My Formula 1 System

The repercussions weren't just limited to the team and the general body alone. When the Federation uncovered the full story that had been hidden for years, those directly involved faced personal prosecutions.

Charges of regulatory fraud, financial misconduct, and conspiracy were officially filed, with further investigations underway to determine the extent of individual liabilities.

And these individuals under scrutiny included Nevada HanSama's top management and key decision-makers from fifteen years ago.

This list comprised the Team Principal at the time, as well as senior executives and financial officers who had facilitated or were aware of the unauthorized use of the Super engine (HiCE).

The Nevada ownership board, which had approved the secret funding scheme, also found itself entangled in the investigation.

The team's financial director then who was long retired now faced scrutiny for embezzlement and falsification of records, while his fellow retired senior engineers and technical heads were now questioned at their homes for their involvement in bypassing FIA regulations.

Former Team Principal of Nevada HanSama fifteen years ago, who had eagerly supported Aldo and also helped in facilitating everything, was summoned for questioning.

His involvement in the illegal acquisition and use of the HiCE made him a primary suspect in the case of regulatory fraud.

And in this case, Mr. Schafer found himself entangled in yet another predicament as the new year began.

He and Isabella arrived in Italy for the hearing, accompanied by other executives who had been involved in the events fifteen years ago. The world was stunned by the names on the list.

Luca, however, wasn't surprised when Mr. Almansa was revealed to be among them.

The moment he had seen the man and his old age, he had a strong sense that Almansa must have done questionable things to reach his current position and questionable things while in his position.

This revelation made Luca try to imagine the past conversations he had with Aldo about the ongoing matter.

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Mr. Schafer and Isabella booked rooms at a different hotel, though still within the same city region as Luca.

Believing they had much to discuss, Luca decided to visit Mr. Schafer now that it was publicly known that he was the son of the very driver Schafer had mentored and coached, only to meet his tragic end.

Luca wasn't there to condemn him. He wanted to speak with the only man who might have truly understood his father's mindset during that time. And, of course, he intended to see Isabella as well.

Isabella seemed to be the only bridge between Luca and Mr. Schafer, and without her, the old man might have torn Luca apart by now and vice versa.

Mr. Schafer flat-out refused to see him, blaming Luca for bringing destruction upon Nevada HanSama. He insisted that Luca's actions would lead to the team's downfall.

But with Isabella's persistent pleas, he finally relented. Taking a risk, she brought them together in one room before quietly stepping out, leaving them alone to talk.

Mr. Schafer gave Luca a long, scrutinizing look. "I have not approved of you and my daughter. You're just a trial for her," he said coldly.

Luca leaned back into a chair. "That's great," he replied, watching as Mr. Schafer wandered over to the bar at the side of the room.

The old man poured himself a drink, taking his time before clearing his throat. "You do realize Nevada and all their fans will hate you forever… even Italy will despise you. We were this nation's original team, and you, a single boy, have singlehandedly demolished us."

Luca nodded. He understood the magnitude of what had happened. The weight of it wasn't lost on him, it bothered him, even if just a little. But at least he was aware.

"I never intended for this to happen," he admitted. "All I did was refuse to renounce my last name. I don't think you would have done it either."

Mr. Schafer chuckled as he took a sip from his glass. He nodded slightly at Luca's last statement, silently acknowledging that even he wouldn't throw away his last name and dignity so easily.

But then, he pointed at Luca, singling him out. "But you should. Especially when your father was a fool."

Luca was taken aback, momentarily stunned. This wasn't the start he expected, but he went along with it. "You call him a fool, yet you coached him?"

Mr. Schafer gave him a sharp look, as if the question was ridiculous.

"Does that change anything? I coached a fool. Your father was a damn fool. And as much as I hate to admit it—" he exhaled heavily, "—you're far better than that scalawag."

He's dead. At least show some respect.

"But the investigation says you supported him through all those mistakes."

"I did at first!" Schafer suddenly yelled. "You should have seen what they did pairing that damn engine with an '80s chassis!"

He shook his head in frustration. "Aldo claimed he could control it, that the only real difference was its explosive horsepower. But the first time he drove it in training? I knew there was no taming that monster. I told him to drop it all, forget about it, and head into Austria clean."

Luca's mind drifted, picturing his father struggling on a training track, trying to handle the raw speed of a HiCE-powered car with a chassis that simply couldn't keep up.

"So, you advised my father to risk everything and to gamble his entire career just to top the standings back then. And it wasn't until you saw the dangers firsthand that you finally came to your senses?"

Mr. Schafer stared at Luca over the rim of his glass. Luca's words cut deep, and he knew they were true.

Until he had seen the sheer, uncontrollable power of that Super engine, he hadn't fully grasped the mistake they were making.

Schafer sighed, shaking his head. "Maybe that's why things have been going south for me…"

Luca straightened up in his seat. This was exactly why he was here—to help. Help not 'Mr. Schafer', but to help 'Isabella's father.'

"How much are you being fined?"

"None of your business."

"Of course it is," Luca shot back. "Do you realize you are speaking to the son of the very driver you failed to protect? Isn't it the work of the team principal to shield his driver? To guide him, to make sure he doesn't crash and burn not physically but mentally?"

Luca understood the nature of this sport. It was a very tense sport with intensity and the relentless pursuit of victory. In that heat, terrible mistakes were bound to happen.

"How much are you being fined?" he asked again.

Mr. Schafer hesitated before finally muttering, "Seven." He scowled as if he had just told Luca a very big secret.

Luca nodded, absorbing the information. "Have you managed to pay anything yet?"

He expected a firm no. After all, Mr. Schafer was as good as broke after what had happened to him last year. The financial strain had drained him, and Luca doubted he'd be able to handle this one.

"More than half," Schafer said, surprisingly confident. "And don't you dare ask me where it came from."

Luca wasn't interested in the source—at least, not initially. He had been prepared to offer his own help to cover the rest. But as his mind worked through the situation, a deep frown formed on his face.

He began to recall his recent calls with Isabella, noticing that she hadn't been sounding as exuberant as she usually did.

Whenever Luca asked if something was wrong, she would momentarily cheer up and brighten her tone, only to sound down again in their next conversation.

He found this strange, especially since just a few weeks ago, she had been overjoyed after her successful idealistic trade with Jackson Racing.

Realizing exactly where Schafer had gotten his money, Luca shot up from his seat, his expression dark with an emotion he rarely ever felt—rage.

"No, no, no. YOU WILL GIVE ISABELLA BACK HER MONEY!"

Schafer jolted, genuinely startled by the sudden outburst. But what truly shocked him was how Luca had figured it out. He had explicitly made Isabella promise not to tell anyone.

Now, he couldn't help but wonder just how close she and Luca had gotten.

Recovering his composure, Schafer simply took another sip of his drink and swallowed.

"She's my daughter. She chose to give it to me." He fixed Luca with a cold stare. "And you don't have a say in this. Sit down."

Luca held Schafer's stare for a long moment before taking a deep breath.

Luca knew the old man was right. He had no say in the matter. But knowing that Schafer had swayed his own daughter into giving up her rightful share of Grid Edge's benefits didn't sit well with him.

It was wrong to exploit her like that. It was wrong, plain and simple.

Still, Luca reminded himself why he was here—not to condemn, but to help. He exhaled, filling his lungs before finally sitting down. "I think she deserves better as a father," he remarked, shaking his head.

Schafer scoffed, letting out a short laugh. "Coming from someone with an even worse father. Did you set up this meeting just so we could take shots at our families?"

"No," Luca answered flatly. "I came to help with your fine. Whatever's left, forward it to me—I'll cover it."

Helping Schafer was probably the last thing Luca ever wanted to do.

But he had relationship obligations now, and the longer Isabella saw her father tangled up in this mess, the more sadness, depression and frustration would creep in.

Besides, it wasn't like this would put a real dent in his finances. And IF it softened Schafer's unchangeable opinion of him, then it was an added bonus.

Regardless, Luca wasn't giving him a choice.