My Formula 1 System

Another factor which Jackson Racing employed in order to soothe Luca in these last months of his contract conclusion was to also disaffirm Rodnick's proposal to deny Luca access to the JRX-97 in Spain.

Since the FRC was terribly damaged, diagnosis claimed that it wouldn't be ready well enough for the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning Rodnick would not be a super driver in that race, his advantage stripped away from him by Luca and not only just his race.

Since Rodnick would be unable to pilot the FRC, that left the 97 to be assigned to him. However, since the 97 was now Luca's chassis, this caused a slight issue for Jackson.

But there was no problem since there were two JRX-97s, right? Nope, there were still issues to address because Rodnick did not want to be on the same engineering degree with Luca.

Rodnick saw this as a violation of "order" whereas different drivers piloted different echelons of engineering to indicate importance and necessity. However, the more he pushed that narrative, the more the truth attacked Jackson Racing that they might not be an equal team after all.

Furthermore, since there were two specimens of the 97 and fielding both simultaneously posed the great risk of losing both at the same time if an ill fate ever struck both Luca and Rodnick in the same race, it seemed Jackson would make the changes.

But here they were, going against their notions for sustenance, stability, and viscosity, just to please Luca and make sure they got his signature without any problems. Hence, the management rejected Rodnick's agent's proposal (still Rodnick) to temporarily relegate Luca to the 92B just for the period of the FRC's repair.

Luca wasn't told any of the things that transpired in the backstage discussions. He just believed that the team saw his obvious potential and wouldn't want him to drop back to the 92B, even if it was for just one race. So, he came to training with an uplifted spirit, knowing that everything appeared resolved and also knowing that he was even more capable now with his system tuned to perfection.

Rodnick strode into the buildings of the headquarters on this fateful day, with the bright sun beaming down after a wet night. His face was upright, his head held high, as he walked with a certain flair and confidence, dripping one of his best outfits yet.

Rodnick was by far the best F1 dresser on the grid, fully endorsed by the number one fashion clothing company. He had to make sure he represented them in style at all times. Today, for the first training drill, he donned a red blazer that complemented his physique, black baggy but relaxed pants, a branded cap, and shades that shielded his eyes from the morning glare.

Luca, on the other hand, was dressed more simply, in a plain black T-shirt and grey pants, along with similar shades. In the muted atmosphere the shades provided, Luca caught sight of Rodnick's familiar figure—tall, not too masculine, moving confidently towards the buildings from his side. Apparently, they arrived at relatively the same time.

Luca saw this as a chance to speak to him, maybe clear the air or just exchange a few words. But he was a bit too late. Rodnick had already briskly entered a building, his stride decisive and unbothered. Chasing after him now would seem too forward, too desperate, so Luca decided to keep it calm, telling himself there would be another time later in the day.

Eventually, the morning briefing gathered everyone involved in the competitive section of Jackson Racing. It was held in the smaller conference rooms just a stone's throw away from the main garage. There, Rodnick and Luca sat together with the other drivers, including Di Renzo, who still carried that same bitterness that tasted like kale.

As the engineers laid out a series of detailed schematics and strategies on the holographic display, Luca and Rodnick exchanged hidden glares. No one else seemed to notice—or at least no one dared to mention it. Luca wanted to approach the situation calmly, with a very good lead. He always called himself The Cobbler, because he believed that he could mend anything if he just put his mind to it.

While data logs of potential test scenarios flickered on the display, Luca subtly shifted his weight, his body language betraying a readiness to jump in. Rodnick, who feigned an air of investment, leaned forward, crossing his arms as he engaged one of the engineers in quiet discussion. His focus was on the maps of tire degradation and fuel mapping currently projected on the screen.

"Are these updated numbers from the new floor design? Is it the same for both specimens or one has it over the other?"

"Yes. And, don't worry, we're quick enough to make it available for both cars. None lacks anything over the other. They are greatly both in shape."

Rodnick grunted.

Luca heard the conversation but could only smile. He had a hunch that Rodnick didn't like the fact that both of them were going to perform on the same technological scale in Spain, a visit that carried an iconic weight. If Luca finished well above Rodnick or even just raced better, then it would make it painfully clear to all of Jackson Racing—and to all of England—that Luca was simply better.

Rodnick had been using better engineering leverage to stay ahead—if he was even truly ahead at all. But now, putting them at the same rank, same chassis, same performance potential, it would expose any differences without the veil of engineering bias. It could begin to change Jackson's mind on who deserved the best packages in the future.

"Nothing's ever equal," Luca said, throwing himself into the conversation. "Trust me, the floor is much better in yours. Mine didn't require much change, yours needed a complete overhaul."

Rodnick shot him a glance, his eyes giving away the flicker of rivalry that he tried to keep contained. Luca, in that moment, saw it clearly and knew there was no mending this one, not now, not ever.