F1: Absolute Car Feel

Chapter 110 Reality Far Surpasses Fantasy (4K Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Shindo Chihiro!)

Wu Shi's words brought a smile to Nicky Lauda's face. He was an interesting young man. He gestured for Toto Wolf to enter.

When it comes to discussing cooperation, it's naturally up to Toto Wolff, the team principal and shareholder of the Mercedes F1 team, to come in person.

"Please introduce yourself first," Toto said.

Wu Shi smiled slightly, as if leaders always liked to have job applicants introduce themselves first, even if the file in his hand might be more detailed than the interviewee's own knowledge of himself.

He didn't believe Toto hadn't learned about him, and he knew there was no need to mention his historical records; simply stating his strengths would suffice. He said:

"If I were driving the same race car, I would always be the fastest."

Toto rolled his tongue inside his mouth, feeling like he had heard something incredible. This arrogance was truly different from many others, because, at least until now, Wu Shi's words had been coming true.

This was the truth, and he couldn't refute it, so he could only say it from a different angle:
"Before entering F1, every driver is a prodigy who will defeat countless opponents, but after entering F1, the situation is different."

"Yes, but those so-called prodigies you speak of should all be my defeated opponents by now."

Wu Shi displayed greater confidence and presence than usual. No boss likes a timid applicant, especially not a business tycoon like Toto Wolff. He continued:

“如果说整个团队能够造出一辆1分30秒的车，那么我一定能够开出1分29秒5，我可以对我的0.5秒负责！”

Toto Wolff was moved; he felt that the young man before him seemed to perfectly align with his beliefs.

He is a team-oriented person, and his consistent belief is that a driver's ability to win a championship is due to the concerted efforts of the entire team.

And what each person in the team needs to do is to be responsible for their own part of the work.

To put it more elegantly, each member of the team must be responsible for their own 0.1 seconds.

He only thought about this phrase sometimes, but he never expected that a young boy would say something similar.

More importantly, his statement about being responsible for 0.1 seconds was a figurative expression.

And the 0.5 seconds that this guy is responsible for really can make that much of a difference!
But before he came, he had discussed with Niki Lauda that both Hamilton and Rosberg were proven top drivers.

Even though Wu Shi has achieved numerous outstanding results, they were all in lower-level competitions.

Furthermore, this guy is too young. While youth means unlimited potential, it also means a lack of experience and carries huge risks, which is something they have to consider.

He clasped his hands together, leaned back in his chair, and sized up the most amazing driver born in the 95s in front of him. He then brought up the decision he had previously discussed with Niki Lauda:

"We're prepared to give you the number three driver's position."

Wu Shi blinked, stopped Sid from speaking, and said, "Sir! I already have an F1 seat. You don't think I can't get 21 wins in this year's F3 championship, do you?"

“Of course, it’s precisely because I see this in you that I’ve come to talk to you about this,” Toto nodded.

"So do you think it's worth it for me to accept the position of number three driver?" Wu Shi asked rhetorically.

Sensing Wu Shi's anger, Toto did not find it rude. Before entering F1, he was also a racing driver and deeply empathized with the top drivers' "I am the only one who can do it" mentality.

However, regardless of the circumstances, Wu Shi's age and experience at this time still posed a significant risk.

Although Mercedes has only been in the paddock for a few years, its operational approach is similar to that of LaFerrari, which is quite different from Red Bull's.

They value a stable trajectory and have always been able to attract top talents in the paddock with their prestigious reputation, so they won't try to force growth.

Historically, Mercedes had also sought Verstappen, but just like now, they offered him the third driver position. If Marko hadn't suddenly appeared, Mercedes might have actually secured him.

As for Toto being shocked by Marco's SSR card draw and quickly changing his strategy to promote Kimi to F1, that's another story.

Of course, these events did not occur due to a single cause.

While Red Bull certainly enjoys playing the "breeding" game, it's also true that they lacked competitiveness and top drivers in the early days of the 1.6 hybrid era, so promoting Verstappen out of turn was understandable.

Later, Mercedes quickly promoted Kimi, which was also because Hamilton left the team, wasn't it?
Toto, who hadn't yet been proven wrong by Verstappen, was now unable to make up his mind. He had a premonition that if he didn't give up his seat, this extremely talented driver would pass him by.

After a long silence, he slowly said, "We are willing to offer you an F1 seat in the paddock."

Wu Shi nodded, and a smile appeared on Xi De's face.

After all, a direct commitment to a seat is much more secure than a seat secured by a contract like the one Lafayette has; nobody likes uncertain risks.

Moreover, the recent turmoil within LaFerrari has caused quite a stir in the racing world. Martina has also issued a warning, instructing Sid to make sure that if he can achieve 21 wins as soon as possible, he should do so so that a new contract can be drafted before the internal upheaval at LaFerrari, with the penalty for breach of contract increased to a level that the LaFerrari board would be unwilling to breach.

“But not a Mercedes seat, at least not in 2015,” Toto added.

Sid had expected this to happen, so he wasn't too surprised.

If Mercedes were short of drivers right now, the probability of securing a seat would be quite high, but unfortunately they don't lack excellent drivers.

It would be great to get a seat on one of their customer teams and get into F1, since the seat offered by LaFerrari would most likely go to Sauber.

Since Wu Shi's tough remarks had already had an effect, Sid would no longer play a tough role. The talks needed to be both soft and hard. If it was all soft, then he might as well kneel down; if it was all hard, then it would be better to just start fighting.

He nodded and said, "We understand your caution and concerns. Drivers who have never entered the F1 arena do need an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities."

As an engine supplier, Mercedes has considerable influence over its customers' fleets, so it's not difficult for them to free up a seat from their fleets.

Therefore, the effectiveness of this promise was very great, and Sid had no doubt about it.

“Williams,” Toto said directly, without holding back.

Before joining Mercedes, the Toilet Wolf was Williams' team manager, but after only a year, he was poached by the newly joined Mercedes.

Upon hearing this, Wu Shi couldn't help but recall his fantasies from Monday. Back then, after eliminating all but one candidate, when Williams was the last one left, he even felt that the chances were slim.

However, before going to bed that night, he suddenly realized something.

From a historical perspective, both Massa and Bottas were exceptionally talented drivers. However, he completely overlooked one crucial factor: just how excellent a driver he himself was!
Even Verstappen, the future top driver, was completely outmatched by him at this point, which means he was already one of the top drivers in the paddock.

Therefore, he should not feel that he is inferior to Massa and Bottas. On the contrary, he should feel that it is only natural for them to give up their positions. In fact, given his talent, it is questionable whether Williams deserves it.

Since Sir Williams resigned from the board in 2012 and was replaced by his daughter Claire Williams, who then made him the de facto head of the team a year later, the team went down a downward spiral until it was acquired in August 2020.

Although the West Bromwich Albion team has been getting worse and worse, their performance in the next two years is still quite good, mainly due to Mercedes' engine, which is a generation ahead of the paddock.

However, this is ultimately not a championship contender.

Having figured out the crux of the matter, Wu Shi's self-assessment became more objective. He felt he was fully capable of securing a seat at Mercedes, and therefore, ignoring Sid's gaze, he said again:
“Williams has a rich history and is indeed a very good team for a rookie driver, but sir, you are the team principal of Mercedes, so we should be talking about Mercedes seats, shouldn’t we?” Wu Shi said.

Sid looked at the little guy in surprise. Being able to enter F1 was already a pretty good result. After all, Mercedes' promises were not like LaFerrari's, and there were still huge variables and unknowns.

“It’s good that young people have energy,” Nicky Lauda remarked, then said to Toto, “Even though you were Williams’ manager two years ago, we’re all here for Mercedes now.”

Wu Shi's eyes lit up as he looked at the old man with gratitude.

If he remembers correctly, the Mercedes dynasty had already begun in 2014.

Toto was also shocked by the old man's words. It seemed that the old man not only thought highly of Wu Shi, but completely recognized this young man. He didn't know why.

He was even more conflicted; no one but those in this position could have considered things so thoroughly.

Everyone says Wu Shi is talented, and he is indeed good at go-karting and Formula One racing, but whether he can perform as well in F1 is still a question mark.

He actually believed that Wu Shi had WDC-level talent, but without going through trials and tribulations, it would be impossible to reach that level!

Besides, how old is this young man?
据他所知，吴轼出生于1998年12月3日，今天是2014年5月8日，这家伙才15岁零五个月！距离十六岁生日还有七个月！

What does this age mean? Most of his peers, or even those older, are only just beginning to learn about the Reynolds equation and get familiar with open-wheel equations.

However, Nicky Lauda's words are indeed worth considering: is it worth investing in a young person?
“I have drivers who can compete for WDC, what makes you, compared to them, a factor that would make me have to sign you?” Toto asked.

"While both are competing for the WDC, some drivers need the fastest car in the paddock, but I don't! I can still keep the suspense of winning the WDC even when Mercedes doesn't have the fastest car," Wu Shi said firmly.

clap clap clap!
Nikki Lauda applauded.

Toto looked over and said, "Old man, stop messing around. Even if we leave Wu Shi at Williams for now, we can always sign him back when a spot becomes available at Mercedes!"
Moreover, his season with Williams clearly demonstrates whether he can adapt to F1.

After all, having the ability to drive fast and being able to drive fast under immense pressure are two different things.

Don't underestimate the pressure that the F1 stage puts on drivers. It's the world's most watched stage, the highest hall of motorsport. Any driver sitting in its monocoque will feel nervous!

Toto hesitated for quite a long time this time. He felt a great responsibility. If he signed Wu Shi at this time but failed to run the race well, it would undoubtedly bring him huge risks.

"Perhaps we should give it a try."

"Try?"

"Yes, I'll arrange a practice match for you on Friday. If you're really as outstanding as you say, I'll consider the offer. However, if you can't meet our requirements, I can't guarantee you even a spot with Williams."

“Okay, it’s a deal!” Wu Shi readily agreed.

Sid had just reached out his hand, but before he could grab his sleeve, Sid's hand was already outstretched.

Brother! You gave up a seat you had already secured, but instead went after a so-called Mercedes-Benz seat!

Rookie! Just getting into F1 is the biggest success! Why chase after a seat on a big team from the start?

Besides, Williams' ancestors were once wealthy!

"I think we should choose a more moderate solution."

Sid knew he couldn't let the boy's confidence ruin his future; he had to get Wu Shi into F1 first before he could think about anything else.

“Oh? Actually, that’s what I’ve always thought,” Toto said with a smile.

Wu Shi turned to look at Xi De.

Sid shook his head slightly, advising him not to get agitated.

At this moment, Nicky Lauda suddenly spoke up and set the tone: "Okay, I'll make the decision. If you meet our performance requirements, you get a Mercedes seat; if not, you get a Williams seat."

Upon hearing this, Toto didn't say much, but nodded and said, "Then we should discuss the rest of the contract."

"I'm all ears." Wu Shi knew that Toto's request was about to come.

"In practice, achieve a top-three finish in qualifying with the fastest lap," Toto stated directly.

"As long as Williams' seat is secure, I have no objection to it." Sid only wanted to secure his seat.

“This is not a negotiation.”

Toto revealed his tough side, his sharp gaze fixed on Wu Shi. "Isn't the young man very arrogant? Now let's see what your answer is."

"No problem! As long as you open up the qualifying performance of the race car, what's wrong with getting pole position?!" Wu Shi said boldly, though he wasn't really sure about the outcome.

Practice race, fastest lap.

Putting aside the question of whether the track conditions are good or not, he only has so little time to get familiar with the car, but he's guaranteed to be able to do it!
Given the complexity of F1, in such a short time, he probably wouldn't even have a full sense of the car. In the end, it all depends on him!
“Very good!” Nikki Lauda said with a smile.

If Wu Shi backs down, he will feel that what he did before was just arrogance and ignorance.

　Thank you so much, Shindo Chihiro, for being the patron! Thank you for your support!

　　I have two more chapters to update later, so they might be a little late.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)