How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

After wandering around other parts of the administrative department, Qin Miao finally ended his visit to the Mercedes headquarters in Toto's office.

"Where exactly is your current residence?" Toto asked in a casual tone, handing Qin Miao a bottle of mineral water from the refrigerator:

"Mercedes provides housing subsidies. If you want, we can reimburse your daily rent and utilities bills."

Qin Miao's eyes lit up upon hearing Toto's words, what a pleasant surprise!

So, without any hesitation, Qin Miao told Toto his address, and Toto seriously noted it down, earnestly reminding him, "Remember to get receipts when paying rent and utilities; otherwise, it could be a hassle for us to process the accounts, and the reimbursement might take up to six months."

Qin Miao nodded knowingly.

After noting these details, Toto asked:

"What's your first impression of this place?"

Qin Miao opened the bottle of mineral water and took a sip before answering:

"Honestly, it might not look as grand as Ferrari from the outside, but internally, it certainly meets all my expectations of a top-tier F1 team factory, perhaps even surpassing them."

Toto genuinely smiled, "As long as you like it, that's good. After all, this might be your workplace for the next three years or even longer."

Qin Miao nodded.

However, Qin Miao then asked a question he was quite curious about, "Boss, may I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Next season, will I be able to drive the Mercedes F1 car?"

"Honestly, I don't think I can sit in the Mercedes cockpit with Bottas and Russell around." Qin Miao said hesitantly.

Toto didn't hide anything and spoke the truth:

"Actually, within our organization, there are voices opposing my decision. No matter how impressive you were in F2, F2 and F1 are ultimately two different dimensions of racing. No one can guarantee that you can transfer your F2 talents to F1."

"So, when I signed you against opposition, it was indeed risky."

"But since you asked, I can now tell you openly, you will indeed sit in the Mercedes F1 cockpit in 2021."

"However, there are many additional conditions."

"Firstly, you must recognize your identity, you are Mercedes' second driver, and this is very important.

"Secondly, we will only give you three races to adapt. If after three races you haven't demonstrated your F2 talents in F1, we will replace you after three races."

"I am not trying to put pressure on you, but stating a fact. This is the paddock, survival of the fittest is the main theme here."

"As for Bottas and Russell..."

"Bottas already doesn't want to continue as the second driver, but I made the decision for him a year in advance, and Russell... just like I told you, survival of the fittest."

"According to our evaluation team, your current strength is stronger than Russell's, and cheaper. The only downside is the household registration issue."

"And if your performance this season is disappointing, we will let Bottas replace you for the remainder of the season, and next year Russell will take over."

Although Toto's words were cold and harsh, Qin Miao's heart was filled with warmth.

Because from Toto's words, Qin Miao received Toto's definite assurance: he could drive the Mercedes car next season.

Even if he didn't adapt to the Mercedes car, at least he could compete in three Grand Prix events, right?

This assurance was indeed one of Qin Miao's specific objectives for visiting the Mercedes factory.

As for not adapting to the F1 race pace and being removed after just three races?

That's laughable, Qin Miao originally just wanted to experience the feeling of driving an F1 car, and the commercial activities and political battles within the paddock were not his particular interest.

Although only being able to race three Grand Prix events is indeed a bit less, but after experiencing this thrill, Qin Miao felt he had achieved one of his rather difficult wishes, and having experienced it, it was enough for him.

So although Toto's words added a certain amount of pressure on Qin Miao, it wasn't significant.

"Thank you very much for your recognition, I will strive to present qualifying performances on the track, and do my best not to disappoint you."

After securing his position, Qin Miao sincerely thanked Toto, for without his strong support, Qin Miao might still be struggling in the Ferrari quagmire, and whether he could drive an F1 in 2021 would still be unknown.

They chatted a bit more, and then the topic shifted to family.

After all, Qin Miao is only a few years older than Toto's children. If Toto had children earlier, they would have been Qin Miao's age.

Asked about Qin Miao's upbringing, and his family situation, this meeting was pretty much over.

Toto then personally escorted Qin Miao out, personally registered Qin Miao's Ferrari license plate number at the security office, and gave Qin Miao a badge, marking the end of the meeting.

After Qin Miao left, Toto sent him a text message reminding him to come at the end of the month for the signing ceremony and press conference, as well as the FIA awards ceremony on December 22nd.