How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Chapter 972 380: Bad Influence (2)

"But as they were running, the team discovered that the coolant was leaking more and more, and the engine temperature was clearly rising. There's nothing they could do but retire from the race."Upon hearing this, Qin Miao sighed helplessly. There really wasn't a choice, because if too much coolant leaks, the car's engine cannot dissipate heat. Then the engine behind the driver will become a constantly heating but undissipated timed bomb, and there's a risk it might explode at any time.

Severe cases might even ignite the fuel inside the engine directly, causing self-combustion.

"Ferrari's engines this season are all traded for their lifespan," Zhou Guanyu complained. "They're fast, but the stability has reached a new low."

Qin Miao pushed Zhou Guanyu's legs off the sofa, sat down, and said helplessly, "Mercedes has done the opposite this season. The engine is very stable. It's already run 5 Grand Prix races, and my engine power has only dropped by about 5 horsepower. At the least, I estimate it can run three more Grand Prix races before it needs an engine replacement."

Zhou Guanyu immediately looked at him with envy, "That good?"

"Good my ass, the damn engine speed just won't come up!"

"Ah~"

Taking a sip of water, Zhou Guanyu suddenly brought up another topic. "Have you heard? Geely is making moves again."

"Hmm?" Qin Miao was somewhat surprised because he hadn't paid much attention to what's happening with Geely after meeting President Wang last time. "What moves?"

"I'm not sure either. I heard from my agent that Geely is entering the second round of negotiations with Aston Martin's board of directors, planning to increase their share from 17% to 37%," Zhou Guanyu said enthusiastically.

"Besides, it shouldn't be the case; doesn't Geely hold shares in Mercedes? You guys should have received the news."

"How would I know?" Qin Miao shrugged.

After pausing for a moment, Qin Miao suddenly said, "Actually, I have President Wang's phone number. Why not give him a call and ask?"

"No, it's almost three in the morning in China now; calling him at this hour would be quite disrespectful," Zhou Guanyu quickly stopped him.

Currently, Zhou Guanyu doesn't plan to change teams, and the Alfa Romeo team's car speed is decent. Additionally, Zhou Guanyu's skills are pretty good aside from some bad luck, making him more than capable of matching the Alfa Romeo team.

Strictly speaking, Zhou Guanyu currently has the ability to secure a spot among the mid-tier group of drivers.

Therefore, Zhou Guanyu doesn't have to worry about his seat at the moment, even if Alfa Romeo doesn't want him anymore, he won't have to worry about losing a seat as an F1 driver.

However, Zhou Guanyu is happy to see Geely preparing to enter the field because if they do, Martin would become a Chinese team.

Martin might change its name to something else like Lotus or simply be named Geely F1 Racing Team.

Geely's entry is good news for both him and Qin Miao because even if most teams on the field for various reasons no longer need them, they still have a fallback.

"However, I remember you mentioned there are no rumors around the paddock. If such news can come out from a professional like him, then it's likely true," Zhou Guanyu said. "If it's true, what do you think? I remember your contract with Mercedes ends next year, right? Have you renewed it?"

Qin Miao shook his head, "Not yet, and talking about this now is meaningless because my contract hasn't expired yet."

"I don't believe you haven't thought about it. Come on, share a bit with your brother," Zhou Guanyu said with crossed arms looking at Qin Miao.

Qin Miao thought for a while but ultimately chose not to hide it and spoke frankly, "If Geely really enters, during the first few years, while their racing competitiveness hasn't caught up, I probably won't consider joining them. You know, with my capability, I can compete for the world championship. There's no need to waste time on a new team.

Although growing with a team like Norris did is quite interesting, I still want to seize as many world championships while I'm still young and full of energy. Once I am older and have earned enough honors, then going to Geely to help develop their racing cars and train young drivers wouldn't be a problem."

"So, are you considering joining Geely?"

"After all, it's my own people's team. Staying there gives a sense of security, right?" Saying this, Qin Miao shifted gears, "Actually, I think you should definitely consider joining them when Geely enters. After all, your skill level is about mid-tier now, with some competitiveness; it's just that you're somewhat unlucky."

Zhou Guanyu responded in a joking manner and pointed at Qin Miao, "I advise you to be cautious with your words."

Qin Miao shrugged nonchalantly and continued, "At that time, Geely could add an experienced driver, just like Alfa Romeo has Bottas and you, pairing high and low tiers. Spend a few seasons upgrading the team's factory infrastructure, recruit more people, and wait for an opportunity to deliver when minimal effort would be substantial, and it might not be impossible to contest for a world championship."

"Then you'd come to pick peaches?" Zhou Guanyu said quietly.

Qin Miao rolled his eyes, "Can't a brother come to help a team win?! Do you understand what a championship puzzle is?"

Zhou Guanyu tutted, "Bad luck."

Qin Miao: ???

"You brat!"

...

After chatting for a while, as Qimeng predicted, they started playing on the PS5.

After Qin Miao and Zhou Guanyu battled for two hours, the time reached 5 PM, and Qin Miao's phone suddenly rang.

The phone call distracted Qin Miao, and his Chunli got taken out by Zhou Guanyu's Ken with a combo.

"Damn it, so damn unlucky."

Qin Miao cursed a bit, didn't care about the smug Zhou Guanyu sitting beside him, and answered the phone with emotion.

Soon, Leclerc's voice came from the other end of the call, "Qin Miao, have you left Miami yet?"

Qin Miao replied without thinking, "I'm already in the UK."

After hearing Qin Miao's words, Leclerc was stunned, then turned his head to look at the Maybach that Mercedes had prepared for Qin Miao in the parking lot during the Grand Prix weekend, twitching the corner of his mouth.

"Cut the crap, I saw your car in the parking lot; you haven't left at all."

Qin Miao said helplessly, "I'm not at the hotel."

"I just called Qimeng."

Qin Miao: ...

"You lousy jerk…"

After cursing, Qin Miao unwillingly let Leclerc up.

Once Zhou Guanyu gleefully went to open the door for Leclerc, Leclerc started shouting, "Qin Miao, I brought you some good stuff; do you want to come and see?"

Qin Miao got up reluctantly. Before Leclerc could open the bag he was carrying to show Qin Miao, he snatched the bag and headed to the kitchen.

Qin Miao now truly regretted it.

Why did he get the idea to cook for them during New Year?

Now, whenever there's a chance, these bastards come over to mooch food.

After using the excuse of no ingredients at home once, these guys started bringing their own food when they visited.

Makes it feel like I'm their housekeeper.

Don't I care about my world champion reputation?

Of course, despite venting his frustrations internally, Qin Miao's vegetable washing and picking skills remained sharp.

In less than an hour, he prepared a table full of dinner.

However, since Leclerc and the others were essentially crashing for food, Qin Miao didn't care to cater to their taste deliberately. He cooked dishes that Qimeng liked, hence there was more chili.

Zhou Guanyu didn't mind; he could handle spicy food quite well, but Leclerc looked at the table full of dishes, both drooling and scared.

Qin Miao's dishes were delicious, but sometimes he didn't know how to care for guests, not having the slightest hospitality!

On the other hand, Qimeng, seeing all these dishes, worriedly touched her face; she had been getting some pimples lately due to overheating.

ps. Sorry, not in great form, just 4K.