How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Toto smiled and said, "We'll be colleagues from now on, so there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Toto.

As for your contract, we've actually come up with two solutions internally.

The first option is for you to negotiate with Ferrari yourself. It's best if you can split amicably; if not, you'll need to pay a penalty. Mercedes can help you cover 50% of the penalty, and you'll need to handle the rest.

The second option is for us to help you negotiate. If resolved peacefully, everyone will be happy. But if the talks fall through, Mercedes will also help you pay the penalty. However, the exact amount depends on your performance on the track."

At this point, Toto thought for a moment and said, "There are still seven races left until the end of the F2 season, totalling fourteen points races. If you make it to the podium once, we'll cover 10% of the penalty for you. If you make it to the podium ten times, we'll pay off whatever the penalty is entirely.

And once the penalty is fully paid, it's not the end. After that, every time you make it to the podium, Mercedes will also give you 10% of the penalty as an incentive directly.

Of course, this is just an initial idea. There are still many loopholes and special situations that need detailed planning in the future."

Qin Miao didn't know the exact amount of penalty in his Ferrari contract, but he knew that even if it were halved, he couldn't afford it based on his status.

So Qin Miao didn't hesitate much: "I'll choose the second option.

But I still have a question. If I win the championship, can my deduction rate be increased a bit?"

Toto shook his head with a smile.

Qin Miao was taken aback, "No?"

"No, it's just that I don't know either.

Qin, the serious business between us was discussed earlier, and these contract matters should be handled by your agent, not wasting our precious time here," Toto said.

Qin Miao was puzzled. While he understood the meaning of Toto's previous words, he really didn't grasp the last sentence: "I don't quite understand what you mean."

"What do you think of Britain?" Toto didn't follow up on Qin Miao's question but instead switched to another topic.

Qin Miao was really confused now. The way these half-spoken riddles were irritating! But the person in front of him was going to be his future boss, so Qin Miao went along with Toto's conversation: "It's a nice country. The architecture here, in my view, is novel and seems interesting, the cultural environment is unique, everyone seems to have such gentlemanly demeanor, except for the food..." At this point, Qin Miao paused, clearly impacted by British culinary culture during this time.

Toto also laughed, "British food... definitely not commendable. Next year, when you come to Austria for the Grand Prix, I'll have you to my home to taste Austrian traditional cuisine, like emperor pancakes, Salzburg soufflé, Sachertorte. These are all quite unique to Austria, and most importantly, they're far tastier than British food.

However, the scenery in Britain is quite nice. I like the old castles, though, as you know... even I can't easily buy those.

But I do dream of owning a castle, setting up a table on its grassy meadow, placing a chair, a cup of coffee, a newspaper, basking in the warm afternoon sun of autumn—I could sit all day..."

Qin Miao mentally pictured this scene, then curiously asked, "Would such an environment have a problem with too many mosquitoes?

Toto: ...

...

Originally, Qin Miao thought he would talk a lot with Toto about track matters after coming here.

Or they'd discuss his future contracts or career plans, but actually, confirming whether Qin Miao would join the Mercedes system took just a few words.

After that, they didn't touch on any work-related matters. They shifted from British landscapes to the fun places in Britain, then to family, which extended to life, from there to domestic cultures, whether there were places to visit or good food, and finally moved to international affairs.

Honestly, Qin Miao felt this was more like chatting aimlessly with a friend than an interview.

But undeniably, this was indeed a good way to enhance mutual relations.

After all, with Toto's range of knowledge, it was easy to engage Qin Miao.

In this seemingly idle chit-chat, Qin Miao and Toto's relationship quickly grew closer, with a much better understanding of each other. Although it wasn't yet to a very familiar degree, in Qin Miao's subconscious, he already felt that Toto was a trustworthy boss.

The two of them chatted from when the café was quiet all the way until lunchtime, when several tables were gradually occupied, and continued until everyone left, leaving just the two of them.

Honestly, Qin Miao didn't expect Toto to be such a conversationalist, and, crucially, the topics were interesting—Qin Miao didn't find them boring at all.

Thankfully, they were both wearing masks at this time, and Qin Miao and Toto's seating wasn't attention-catching, so no one found their behavior unusual.

Plus, it was evident that Toto was familiar with the café owner, so the owner didn't come over to ask them to leave.

Finally.

When Qin Miao came to his senses, it was already four in the afternoon.