How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Even this crack doesn’t need much attention; just weld it shut to ensure the crankshaft’s sealing is intact.

After a simple repair, this crankshaft can continue operating in the engine for several hundred hours without major issues.

However, if Qin Miao had continued to race for more than five laps at that time, given the high-speed nature of the Baku circuit, the internal combustion engine’s RPM would remain at around 12,000.

Under such extreme operating conditions, the crack on the crankshaft could potentially widen.

By then, cylinder scoring, cylinder explosion, engine blast—anything could happen.

So truthfully, Qin Miao’s caution did help Mercedes avoid a significant loss.

Even though the technicians and assessment team felt that this engine could still be used following repairs, the team didn’t dare use it in Qin Miao’s official races and qualifying sessions.

Instead, they intended to limit the engine’s RPM, keeping the maximum speed at around 11,000, and use it for testing during practice sessions one and two for Qin Miao.

Honestly speaking, Toto felt quite gratified and satisfied with Qin Miao’s decisions, especially knowing that Qin Miao helped the team avoid extra expenses relating to budget caps.

But then this sense of gratification turned to bitterness.

Because dang it, next season Qin Miao won’t be my Mercedes driver anymore!

Thinking of this, Toto felt not just a bit of lost but more of irritation and confusion.

Darn it, why Ferrari?

Why are you guys willing to spend such a high amount?

Can’t live like this???

...

Still, no matter how puzzled and confused Toto was at that moment, Qin Miao did help the Mercedes team avoid a major loss.

Meanwhile, Qin Miao didn’t stay long in his home country; he only rested for two days before heading to Miami, USA on Wednesday.

At the same time, Qimeng, who had been home for half a month, couldn’t sit idle anymore.

She often exercises anyway, perhaps not as fit as Qin Miao, but definitely above average.

Having sat for half a month post-birth, recalling her nine-month ordeal, she was truly eager to move.

Furthermore, the focus of the elderly members at home had shifted to the child, reducing their control over Qimeng.

So after Qimeng’s pleading and dramatic tantrums, the three elders at home finally agreed to let her go out for three days.

But after three days, she must return to finish her maternity leave.

Despite its brevity, Qimeng eagerly agreed.

She stored about a week’s worth of food for the baby in the fridge, then eagerly hastened to join Qin Miao in Miami.

Thus, Qimeng and Qin Miao attended this year’s Miami Grand Prix together.

Because Abu Dhabi and Miami are back-to-back races, once Qin Miao arrived in Miami, he swiftly engaged in intense pre-race preparations.

In Miami, Qin Miao was implored by the team’s marketing department to partake in numerous activities on Thursday.

There’s no helping it, given the influence of the US as the world’s most influential country, rich as they are, each US Grand Prix becomes a feast for everyone inside the paddock.

Here, both teams and drivers can easily earn a lot.

This is evident from the Miami Grand Prix’s ticket prices being nearly double compared to normal Grand Prix weekends.

Qin Miao couldn’t refuse when the marketing department head nearly begged on his knees.

Thus, during the Miami Grand Prix, Qin Miao participated in many promotional activities.

Such as visiting NBA’s Heat team with Hamilton and racing classic American muscle cars in straight lines.

Community events, caring for children, university lectures.

Qin Miao didn’t even visit the paddock on Thursday; his entire day was meticulously scheduled, clearly defining every moment’s plans without any idle time.

So by nearing eleven at night, when Qin Miao completed his final commitment and returned to the hotel, he felt somewhat exhausted.

Despite resting adequately overnight, the task intensity felt like a special force level, surpassing the exhaustion of racing the entire day.

Arriving at the paddock on Friday, Qin Miao encountered Leclerc.

Today’s Si appeared mentally stable, but it was clear that Leclerc still lacked confidence in Ferrari’s performance this season.

There was an unmistakable melancholy in his demeanor.

Before seeing Leclerc, Qin Miao almost forgot what Qimeng mentioned while lying on the bed last night.

Leclerc released his own piano compositions this season.

With Qin Miao staying home, flying for events, naturally, he hadn’t had the time to listen.

But according to Qimeng, Si’s piano piece conveys a feeling of sorrow and despair throughout.

After all, it’s not common for an F1 driver to refrain from researching racecraft, opting instead to play the piano.

It suggests Leclerc feels he’s maximized his track efforts but Ferrari’s subpar car limits his potential, necessitating such expressive outlet.

Yet Ferrari is where Leclerc matured; he holds profound sentiment for the team.

Hence, Leclerc chose not to express his dissatisfaction with the team this season through overt means but rather with a subtler, gentler in conveying his emotions.

And Ferrari?

They recognize this season’s weak car but underwent managerial change; even with the genuine desire to offer Leclerc a competitive car, they couldn’t fulfill it this season, resorting to internal comfort.

But as a mischievous friend, Qin Miao couldn’t care less about Leclerc’s feelings at this moment.

With a smile, Qin Miao approached, wrapping an arm around Leclerc’s shoulder: "Si, heard you wrote three piano pieces?"

Leclerc understood Qin Miao’s expression suggested nothing good was forthcoming.

Not bothered to argue over Qin Miao calling him Si, knowing such teasing himself too.

To preempt Qin Miao’s teasing, Leclerc straightforwardly said: "I’ve emailed you the three piano pieces; listen if you wish, don’t bother me."

Qin Miao smirked mischievously: "Don’t be formal with our jackass friendship."

Seeing Qin Miao’s demeanor, Leclerc knew a mockery was impending.

Sometimes, being overly familiar with someone brings such drawbacks—you intend to express your emotion.

Yet, your counterpart disrupts during your moment of grandeur, effortlessly dissolving your forged mood with a mere glance.

Facing Qin Miao, Leclerc attempted to maintain a neutral expression: "What exactly do you want to do?"

Jokingly, Qin Miao replied: "No offense, I was curious why your first piano piece is so melancholic?"

Leclerc rolled his eyes. Can’t you see the sadness?

"Beat it! You didn’t listen to anything but are already playing jokes; want me to jinx you again?"

Leclerc’s "beat it" was more of a jest in Qin Miao’s regard, but his jinxing threat thoroughly startled Qin Miao.

Considering the last time Leclerc jinxed Qin Miao, he had a month’s streak of misfortune.

From the Australian Grand Prix to Azerbaijan, even this Grand Prix weekend started rough the moment he arrived at the paddock.