Efficiency would always win over plain brute force — every time. In racing, particularly in auto cross racing — wherein precision is gold — this is crucial. I've learned this the hard way, especially when competing in Toyota's Auto Cross Challenge for the past three years. Yes, the aggression and the speed will always come into play, especially in high-octane, adrenaline-pumped races. But when it comes down to the wire, the racer with the most efficient technique would always — most likely — end up on top of the podium.

We might have seen how Lewis Hamilton or perhaps Max Verstappen grind on the Formula One race track. Yes, both drivers may tend to be aggressive, particularly on tight corners, in overtaking and on the straights. This kind of driving style works in circuit racing — yes — but not in auto cross racing. Like what I've always said, this particular type of racing is a different kind of animal. Perhaps, Sebastian Vettel's would even thrive here better?

To put it simply, imagine the car as your own physical body. Let's say you're playing basketball and your number one objective is to shoot the ball efficiently to be able to win the game. Most of us know basketball as a game of brute force and aggression, with the likes of Dennis Rodman and Draymond Green. But as you observe more and get better insight, the most effective players are the ones with most efficiency, say Stephen Curry and Lebron James. They use their energies more effectively; they are more relaxed and see the whole court in a different perspective than the average ones. They shoot with more precision, have better shot selection, pass the ball at the right time, so on and so forth. Why is this so?

I believe because they are more relaxed. And since they are more relaxed, they get to think better and have better grasp of the game.

The car, more or less, applies the same kind of science. When you're not pushing it beyond its limits, it performs better. When you drive it more smoothly in a slalom course, applying the "slow in, fast out" technique, you get faster time. When you're braking early on a wet track, you commit lesser mistakes, so on and so forth.