Chapter 14: The Polarizing Star

The atmosphere at the F1 Academy grew heavier as the days rolled into the next week. With just 25 drivers remaining and the stakes rising, the tension was almost suffocating. For Henry, every step he took on the academy grounds was met with stares, some filled with admiration, others with disdain.

He had become a polarizing figure.

"Henry Calder!"

A small group of drivers approached him in the cafeteria, their faces lit with enthusiasm. Most of them were from countries where motorsport was more niche than celebrated, and Henry's journey had inspired them.

"Your climb in the last race was incredible," said a lanky driver from South Africa. "That move in the final corner? I'm still trying to wrap my head around how you pulled it off!"

"Honestly," added another, a young driver from Japan, "you've shown me what's possible. I've been too cautious in my races, but seeing you take risks has opened my eyes."

Henry gave them a small smile. "Thanks. But don't focus on my moves, focus on your own strengths. Every race is a new challenge."

He appreciated their support, but he also didn't want anyone putting him on a pedestal. This academy wasn't about fans or friends, it was about survival.

In stark contrast, other drivers made it a point to avoid or glare at Henry.

Victor Lang, Sophia Chen, and Santiago Rojas the top three drivers from the last race had taken their places at their usual table. Their conversations, once casual, now bristled with intensity.

"Did you see the way those agents swarmed him?" Victor sneered. "Like he's some kind of prodigy. One good race, and everyone's acting like he's the second coming of Senna."

Sophia's eyes narrowed. "He's dangerous. But that just means we'll have to make sure he doesn't get ahead of us again."

"Don't worry," Santiago chimed in. "This week, I'll shut him down."

Meanwhile, Nathan and Liam, seated a few tables away, exchanged bitter remarks about Henry.

"That divebomb was reckless," Nathan muttered, poking at his food. "He got lucky."

"Luck doesn't last," Liam replied, his tone dripping with jealousy. "We'll see how he handles it when the pressure gets real."

Later that day, Henry stood in the academy gym, focusing on his workout. The system's daily tasks had become part of his routine, and he approached them with the same intensity as he did on the track.

System: "Henry, you're making excellent progress. Your physical endurance is improving, but your core strength still needs work. Let's aim for another set of planks."

Henry groaned, wiping sweat from his brow. "You're relentless."

System: "Relentless makes champions, Henry. And don't forget, you've got competitors breathing down your neck. Some want to beat you fair and square. Others… well, let's just say they'd enjoy seeing you fail."

Henry didn't need the reminder. The tension around him was palpable, and he knew that his rising profile made him a target.

As he finished his workout, Henry noticed Sophia Chen entering the gym. She was as composed and sharp as ever, her movements precise as she began her warm-up.

Their eyes met briefly, and she gave him a cold, assessing look before turning away.

System: "Sophia is watching you. She's not the type to show her cards, but I'd bet she sees you as a threat."

"Yeah, I got that impression," Henry muttered.

System: "Good. Keep your guard up. She's not your ally."

The week was dominated by grueling drills and simulator sessions. The instructors pushed the drivers harder than ever, emphasizing precision, adaptability, and mental toughness.

"This isn't just about speed," one of the coaches barked during a debrief. "It's about consistency. One mistake, and you're out. Remember, the next race is crucial. Fifteen of you will be going home."

The announcement hung heavy in the air. Some drivers exchanged nervous glances, while others looked more determined than ever.

Henry kept his focus, running through strategies in his head and visualizing the upcoming race.

System: "You're getting better at staying calm under pressure. Keep this up, and you'll dominate the next race."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Henry replied. "The track can be unpredictable."

System: "True. But so can you."

One evening, Henry found himself in the lounge area, reviewing footage from the last race. A few drivers joined him, eager to discuss tactics.

"What do you think of the next track?" asked a driver from Brazil. "It's tighter than the last one. Fewer overtaking opportunities."

"It'll come down to patience and timing," Henry said. "But there's always a way to make a move."

From across the room, Victor Lang's voice cut through the conversation.

"Or you could just gamble everything like Calder here. Risk your car and everyone else's for a flashy moment."

Henry didn't look up. "It's called calculated risk, Victor. Something you wouldn't understand."

The room went quiet for a moment, and Victor's jaw tightened. "We'll see how calculated you are in the next race."

The academy was abuzz with anticipation as the third selection race drew closer. With only 10 spots available after this round, the pressure to perform was at an all-time high.

Henry stood in his dorm room that night, staring at the small notepad where he jotted down strategies and thoughts.

System: "Tomorrow is another chance to prove yourself, Henry. And don't forget your success doesn't just matter to you. There are people out there rooting for you, even if they can't be here to see it."

He thought of his family back in Oklahoma, his dad, still struggling but proud of him; his mom, who worked so hard for their future; and his little sister, who looked up to him like he could do no wrong.

"I won't let them down," he said quietly.

As he lay down to sleep, his mind drifted to the track, the competitors, and the challenges ahead. Tomorrow, the fight would continue.