My Formula 1 System

After a long day of establishing the new team structure, Mr. Grant finally called it a day for Trampos Racing, allowing all staff and members to retire. Luca sat quietly on the bleachers, gazing at the track as the cleaning crew swept away the remnants of the day's rubber-burning sessions between him and Ansel.

In the stillness, Luca's thoughts churned. Was this how it was going to be for the next four Grands Prix? Ansel deliberately giving up an advantageous position for him? Was this even right? He wasn't sure. Today's training had only deepened his concerns, making it clear his fears might soon become reality.

They had continuously practiced a drill that was close to being a formation. However, this was different as Ansel was ahead, blocking Victor and Haas who were the competitors. Then Luca was instructed to practice timed overtakes using the DRS zones. Each time Luca passed, Ansel would subtly adjust his position to protect him from potential challenges behind. Another involved Ansel holding off the 'pack of cars' to allow Luca to break away. Ansel's car hugged defensive lines through every corner, slowing the pace of those behind him, while Luca focused on pulling a significant lead. Though it was a successful exercise, it left a sour taste in Luca's mouth. Watching Ansel sacrifice his own position to benefit him felt fundamentally wrong, despite the strategy's intent.

They even practiced short drills for easier 'take over', where Ansel would relinquish his position expertly without both cars coming in contact. Finally, they ended the day with a Pit-Stop Priority. Luca was consistently prioritized for pit stops even when Ansel's car had higher tire degradation.

As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the track, Luca's unease grew. He recalled the look on Ansel's face throughout the day—calm, expressionless. And that was what unsettled him the most.

Luca wasn't sure he was psychologically ready to be this 'Player A'. As for physically ready, he definitely was. His position above Ansel in the Drivers' Standings was proof enough.

Luca Rennick— 126.

Ansel Hahn— 115.

That gap was bound to grow, especially now that Luca was expected to finish ahead of Ansel unless extraordinary circumstances put Ansel far ahead. In such cases, Ansel would be allowed to take the win and claim maximum points.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Luca requested the system to display his Skills. He wanted to know how far he was from getting more better. Winning the championship was the goal, and he needed to work toward it.

[Hosts status generating....

[..... Generation completed]

[Skills & Techniques: Total Grade - A

Pitstop Prodigy: 11

Corner Chopping: 10

Straightaway Chopping:8

Spatial Awareness : 6

Night Mastery: 2

Grid Launch: 4

Slipstream Mastery: 3

Side-by-Side King: 2

Others (Completed)

Others (Locked) ]

"Display completed skills too."

[Certainly, host.]

[... listing resumed]

[Reflexes: 20 (+2)

Overtaking Skill: 20 (+6)

Track Awareness: 20 ]

-------------------------------

"Four more Grands Prix to go. I'm confident I can win this," Luca murmured to himself, gripping his phone tightly as he rose from the bleacher.

Suddenly, his phone rang and the caller was Sara. Her message was straightforward but timely as she spoke quickly. She said she had spoken with the agent about the house they were on the verge of finalizing, and the sellers were available for a walkthrough that evening.

It was an opportunity she thought they shouldn't miss, and Luca agreed. The house had been a lingering thought in the back of his mind, overshadowed by the demands of the track. Now, they might get to finish it up like Sara predicted.

Sara informed Luca she'd arrive shortly, so he hurried back to his room to freshen up and throw on some clean clothes.

Minutes later, Sara parked her car in the headquarters' lot. Luca dashed out of his room, ran down the steel stairs, and sprinted toward her car. Swinging open the passenger door, he froze. Mallow was already seated there, staring at him like he owned the seat.

Luca blinked, caught off guard. Why was Mallow here? He glanced at Sara, who was busy applying her lipstick, and then back at Mallow, who smirked and gestured toward the backseat. "I came to see the house too. So, get behind," Mallow sneered.

Luca scoffed and slid into the backseats. They had to wait a few minutes for Sara to finish before she restarted the car and began driving out of the premises. "When I get my Jaguar. You wouldn't even sniff the backseat," Luca said once he finally found a comeback.

Mallow turned, his smirk widening. "Nice one. But first, get the Jaguar—and maybe a real driver's license. Not just an FIA's." He laughed.

The jab hit its mark, and even Sara couldn't stifle her laughter as the car rolled down the quiet street. Luca bit his lip, momentarily at a loss for a second comeback.

"Am Fischtal 27,

Dahlem, 14195 Berlin."

Luca read out the address Sara gave him the best way he could as an English speaker. He decided he'd have to store it in his memory since it was going to be his home. His own home.

The house was located away from Mitte, and in Steglitz-Zehlendorf where Dahlem, a district, came into place. Sara explained it was a well-known residential district known for its exclusive villas, quiet streets, lush greenery, embassies and academic institutions including the Free University of Berlin.

All these features Luca was satisfied with. He could only imagine how the house looked as it took them 20 minutes to arrive, delayed slightly by traffic. As Sara drove into the neighborhood, Luca quickly sensed this was the right place. It looked a lot like a mix of Charlottenburg and Clapham, and Luca loved it.

His anticipation grew as Sara navigated past houses 22 and 23, taking them deeper into the picturesque street. The properties were massive, with demarcations between houses resembling entire estates of their own. These weren't just fences but included neatly trimmed bushes, patches of greenery, and even channeled streams of a nearby river, all leading up to wrought-iron gates.

Luca could see the glimmer of his white house poking up from an oak tree as if to reach the bright sun. Eventually, Sara pulled into the property for a closer look.

"Wow. This is incredible," Luca whispered. "How much is this costing us?"

"Forty million... ish," Sara replied.

Damn!

"Don't stress. The payments aren't immediate. We'll manage it," Mallow added reassuringly.

The property was marvellous with its complex, sharp angular design and an expansive front yard enclosed by the huge wrought-iron fence. It was also accented with trimmed hedges and a cobblestone driveway that led to a double garage. This was the pinnacle of a modern building!

The sellers' agents were already waiting at the entrance, dressed in sleek suits, radiating professionalism. Sara parked, and the trio stepped out, greeted with firm handshakes and polite smiles.

Luca glanced up at the tall windows, unable to believe he would own this. He was just 18 at that moment, although September would make him plus one. Even though, not many had a multi-million dollar house at such an age. A contemporary property that had classic Berlin architecture was definitely a rare one in the market.

Who the heck would sell something this perfect? I'd never. It looks brand-new. Was it built this year?

From Luca's awed expression, the agents could tell that their young buyer was impressed with the property, and this would be a successful transaction.

They gestured that they get right away with the walkthrough and survey the house. Stepping through the deep mahogany front door, all of them met the empty living room first. It was so large and white Luca thought it was a mini indoor parking lot. However, the agents said it was the first living room, and a second was upstairs.

The agents then led them to the kitchen with marble floors. Adjacent to it was a cozy dining area with glass doors that opened onto the backyard patio.

From there, they explored the ground-floor guest suite, a bright and comfortable room with an en-suite bathroom. Moving upstairs, the group arrived at the second living room, which the agents touted as perfect for a family lounge or entertainment space. Nearby, they entered the master bedroom, boasting a walk-in closet, a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub, and a balcony overlooking the lush garden. While everyone admired the view, Luca found himself inspecting the toilet. For reasons he couldn't explain, he had a thing for good toilets. Fortunately, these weren't just comfortable—they were majestic!

The upper floor also housed two additional bedrooms, each with generous closet space and large windows, and a shared bathroom. Finally, the agents guided them down to the basement, which featured a spacious recreational area, a wine cellar, and a utility room.

The tour concluded in the backyard. It had a well-maintained lawn, a small fountain and a spot for a pergola-covered seating area. A tranquil place! This was what Luca could possibly need—even more!

He leaned against the car, his eyes never leaving the house, as Sara and Mallow finalized their discussion with the agents. The possibilities of summer parties in the backyard or casual evenings with friends played vividly in Luca's mind. It was hard not to start imagining the life he'd build in this space—inviting Ansel and a few close friends over for a small party once the house was officially his.

When Sara and Mallow returned, they slid into the car with an air of finality.

"It's practically a done deal. Let's say 90% done," Sara said while fastening her seatbelt. "Next week, it's yours." She gave one last look at the house. "Just look at this place—it's perfect."

Mallow smirked as he turned to Luca. "Think you need a roommate?" he asked, prompting a wave of laughter.

Sara started the car, waved to the agents, and crawled out of the property. Luca sighed, glancing back as if in love with the house. He remembered his plans once he got it, and this reminded him of Ansel again.

When they were halfway down the street, Luca requested Sara to drive him to Ansel's place in Charlottenburg. He said he'd find his way back to headquarters with a private cab later. Mallow hesitated, cautioning against public transport now that Luca's recognition in Germany was growing. But Luca insisted, and Sara relented, promising to pick him up if needed.

As they neared Charlottenburg, Luca debated calling Ansel to announce his arrival but decided against it. Once the car stopped, he stepped out, waved to his team, and strolled to Ansel's property.

Luca approached the door and knocked softly. When no one answered, he tried again. This time, the doorknob rattled, as though someone on the other side was struggling with it. After a brief pause, the door creaked open, revealing Ansel's little niece, Emma.

She looked up at him with bright, curious eyes, then pushed the door wider, clearly recognizing him. Before Luca could say anything, a sharp voice echoed from inside the house.

"Emma!" Laura's tone was firm, followed by the hurried sound of footsteps.

Laura appeared in the doorway moments later, her expression shifting from alarm to relief when she saw Luca standing there. Emma had clearly darted for the door on her own, a habit Laura had to keep in check. Scooping Emma into her arms, Laura greeted Luca warmly.

"Ansel didn't mention you were coming," she said, stepping aside to let him in. Read exclusive content at empire

"That's because he doesn't know," Luca replied with a small smile, stepping into the cozy living room. "Could you let him know I'm here?"

"Of course," Laura said, setting Emma down and heading toward the staircase.

The living room was quiet, with no cartoon playing on the TV as Luca had seen before. Instead, a few exercise books were scattered across the tiled floor, likely Emma's homework. Luca glanced at them, amused, while Emma toddled off to her toys.

After a short while, Laura returned with her fiancé, Ansel, who was wiping his hands on a kitchen towel. Laura quickly gathered Emma's books and toys, ushering the little girl upstairs to give the men some space.

"Luca? What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you, man. That's just all."

Ansel leaned on a sofa. "Don't you have more important deals to get to? I mean, a new contract with the management. I'm surprised you didn't tell me," Ansel said.

"I—I was going to. I haven't even signed at all," Luca replied, unsure if this topic belonged in the conversation. "Are you busy?"

"Yes, I am," Ansel replied. "But I'll see how quick I can go, and I'll get back to you."

"All right," Luca said with an enthusiastic nod.