Formula 1: The GOAT

Chapter 23 – Heat Race Triumphs and Unexpected Overtures

“With the qualifying heat between Groups A & B now complete, we’ll have a twenty-minute break before the second qualifying heat, this time featuring Groups B & C. That will be followed by a heat with Groups A & C, after which the full starting grid for the Final will be determined,” the first commentator announced as the applause from the attendees subsided and the karts completed their cool-down lap, heading towards the pitlane.

Zakir immediately took over, elaborating for the audience: “For those who might be unfamiliar with how these heats work, let me explain. Qualifying heats are designed to ensure that a single mistake during the initial timed qualifying doesn’t derail a driver’s entire weekend. Karting is, after all, considered training for higher levels of motorsport, so drivers are given multiple opportunities to prove themselves. The starting grid for the Final is set by awarding points based on finishing positions in all heat races. The winner of a heat race receives zero points, with each subsequent position earning one additional point, and so on, down to the last finisher. This system applies to all heats a driver participates in. At the end of all qualifying heats, the driver with the least total points will start on pole position for the Final, the one with the second-least will be P2, and the rest follow the same principle down to P30.”

He paused for a breath. “As for what happens to those in the bottom thirty of the combined points list? They will be eliminated from direct entry into the Final but will get one last chance in a Pre-Final race. The top ten finishers in that Pre-Final will then join the main grid, starting from P31 to P40, which is the maximum number of karts this track can safely accommodate for a race.”

The main commentator seamlessly picked up. “So, as it stands, Fatih currently tops the leaderboard with zero points, followed by Jackson with one, and then Selçuk with two. Our top three are shaping up as expected, though the performance gap Fatih has demonstrated, especially in these wet conditions, is quite jarring.”

Zakir followed up, “I agree. However, I suspect the significant gap is largely due to the rain, forcing other drivers to be more cautious to avoid spinning and losing positions. Even Selçuk’s bravery, while commendable, resulted in a costly error in the first heat, serving as a warning to others. I believe the Final, which should be on a dry track, will be a much closer contest. Fatih has shown incredible bravery and car control in the wet, but a dry track presents a different challenge.”

….

A short while later, the excitement in the main commentator’s voice was undeniable. “And once again, he proves the first time was no fluke! Fatih Yıldırım wins his second and final qualifying heat of the day!” he shouted as Fatih’s kart streaked across the start-finish line, securing another dominant victory in the Group B & C heat.

“But this time, he wins with a similarly commanding gap, despite the track having dried considerably since the first heat!” Zakir added, his tone still buzzing with enthusiasm. “This truly showcases his remarkable ability to adapt to constantly changing track conditions.”

“I believe this performance solidifies it,” the main commentator declared. “The first win wasn’t luck, nor was it a one-off. If he continues to deliver at this level, we are witnessing the emergence of a true racing prodigy!”

“Indeed! If he can drive like that in the wet, I can only imagine his performance when the track fully dries,” Zakir mused. “And judging by the schedule, it should be completely dry by the time the Final race begins later today.”

“With him winning both his heat races, he has unequivocally secured pole position for the Final,” the main commentator confirmed. “Barring any unforeseen disqualifications – which seems highly unlikely given he hasn’t had any contact, always being at least five seconds ahead – he’s the man to beat.”

As the commentators continued their effusive praise, discussing Fatih’s future prospects based on the raw talent displayed, Fatih himself was calmly climbing out of his kart. Burak immediately began his post-race inspection, then lifted the kart onto its stand. Together, they started wheeling it back to their team tent, the eyes of many in the paddock following their every move.

“We have about four hours before the Final race,” Burak said once they reached the tent. He was already beginning to disassemble parts of the kart. “You can go join your mother and grandmother. I’ll come find you once I’m done with these deep inspections, cleaning, and ensuring everything is perfect for the Final.”

“Okay, thank you, Burak,” Fatih replied. He carefully placed the wet-weather tires Burak had just removed onto the designated rack before changing out of his race suit and heading to find his family in the grandstands.

……

“Looks like there’s no need for me to force your mother to buy you that camera after all!” Güldane said, welcoming Fatih with a warm smile and a hug.

“Hahaha,” Fatih chuckled, returning the embrace before moving to hug his mother.

“What do you think, sweetie?” Rümeysa asked, her eyes shining with pride. “Do you think you can win the Final race?”

“Ye—” Fatih began, but before he could finish, a voice interjected from behind them, causing all three to turn.

“I’m pretty sure if he doesn’t win, it will be a very surprising outcome indeed.”

A man stepped forward. “Ah, where are my manners? My name is Aslan,” he said, extending a hand. “I’m Selçuk’s father, a student from the same academy as your son is from.”

“Ah, nice to meet you. I’m Rümeysa, Fatih’s mother, and this is my mother, Güldane,” Rümeysa replied, shaking his hand before Aslan politely greeted Güldane as well.

“I couldn’t help but want to see the talented student of this academy up close,” Aslan continued, his gaze shifting to Fatih, who listened calmly, though inwardly wondering why this man was approaching them instead of being with his own son. “His driving is quite an impressive advertisement for my company’s chassis.”

“Ah, so you are the one who sponsored the karts. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Rümeysa said, recalling her earlier research into the cost of new racing karts.

“Seeing your son’s talent,” Aslan said, getting straight to the point, “I came to discuss the possibility of sponsoring him directly. In return, he would, of course, advertise my company. I’m quite interested in supporting talented individuals, and if it benefits my business simultaneously, it’s an avenue I’m keen to explore.” He watched for their reaction, gauging whether his proposal would be met positively.

“Ah, that is… quite a surprising proposal,” Rümeysa responded, her demeanor shifting instantly from proud mother to sharp lawyer. “I hadn’t considered anything like this before…”

Meanwhile, Selçuk stood a short distance away, daggers in his eyes as he watched his father engage Fatih’s family. His father, who rarely showed him such focused attention, was now smiling and conversing animatedly about Fatih. A knot of an unfamiliar, bitter emotion tightened in Selçuk’s chest. It was clear his father’s interest in Fatih stemmed directly from the younger boy’s undeniable talent. With only fifteen minutes before his own second heat race, Selçuk should have been preparing. Instead, he was rooted to the spot, observing.

‘All I have to do is prove I’m better than him,’ Selçuk resolved fiercely. He turned abruptly and strode towards the academy’s garage. The better he performed, the greater his chance of disproving his father’s burgeoning interest in Fatih, and perhaps, reclaiming that coveted attention for himself.