For the future generations of the country, when it cos to the deep impression of the second driver, aside from the fleeting figures of the Red Bull Racing Team, it's probably Bottas from the rcedes Team, whom many regard as the benchmark for a second driver.
Low-key, obedient, fast, and not stealing the spotlight.
But in fact, Bottas can only be considered a qualified second driver. Compared to those of historical significance, he's not particularly outstanding.
Because for a second driver in a championship-contending team, without a Mars Rover, it's not enough to simply stay out of the competition; on the contrary, you also need to step up and take the bullet for the number one driver, acting as the scapegoat.
Just like Trulli in this race, who by a twist of fate lined up with Chen Xiangbei, just happened to change lanes and block the potential threats of Sutil and Kovalainen.
If Trulli were slightly weaker and couldn't even advance past Q2 to secure the eleventh position, it wouldn't have helped the number one driver at all and would directly place him on the chopping block of the team managent.
Perez in later years was exactly like this. At his peak during the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, he put on a spectacular defensive display against Hamilton, a textbook example of a second driver's blocking performance in the past decade.
In this crucial battle for the world champion title, Perez defended against Hamilton for a full twenty laps, and even disrupted Hamilton's rhythm, allowing Verstappen in the back to catch up by 5 seconds in a single lap!
It could even be said that Perez's super performance allowed Verstappen to end the rcedes Dynasty, crowning as the world champion a year ahead of schedule.
But when Perez's form declined in the 24th season and he couldn't help Verstappen, he lost his value to the team and couldn't even secure his seat at Red Bull.
Barrichello, during the Ferrari Yue Ma Dynasty, apart from showing defensive prowess akin to Perez's in the 21st season, distinguished himself from other second drivers by showcasing offensive strength at critical monts!
For example, when Schumacher's car broke down or had an accident that led to a retirent from the race, Barrichello needed to step up and outshine the championship contenders, seizing their race victory titles to ensure Schumacher's points lead.
In those years of offensive and defensive battles, Barrichello even single-handedly defeated world champions like Hakkinen, Damon Hill, and the famous Kimi Raikkonen.
Even in the 2000 season at the Hockenheim circuit, Barrichello started from the eighteenth position and won the race, a kind of stunning coback that many world champion drivers couldn't achieve in their entire careers.
This is why Barrichello is called the strongest wingman, the best second driver in history.
And not later ones like Masa, Perez, or Bottas.
The reason is that he actually had absolute speed of a WDC-level driver, top-notch offensive and defensive capability, and the ability to stand out in critical monts.
It's just a pity that during the peak of his career, his opponents were gods.
How can a mortal body shake "deities"?
Sir Williams was well aware of Barrichello's strength, although he too now aged and experiencing a decline in form, no longer comparable to his peak at Ferrari, just like Schumacher.
But perhaps lacking in speed and offense, his defense is definitely not a problem.
This young upstart Chen Xiangbei, wanting to overtake Barrichello in one or two corners, is not happening!
The facts will soon prove that Sir Williams had the basis for his confidence.
On the track, Barrichello heard race engineer Ross's reminder and glanced at the rearview mirror with the corner of his eye, seeing the HRT Racing Car with car number 13.
To be honest, he was quite surprised.
However, his surprise wasn't about how fast Chen Xiangbei was, or how many positions he gained at the start.
In F1 history, drivers who seized the start and mixed it up in T1 to gain several spots are countless. If sothing like a chain reaction crash occurs, there have even been drivers who gained as many as ten places.
Given Chen Xiangbei's foundation as this year's "Rookie of the Year," it's not too surprising for him to appear behind Barrichello's car.
Barrichello was surprised at his ability to quickly overtake Schumacher!
During driving, drivers cannot see the broadcast screen or listen to race comntary, unless the team engineer proactively informs via the audio system; otherwise, there's only visual observation remaining.
Barrichello couldn't figure out how Chen Xiangbei managed to overtake Schumacher!
Others might only be able to feel Schumacher's power and terror from his results.
But as a second driver who had practically created a racing dynasty alongside Schumacher, Barrichello still harbors ambition and determination. After a legendary coback, is he really unable to defend against a rookie?
The clutter of thoughts in Barrichello's mind sowhat slowed his reactions, causing him to be noticeably slower than Chen Xiangbei in turns T5 and T6, with the number 13 HRT Racing Car tightly following the rear slipstream of the number 9 Williams car, ready to attack at any mont.
"Barrichello, hold the defensive line!"
Race engineer Ross reminded again, fearing that Barrichello might underestimate Chen Xiangbei's overtaking ability, emphasizing that he must hold the defensive line instead of seeking the fastest cornering line.
Otherwise, with the speed of the Chinese Kid, Barrichello wouldn't hold for two laps!
"Copy."
Barrichello's response ca through the radio, but in his heart, he didn't intend to do so.
The reason is that ahead of him now is McLaren driver Jenson Button!
The saying "the teammate is the biggest competitor" fits Barrichello and Jenson Button perfectly.
User Comments
0 comments from readers