Formula 1: The GOAT

[Lap Time: 01:44:047]

The timing screen in the Simulation flashed, displaying Apollo’s new benchmark. He had shaved more than six seconds off his previous basics-only lap, showcasing the true potential of the Bambino kart on La Conca when driven with advanced techniques.

But he didn’t stop at one lap. Apollo reeled off nearly ten consecutive laps, each one almost an exact replica of the first, his driving a mesmerizing display of precision and control. Throughout this demonstration, Fatih watched intently from the virtual pit wall, his mind a sponge, absorbing every detail of Apollo’s lines, braking points, and throttle application. He planned to dissect the reasoning behind every action later.

“That,” Apollo stated, patting the sidepod of his virtual kart after coming to a full stop in the pit lane, “is as fast as this little machine can go on this circuit. When you can consistently match that time here, under these perfect conditions, few in your age group, in this class of kart, would be able to touch you.”

“I have a few questions about the things you did during that lap…” Fatih began excitedly, eager to understand the nuances. But he paused as Apollo, who was slowly reverting to his more familiar adult form, raised a hand to stop him.

“Before you ask about what I did,” Apollo said, his tone firm but fair, “first, try to replicate it. Attempt to deduce why I made certain inputs or took specific lines. Then, and only then, will your questions be truly constructive. Spend the rest of today’s session attempting to emulate what you saw. I will answer your questions and correct your mistakes afterwards. This approach will help you learn and develop a driving style that best suits you, rather than just blindly copying me. There are often multiple ways to achieve a similar result on track, and discovering what works for your innate talents is crucial.” Apollo wanted to prevent Fatih from becoming reliant on simply being given answers, encouraging him instead to think critically and develop his own problem-solving skills – a vital trait for any top-tier racer.

“Copy that,” Fatih replied, a new sense of determination filling him. He boarded his own Bambino kart and launched back onto the La Conca circuit, ready to push himself to understand and replicate Apollo’s masterclass.

…….

The next morning, Fatih emerged from his room feeling fully refreshed. Despite having just woken up, the excitement from his previous day’s simulation session was still clearly visible on his face. “Good morning,” he greeted his mother.

“Good morning, sweetie. How was your sleep?” Rümeysa replied, pausing from mopping the patches of the living room floor not covered by the rug.

“Good,” he said, hugging her leg and looking up at her with a bright smile.

“Go and clean yourself up before we have breakfast. Then, we’ll finally try out your new kart, okay?” she said, affectionately ruffling his hair.

“Okay!” Fatih chirped, already heading towards the bathroom.

It took nearly two hours before they finally finished breakfast. Part of that time was spent waiting for Rümeysa to cook once she had completed her morning cleaning routine.

“Let’s see… a 16-to-1 ratio of fuel to oil,” Rümeysa murmured, consulting the notebook that contained all the information on how to prepare and run the Bambino kart. Fatih watched her every move carefully, memorizing each step so he could eventually do it himself when she wasn’t around.

“Now, let the engine idle for a few minutes to warm up,” Rümeysa instructed after successfully starting the kart. She used a new cleaning towel to give the seat a final wipe-down while Fatih eagerly picked up his helmet.

After five minutes, she finally gave him the nod. Fatih carefully boarded the kart. He started driving slowly across the underground parking lot, heading towards the exit ramp, waiting for his mother to catch up on her bicycle. She wasn’t planning on letting him go to the park alone just yet; there was always a risk he could do something dangerous, or that someone might try to interfere with a young child driving a motorized vehicle.

Thankfully, the kart was fitted with a silencer that reduced the engine noise significantly without noticeably harming its performance.

He spent a good three hours at the park, even having to return to their car once for Rümeysa to refuel the kart. The park was massive, and its network of paved pathways allowed him to mentally map out several different circuit configurations. He soon started pushing the little kart, applying everything he had learned in the Simulation. It seemed his Invictus (Ultimate) ability was incredibly effective at translating the muscle memory and sensory feedback from his virtual practice into the real world. He felt almost no disconnect. The main difference was the surface: the park pathways were mostly covered in bricks, with some unpaved sections, making it a much slipperier and more unpredictable surface than the simulated high-grip asphalt of La Conca. Yet, he adapted to it with surprising ease.

“He seems to have forgotten the outside world even exists,” Rümeysa remarked with an amused sigh, turning to her mother, Güldane, who had arrived about an hour earlier, intending to call them for lunch but ending up staying to watch Fatih’s enthusiastic driving.

“At this point, I consider everything he does as being normal for him,” Güldane answered, her eyes fondly following Fatih as he skillfully adjusted his route to ensure the pathways he was using were clear of pedestrians.

“If this interest of his persists,” Rümeysa mused, “I’ll have to look into registering him in a proper karting academy or club so he can learn professionally. Plus, I’m sure it won’t be long before we start receiving complaints from neighbors worried about their own kids being hit by him.” She glanced at a group of other children who had stopped their games and were now watching Fatih with wide, envious eyes. She knew that tonight, at least a few parents would be pestered to buy go-karts, and depending on their reactions, some might complain under the guise of safety, hoping to stop Fatih from inspiring more such requests.

“Give it at least six months before making any big decisions like that,” Güldane advised. “I don’t want him to feel obligated to pursue this just because he showed some initial interest, only to lose that passion later. If he’s still this dedicated in half a year, then we can explore academies. And who knows? Maybe this truly will be his career.”

As they conversed, they momentarily lost sight of Fatih. Then, the distinct buzz of the kart’s engine grew louder, and he came into view, pulling to a neat stop beside them.

“Is there a problem, Fatih?” his mother asked.

“No, Mom,” he replied, lifting his visor. “That’s enough driving for today. I need to do it in moderation.” At least, that’s what Apollo had told him earlier, reminding him that he still had his daily physical training mission to complete. The mission’s difficulty had recently increased, but in return, completing it now earned him 2 SP daily.