How Did I Become an F1 Driver?-Chapter 804 - 325: An Unexpected Visitor

So in the starting stage of tomorrow's race, Verstappen is on pole, Hamilton is second.

The starting order for tomorrow's race is as follows:

First row: Hamilton, Verstappen.

Second row: Perez, Norris.

Third row: Leclerc, Sainz.

Fourth row: O'Kang, Yuki Tsunoda.

Fifth row: Alonso, Ricardo.

Sixth row: Qin Miao, Gasly.

Seventh row: Giovinazzi, Stroll.

Eighth row: Latifi, Vettel.

Ninth row: Kimi, Russell.

Tenth row: Mazepin, Mick Schumacher.

Since the Qatar Grand Prix start order begins from the right side on pole, the drivers are displayed with pole-position on the right.

Qin Miao's battery broke before the race started, and he notified the FIA.

So despite Qin Miao achieving a second-place finish in the qualifying session, he was still ineligible for post-race interviews.

Hence, the three drivers parked on track now are Verstappen, Hamilton, and Norris, who secured the top three spots in the qualifying session.

It's worth mentioning that Norris performed exceptionally well today, completely overshadowing his teammate Ricardo.

McLaren's performance in this race gave their fans a reason to cheer again, as if experiencing a resurgence.

There's no need to dwell on the post-race interviews of these three; let's focus on Qin Miao.

After parking his car in the inspection area at the pits, Qin Miao calmly stepped out.

The tension Qin Miao experienced before the qualifying session had dissipated; now, his heart was filled with calm.

Although he knew he had to chase those two maniacs from behind in this race,

Qin Miao believed that catching up to the front-runners in this race wouldn't be too difficult.

Moreover, he didn't need to overtake them; simply landing third would suffice.

Therefore, Qin Miao's main opponents in this race were Perez and the two Red Bull drivers. Others might defend against him, but with less intensity.

In short, after the qualifying session, Qin Miao felt confident.

After stepping out of the car, Qin Miao saw Leclerc walking toward him.

It's the final race of the season; everyone is mentally and physically drained from a long season of racing, but also constantly busy.

Since the last two races started, whenever the two met, it was always between races; they only exchanged greetings before rushing off to deal with their own matters.

Now was a rare opportunity for a brief chat.

"How's it feel? Is the pressure intense?" Leclerc, helmet in hand, smiled as he reached Qin Miao, and asked, "Need me to put some pressure on Tsunoda up front for you?"

Leclerc was starting ahead of Tsunoda in this race. Truthfully, with the team standings already concluded, Leclerc wanted to do something for his friend.

While reinstalling his steering wheel on the car, Qin Miao replied, "No need, I think shortly after the race starts, Tsunoda will deliberately slow down to team up with Gasly to defend against me.

And even if they don't do that, you shouldn't ruin your race for mine either."

Leclerc furrowed his brow, "I don't mind really, it's the last race of the year. The team is already looking toward next year, and I'm waiting for our cars' performance to surge next year. What about you? Are you really okay?"

Leclerc felt that Qin Miao's plan lacked sportsmanship. Although FIA rules didn't explicitly forbid such tactics, if Red Bull really had Tsunoda do this, they'd purely be damaging their reputation.

"For the championship, nothing is off limits," Qin Miao maintained a pessimistic outlook, "And let's not forget, Red Bull is still the sister team of Red Bull Racing."

"Then it seems the only thing I can do in this race is to yield my position when you decide to pass me," Leclerc shrugged and joked.

Qin Miao rolled his eyes at him, "Shut up."

As if yielding his position to me is such a selfless act. In some people's eyes, Leclerc's actions also lack sportsmanship.

"Just defend normally, I'd be grateful if you don't push me off track," Qin Miao joked too.

Leclerc rubbed his chin, "That's hard to say, what if I really do push you off the track?"

"Get lost!"

Chatting casually with Leclerc, Qin Miao finished handling everything with his car and confirmed nothing was left out before heading together with Leclerc to the post-race weighing area.

After weighing, Qin Miao and Leclerc parted ways.

Once Barber found him, Qin Miao headed to the post-race interview area.

And naturally, Qin Miao was the most watched driver in the interview area, being the hot favorite for this year's championship.

It can be said, though the journalists knew they weren't the first choice to interview Qin Miao, they still prepared lots of questions to ask post-race.