Chapter 32 - Buying An F1 Team

Future Tech had invested heavily in Ms. Miller's research team to the tune of $250 million the past year. Investments include access to Future Tech AI and numerous testing costs etc.

Hudson recruited almost the entire team of 50 people with generous contracts, while David and Kemp-Jacobs negotiated $500 million to purchase the whole project, including reimbursing Elon and other smaller investors.

Vince decided to allocate $2 billion to the new FT VR division for the following year, and they were given a dedicated floor in the main headquarters.

The researchers were thrilled to be paid so much money for their painstaking efforts. But $100 million was pocketed by the University of Texas.

Vince drove his Agera SFV with Price and visited his futuristic manufacturing campus outside metro Austin to check on its progress.

The city of Austin was glad to have the local tech industry develop the unused land.

The new 4,000 highly skilled employees Future Tech had recently employed could mostly be found in this burgeoning tech district. There was no need for cheap labor with the Hive Mind AI taking care of most manufacturing.

Plenty of restaurants and outlet stores surrounded the campus to provide the employees easy access to their daily needs.

Vince met the campus manager for an update regarding how device manufacturing was going.

A Hispanic-looking man in professional attire greeted Vince.

"Good day, Vince. My name is Andreas, and I'm currently overseeing the Future Tech campus." Andreas said as he shook Vince's hand.

"Nice to meet you. How have the new Hive Mind suites been coping with our manufacturing?" Vince asked.

"As you instructed, 20% of our manufacturing capacity is reserved for producing more Hive Mind drones. The rest are producing the AIM devices steadily and in much larger quantities than two months ago." Andreas replied.

Price joined in the conversation. "How are the security drones handling the vast perimeter of the campus?" he asked.

"We had to produce more security drones to cover the area after the expansion, but it's currently sufficient," Andreas replied.

The security drones around the tech campus attracted unwanted attention from the US Department of Defense. A representative recently reached out to David to schedule a meeting in Washington, DC, to negotiate a military contract.

Vince decided to meet with them next week after the Formula 1 race this weekend.

Vince and Price discussed some other minor issues before leaving the tech campus.

The rest of the week passed as qualifying Saturday came around.

Locals fans walking up the hill to the Circuit of the Americas recognized a blue on black Koenigsegg car followed closely by a similarly looking car in black on white.

The Austinites started cheering and shouting to get Vince Dalton's attention. Locals appreciated the prosperity Future Tech had cultivated for their city and revered the young billionaire who made it happen.

"I play War Online every day! Big thanks, dude!" one of the local frat bros shouted, intoxicated.

A group of university freshmen ladies was giggling by the sidewalk while Vince parked.

Security operators cleared the area before their boss stepped out of the Agera SFV.

[This feels much better than pulling all-nighters in my old office. Cute ladies were scarce around there.] Vince thought as he smiled at the onlookers.

Christian borrowed the Agera R, and Vince didn't mind. However, Price felt left out and decided in his mind to buy an Agera SFV as soon as possible.

Jean Todt gave Vince and Christian free time to watch the qualifying event before meeting about Freevalve.

They walked around the paddock before Vince found the Sahara Force India team's modular headquarters.

[This team is owned by Vijay Mallya and is the best candidate to buy out. Due to legal issues, Mallya had to sell the team in 2018, and I know he'll sell his UK-based F1 team for the right price.] Vince thought

They walked up towards the entrance and were stopped by security.

An Indian man from the inside heard the commotion and headed outside.

He found his security being stared down by a large and muscular man in a working suit.

Next, he noticed a group of important-looking men, including a young man he'd heard about before.

"Stand down, stand down." He instructed with a British accent.

"Vince Dalton, It's a pleasure to meet you here at the Grand Prix. Come in, come in. We have an excellent view on the upper floors of the pit lane and main straight. The qualifying session is about to start." Mallya declared.

"Likewise, Mr. Mallya. Are my security personnel allowed inside?" Vince asked.

"That's not a problem. I trust your character." Mallya replied with a smile.

[Just wanted to make sure cause my guys are packing heavy heat.] Vince thought.

Vince, Price, Christian, and two security operators followed Mallya into the modular paddock home and showed them around for a bit before heading to the viewing section.

Cameras from different critical areas of the track streamed a live feed to large screens around the room.

"This is a great view, Mr. Mallya. Thanks!" Vince declared.

[I would need to avail of more special treatment in the future. Feels good, man.] Vince thought.

Qualifying started as their group watched formula one cars leaving the pitlanes to begin their flying laps.

"I'm curious why you chose my team's motorhome to watch the event. Any other team would welcome you, but you decided on my minor team instead." Mallya asked inquisitively.

"I've recently gained interest in F1's advertising potential," Vince replied.

"You're looking to advertise Future Tech? We have sponsor slots available if you'd like." Mallya offered with a grin.

"I'm more interested in something similar to what Red Bull did a few years ago," Vince added.

"You want to buy my baby? My Sahara Force India?" Mallya asked with a fake front. He'd already started negotiating.

"I'm thinking about it. Williams F1 seems like another good option. Right?" Vince replied.

Mallya got a bit nervous after hearing about Williams. Their teams are close in performance, but Williams has a more storied legacy in the sport.

[I have to buy a current team. Creating a new team and bidding for a spot in F1 will be more of a headache.] Vince thought.

"How much is your offer, then?" Mallya asked.

"$150 million sounds fair." Vince offered.

"Vince, you wound me with such a low offer," Mallya said sadly.

"You've been such a wonderful host to our group today, Mr. Mallya. $250 million then?" Vince asked while drinking tea served recently.

[This kid is offering me a good deal. The team is worth around $200 million at the highest.] Mallya thought.

"I can entertain this offer. I appreciate your sincerity." Mallya replied.

Vince gave him David's number to finalize the deal as the qualifying time ran out.

Stats last time checked:

15 million BTC (currently trades at $1,000)

$75 Billion in Future Tech

7850+ employees (Future Studios, Hive Mind AI, ARM, BitCash, Future Security, FT VR)

Five company collaborators

Dozens of investments under Future Tech Holdings