How Did I Become an F1 Driver?-Chapter 668 - 283: Toto’s Scheme

In fact, the main reason is that Toto has seen Qin Miao working really hard during this period, not just at the racetrack, but also behind the scenes at the team's factory.

The contribution Qin Miao has brought to the Mercedes team even made Toto, the capitalist, feel a bit embarrassed. Plus, with the talent and growth capability Qin Miao has already shown, Toto wants to offer Qin Miao a better deal.

Since they're going to improve the deal, it naturally requires signing a new driver's contract.

Of course, if that doesn't work out, Toto has other plans.

Regarding meeting Qin Miao this time, Toto at least wants to sign a security contract with Qin Miao.

This is because Toto is worried someone might poach Qin Miao during the period when his contract with Mercedes expires.

If there's a security contract, in such a situation, if Mercedes and another team offer the same conditions, Qin Miao must prioritize Mercedes.

The matter of Qin Miao's contract has already been mentioned at the Mercedes F1 team's board meeting. Since they want to cultivate Qin Miao as Hamilton's successor, a mere three-year contract seems insecure.

Initially, Toto planned to discuss this with Qin Miao after some time, but seeing Qin Miao's efforts in the simulator department, he decided to handle it sooner.

"I'm still of the same opinion." Qin Miao expressed his stance after hearing Toto mention the contract.

Toto wasn't surprised. After a brief thought, he said, "Here's the deal. You've indeed solved a lot of problems for the team lately, and your contributions can't be ignored.

After today's work, go to finance and collect a bonus."

Qin Miao: ?!

Is there really such a good thing?

But then Toto added, "Of course, this is just the first reason for calling you here.

The other matter is that the team hopes to sign a security contract with you."

After saying this, Toto explained the purpose of the security contract in detail.

Qin Miao didn't hesitate and agreed quite readily.

Respect the Buddha, if not the monk, and besides, this contract basically doesn't bind Qin Miao in any tangible way.

After settling the matter in just a few words, Toto didn't mean to see Qin Miao off. Instead, he started discussing next season's car with him.

Toto lit a cigarette, turned on the office ventilation system, and said, "This season, Red Bull is still biting at our heels, and you know we can't stop development work on the current season's cars. But you can guess what that means without me saying it."

Qin Miao nodded, "It means there are no more resources for next season's car development."

Toto nodded, "It's foreseeable. Our cars won't be too fast next season.

I dare to say, after entering the ground effect era next season, the rise of Ferrari and Red Bull is inevitable.

Ferrari will absolutely have their most remarkable season in the past 10 years."

Qin Miao knows why Toto says this about Ferrari. After all, most of Ferrari's resources are invested in developing next season's car.

Coupled with their team principal being an absolute engine development guru, Mattia Binotto, next season's Ferrari will definitely be eye-catching.

"I can understand Ferrari, but why will Red Bull also be our threat next season? Shouldn't Red Bull face the same predicament as us?" Qin Miao asked curiously.

At this point, Toto rubbed his temples with a headache, "True, but Red Bull has an advantage we can't rival, which is their Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey.

Newey is unlike any other chief technical officer in the paddock. He experienced the ground effect era himself and even designed F1's first ground effect car. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

I can assert that once we enter the ground effect era, Red Bull's car will be leading in floor development by half a season or even more."

After hearing Toto's analysis, Qin Miao also began to have a headache.

But soon, Qin Miao noticed something wasn't right.

He's just a driver, despite gaining some insights into car design and aerodynamics through frequent discussions with the team's engineers about car issues.

But Qin Miao doesn't believe he has the ability to solve the team's delayed development progress due to a lack of resources.

Suddenly, Qin Miao realized something.

But before Qin Miao could fully react, Toto earnestly said to him, "So, to make next season's car more competitive, it would be helpful if you, Qin Miao, visit the team more often recently.

We'll also have Bottas help you more during this period. You two should stop running this season's car data and focus more on next season's car data."

Qin Miao: ?

Honestly, Qin Miao really wanted to refuse.

I can't do it; I'm just a driver. Such a hefty task is beyond my small shoulders to handle.

Better find someone else!

But a single sentence from Toto left Qin Miao speechless.

"You also don't want to end up with an uncompetitive car for next season, do you?"

Where the hell did Toto learn these cheap tricks?

Indeed, there's no such thing as a free lunch, and no bonus comes without strings attached.

In the end, with a slightly twisted expression, Qin Miao left Mercedes' headquarters holding the US$800,000 bonus awarded by the team.