How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Chapter 938 372: The New Neighbor

As a matter of fact, it is true that normally, after a race is completed, the drivers' sweat-absorbing balaclavas are usually dry, but Qin Miao's balaclava had visible sweat stains in many places.Seeing this, Perez laughed, "Looks like my race wasn't entirely pointless."

After chatting with Perez for a couple of minutes, Qin Miao went to complete the weighing. Although the helmet and balaclava are not heavy, he had expended a lot of energy defending against Perez for that second place, and now he felt quite fatigued.

After finishing the weigh-in and placing his helmet on the sorting bench, Qin Miao jogged over to the crowd from the Mercedes team to celebrate.

Previously, everyone liked to pat Qin Miao's helmet, but since he wasn't wearing one this time, they started tousling his hair.

They made Qin Miao's hairstyle, which was already a bit unruly from sweating during the long race, appear even more abstract.

However, after the celebration ended, Qin Miao still noticed it and put on a hat.

Afterwards, Leclerc finished celebrating with his team staff, and the two of them were once again about to stand together on the podium.

Previously, Leclerc was first and Qin Miao third. This time, Leclerc was first and Qin Miao second.

"Haha, congratulations! Although it's a pity I didn't see how you defended against Perez first-hand, I believe it was a spectacular offensive and defensive battle. After the work in the paddock is finished, I definitely want to watch the replay."

Qin Miao laughed, "There's no need to go through all that trouble. Find a chance to give me a car that's 10 horsepower slower than yours, but otherwise similar in performance, and I'll let you experience it firsthand."

"You are too kind, that's completely unnecessary," Leclerc decisively declined.

Fans who have driven F1 cars know that it's bearable to be outpaced if your car isn't as good. Being overtaken on the track feels bad, but it's manageable.

However, being blocked on the track by someone slower is extremely frustrating.

It's not just ten laps—even five or six laps and many people can't take it.

Those with poor mental fortitude might start swearing on the team's radio.

If you've never driven an F1 car, imagine driving on a highway with only two lanes, and two cars block you at 60 km/h. No matter how much you honk, these two bugs continue crawling at a snail's pace as if they haven't heard.

Therefore, being able to defend against Perez for 15 laps shows Qin Miao's skill, and Perez being calm enough to chat with Qin Miao after being defended for so long demonstrates his composure.

No matter what, Leclerc does not want to experience this feeling.

After chatting and joking with Leclerc, the two drivers, both having achieved good results today, quickly tidied up and went for interviews.

This time, Perez was the first to be interviewed, followed by Qin Miao.

The person responsible for the post-race interview is our old friend, Captain: Mark Webber.

Before Mark Webber could speak after Qin Miao stood ready, enthusiastic applause erupted from the local audience on the track.

Even though Qin Miao didn't win the race, his exciting 15-lap offensive and defensive battle with Perez indeed enthralled the live audience. Many believe this is how F1 should be raced.

As a result, when Qin Miao was interviewed, the audience gave their utmost approval.

Qin Miao reciprocated, smiling and waving to the fans supporting him.

After the audience gradually quieted down, the Captain said, "Qin Miao, unbelievable! Your defensive performance today can be called a work of art. There wasn't a single unnecessary move: your cornering and blocks were perfectly timed. Most surprising was how you sustained this state for fifteen laps!"

Qin Miao shook his head with a wry smile and said, "No doubt, Perez is an experienced driver, and defending against him put me under constant pressure. I made a few mistakes, and at one point, the tires were very tense, but ultimately, I managed to withstand all the pressure.

So, we achieved a satisfactory result in the end.

Moreover, I'd like to thank all the fans who supported and liked me on the spot. Without them, achieving this wouldn't be possible."

Upon hearing Qin Miao's words, the audience erupted in applause and cheers.

After the fanfare slightly diminished, the Captain continued, "In this race, besides your intimidating defense capability, you showcased another noteworthy ability. When other drivers generally opted for yellow-white or white-yellow single stops, you chose the opposite and went for red-yellow single stop.

What's more, you managed such a result using this pit strategy. Did you consider the tire issues before the race began?"

Qin Miao nodded, "Of course, with the addition of the C5 in this race, the team and I discussed the potential of a red-yellow single stop many times before the race. Since opting for red-yellow means I can't defend or attack too aggressively during the competition, as it would lead to excessive tire wear, possibly preventing me from completing the race.