How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Parking the car, Qin Miao cheerfully got out.

Leclerc also drove back, parking the two cars one after the other.

The two ran a total of six laps on the track, and during this time Qin Miao was consistently ahead, suppressing Leclerc tightly without giving him any opportunity.

Initially, Leclerc was somewhat underestimating his opponent, but by the third lap, he got serious, realizing the driver in front had skill, so he began to attack with full force.

However, Qin Miao utilized his excellent defensive skills and instincts to block all of Leclerc's attacks.

Leclerc knew his car had an advantage in straight-line acceleration over Qin Miao's and always managed to match wheel-to-wheel on the straights, entering corners side by side.

Yet, Qin Miao was able to take the inside line when entering a corner and blocked Leclerc's path coming out of the corner, preventing further advancement.

Once or twice could be attributed to Qin Miao's good luck, but after six laps, he resolved almost every one of Leclerc's attacks, defending against him like guarding against a thief.

By this point, it was no longer a matter of luck but a matter of the driver's personal ability.

This was the first time Qin Miao truly showcased his top-tier defensive abilities.

Previously, whether on the F2 track or using a simulator, Qin Miao never had the chance to exhibit this aspect of his skills, even during the academy's exams, which involved more theoretical answering and simulator training than real, intense racing.

Qin Miao's main goal this time was to find Leclerc, and after battling with this somewhat skilled stranger for a few laps, he felt satisfied, planning to head back to the pits right away.

Qin Miao felt he had raced enough and the chances of encountering Leclerc were higher back at the pits.

This was why he chose to return at this time.

Following Qin Miao, Leclerc also noticed him slowing down and yielding the track, guessing he intended to return to the pits.

Curious about this person, Leclerc decided to head to the pits to see who this strongly defensive driver was.

After Qin Miao got out of the car, Leclerc saw his face.

After being stunned for a moment, a knowing expression appeared on Leclerc's face.

Recently, Leclerc hadn't heard of any new talented drivers emerging from the Ferrari youth training system, and the latest talent was right in front of him.

This was someone who dominated in F2, so it was understandable if he managed to defend against Leclerc's attacks using the track's narrowness.

After getting out, Qin Miao curiously looked at the driver of the trailing car, and upon seeing him, realized, "This is my main target for coming here, Leclerc!"

Actually, Qin Miao came to engage in a few more rounds with Leclerc on the track.

Last time, in the simulator during the British Grand Prix, Qin Miao lost to Leclerc due to unfamiliarity with the car's performance, feeling aggrieved at the time and thinking Leclerc's victory was unearned.

After all, Qin Miao wasn't familiar with the Ferrari F1 car at that time, but now it was different; driving a familiar car, on a known track, Qin Miao wanted another fair competition with Leclerc.

But unexpectedly, a few laps in, and it ended already. On the track, Qin Miao wondered why this person exerted significant defensive pressure on him, slipping through any small gap. If hesitant or space was left open, the opponent might surpass him—turns out this opponent was Qin Miao's main target.

Coming to his senses, Qin Miao went over and extended his hand.

The two had known each other for a long time, even earlier than Qin Miao knew Zhou Guanyu, so at this moment, they didn't seem unfamiliar.

Seeing Qin Miao's gesture, Leclerc also extended his hand, and their hands clasped together.

"I really didn't expect to encounter you here; your defense is quite impressive, every move is just right, and without losing much speed despite my pressure." After shaking hands and hugging Qin Miao, Leclerc expressed his thoughts.

Although they often met at the Red Bull Ring, Qin Miao had to study while Leclerc worked, leaving little time for casual conversations aside from greetings.

Strictly speaking, this was their first serious chat since last year's Silverstone Grand Prix.

"You're too kind, I just took advantage of the track to benefit against you." Qin Miao modestly replied, "Actually, today I specifically came to find you. Honestly speaking, losing to you at Silverstone last time left me a bit unsatisfied. I wanted to compete with you again, but…"

Saying this, Qin Miao shrugged towards the two Ferrari cars, the implications clear.

Leclerc showed grace in defeat, not blaming the track for his limitation.

"I watched your races in F2, honestly, if losing to you, I'd feel better because people are starting to call you a more monstrous talent compared to me." Leclerc joked.