How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

You can see Hamilton's attention to detail from this as well, because at the two podium ceremonies this year, he noticed that after Qin Miao sprayed champagne, he never drank it or even pretended to, so he deduced that Qin Miao doesn't drink alcohol. That's why when inviting Qin Miao over, he specially prepared tea leaves.

After they sat down, Qin Miao shrugged helplessly, "Actually, I don't really drink tea. It's like how an ordinary person might drink wine but can't distinguish its quality."

"But, to be honest, the environment here is really nice. I like it very much. Without the noise of the city, it's calm and the air is fresh. Being here makes time feel like it's slowing down."

If possible, when I get older, I would want to find a place like this to enjoy my retirement, just like you."

Hamilton smiled and said, "If you're interested, I can have someone help you find a vineyard of the same quality as here. Although, the wine they produce might not be as good as this. I bought this winery from the original owner because the wine suited my taste, but they have a very small production."

Qin Miao quickly shook his head, "No, no need for the trouble. It's just a spur-of-the-moment thought.

Besides, I think I'd prefer to spend my money investing in a gaming club rather than in this area."

"Oh? Are there clubs for playing games?" Hamilton was clearly not familiar with this aspect.

Qin Miao then introduced the concept from the perspective of racing simulators and talked about other competitive games. After a brief explanation, Hamilton understood which clubs Qin Miao was talking about.

But clearly, just like Qin Miao isn't interested in alcohol, Hamilton wasn't really interested in the gaming clubs Qin Miao mentioned either.

The two quickly and smoothly changed the topic.

"What exactly happened with you at Ferrari?" Hamilton asked, "Logically, jumping ship with a contract in place shouldn't be that easy."

"The whole paddock should know about my Ferrari situation, right? After all, it's been so long." Qin Miao blew the floating tea leaves and took a light sip.

"What the outside world knows is that Ferrari signed you, then signed Sainz, with Sainz becoming their number two driver for the next season, while you became the reserve driver.

Then you transferred to Mercedes, but not many people know what specifically happened. Even the staff within Ferrari avoid talking about it."

Facing Hamilton's curious gaze, Qin Miao didn't shy away and explained the internal reasons for his departure back then. However, Qin Miao wasn't the naive person with no psychological defenses like he used to be. Under Qimeng's tutelage, Qin Miao knew what could be said and what couldn't be.

So, Qin Miao didn't tell Hamilton the details of his contract with Mercedes.

But during the story, Hamilton could see that Qin Miao had a rather high regard for Binotto.

And Qin Miao expressed that Binotto did intend to keep him, but due to opposition from other higher-ups and their preemptive actions, Qin Miao was disappointed with Ferrari. And at that time, Toto just happened to catch Binotto's timing and approached Qin Miao.

After roughly understanding the reasons behind it, Hamilton chuckled and shook his head, "An unexpected yet reasonable development, but if Ferrari is the cause of all this, I'm not surprised. They always seem to make some bizarre moves."

At this point, Hamilton paused, then turned to Qin Miao and asked, "You don't have a childhood dream of Ferrari too, do you?"

Admittedly, the first racing model Qin Miao received as a child was indeed a Ferrari. However, due to the passage of time, that model has been lost to the ages, and Qin Miao no longer remembers its specific model.

But if you insist, Qin Miao does quite like Ferrari.

It's just that now...

You could say that distance creates beauty.

Qin Miao forced a laugh and refilled his teacup and took another sip.

Hamilton didn't say much more, "Regardless, the result you achieved is good. You entered F1 and even broke the record I set, winning your first F1 Grand Prix faster than I did."

Qin Miao nodded, "Who wouldn't say so?"

"Actually, like you, I also liked Ferrari when I was a child." As soon as Qin Miao finished speaking, Hamilton said something that left Qin Miao stunned.

Seeing Qin Miao's shocked expression, Hamilton shrugged while holding his wine glass, "When I started to remember, around '99, Ferrari was dominating the paddock just like our Mercedes. Back then, no one could refuse the allure of the red horse."

Qin Miao was dumbfounded, "But some said you joined McLaren because you liked Senna and followed in his footsteps?"

Hamilton nodded, "I do like Senna, but there's no rule that says I can't like Ferrari while liking Senna.

And saying it like that publicly is purely for promotional needs. As a McLaren driver, I couldn't very well announce that I liked Ferrari, right? That would be like putting my boss on the spot."

Qin Miao shook his head, "Even with what you said, I still find it hard to believe."

The fact that Hamilton would say such things to Qin Miao during a casual chat really showed that Hamilton already considered Qin Miao a friend.