How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Binotto really finds this all quite puzzling, has Ferrari’s upper management collectively lost their minds?

Qin Miao shrugged, "To be honest, I was quite surprised to see the terms Ferrari offered me, and that’s not even all of it. There are many perks, like my favorite: I’m not required to participate in any marketing activities."

"Ferrari is truly pulling out all the stops." Binotto shook his head in amazement. "Now I understand why you would join Ferrari. If it were me, I’d agree without hesitation."

Just as Qin Miao was about to inquire about the internal workings of Ferrari, Binotto directly stated, "Since you’ve come to me at this time, you must want to know about Ferrari’s internal political struggles, right? After all, I’ve been gone from Ferrari for almost half a year, and I’m not very familiar with the team’s car development. What I do know is the character and general situation of the internal staff."

Qin Miao smiled and filled Binotto’s teacup with tea, saying, "Your insight is really sharp, it’s impossible to keep anything from you."

Binotto pondered for a moment before saying, "Actually, when it comes to Ferrari’s internal politics, it may be a bit unnecessary worry for you."

Qin Miao waited for him to continue.

"Ferrari is fundamentally a racing team, although the internal environment is complex, the team itself is its main structure.

If you perform well within the team, you’re guaranteed support regardless of some internal dissatisfaction, as Ferrari’s huge fan base will be your most solid backing.

Not to mention, the terms Ferrari offered you already put you in the management ranks of the team. Strictly speaking, you are already in the same interest group as Ferrari’s top management, so you don’t need to worry about these things."

Qin Miao was dumbfounded. Did this mean he had become part of Ferrari’s upper management?

Leaping to success?

However, Binotto’s next words calmed Qin Miao down: "In the end, you’re just a driver. You can enjoy these rights only as long as you can bring championships to Ferrari. If your abilities decline one day, knowing Ferrari’s tendencies, they will not hesitate to discard you, and these rights will vanish along with your position.

But there’s no denying, during your time at Ferrari, you’re essentially the most powerful person after Elkann and Vassel."

At this point Binotto looked at Qin Miao again, "But I still find it hard to believe they would offer such terms to you. Are Vassel and Elkann crazy?"

Qin Miao now felt assured.

Having been with Ferrari for so long, Binotto certainly knows more about Ferrari’s internal environment than Qin Miao himself. Since he said so, Qin Miao’s experience at Ferrari should be as Binotto described.

After unraveling his doubts, Qin Miao relaxed and jokingly asked Binotto, "If you had Vassel’s kind of power, would you offer such favorable terms to recruit me?"

"Nope," Binotto replied without hesitation. "Although I really hoped you would join Ferrari when I was in charge, I didn’t have Vassel’s audacity.

Plus, I didn’t have that kind of authority back then. Vassel is new to the job, and his achievements in Alfa Romeo in 2022 were impressive, so Elkann is willing to believe him, to join him in his madness, but I couldn’t back then.

Moreover, taking it a step further, if I truly had the audacity of Vassel at that time, you wouldn’t be wearing a Mercedes uniform now, but a red Ferrari one.

Although I don’t know whether you could bring Ferrari another world championship after Kimi, Ferrari would certainly be in a much better situation."

"Do you admire Vassel’s decision?"

"No, I just think he’s a madman," Binotto replied, taking a sip of chrysanthemum tea to moisten his throat. "Right in front of him is a single-plank bridge, and beneath is a bottomless abyss, yet he didn’t think much before stepping onto it."

Qin Miao: ...

"But on the other hand, I do admire his courage and hope that his venture succeeds. After all, who wouldn’t hope such a legendary decision would be wildly successful?

Having been at Ferrari for so many years, whether emotionally or rationally, we have our own filters and perspectives when it comes to Ferrari. It’s natural for old folks like us who’ve left Ferrari to wish it well, for it holds too many of our memories."

With that, Binotto lifted his teacup once more, filling it before saying to Qin Miao, "Let’s not drink alcohol today, let’s toast with tea, and wish your daring cooperation with Ferrari every success."

After clinking cups with Binotto, Qin Miao hesitantly said, "So there’s nothing I really need to watch out for?"

"Go boldly," Binotto said with a smile, holding his teacup. "You’re bringing support to Ferrari after a successful career, no longer that fresh graduate from F2 seeking an F1 seat."

Qin Miao nodded, "Thanks, I know what I need to do now."

"Eat, eat..."