johann.”The chief said the same as before.“But as you know, we still don’t have a spot. All of us want to see you in the car. We’re just waiting for the day you drive the car you’ve provided feedback on. So, can you wait a little longer?”“No.”Johann smiled and said.“I don’t think there will be a place for me next year either, right?”Leaving behind the contract for a reserve and test driver without seat guarantees, Johann returned to America.His skills were sufficient. But entering F1 with just skills was not enough. Johann believed he needed an opportunity. Even if it wasn’t F1, there were plenty of places to showcase his talent.Johann contacted NASCAR, IndyCar teams, and even WRC rally teams. Though it wasn’t common, there were drivers who performed well in NASCAR or IndyCar and became F1 drivers. Johann wanted to prove his ability, and as a result, at twenty-one years old, Johann Hayward is now a driver for the Phoenix Racing Team in the IndyCar series.This alone was enough reason for Johann not to look back at Wellington Industries.🏁“Is Wellington Industries truly not responsible for the illegal racing in New York? — On the moral responsibility of a manufacturer creating vehicles that are easy to modify with aero parts.”Like.“New York Attorney General plans to ensure that cars not meeting conditions will not be protected by the law.”Heart.“Wellington Industries’ car threatens Motrix Primo’s new car, Signiti R9R, with reckless driving. Both companies are currently fiercely competing for the acquisition of Citroën. Is it really a mere coincidence with no causal relationship?”Rose clapped her hands.“Perfect. Everything is truly perfect. Brian, you are the perfect COO.”“Thank you, boss.”Brian utilized every medium he could. From conservative media like newspapers and TV news to internet video shorts on SNS. All were aimed at Starlight, the irresponsible monster created by Wellington Industries.At the same time, Wellington Industries’ stock prices began to fluctuate wildly. Skilled analysts at Doodle Investments presented lengthy internal reports suggesting shorting Wellington Industries’ stock, but all were rejected by Brian Levin before reaching the final approver.Considering the relationship between Wellington and Rose, Doodle Investments could never touch Wellington Industries’ stock.“Haha, that guy. His face must be worth seeing now. He must have lost even more out of anger. His forehead must have gotten even bigger.”Rose repeatedly entered all related search terms for Robert Wellington, the owner of Wellington Industries, on SNS, and laughed as she liked and read through countless mocking posts and comments.“Boss, hold on a minute.”“Why?”Without waiting for a reply, Brian Levin rudely grabbed the phone from Rose. Unsurprisingly, a comment Rose had written was visible on the SNS screen.r0****⠇Your forehead is so well-polished; you could test drive a new car on it.r0****⠇At the rate it’s widening, you could run five cars side by side on it next year.r0****⠇Wellington should tune his hair before tuning Starlight, don’t you think?“Sigh…”Brian sighed as he deleted the comments Rose had posted. It seemed like this account had reached the end of its life span as well.“Brian Levin, you’ve crossed the line.”“I apologize, boss, but this is part of my job too. This is hate speech. How many times have I told you not to post things like this? Huh?”Brian Levin quickly deactivated Rose’s SNS account and created a new one. Knowing that Rose, who loved enjoying everything from home, wouldn’t stop using SNS even if told to, creating a new ID every three months was one of Brian Levin’s tasks. This also took into consideration the fact that no one would believe Rose even if he claimed to be Rose on SNS.“Why did you change it again without asking?”Rose grumbled, and Brian answered in a matter-of-fact tone.“It’s an important task to protect your identity, boss.”Although Rose’s specialty was speaking crudely, he knew how to choose the right time and place, except when it came to SNS, where he would run wild.Even after changing his ID, Rose repeated the same behavior. He entered all the search terms related to Robert Wellington and indiscriminately liked the posts he fancied. Even if he had to pay for every like, Rose would have happily paid a fortune.“Ah, Brian. What time is it now?”“It’s 2:30. Why?”“Call Matt and tell him I need a new suit. Something really outstanding.”Brian stopped reaching for the phone and asked,“When do you need it?”“By 8 PM tonight. I’ve been invited to a party.”Brian’s blood pressure shot up, and he slowly, deliberately, asked again.“Why are you telling me this just now?”Rose smiled sweetly and apologized.“I just remembered, sorry.”“……”Brian couldn’t get mad at his smiling boss. That person was his employer and a generous one at that….“What kind of party, and where?”“Congresswoman Sylvia Fletcher of the Democratic Party. You know, the one who has always condemned street racing. This incident seems to have become quite a big issue, and she asked if I could attend the party. She seems to want my opinion.”“Why did she contact you directly? Without going through me?”“Oh, we’re friends on SNS. Congresswoman Fletcher is also actively promoting the Pink Dolphin campaign.”Brian sincerely wanted to smash Rose’s phone if he could. If not, at least impose a ban on SNS. If he could take SNS away from his boss, Brian would even accept a 0.0001% pay cut….“And Brian, I’m really sorry, but you need to go to the party too. It’s a plus-one invite.”“Please, I’ve told you how much I hate it, haven’t I? Huh?”“No choice. If I go with anyone else, it’ll spark rumors for sure.”“What about me?”“You’re a married man with a family. It’s perfect.”Brian really wanted to throw everything around him but restrained himself. He could only stomp on the marble floor with his shoes.And the competent secretary thought for a moment. All of this was Robert Wellington’s fault. In a world where he didn’t fight with Rose, none of this would happen. Of course, the day when he and Rose would reconcile would never come.It’s rare for Rose to attend parties. He believes there’s little to gain by showing his face at such events.While Rose could host parties, he had no interest in them. Rose was the type of person who would rather donate millions to environmental organizations than waste hundreds of thousands on a party.Nevertheless, there were occasions he had to attend. For example, fundraising events. The Rosenberg family had supported the Democratic Party for generations, and the person who invited Rose to the party was Senator Sylvia Fletcher of the Democratic Party.Brian, who was busy with calls due to Rose’s sudden party attendance, was hectic. Given it was Rose’s first public appearance after the incident, paparazzi would swarm. The image Rose needed to project was that of someone who, despite the significant threat to his life, remained resolute, uncompromising, and undeterred.Numerous contacts were made, from PR experts handling Rose to designers of his custom suits and the person responsible for today’s makeup.Naturally, Rose was leisurely on his phone during all this time. Brian was busy, not Rose.Nevertheless, Rose managed to get ready on time and got into the car. The car Rose drove to the party was a Citroën.“This car is a Citroën DS19. It’s a 1961 model. It was on display, but it’s in very good condition. Joseph even went to Citroën for direct training to drive this car.”Brian explained with a pale face, but Rose seemed displeased.“Boss, what’s the problem?”“This is an internal combustion engine car.”“Yes, it’s a 1961 model.”Rose would go to any lengths to protect the environment, engaging in eco-friendly hobbies like swimming, tennis, and martial arts. Despite being a billionaire, he was famous for not owning a private jet, believing that people should act to protect the Earth—or rather, their own health.On the other hand, Wellington was the chairman of an internal combustion engine automobile company, an enemy of the environment. His hobbies included golf, and his specialty was pouring money into motorsports. Robert Wellington was, in short, a maniac for motorsports.The point is, Rose and Wellington had nothing in common. As members of the American high society, they couldn’t avoid encountering each other quite frequently.Whenever they met, they engaged in the kind of fierce arguments that amused everyone else. The stock price of Wellington Industries would rise or fall accordingly.When it became known that Rose started using social media, Robert Wellington soon began his own social media presence, adopting the image of a graceful and dignified CEO. However, he could not hold back against Rose’s provocations. Their battles moved from parties to social media, which was why Brian Levin started managing Rose’s social media.“Boss, Wellington is scheduled to attend the party today.”“What kind of nerve does that bastard have to show up in front of me?”“Probably to emphasize that Starlight’s involvement in street racing is a coincidence.”Brian scrutinized Rose’s suit.“The suit color suits you well.”Matt, Rose’s designer, who was contacted four hours before the party, always had multiple outfits prepared for such occasions. Rose picked the most flamboyant red jacket suit. The striking color made Rose stand out even more.The reason Rose chose that color was that Wellington was likely to attend and hated the color red.Red was Ferrari’s symbolic color.Rose let out a brief laugh.“Contact Senator Fletcher’s assistant and officially state that I’ll be attending the party. That way, Wellington will back off.”“Understood.”“Even if he shows up, I won’t care. It will be fun to see his rotten face.”“Yes…”Brian contacted Senator Fletcher’s assistant. Soon, Senator Fletcher’s social media posted that Maximilian Rosenberg would attend today’s event, along with screenshots of a short DM exchange. Although brief, everything went through Brian Levin’s confirmation. Rose laughed and reacted with a heart to the conversation about the pink dolphin.New York high society parties were venues for networking. As soon as Rose entered the party, a crowd followed. Though many were strangers, Rose knew how to utilize his charm.“Rose, I didn’t expect to see you here.”Some approached him familiarly, calling his nickname.“Mr. Rosenberg, I’ve been wanting to meet you.”Others greeted him formally.“That’s the CEO of Doodle Investments.”Some whispered, unable to approach. Rose was used to all these situations. His response was always consistent.“Yes, I’m Rose. Who are you?”It was a concise question and answer.Maximilian Rosenberg was someone who could attend a partner-accompanied party with Brian Levin without anyone finding it odd.Senator Fletcher, the party host, warmly welcomed Rose. After a light hug with the Senator and a handshake with her husband, the Senator clapped.“Thank you for attending my party, Rose. You look stunning today.”“As always, you have great taste, Senator. My designer put special care into this.”“Is it Matt again?”“Matt would think the world is ending if I wore something not of his design.”“Ha ha, no wonder. If I were a designer, I would make clothes with Rose as my muse. Please follow me; there are people here who strongly agree that we should impose much stricter penalties on drivers racing in urban areas. I’d love for you to share your experiences with them.”“It would be my pleasure.”Following her, Rose whispered to Brian.“Through the official supporters club.”“How much should we send?”“Enough for Senator Fletcher to make a big deal out of it and for Wellington to be annoyed.”Brian had the talent to translate Rose’s vague statements into numbers. He smiled, recalling Rose’s checkbook he always carried.“Understood, boss.”Through Senator Fletcher’s introduction, Rose shared vivid stories about the dangers of illegal street racing, the threats to innocent citizens, and his terrifying experiences on the scene. This was Rose’s purpose for attending the party.“The car was shaking, and we were on the brink of a crash. We could do nothing but wait for the New York police.”“I saw the video! It’s such a relief that nothing happened.”“It would have been disastrous if it weren’t for that driver.”Rose gave a poignant smile at someone’s comment, eliciting more consolation from the surroundings.“Indeed. I was very lucky. If it weren’t for Hayward, I wouldn’t be here talking to you at this party.”“Such a pity. It would have been nice if MotoRix Primo had an F1 team.”“It would be an honor for me, too.”“But Johann is…”A motorsports enthusiast started to say something but hesitated, glancing at Rose. At that moment, a startled Brian intervened.“Boss, just a moment.”“Excuse me for a moment.”Rose made a light nod and stepped out of the conversation. Brian handed him a glass of non-alcoholic champagne.“Why?”“Well, you seemed a bit tired?”Seeing Brian’s rare flustered expression, Rose slightly frowned.“Right. Why isn’t that bastard here?”“Maybe he changed his mind because of you. It’s rare for you two to meet at a party.”“If he has any conscience, he should. Killing someone and just saying sorry isn’t enough.”“Don’t say such things. Boss, you are not dead.”“But it was that dangerous.”Rose cursed Wellington just loud enough for Brian to hear. At that very moment, the door to the party opened, and Robert Wellington entered fashionably late.People murmured.“Rose is here, and Wellington is coming too?”“Does that ever… happen?”“Almost never…”“What an awkward situation.”As people gossiped, Wellington walked straight toward Rose, smiling widely.“Long time no see, dear Rose. How long has it been? Six months? You haven’t changed a bit, still as beautiful as ever.”“Well, who are you?”Rose asked Brian, who loyally answered.“This ‘gentleman’ is Robert Wellington, the CEO of Wellington Industries.”“Oh, Rose, are you pretending not to know me because it’s been so long?”“Ah, the glare from your forehead was so bright, I didn’t recognize your face. Long time no see, Wellington.”Rose greeted, running a hand through his lush, glamorous blonde hair, which fell pleasingly over his forehead after sliding through his fingers.At Rose’s blatant mockery, Wellington’s expression darkened briefly. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t mention when attacking someone, it’s a physical flaw.Robert Wellington’s physical flaw was his rapidly receding hairline, which was almost impossible to overcome. Seeing Wellington’s reaction, Rose decided to give a bonus to his hairdresser for the perfect setting. Of course, Wellington, with his lack of hair, wouldn’t need a hairdresser.“…Listen, Rose, to be honest, it’s not that bad yet.”“So, you are aware of it.”“I still have hair!”“Why get worked up, pauper.”“….”“You have less money than me.”Robert Wellington, CEO of Wellington Industries, was in a fierce battle with Motorix Primo over the acquisition of the classic car brand Citroën, but Rose was confident.Rose had more money. At least, more than Wellington.“It’s hurtful to say that, Rose.”“Don’t take it personally, just a reality check.”“I’ll take it as a long time no see banter.”“Sure, maybe it’s because I almost died that you seem especially welcome today.”Rose extended his hand, and Wellington grasped it, bald head and all. As they shook hands, the tendons on their hands stood out prominently.The more pressure Rose applied, the broader Wellington’s smile grew.“Did something happen while I wasn’t aware?”“Didn’t you know?”Rose exaggeratedly expressed surprise, slapping Wellington’s shoulder roughly.“Still unaware, huh? Not paying your employees well? Not surprising though, as the most competent person in New York is standing right here.”“Thank you for the compliment, boss.”Brian Levin bowed politely, and Wellington laughed.“Seems like you’re very angry?”“Not at all. People say I was saved by a Porsche driver. I’m the lucky Rose.”“Good to know. And also clear that it’s not my fault.”“But you’re not free from the responsibility of making a lousy car. You have to take moral responsibility.”“I never asked for illegal modifications to be made.”Quick-witted Brian, as if on cue, played a clip of a commercial next to Rose.The Starlight GT is the freest car of all, in speed, wind, and aerodynamics…As the familiar narration played, the fake smile Wellington was wearing cracked. Their childish argument drew stifled laughter from the onlookers.“This is why they shouldn’t meet often…”“Exactly. Nothing good will come out of it.”Despite the overt whispers, Rose and Wellington’s argument continued unabated.“Electric cars are still premature. Unlike the proven safe engines. Trusting a battery that shuts down in winter and explodes in summer? No way.”“By that logic, how do you carry a smartphone? Not afraid of explosions? No matter how well you make an internal combustion engine car, it can’t compare to the value of Signity, considering the future of the Earth. Of course, if you’re not planning to have children, you don’t need to worry about it.”Rose resolved to find a senator who was promoting policies to tax all machinery related to carbon emissions.“I still feel a bit sorry for you, Rose, for not understanding the charm of racing.”Rose mocked Wellington, who had never won a race.“That’s something I never want to understand.”From behind Rose, Robert spoke in a low voice.“Rose.”Rose ignored him and moved on.“I heard Johann Hayward saved you.”At the unexpected mention of Johann, Rose turned back. Wellington, who had a cigar in his mouth and was lighting it, looked at Rose with a leisurely expression. His gray eyes were sinister.“Do you know who first discovered Johann and trained him as a motorsports driver?”Brian Levin’s face turned pale at once. Seeing that, Rose guessed.That Johann Hayward was connected to Wellington Industries.There was no need to ask. The answer would be Robert Wellington.“So what?”“So, be grateful. If I hadn’t brought Johann up, he wouldn’t have been there to save you.”Wellington’s words were a curse meaning “you’d be dead if it weren’t for me,” but Rose replied with a smile, unperturbed.“Really? The motorsports driver you raised drives a Porsche, humiliates cars in Starlight races. Hmm, thanks. It’s been a very interesting conversation.”Robert Wellington, who had not expected such a response, forced a smile.“Think whatever you like.”“In my opinion, it’s not that you raised Johann. Your team couldn’t contain Johann’s talent. Ah, Brian? The Wellington racing team, I mean.”“It’s Scuderia Wellington Speedforce. Don’t rename someone else’s team arbitrarily.”Robert Wellington, known for his enthusiastic sponsorship of motorsports, flared up for the first time.“Robert Wellington. Did you become an Italian citizen without my knowledge? Or is your team a horse racing team, not a motorsports team? What’s Scuderia, Scuderia?”Someone couldn’t hold back their laughter anymore, and Robert Wellington’s face turned slightly red. Rose was very satisfied with the sight.“It’s a prestigious name in F1. You wouldn’t know.”“Anyway, Brian, what’s the current ranking of that team?”“They are currently in 2nd place. The 1st place is Scuderia Ferrari.”“That’s high enough. One more Grand Prix win, and the ranking could change.”Despite Robert Wellington’s objections, Rose nonchalantly replied.“Yeah, 2nd place. Got it. Come back when you’re in 1st place if you want to brag about your stable.”Rose turned around, as if to seal the argument. Wellington’s earlier words replayed in his mind.Johann Hayward, something about being discovered at Wellington’s stable…Well, that could be true. Rose understood. It could be true. But he decided he needed to find out how Johann was entangled with Wellington.If Johann were really going up to F1, Rose would be willing to sponsor him to ensure he wouldn’t face any disadvantages. Although he still couldn’t understand motorsports, Johann’s attitude was impressive. Did he say he made his own opportunities? That boldness was quite admirable. And most importantly, it would be fun to meet him occasionally, ask him to drive, and ride along during drifts.But, if Johann belonged to Scuderia Wellington team? That would mean Rose’s money flowing into Wellington Industries.That was absolutely intolerable. Even if the world crumbled and the ground sank, Rose couldn’t accept that. Instead, he would rather create an F1 team himself and put Johann Hayward there.That was the fair opportunity Johann Hayward wanted, wasn’t it?“Boss, you held up well.”Brian whispered to Rose, and Rose nodded.While punching that bastard in the face would have been satisfying, it wouldn’t have been Rose’s style. Rose’s way had to be a bit more elegant, a bit more refined.Three days after the party, a large ranking chart was hung on the Wellington Industries building. It was the F1 Constructor Team Rankings. Scuderia Wellington Speedforce was at the top.The enormous banner, over a hundred meters tall when pieced together, became an eyesore in New York the moment it was hung. Unhappy reactions included, “They must be thrilled to do that, let’s bear with it for just a week,” leading Wellington to add another banner above it saying, “Dear Rose♥.”As if that wasn’t enough, a blimp was flown in front of Doodle Investments’ building.There was no way Rose could miss it.🏁Doodle Investments is quite an unusual company. As an unlisted investment firm, it never accepts external investments. This corporation, established solely to manage Maximilian Rosenberg’s personal assets, has now become one of the most influential private equity funds on Wall Street.When asked about their workplace, employees would laugh and say, “It’s an ordinary investment firm.” The dumb name “Doodle Investments” was the first issue, and the second issue was that it would be troublesome if someone demanded to invest their money.Doodle Investments didn’t need clients, meaning there was no reason for the company to have a PR and marketing department.Nevertheless, Doodle Investments had a PR team. The final decision-maker of this team was none other than COO Brian Levin. The PR team of Doodle Investments was essentially Brian Levin’s direct department, responsible for cleaning up all the messes caused by Rose.And that PR team was currently in chaos, as if hit by a nuclear bomb, due to the boss’s presence at the office.At precisely 9 a.m., Rose entered the company lobby, and the office messenger buzzed with excitement.Boss is here! The boss has shown up!What’s going on, did the sun rise in California today?Did Wellington fire a nuke?It sure feels like a nuke. Considering that banner Wellington put up.Do you think the boss saw it?Considering how much time our boss spends on social media, it would be strange if he didn’t.Maybe we should have arranged for fighter jets to perform an airshow, drawing a bald head.The boss would have scolded us for contributing to global warming.That’s why we couldn’t do it…As soon as Rose arrived at work, he called the entire PR team into the conference room. Looking at the talented employees filling the room, Rose declared with a smile.“We need to start an F1 team.”“Yes, understood. I’ll take care of it immediately… Wait, what did you say, boss?”Brian, who responded out of habit, froze and asked again.“I said we need to start an F1 team. I know Liberty Media owns the rights to F1, but it’s run by the FIA, right? It’s strangely complicated. Anyway, I want a report on Liberty Media’s stock relations and company structure by tomorrow morning.”“……”The faces of those holding tablets, laptops, and pens turned pale. Words like overtime, special work, bonuses, extra work, and incentives swirled through their heads like a tornado.“Starting a team…”Someone muttered as if forgetting Rose was right in front of them.“Why is this happening?”An employee pulled their hair and slumped over the table. Brian Levin felt a strong urge to clap in agreement.Having dropped the bombshell, Rose sat in an elegant pose, spinning his chair, waiting for them to calm down. He was ready to listen to all their concerns once they did.Brian tapped the table to focus everyone’s attention.“So, you heard? We’re starting an F1 team, but the reason the boss suddenly decided to start a team is… not because of Wellington. Okay?”Then someone shouted in protest.“If it’s not because of Wellington, why is the boss starting an F1 team?”Exactly, Brian thought.“Couldn’t we just stop caring about environmental protection from the start? No one has been as genuine about environmental protection as our boss! Even if they said it was all greenwashing and a marketing gimmick, no one would believe it!”This was not a result of marketing efforts. Rose was well-known as an environmental advocate and practiced what he preached. Of course, the reasons weren’t always noble like protecting the Earth for future generations, but few knew that.Most recently, it was pink dolphins. Before that, it was penguins. Campaigns to reduce carbon emissions. Carrying a tumbler. What else was there…Just as internal combustion engine vehicles were transitioning to electric cars, F1 was also making efforts to keep up with the times, such as using eco-friendly fuels, banning refueling, adding electric motor devices to power units, and continually changing regulations under the slogan of “environmental sustainability.”Despite these efforts, F1 was still criticized by environmental groups. The thought of Rose and F1 together was indeed puzzling.“Why did that bastard Wellington put up that banner!”It was a sentiment everyone could empathize with, even if it was a bit intense for the conference room.“Do you really think no one will believe it?”When Rose asked seriously, everyone glared at him.“Who would believe that? We don’t believe it ourselves!”“Boss, just say it’s because of Wellington! Say you were furious about the banner. Right?”“That would make the boss look too petty…”Brian Levin tapped the table again to quiet everyone.“So, we all agree now, right? Wellington is out of the question. We need to come up with a fake reason. Let’s wrap it up nicely, as we always do.”Brian didn’t need to elaborate. Everyone understood. They were all hired by Rose and paid to come up with such reasons.“I know I owe you all. I’m counting on you again this time.”Rose smiled, but everyone else remained silent. His smile usually meant an impending workload bomb.“Sigh… What about the F1 team?”“Boss, I’m genuinely curious… Are you serious about starting a team?”“Of course, I am. Why, do you think I can’t start a sports team? Is it that expensive?”“That’s not it…”“Then, am I short on money?”“……”If possible, everyone wanted to change Rose’s mind. He never made hollow promises when it came to money.While everyone was lost in thought, one person who had been napping in the corner raised their hand.“May I speak?”“Who are you?”“Oliver Blanc, boss.”“Alright, go ahead.”“First of all, it’s impossible to start an F1 team within a year.”Oliver Blanc, who worked at Doodle Investments but had a hobby of watching wild motorsports, spoke up. He was a Dutchman who worshipped speed.His assertion made Rose very displeased.“Why?”“F1 is the sport that requires the most money. Although you, boss, have plenty of money, there are many problems that can’t be solved with money.”Oliver Blanc’s statement struck a nerve with Rose’s pride. In his life, there had never been anything he couldn’t achieve with money. If something didn’t work out, it was because there wasn’t enough money. That was the life Rose had lived.And before Rose could respond, Oliver Blanc continued his briefing.“You can’t rent circuits arbitrarily, nor can you freely use the team’s racing cars. There are regulations set by the FIA. The races take place across 24 circuits in a year. Without accumulated data, it would be nearly impossible to set up the car for each circuit every week.”“Isn’t the lack of cars the main issue?”He paused at someone’s remark. His expression indicated he had more to say. Rose, listening in a haughty pose, nodded and said, “Continue.”“Actually, well. We do lack cars, and cars are important, but…”“But?”“But that’s something that money can solve, so I didn’t mention it separately.”“Oh.”Rose whistled briefly in admiration. It was ironic that while data couldn’t be solved with money, getting a car for the driver could be.Of course, that was the specialty of the boss, Rose, sitting before them.“What is he saying now?”“Whose side is he on…?”“He seems to be on the boss’s side. Or not?”Everyone in the conference room had the same thought. Oliver Blanc, that bastard! He wasn’t discouraging the boss but giving him another way!“So, cars can be solved with money. Specifically, how?”Oliver’s speech quickened as he became excited by Rose’s sparkling eyes.“Let me explain using an existing F1 team example. Take Vulganov Racing, currently at the bottom. Vulganov has been at the bottom for ten years since its founding. It’s not a team built by an automotive company. This team gets its power units, including engines, from Honda.”“So, we can buy engines, and what else?”“I understand that other key parts can also be traded. While chassis must be custom-made according to regulations…”Cars are a culmination of modern technology. Powerful engines, sturdy and safe yet lightweight bodies, aerodynamic flow for efficient fuel consumption—an F1 racing car focuses on extreme performance, disregarding efficiency and cost-effectiveness.“Are there suppliers?”“Works teams generally double as suppliers. F1 teams require immense funds, and developing an engine to be used by only one team is not a profitable business. Generally, engines are tradable items, but they often come with additional proposals on the table.”“For example?”“For instance, discounting the engine price in exchange for buying a seat to debut a junior driver. Various trade methods exist.”Someone asked.“Where do we buy from?”“With enough money, of course. Engines from Mercedes, chassis from McLaren. MP4/13, the reincarnation of the Silver Arrow. Constructor’s championship guaranteed.”Everyone focused on the man who exclaimed in a rapturous voice. He continued talking excitedly.“The very car that won the Constructor’s Championship for McLaren in ’98. Isn’t it thrilling to even imagine?”It was clear to everyone that he was expressing his wishful thinking, not a concrete plan.In ’98, as Oliver Blanc mentioned the year, Rose chuckled.“Oliver Blanc, what year were you born?”Oliver Blanc probably existed as a cell in ’98.“And, didn’t you say chassis can’t be traded?”“Well, actually, it was possible to buy chassis in the past…”Hastily explaining under Rose’s sharp questioning, Oliver quickly added.“If absolutely necessary, there’s Motorix Primo. Motorix Primo was one of the F1 works teams until ten years ago. Although it has been ten years since they withdrew from F1, meaning the cars changed five times and the data might be obsolete, there would be data for sure. It’s more realistic than the ’98 winning car…”Everyone remembered belatedly.Motorix Primo completely withdrew from F1 ten years ago.“Motorix Primo.”Rose tapped the desk, saying,“I remember. Motorix Primo withdrew from F1 because the company was in dire financial straits, and the shareholders wanted to pull out of motorsports and innovate the company’s goals…”Brian quickly chimed in.“Yes, the one who demanded that was you, boss.”Ten years ago, Motorix Primo faced its biggest crisis since its founding due to financial difficulties. The major shareholders demanded every possible effort to improve the situation, and the motorsports team, which cost astronomical sums, was the first to be axed.And the loudest voice among those major shareholders was none other than Rose.“If it’s Motorix Primo, there are probably still quite a few people there who are crazy about F1.”“How bad was the group’s financial situation for them to pull out entirely?”“Well, the company was on the brink of collapse. But what kind of person is our boss? Solved it in one go.”As someone snapped their fingers and spoke, everyone in the conference room looked at Rose with admiration.Rose had purchased Motorix Primo’s stocks through a block deal, solving their cash flow issues, and had imposed the condition that they develop an electric car. Motorix Primo successfully revived by launching the new electric car, Signity, with an overwhelming market share.That was one of the reasons why Rose had such a high standing as a major shareholder in Motorix Primo.“Alright. Brian? Contact Motorix Primo.”Whether Motorix Primo had never won a championship in F1 until ten years ago, or whether their highest Constructor ranking was second, or whether F1 required immense money—all of these were irrelevant to Rose.“Tell them I’ll fund everything and ask if they can provide technical and personnel support. Also, check if they have any intention of re-entering F1.”“Well, I will contact them… but…”“No, this should be asked in person. Tell them I’m coming to Amsterdam.”The overly quick decision left the conference room in literal shock.“Boss.”Brian stood there holding a tablet.“What. Don’t try to stop me. My mind won’t change.”“Not that, but instead of starting from scratch… if possible, what do you think about acquiring a team?”When Rose asked “Why?”, Brian operated the tablet. A news article appeared on the conference room screen.Igor Sokolov declares bankruptcy. Vulganov Motors Racing, official statement pending“It seems that an F1 team will soon be on the market. Given the current situation, maintaining it seems impossible.”Listening to Brian’s report, Rose smiled broadly.Indeed, Lady Luck was on Rose’s side.“Whichever way, proceed in the fastest direction.”And that was Rose’s declaration to officially open his wallet.