How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Even more so, it’s not just Qin Miao. Basically, all F1 drivers are very passionate about racing.

Otherwise, they couldn’t be the one in ten thousand, entering the F1 paddock.

In the following time, Qin Miao maintained this state until Thursday.

Because this week is a sprint race weekend, there are only two practice sessions.

For those drivers running this track for the first time, such a schedule is not entirely friendly, as their practice and familiarization time with the track is shortened.

However, for seasoned drivers like Qin Miao, having one less practice session has barely any impact.

In another sense, Qin Miao repaid Zhou Guanyu for blocking Ricardo on the track half a month ago.

Because Qin Miao sent all his files recording his familiarity and understanding of the Interlagos track to Zhou Guanyu.

Even though these files are only 100MB, many of them are packed with valuable information.

Although some of the data was derived from the W12, W13, and W13B cars, it still holds strong reference value for Zhou Guanyu.

As for how Zhou Guanyu will use this data and how much of the knowledge he can comprehend, that’s not Qin Miao’s concern. After all, he’s given the information, and how much Zhou understands is up to him.

On Thursday’s track activities, fan interactions, Qin Miao participated together with Hamilton.

Mainly because this is considered Hamilton’s home ground, Qin Miao was called over by the team to bask in Hamilton’s glory.

Virtually all Brazilian fans were overjoyed to see Hamilton, giving the feeling as if they were seeing their compatriot, and Qin Miao standing beside received quite a bit of fan cheer as well.

Of course, people are diverse, and there are genuine local fans in Brazil who like Qin Miao. Naturally, they are very attentive to all news about Qin Miao, and many knew he was about to become a father.

So when Qin Miao attended Thursday’s VIP reception, he received many gifts from fans.

But what left Qin Miao somewhat speechless was that the gifts were not for him but for his future daughter.

Naturally, the gifts were either children’s toys or children’s supplies.

While Hamilton received more fan-made souvenirs or old photos.

When the two returned to the team’s base after Thursday’s events, looking at the gifts in each other’s hands, they both fell silent for a moment.

But as a seasoned driver, seeing Qin Miao with so many items for his child, Hamilton said, "Qin Miao, when you take these things back, it’s best to have them checked by a testing institution first, since these gifts are intended for your child to use. Safety first.

But you can’t not use them, as they are fan gifts."

"I suddenly regret coming to today’s pre-race activities. If time could rewind to this morning, I wouldn’t come no matter what."

Hamilton chuckled, "Get used to it early; you’ll have to go through all this sooner or later."

"By the way, I’ll give you a contact. If you want to have those items tested, you can reach out to him. Although there’s no discount, I’ve known him for many years, and the test results shouldn’t have any issues."

Qin Miao nodded, "Thanks."

...

Friday marks the start of practice sessions and qualifying races.

The Brazilian Grand Prix has many legendary moments.

Including the sorrowful Masa and Brother Tou sitting by the side of the track.

(We still don’t know where Brother Tou’s chair came from.)

Then there’s 2018, when Verstappen lapped O’Kang, who didn’t give way in the outer lane, using the advantage of soft tires to shatter Verstappen’s floorboard on the inside and directly knocked Verstappen out of the track.

Of course, who’s responsible for this incident is hotly debated in the paddock, but it cannot be denied that Verstappen and O’Kang’s accident certainly ruined Verstappen’s race.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the physical confrontation between Verstappen and O’Kang during the post-race weigh-in was indeed an unforgettable classic moment in F1 history.

Then there’s the internal battle between Leclerc and Vettel, leading to both car tires being blown and a double retirement.

Ferrari achieved a total loss.

And then there’s Mercedes’ Golden Left Front, which shattered Albon’s career’s first Grand Prix title.

The list goes on.

Due to all these incidents, the Interlagos track is undoubtedly a legendary track in the F1 calendar.

Of course, if Qin Miao wins the Grand Prix this weekend, he could claim the 2022 F1 World Championship ahead of time, making the first Chinese driver’s double championship victory here.

However, from the start of Friday’s first practice, Qin Miao encountered a bit of a problem.

Throughout the 2022 season, the team has maintained a high level of support for Qin Miao’s car.

There’s been virtually no major issue before the races, but today, before Friday’s first practice began, during routine checks, the engine fuel line problem of Qin Miao’s car was discovered.

Of course, the team began emergency repairs immediately, and Qin Miao went to check his car’s situation. It was indeed as the team’s technical department reported, a fuel line leak.