How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Chapter 1155 - 437: Italian Grand Prix

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. In fact, this "devil" was bound to show up.While they were chatting, Verstappen came up from downstairs.

Though Qin Miao and Hamilton were tired, they still cared about their appearance, unlike Verstappen.

Verstappen completely disregarded his outward appearance; his hair was entirely wet when he came in, hanging limply and looking like a bird’s nest.

Plus, Verstappen’s face is somewhat long, with thick lips.

Adding in his current expression and aura, he seemed rather shabby overall.

After greeting the others, Verstappen sat down in his spot, turning his head to watch the replay on the screen.

Seeing the two times Qin Miao used Hamilton to defend against him, Verstappen’s feeling of frustration resurged.

"Qin Miao, why do you have such good spatial awareness? Honestly, your defensive moves are within my imagination, but I truly have no confidence in executing them like you do."

Verstappen was talking about how Qin Miao not only managed to keep his car at a fixed position relative to Hamilton’s but also kept an eye on Verstappen’s car, ready to react to Verstappen’s moves anytime.

This kind of multitasking on the track sounds impressive, but it’s possible to achieve—though it is extremely risky.

Due to the high speed of the cars, even a momentary distraction or slight inattention could cause the car to move fifty or sixty meters forward, and at such distances, any disturbance to the steering wheel could lead to a severe track accident.

Yet, ever since Qin Miao entered F1, his entire career has been free of any track accidents caused by him.

Blaming all this on Qin Miao’s luck seems unjustifiable, considering the length of time.

Currently, on the F1 drivers’ ranking list for car repair expenses, Qin Miao is among the lowest.

Many teams, burdened by drivers’ errors leading to significant extra budget expenditures, turned green with envy seeing Qin Miao’s ranking on the repair list.

Fast, protective of the engine, extremely stable, and error-free on the track—anyone who isn’t tempted by such a driver must be foolish. Even if I have to pay him the highest salary, I’d still keep him on the team!

Ferrari: If you’re talking, then talk properly. Why are you cursing?

"Actually, it’s not that hard. As long as you’re bold, leave the rest up to fate...well, what I mean is, leave the rest to whether God wants to see you," Qin Miao explained solemnly.

Hamilton: ╮(╯▽╰)╭

Verstappen: Σ(⊙▽⊙"a

After a bit of banter, track staff came to remind the three drivers to go on stage for the award ceremony.

The three stood up, and after putting on the Pirelli championship caps, they queued up at the podium exit.

At this time, Mercedes team representative Toto also came up from downstairs.

This was unexpected for Qin Miao and Hamilton; they initially thought Frankie or Elliott would come up after today’s race, not Toto.

But strictly speaking, since Toto is the boss of both Qin Miao and Hamilton, it’s only fitting for him to come on stage to receive the awards after winning at the competitor’s home ground.

Soon, the four went one after another onto the podium.

Having apparently learned a lesson, the extra-high podium specially designed for Verstappen during the last race at the Red Bull Ring was gone; it was a regular podium with the standard four positions.

When Verstappen took the stage, the cheers from the crowd sounded like a tsunami, while when Qin Miao appeared, it notably quieted down, though there were still cheers.

As the four stood in place, Qin Miao’s familiar national anthem began playing.

Unlike other drivers who gleefully celebrate during this segment, Qin Miao remained solemn, singing along with the melody.

This is just Qin Miao’s habit, but it has raised his status and importance in the eyes of domestic official media significantly.

After the national anthem segment ended, Qin Miao received his second Dutch Grand Prix trophy.

This trophy was in the Heineken star shape, essentially a five-pointed star stretched into a high plane with a distinct waistline, and it looked quite nice.

Then came the celebratory cheers and photos; after the full set of procedures, the Dutch Grand Prix concluded.

Of course, after the race ended, there were still many interesting events.

For example, the reason for Tsunoda’s retirement was not the tire bolts on his car being loose, but the issues with its differential.

This was discovered during the FIA inspection after the race.

Meanwhile, the first time Tsunoda noticed a problem with the car he pulled up at the side of the track, and at that time he unbuckled his seatbelt.

But when the team informed him there was no problem with the car, Tsunoda drove back.

However, at that time, Tsunoda was not wearing his seatbelt, and it wasn’t until his first stop that he buckled in again.

Thus, Tsunoda was deemed by the FIA as engaging in unsafe driving, receiving one reprimand post-race, which was his fifth of the season. In the next Italian Grand Prix, he’ll incur a 10-place grid penalty.