My Formula 1 System

Chapter 16 My First Single-seater 2 Racing Task

Day 7-9

[SYSTEM ONLINE]

It was afternoon on the seventh day of the fourteen-day course. The timed laps and technique tests were officially completed on the sixth day, and the two participants who would be leaving were set to be announced today before the next activity kicked off that afternoon.

For Luca, the past three days had been not only smooth but incredibly rewarding. He had proven himself to be the best in the timed laps and technique tests, especially on the fifth day where he only hit a single cone. Mr. Schafer, seeing Luca's precision, immediately ordered the cones to be placed in more challenging positions, hoping to raise the stakes.

On the sixth day, Luca's tally rose to four hits, yet his results still stood out against the rest of the participants.

His System, recognizing his effort and focus, rewarded him with +1 EXP in Track Awareness for his sharp vigilance in avoiding the cones. He also earned +1 Intelligence, marking his very first level-up in that specific Attribute—a significant achievement that reflected his mental and strategic growth on the track.

Yet, amidst his achievements, Luca hadn't found the time to contact his mother or sister as he'd hoped. Most of his hours were consumed in the simulator room, where he tirelessly worked to not only familiarize himself with the track but also to synchronize with its every turn, dip, and nuance.

Pushing himself to the limit, Luca tweaked the simulator settings to face harder difficulties and extreme atmospheric conditions, often racing against fearsome and unpredictable Formula 1 Division opponents. In these brutal sessions, Luca crashed over and over again, but was grateful that in the end, it was only a simulation.

It allowed him to push beyond his limits without suffering real-world consequences.

Earlier that morning, Luca committed himself to completing both his personal Daily Routine as well as the academy's. As part of this, he and Harry jogged the length of the circuit, using the run to survey the circuit and understand its scale, the physical challenges it presented when experienced on foot.

As noon approached, they were required to head back to the main building to change into their suits in preparation for the second activity of the course.

Luca couldn't help but feel the weight of the attention—both good and bad—he'd begun to attract. He disliked how he was starting to pull in haters, like a piece of bread attracting ravens. All he wanted was to do his best, and yet, no matter how hard he pushed himself, it felt like it wasn't enough. Even the Training Manager, Sir Grimwald, seemed to favor Miles, despite Luca's consistent efforts.

Now, standing before the staff and management, Luca and the remaining participants awaited the announcement of who would be sent home.

"Numbers 14 and 12, please make use of the gate. Formula 1 is extremely far from you," Sir Grimwald declared, his voice cold and unsympathetic. There wasn't a trace of mercy in his tone as the two unlucky drivers shuffled out of the group, heading down the track toward the gate in defeat.

"As you all know, boys, this is Day 7. A new activity awaits," Grimwald continued, his voice still carrying that edge. "Today, tomorrow, and the next, we'll be focusing on the Mid-Speed Chase Activity. The remaining twenty-nine of you will be paired up. The objective is simple: each pair from the chasing team must overtake a leading driver within a limited number of laps—specifically, three."

Just like before, Mr. Schafer continued from where he stopped, breaking the eerie silence that had followed. "Indeed. This Task is to push your limits on speed and maneuverability, paying attention to each turn and straightaway—knowing when to accelerate and when to hold back will be crucial so as to prevent or bypass whoever you are chasing.

At the end of this activity, the five participants with the least overtaking frequency, and overall poor performance will have to be eliminated. Let's begin."

Luca took a deep breath as the group made their way across the track once more, heading toward the stands where their single-seaters sat gleaming in the afternoon sun. The crowd was noticeably smaller now, with only the agents and scouts of the participants watching closely from the stands.

Unluckily for Luca, he ended up being selected into the pursued group. But on the bright side, Harry was in the pursued group as well. His face darkened when he discovered Miles was selected into the pursuers, along with a whole lot of hefty boys.

The participants of the pursued group had their single-seaters towed 70 metres away from the pursuing group. This was done to allow them to have a head start and gain a reasonable, leveled advantage.

"We'll stick together," Harry said to Luca as he hopped swiftly into his own cockpit.

Luca studied Harry's car, and his System dubiously displayed its specifics due to the close proximity.

[VEHICLE BEFORE HOST HAS BEEN DETECTED...]

[ANALYZING VEHICLE'S DATA]

[Vehicle's status generating...]

[... Generation complete]

[Vehicle Specifications:

Brand: BMW

Model: BMW T4 BC3

Engine Type: 2.5-liter inline-6

Weight: 520 kg ]

[Performance Metrics:

Top Speed: 150 km/h (0 km/h)

Acceleration: 6 sec

Max Power: 460 HP

Aerodynamic Efficiency: 0.35 ]

[Operational Status:

Fuel Level: 80%

Tire Condition: Used (Moderate)

Telemetry Status: Active

DRS Availability: Not Engaged ]

Why is Harry's car mediocre? It's way lower than mine. So, everyone's car isn't on the same level? Luca thought as he looked to the side, his gaze drifting to the far end of the racing track where the pursuing group was boarding their single-seaters. Damn, the System can't analyze from this distance.

[I can host, just not with your Rookie Bundle.]

Luca wanted to get a better sense of how quick and efficient Miles' car was. From what he could tell, it looked like a Mercedes product, and Mercedes cars were known for their efficiency. He frowned, tightening his helmet as he slid into his cockpit.

Through the side of his cockpit opening, he caught a glimpse of Harry giving him a reassuring thumbs-up, the engines of their cars and those of their teammates roaring with anticipation, ready for the start.

[SYNCHRONIZING HOST....]

[SYNCHRONIZATION COMPLETE]

[Host is now synced with Renault (R.S.11)]

The blare of the horn shattered the air, prompting Luca's fingers to spring into action on the wheel. The drifting tires of Numbers 8, 12, 15, 26, and 27 momentarily obscured his view of the track as they all sped off quickly. Luca slammed his foot on the throttle, accelerating as soon as he had enough space to do so, Harry's car moving beside him.

[Host is attempting a Racing Task]

[ANALYZING AND COLLECTING TRACKING DATA...]

[DATA COLLECTED]

[DATA DISPLAYED IN REAL-TIME:

-Car Speed: 15 km/h

-Heart Rate: 110 bpm

-Operational Status: 85% (Good)

-Breathing: Calm & Steady

-Distance covered: 50m

-Time: 15 sec ]

The team approached the early bend of the circuit, their seven cars tilting in perfect harmony as their tires grazed the yellow line marking the edge of the track. As they rounded the turn, Luca seized the opportunity to increase his speed, casting a quick glance into his side mirror to gauge the progress of their pursuers.

Damn it! Luca cursed under his breath, alarmed to see that the competition had already formed a tight formation, surging forward as if they had been launched the moment the horn blared. He snapped his focus back to the track ahead, his R.S.11 slicing through the smoke as he readied himself for the next bend. No cones this time—let's see what I can do.

[This Racing Task will be a good method to increase your handling of speed and braking while working on strategy and maneuverability.]

"Harry?" Luca called out to his friend over the communicable radio. "Do you know that your vehicle's model is slower? Hit that throttle and get as far as possible."

**Really? Got it!** Harry replied, his salute visible through the blur as Luca sped ahead. He watched Harry's black-and-blue car roar to life, rocketing past Number 12 with an ear-splitting growl, almost as if the other driver were a mere obstacle in his way.

Alright, time to focus on my ride. Luca adjusted his posture for optimal handling, feeling the vibrations of the vehicle humming beneath him. He gripped the steering wheel with determination, his eyes fixed on his teammates as they navigated the upcoming turn. His fingers danced over the control switches and buttons, a blend of precision and instinct guiding him.

Pressing down on the brake pedal, he carefully modulated the pressure to maintain control while tilting the wheel, his tires responding deftly as they hugged the curve.

Luca was acutely aware of the pursuer closing in behind him. With his substantial knowledge of racing, he understood that pursuers often held the upper hand; instead of trying to escape them, the strategy was to embrace their presence and create disorientation.

As he maneuvered through the bend, Luca adjusted his line, keeping a close watch on his side mirror, inviting the pursuer in.

[Number 11 closing in]

[Host hasn't unlocked Skills to disclose an opponent]

"Don't worry, System. I know how to do this in some traditional way," Luca replied, slamming down on the throttle as he tightened his turn just as Number 11's front tires edged into his peripheral vision. The sudden shift forced the other driver to react quickly, decelerating rapidly and losing his rhythm.

A wild grin spread across Luca's face as he maintained full control of his R.S.11, adjusting his throttle to zip through the open space ahead. He had bought himself some breathing room before the next pursuer could make their move.

**Oh, punk! I thought he'd pass you!** Number 15 sneered as he called out to Luca as he fell into sync with the rhythmic formation of his teammates, navigating the track as they completed the first lap.

"You should be more concerned about yourself," Luca shot back, glancing at him before pointing over his shoulder with his thumb. "That's Miles coming at you!"

Without warning, Luca cut in front of Number 15, disrupting their formation and throwing off his speed. This allowed Number 4, Miles, to catch up instantly and overtake him. Now, Number 15 had to scramble to avoid being passed by the other pursuers while Miles charged ahead toward the fleers.

[DATA DISPLAYED IN REAL-TIME:

-Car Speed: 150 km/h

-Heart Rate: 110 bpm

-Operational Status: 85% (Good)

-Breathing: Calm & Steady

-Distance covered: 3600 m

-Time: 2 min. 5 sec ]

[Track Awareness +1]

[SYNC BAR: [][][][] 12.5%]

[Intelligence +1]

[Reflexes +1]

[SYNC BAR: [][][][]25%]

With a keen eye on the dashboard, Luca monitored his tire temperatures by himself without the help of the System, ensuring he wasn't pushing them too hard—especially since this wasn't an official competitive race. The indicators were green, confirming there were no issues, but he knew these tires weren't fresh. Still, he hoped they would hold out.

Just as he suspected, the pursuers didn't waste time overtaking most of their team, pushing him closer to the front with Harry and Number 8. Three pursuers had already knocked out half their group and were heading straight for them. Luca's heart pounded—he prayed he'd finish the laps before they caught up, but it was looking grim.

"Let's trap him, shall we?" Luca suggested to Harry and Number 8. "I'll move ahead, and you guys stay on his sides, sound good?"

**You fucking sharper, you think I'm that dumb?!** Number 8 bellowed, clearly skilled enough to stick around this long. **How about I take the lead, and you do the flanking?**

"Some of us don't have cars good enough to stay ahead, and yours is one of them," Luca shot back, his voice sounding more robotic than he intended. "Just give him a good flank—we'll force him to skid away, right, Harry?"

**I'm not so sure, we might risk ourselves…** Harry replied, sounding doubtful as they approached the bend that marked the end of the second lap, passing by the stands where the scouts watched closely.

Luca cursed loud enough for them to hear. He had no time to forge a teaming alliance, he had the perfect teammate with him—the Formula 1 System. Hitting his throttle, he zoomed past Number 8 and Number 22, Harry, taking his R.S.11 far away as possible.

[Overtaking Skill +1]

[SYNC BAR: [][][][]37.5%]

"I'm still yet to use this Sync Bar, System."

[When completed to 100%, its utilization will be clear to you, favoring you and your vehicle on the track.]

Luca heard Harry's warning crackling through the radio. A quick glance back revealed the pursuing single-seaters revving toward him. They had completely overtaken Harry and Number 8 and were hurtling straight for him now.

Fuck! Luca cursed under his breath, snapping his focus back to the track ahead, desperate to complete the lap as quickly as possible. Just imagine how many points he could score by finishing this task without any overtakes.

It felt like a pack of hungry wolves closing in on a lone deer, tailing his every turn on the track. With no obstacles or teammates in sight, Luca decided to push his R.S.11 to its limits, maximizing its horsepower.

To his surprise, a single-seater gradually came into view on his side. A familiar figure in the cockpit waved at him. How is this possible?! I'm at top speed! Luca exclaimed as Miles caught up alongside him. They maneuvered side by side, dangerously close as they approached a bend.

Luca made sure to accelerate, taking advantage of his position on the inside of the turn. Failing to do so might have allowed Miles to slip ahead.

Luca couldn't believe Miles was managing to keep pace with him despite the gap he had created. Realizing his vehicle was now close enough to analyze, he ordered his System to do so.

[VEHICLE BEFORE HOST HAS BEEN DETECTED...]

[ANALYZING VEHICLE'S DATA]

[Vehicle's status generating...]

[... Generation complete]

[Vehicle Specifications:

Brand: Mercedes

Model: AMG-F1

Engine Type: Mercedes PU106C Hybrid V6

Weight: 740 kg ]

[Performance Metrics:

Top Speed: 350 km/h (200 km/h)

Acceleration: 8 sec

Max Power: 900 HP

Aerodynamic Efficiency: 0.21 ]

[Operational Status:

Fuel Level: 64%

Tire Condition: Used (Moderate)

Telemetry Status: Active

DRS Availability: Not Engaged ]

Damn. I knew it was a Mercedes, but I didn't know it was an amazing one. How can they give some racers better cars than the others?!

Luca didn't have time to dwell on it; Miles hit the turbo and cut in front of him, causing Luca to stagger from the sudden G-force. His body vibrated with energy, but he remained resolute. He shook his head in dismay, refusing to accept that Miles had overtaken him.

Determined to reclaim his position before the lap ended, Luca flicked up the gear and gripped the wheel tightly, his body arching as the car responded deftly. The whistling sound of speed filled his ears, and if it weren't for his Track Awareness, he might have faced a serious accident.

Quickly tilting his wheel the opposite way from where he had intended to, a wildcard pursuer zoomed past him with unreal speed, nearly making contact with Luca's car's frame.

[You have suffered another overtake.]

The sudden rush of speed disoriented Luca as the air whipped past his vehicle, igniting his instincts. He overcorrected, turning the wheel too sharply in a frantic attempt to regain his line and balance.

Unfortunately for Luca, his tires lost grip and skidded off the track, the car lurching sideways. Fuck! Luca cursed, finding himself veering off course, his wheel seeming to have no control of his tires as the track faded away, replaced by the sound of grass crunching under his tires.

[You have abandoned racing task, host.]

[Punishment will be Issued.]

What the—? Punishment? I did not abandon the race—Before Luca could speak to his System further the back bumper that had been skidding, crashed softly into a tree, jolting him violently.

[DATA DISPLAYED IN REAL TIME:

-Car Speed: 0 km/h

-Heart Rate: 117 bpm

-Operational Status: 25% (Poor)

-Breathing: Hiked

-Distance covered: 4100 m

-Time: 3 min. 8 sec ]

Luca cursed relentlessly as he climbed out of the cockpit, standing on his seat to watch the other vehicles zoom away, racing toward the end of the third and final lap. Doubts gnawed at him. He wondered if this would affect his chances of winning in the Grey-Husson's Academy. He wondered if he would be going home after this activity.

Mallow, along with the engineers and mechanics, rushed over to assess the R.S.11, which had sustained some minor damage. Meanwhile, the Formula 1 System was unforgiving, and did not take it easy on him.

[Punishment:

Track Awareness -3 ]