How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Qin Miao didn’t rush, because soon, security personnel hired by the Monaco Grand Prix organizers came and drove the journalists away, escorting Qin Miao into the paddock.

Once inside the paddock, Qin Miao and Barber both breathed a sigh of relief.

"These tabloid journalists are really crazy."

Qin Miao wiped the sweat from his forehead: "It was indeed a bit unexpected."

"The impact of this sudden announcement is truly significant, and nothing can be done about it. I reckon it’ll take a few more races before this fervor dies down." Checking the time, Barber said, "It’s about time, better head to the press conference. I’m sure the journalists inside the paddock have been eagerly waiting."

Qin Miao sighed; before this news was released, he had already guessed that this Grand Prix weekend would be far from smooth sailing for him. Reality proved Qin Miao’s thoughts were somewhat simplistic.

After tidying up his clothes, Qin Miao nodded: "Alright, I’ll head over first."

Soon, Qin Miao arrived at the press conference venue.

Unlike other circuits, Monaco doesn’t offer much space, so this week’s pre-race press conference was held opposite the team’s garage, in a hotel on the second-floor meeting room.

When Qin Miao arrived, other drivers were already there, namely Russell, Zhou Guanyu, Gasly, and Tsunoda.

Being colleagues, they all greeted Qin Miao with smiles upon his arrival.

Zhou Guanyu came up and gave Qin Miao a hug: "Tuesday afternoon, I planned to drop by your place for a meal before the race. But as soon as I got downstairs, the area was packed with fans wearing Mercedes gear. I even spotted Ferrari fans from afar."

Qin Miao shook his head helplessly: "I’ve been thinking lately, I need to find an opportunity to sell that house; I can’t live there anymore."

Zhou Guanyu nodded: "Indeed, you should consider selling it. Just be careful. By the way, how much is your place worth now?"

Qin Miao thought for a moment: "When I first bought it, it cost about 8 million US Dollars, plus over 300,000 on décor. Considering the recent market price increase, it should be close to 10 million now, but honestly, I’m not sure."

Zhou Guanyu felt that Qin Miao’s house price wasn’t too outrageous, given it’s Monaco, where every inch of land is valuable.

In fact, if Qin Miao’s fan wanted to buy the house, the price might even be higher.

"Honestly, I don’t want to move out; it’s such a hassle." Qin Miao shrugged: "On another note, Qimeng designed all the interiors of this house, plus I’ve created lots of memories here, selling it would be a shame."

Zhou Guanyu glanced at Qin Miao: "So who else is to blame? You brought this upon yourself."

Though Qin Miao knew it was his issue, he stubbornly replied: "I don’t believe anyone could resist the urge to peek when they hear a digger outside their window."

Zhou Guanyu fell silent.

That indeed seems to have a certain allure...

After a brief chat with Zhou Guanyu, Qin Miao also conversed with the other three drivers.

Unsurprisingly, their topic revolved around Qin Miao, considering the sensational and sudden news that a two-time world champion joined Ferrari.

After more than ten minutes passed, the host finally arrived backstage to notify the drivers: "Alright, gentlemen, the pre-race press conference is about to begin. Are you ready?"

The drivers chatted in small groups, expressing readiness.

𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

When the time came, under the host’s guidance, the drivers proceeded to the interview location.

Notably, more journalists attended today’s event than usual, evidently there for Qin Miao.

After all, this Grand Prix weekend, only Qin Miao was creating such a big stir in the paddock.

As Qin Miao entered the venue, all journalists and photographers immediately powered up their equipment.

Once the five drivers settled into their pre-arranged chairs, the pre-race press conference commenced.

Typically, journalists question the drivers seated in the interview area in a left-to-right order.

However, today was different; even though Qin Miao was seated at the center, a Sky Sports journalist picked up the microphone and directed the first question to Qin Miao.

"Qin Miao, would you mind discussing your plans for next season? You know, this matter is all the rage within the paddock, and nobody has heard a direct response from you yet."

Although the Sky Sports journalist’s question was identical to those posed by the outside tabloid journalists, clearly, it sounded much better.

Qin Miao looked around at the other drivers; seeing they didn’t object and were keenly looking at him too, he picked up the microphone beside his seat, bringing it to his lips.

"I’ve spent two years at Mercedes, and this is the third year. To be honest, I’m grateful to Toto for giving me the opportunity to join Mercedes from the beginning. Mercedes has become a part of my life since then. I’ve worked alongside the staff at Mercedes, raced, and created many wonderful memories, and it’s here I earned my two world championships. There’s no denying that leaving Mercedes is challenging, but I feel it truly is time for me to take this next step.