How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Qin Miao frowned, "Even if it got leaked, without confirmation, why is nearly everyone I know calling me?"

"That’s how it is, boss. Someone leaked Ferrari’s internal promotional materials. It wasn’t a big deal initially, but then a hacker breached Vassel’s email and uncovered the promo material Vassel had Ferrari’s PR department release during the Imola Grand Prix. The two matched up, proving you’re leaving Mercedes next season to join Ferrari."

"But haven’t we denied it?"

"We and Ferrari indeed haven’t admitted it, but the other party proved that it truly is Vassel’s work email, and this email indeed exists..."

...

Sighing, Qin Miao reluctantly said, "Okay, I get it. Draft a statement for the fans notifying them about this. Since people already know, let’s not hide it. Being straightforward will make us seem more frank."

"Alright."

After hanging up the phone, Qin Miao called back his friends and colleagues who had been trying to reach him.

The first was Zhou Guanyu.

"Hey? Qin Miao, you finally picked up! Did you see the news online? Is it true? Damn, you’re really joining Ferrari??"

As soon as he answered, Zhou Guanyu bombarded him with questions. Qin Miao helplessly pulled the phone away a bit before saying, "It’s true."

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Wow! You’re really going to Ferrari? Damn, you didn’t treat me as a brother, huh? Should’ve told me earlier."

Qin Miao scratched his ear and switched the phone to speaker mode, "It’s not a big deal. My Mercedes contract is up, Ferrari spoke to me, and Mercedes did too. But Ferrari offered a price that Mercedes couldn’t, and I was quite tempted, so of course I’d accept Ferrari’s offer.

It’s just normal business behavior, really. I don’t get why you’re making such a big fuss."

"But it’s Ferrari."

Qin Miao scoffed, "Even if it’s Ferrari, they haven’t won a world championship in 16 years. They’re trying to curve back now, wanting me as that curve to help Ferrari reclaim the world championship.

So in my eyes, Ferrari doesn’t have much prestige right now."

"Geez," Zhou Guanyu sucked in a breath on the other end, "Honestly, it sounds like that’s what Ferrari might be thinking."

"Alright, enough chit-chat. Just wanted to tell you I’m really joining Ferrari. I still need to make other calls. Feels like I won’t get any rest today, just stuck on the phone."

"Okay." Zhou Guanyu knew the priority of things but quickly realized something was amiss, "Wait, it’s a Sunday, but how does an F1 driver even have time to rest?"

"That’s the difference between an F1 world champion and regular drivers. Stand down." With that, Qin Miao hung up the call.

"Damn..."

Qin Miao scratched his head. Did Zhou Guanyu say something right before he hung up?

Though it’s not important, because there’s plenty to do today, he quickly dialed Leclerc.

Once connected, Leclerc was evidently more excited than Zhou Guanyu. After all, to Zhou, Qin Miao just joined a team he’s always wanted but couldn’t reach.

Even for Zhou, Qin Miao joining Ferrari wasn’t beyond comprehension or prediction.

Given Qin Miao’s skills and background, he’s certainly got feelings for Ferrari.

But for Leclerc, Qin Miao suddenly becoming his teammate was quite unexpected.

And this matter is basically confirmed now. Although when Leclerc asked Vassel about it, Vassel was tight-lipped, offering no definite answer.

Yet, given Leclerc’s status, when he asked, Vassel’s lack of denial essentially was a clear signal to Leclerc that Qin Miao indeed would be joining Ferrari next season.

Despite having suspicions, and getting them confirmed from multiple sources, until Qin Miao gave a definitive answer, Leclerc still doubted his own guess.

After all, the impact this news has on Leclerc is quite overwhelming.

Finally, the call from Qin Miao came, and Leclerc immediately answered.

"Qin Miao?"

"Yes, it’s me." Without waiting for Leclerc to ask, because Qin Miao understood what callers wanted to know during this period, "It’s true, we’ll be teammates next season. So, are you intimidated?" Qin Miao directly confirmed the item Leclerc most wanted to know.

Before Qin Miao called back, Leclerc had a long time to think about how he should approach Qin Miao once he joins Ferrari, how they should get along.

With equal car performance, unavoidable entanglements will happen on the track. But if during a skirmish, true fires flare up, or they collide and have to retire, will it affect their friendship?

Honestly, Leclerc was worried about losing Qin Miao as a friend due to intra-team competition. Not only because Qin Miao cooks well, and when crashing at his place Leclerc has no psychological burden, but also because Leclerc feels Qin Miao has a great personality, is comfortable to be with, and considers Qin Miao as a genuinely trustworthy friend.