How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Chapter 1187: Chapter 449: Pan: Damn, I’m Cracking Up_2

It’s quite sentimental to recall last season when Qin Miao participated in his first F1 Grand Prix. Starting second and finishing third, even though his final result was not as good as his qualifying position, the commentators at Five-Star Sports were not disappointed; instead, they were so exhilarated that they couldn’t contain themselves in the studio.

But over a year later, as Qin Miao secured this hard-won Grand Prix victory, the commentators were more genuinely happy rather than the uncontrollable excitement they felt before.

It can only be said that everyone has become accustomed to Qin Miao’s performance on the track.

"Let’s also congratulate the Mercedes team for regaining their competitive edge after the confusion at the beginning of the season and the upheavals in mid-season."

"The major updates brought by the Singapore Grand Prix have altered the overall driving characteristics of the car, and these significant changes haven’t affected the car’s performance negatively—in fact, they have somewhat improved it."

"This race, we saw the Mercedes team elevate their understanding of the current ground effect era to a new level."

"Finally, after this race, the Mercedes team has finally surpassed Red Bull in the team standings. Now, Mercedes leads in both the team standings and driver standings."

Meanwhile, Qin Miao crossed the finish line on the track, and the crowd erupted into enthusiastic cheers, which gradually converged into two names that are extremely familiar to new Chinese F1 fans: "Qin Miao!"

"Qin Miao!"

"Qin Miao!"

...

After all, the Singapore Grand Prix is like a semi-home race for Qin Miao.

Among the 60,000 fans who came to watch the race today, at least 30,000 are Chinese.

Naturally, after the race ended, the Chinese spectators on site gave their blessings and cheers to Qin Miao.

At least today’s race performance by Qin Miao made them feel their attendance was worthwhile, and the Grand Prix victory made them feel it was worth the ticket price, a reciprocal gesture if you will.

"Qin Miao! Congratulations, P1, a clean race, well done." Frankie’s voice came as Qin Miao reached out from the car to greet the fans.

Qin Miao also knew that his team radio would definitely be broadcast now. Considering there were so many domestic fans supporting him today, Qin Miao replied on the team radio: "It’s the strength from my fans that made this possible. Without them, there’s no way I could have done so well today. Honestly, I’m starting to like this place."

Upon hearing Qin Miao’s words, Fei smiled and said: "Indeed, this week’s Singapore Grand Prix did have a lot of domestic fans cheering for Qin Miao, which somewhat made up for his regret of not being able to race at his home track for the past two years."

After the race, this was only half home territory for Qin Miao, so strictly speaking, it wasn’t a real home race for Qin Miao. Therefore, despite being grateful to the audience on site, Qin Miao only ran a single round on the track before returning to the already arranged podium back in the pit lane.

However, to express gratitude to the domestic audience who traveled far to be there, Qin Miao drove slowly during the return lap, so by the time he came back, both Leclerc’s and Hamilton’s cars were already parked, with Hamilton even off his car, reattaching his steering wheel.

After parking his car, Qin Miao was pushed by the on-site staff to a podium designated for the champion’s car.

The sides and bottom of this podium are display screens. The bottom plays the Mercedes team’s logo, while the side plays a very cool promotional video recorded at the beginning of the season, all about Qin Miao.

Having parked the car and removed the steering wheel, practically all cameras on site focused on Qin Miao.

And true to expectations, coming out of the cockpit he stood on his car and vigorously patted his chest.

It’s a celebration gesture for each Grand Prix victory.

But unbeknownst to Qin Miao, Hamilton had just come off his car, leaning against his car and resting. Seeing Qin Miao emerge and immediately celebrate on his car reminded Hamilton of his spirited younger days.

Ah, youth is wonderful; running such a grueling Grand Prix without tiring.

Hamilton thought wistfully, until he saw Leclerc, as exhausted as a dead dog.

Hamilton: ...

Okay, Qin Miao, whatever the hell you’ve been eating, your physical capabilities are jaw-droppingly strong.

After celebrating for a bit, Qin Miao didn’t even manage to tidy up his steering wheel before darting off the car and into the crowd of Mercedes team staff.

In recent races, after the celebrations, Qin Miao hasn’t played around by himself.

On one hand, getting off the car after a Grand Prix can be exhausting, and on the other hand, Qin Miao once accidentally kicked an innocent Ferrari staff member.

But these are just side notes now, as Qin Miao plunged into the crowd and was met with pats and encouraging praise from the Mercedes team staff.

After all, Qin Miao’s performance today proved that the efforts of the entire Mercedes team staff over the past week were worthwhile, and the factory upgrades were not in vain, with surprisingly good results.

Next were Toto, Elliott, and the others.

After hugs, Qin Miao reached the edge of the Mercedes team staff group and hugged his mom and fiancé.

"My son is amazing!" said his mom, smiling as she used a tissue to wipe the sweat around Qin Miao’s eyes, worried that it might trickle into his eyes.

While Qimeng gestured a thumbs-up to Qin Miao: "Awesome!"

Laughing and patting the back of the little girl, Qin Miao then prepared to tidy up a bit for post-race interviews.

But just after turning away, Hamilton approached: "A fantastic race, congratulations Qin Miao, but did you avoid pitting because you guessed there would be another safety car?"

Clearly, Hamilton was a bit upset that Qin Miao snatched the Grand Prix victory from him, especially since Hamilton’s performance this season hasn’t been great. But this week, the team improved the car’s handling and cornering dynamics, making Hamilton feel like his omnipotent self was back.

Yet, who would have thought that Qin Miao would take away a Grand Prix victory that Hamilton believed to be in his grasp?

Saying that Hamilton had no negative emotions inside would be impossible.

Qin Miao didn’t hold back and answered directly: "A fortuitous accident."

However, it wasn’t the time to chat now, so after explaining, Qin Miao signaled to the staff ready for interviews.

Hamilton glanced back and nodded before giving Qin Miao a final hug: "Regardless, congratulations Qin Miao."

"Thanks, and congrats to you too, Lewis. I’m looking forward to our battles in the remaining races this season," Qin Miao replied.

Hamilton heard Qin Miao’s words and his mouth twitched because in his career, there’s one person whose image is indelibly present.

Then, Qin Miao had a much simpler exchange with Leclerc: "Hahaha, Shire, bet you didn’t see this coming!"

Walking up to the celebrating Ferrari staff and Leclerc, Qin Miao smiled and asked.

Leclerc looked somewhat helplessly at Qin Miao in front of him.

During the return lap, he asked his team why Qin Miao overtook him, naturally receiving the team’s explanation.

So now Leclerc indeed felt Qin Miao had incredible luck in the race. If it weren’t for the safety car caused by Yuki Tsunoda, he definitely could have maintained his lead over Qin Miao.

Although considering Qin Miao’s current points, Leclerc knew he couldn’t contend for the driver championship this season, at least winning over Qin Miao in a race was good news for him.

But with things as they were, such thoughts didn’t matter anymore. Leclerc could only nod helplessly as he watched the jubilant Qin Miao approach: "Congrats, lucky bastard."