How Did I Become an F1 Driver?

Chapter 1159 - 439: Qin Miao’s Godson

The choice to start on medium tires was mainly because the only person in the back group posing a threat to Qin Miao was Sainz.Apart from Sainz, on a track like Monza, where overtaking is relatively easier, Qin Miao’s medium tires would be enough to handle most drivers’ defensive maneuvers.

Although Mercedes’ car is lacking this season, it’s only in comparison to Ferrari and Red Bull. Compared to these Earth-bound cars, Mercedes is still depressingly fast.

The later switch to soft tires was for a final sprint. By then, the fuel in Qin Miao’s car would likely be running low. After getting the tires up to temperature, Qin Miao could consider using the soft tires to set the fastest lap in the latter part of the race.

After all, Qin Miao is still leading Verstappen in the drivers’ standings and still has a chance to defend the title. The team also considered this point, combined with Qin Miao’s starting position, and developed this pit stop strategy for Qin Miao accordingly.

Of course, even though the strategy and a series of plans were set before the race, Qin Miao’s garage still had a new set of soft, medium, and hard tires just in case.

Soon, it came time for the final preparations before the race started.

When Qin Miao arrived on track, he saw a familiar face next to Sainz’s car.

Kimi Raikkonen.

And Kimi wasn’t alone; he brought his son Robin.

At this moment, Qin Miao’s childlike charm burst forth. Originally just standing obediently beside Kimi, watching his father chat with friends in the paddock, Robin got a bit restless upon seeing Qin Miao and tugged Kimi’s hand, pointing in Qin Miao’s direction.

Obviously, Robin, like Kimi, is not very outspoken, but his expressions and actions vividly conveyed his thoughts and urge to Kimi: "Can I go talk to Qin Miao and ask for an autograph?"

In fact, Kimi is not that familiar with Qin Miao; their conversations were limited, mostly during pre-race and post-race press conferences or drivers’ meetings.

However, Kimi is somewhat indulgent toward his son, and originally Robin was more into motorcycles than racing. Yet, as Qin Miao began to shine on the F1 circuit, Robin’s interest in racing cars grew as well.

Indeed, Robin is a fan of Qin Miao.

Regardless, the fact that Robin’s perception of four-wheeled racing was changed was enough reason for Kimi to bring Robin to thank Qin Miao personally.

So, after nodding at Sainz as a greeting, Kimi turned to walk toward the grids at the back.

Qin Miao just planned on acknowledging Kimi with a glance and did not intend to greet them formally.

After all, the pre-race preparation period is the last chance for drivers to mentally relax before the race, and distractions should be avoided.

But seeing Kimi bring Robin over, Qin Miao smiled and squatted down to chat with Robin after greeting Kimi.

They even took a photo together beside Qin Miao’s car, and reportedly, Robin printed the photo and displayed it in his room after returning home.

Even Kimi didn’t have the honor of having their family photo displayed like that, to which he could only smile wryly and shake his head.

During their meeting, Robin made a proposal that left both Qin Miao and Kimi amused.

"Qin Miao, can you be my godfather?"

Of course, Qin Miao and Kimi’s relationship wasn’t close enough for that, and neither family knew much about each other.

Qin Miao couldn’t accept, and Kimi couldn’t let Qin Miao become his child’s godfather.

After this slightly awkward but amusing encounter, Kimi, for once, showed an embarrassed smile to Qin Miao before taking his cheeky son away.

Although considering young Robin’s age and the talent he’s shown in racing at this age, Kimi couldn’t possibly scold him back home.

Still, a little lecture would definitely be due.

Amusedly watching the father and son leave, Qin Miao suddenly realized he hadn’t paid much attention to Qimeng lately.

Due to the triple-header races, Qin Miao had done nothing more than some gaming during his breaks at home.

He couldn’t help but wonder if their joint efforts during that time with Qimeng had paid off.

But as Reyes called to Qin Miao, he drew back his wandering mind and refocused on the pre-race preparations.

By this time, Reyes had completed all the preparations for the car, and Qin Miao had seen the inspection report — everything was normal.

After signing off, Qin Miao put on his gear and sat inside his car.

"Radio check." Assured that Qin Miao was in the car, Frankie said on the team radio, "Can you hear me, Qin Miao?"

"Radio check, loud and clear, everything’s normal," Qin Miao replied.

"Copy that, the track temperature is the same as it was during yesterday’s qualifying, no need to worry about crosswind disruptions.

I’ve already got my seat ready to watch you unleash your attacking prowess on the track today," Frankie said, with a hint of teasing in his words.