My Formula 1 System

The following day, the FIA released an official statement addressing the incident that had unfolded on race day.

It was clear that Davide DiMarco had deliberately intended to take Luca out of the race, and the Federation ensured this was publicly acknowledged to dispel any debates framing it as mere reckless driving.

Alongside the penalty, DiMarco received an official warning, pushing his total race warnings to 9 out of 12.

With only three warnings left, he faced the looming risk of a temporary suspension, or worse, the permanent revocation of his FIA driver's license.

Additionally, DiMarco was fined (€100,000), a hefty sum meant to reinforce the severity of his actions. However, in a surprising twist, Luca was also fined.

His only mistake was letting his fury slip in the heat of the moment, spitting out the word "bastard" at DiMarco during their confrontation.

While many deemed his outburst understandable given the circumstances, the Federation remained firm in upholding their regulations. The rules of verbal misconduct on track were clear and regardless of provocation, it warranted consequences.

€10,000 ($11,000) wasn't going to make any dent in Luca's finances, so he quickly coughed it up and wiped his hands clean from the matter.

By Tuesday, the case was almost resolved as Bueseno Velocità's team principal addressed the media, breaking the team's silence on the controversy.

"First and foremost, we respect the FIA's decision and accept the penalty handed to Davide. Rules exist to ensure fair competition, and as a team, we uphold them. What happened on track was unfortunate, and we never want to see incidents that take both cars out of the race.

That said, Davide is a highly skilled driver who has given his all for this team. He races on the edge, as do many great drivers in history, but in this instance, he went over that edge. We have spoken to him internally, and he understands the gravity of the situation.

However, let's not ignore the bigger picture. Racing is emotional, it's intense, and sometimes, in the heat of the moment, things escalate beyond what we intend. We trust Davide will learn from this and come back stronger. Our focus now is on moving forward, improving our performance, and ensuring we compete fairly and fiercely in the coming races like we always do."

"Bollocks!" Mallow cried out. "I can see him kissing Davide's foot in the background."

Luca chuckled at the sight of Mallow ranting about the whole issue, especially how Luca had emerged fruitless from the Chinese Grand Prix after racing for almost thirty minutes.

"Sometimes, I wonder," Luca began, his voice coming out as a hushed, strained whisper due to his sore throat. "Whenever you bluster like this, are you genuinely hurt by its effects on my racing or..." He paused, coughing. "...or my bonuses?"

Mallow was flabbergasted. He stood still, trying to hold back his laughter. Not even a single word from Luca was clear. He sounded like a man who had swallowed gravel. His voice was so hoarse that it made Mallow's earlier frustration dissolve into amusement.

"How bad is it? Luca, I didn't even hear a word."

Luca cleared his throat and attempted to speak again, but the sound that escaped was even worse. Mallow burst into laughter, and even Manuela, who was attending to Luca, had to suppress hers.

"I think he asked whether you're complaining about his racing or his bonuses," Manuela said, pressing her lips together to keep from laughing outright. It was only the two of them who found it funny—Sara and Vance didn't.

At the moment, Manuela was helping Luca practice some exercises to soothe his sore throat, guiding him through gentle vocal stretches and encouraging small sips of warm honeyed water.

Luca calmly complied, but he doubted anything could overturn the system's influence. Even Jackson's medical team, after exhausting all options, had defeatedly offered him some medication.

"I guess I'm just extra concerned about your career, that's all," Mallow said with a sigh. "It's a golden one, and I'd be damned if another driver tried to stain it."

Luca exhaled through his nose. He wanted to say something, but it came out as nothing more than hot breath.

"So, I asked—how bad is it?"

"At this rate," Manuela began, "your voice won't make it through the F1 Monoposto session. The company needs your voice recordings, driving data—the whole package—to get you into the next game edition."

Mallow crossed his arms thoughtfully. "Oh! The gaming studio? The one for the PlayStation? Luca, we signed you to be in the next edition. How exactly do you plan on recording your team radio clips like this?"

Luca wanted to speak, but he realized it would only come out sounding like a gearbox failure. Instead, he simply downed the rest of the honeyed water and stood up.

Surely, Monoposto could spare him, but Luca knew the sore throat would be gone by the next afternoon, so he wasn't concerned.

What he wanted now was to return to London and start preparing for the U.S. Grand Prix, set for the same month of April.

They returned to London on Thursday, and by then, Luca's sore throat was gone.

[Ding!]

[Punishment for Failing Sunday Daily Quest

-Sore Throat]

[Status: Lifted]

As usual, Mrs. Rennick was full of dread and fright when Luca returned. The fear of a mother knowing her daughter was alone at school while her son played cards with death had gripped her by the throat the previous weekend.

Luca was glad the sore throat had lifted before he met her; otherwise, she would have insisted it was somehow connected to the crash.

He was a bit disappointed that he hadn't completed the Daily Quest and earned those five Catalysts. They would have been a valuable boost.

To end race week two, Luca relaxed comfortably in his villa. He had invited Isabella over, but only with Mr. Schafer's approval was she allowed to come. Luca enjoyed the sight of her presence. Even if the second round had been anything but ideal, this sight made him feel fulfilled.