F1: Absolute Car Feel

Chapter 322 Lock & Lock First Shot
On Tuesday, March 26, the FIA, F1, and teams met in London and reached a final framework for the technical regulations for 2021.

Its core issue remains solving the problems of difficulty in following other vehicles and inability to overtake.

The meeting also finalized a new profit-sharing agreement, slightly reducing the extreme income imbalance between large and small fleets.

In the past, Ferrari, as a historical team, would receive bonuses from the top-ranked teams even if it didn't win any race points.

When Marchionne was alive, he threatened Ferrari's withdrawal from F1, preventing the Liberty Media from taking action.

However, now that he is dead and his policies have ended, Elkann is open to this, thus giving the free media room to maneuver.

These things had nothing to do with Wu Shi, who was at the Mercedes factory at the time, struggling to test drive the train.

Australia's strong start did not make them complacent.

Mercedes cars showed signs of incompatibility in simulations of the Sakhir circuit.

"I think it's a balance issue. We maintained our speed on the curves, but our speed slowed down on the straights," Wu Shi said.

Hamilton also commented, "The Sakhir circuit has three sections of DRS, which may affect us."

"Okay, this is the rankings. What about the main event?" Alisson asked.

"It's the same problem, but because the power output is low during the main race, it won't be as noticeable," Wu Shi said.

"Okay, here are two forms. Please fill them out."

Allison continued to follow his development schedule, getting feedback from both drivers.

On Friday, March 29, the free practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix began.

It's much hotter here than expected, with ground temperatures reaching 50°C.

Wu Shi and Hamilton encountered the same problem: engine power was limited, forcing them to use other modes to continue.

Vettel and Leclerc dominated both practice matches.

Although outsiders still believe that Mercedes is showing weakness, Mercedes insiders know their own situation.

When the engine encountered a high-temperature problem that couldn't be resolved immediately, Mercedes changed their approach and tuned the car for racing.

This move resulted in Mercedes' lackluster performance in Saturday's practice session.

The situation remained the same during the qualifying rounds.

Leclerc led by a wide margin in Q1 with a time of 1 minute 28.495 seconds.

Wu Shi finished third with a time of 1 minute 29.023 seconds.

In Q2, Leclerc still leads by a wide margin with a time of 1 minute 28.046 seconds.

Wu Shi finished third with a time of 1 minute 28.371 seconds.

"Wow, Mercedes' speed at the opening race was really just a flash in the pan," the soldier exclaimed in surprise.

“That’s possible. Bahrain is hotter than Australia, and Mercedes is generally better suited to cooler environments,” Fei said.

After the two finished speaking, Q3 arrived quickly.

Magnussen and Sainz, who entered Q3, were the first to play, but both of them had mediocre results.

When Hamilton and Wu Shi came out, everyone's attention turned to them.

First up was Hamilton, who clocked a time of 1 minute 28.190 seconds in one lap, successfully taking the top spot.

After Wu Shi said "a bit slow" in the TR, he successfully took the lead with a time of 1 minute 28.011 seconds.

"Wow, that's amazing! It has to be Wu Shi!" the soldier exclaimed.

"Look at Leclerc, it's purple now," Fei Ge reminded him.

At this moment, the camera briefly focused on Vettel in the P room.

"Isn't he going to run away yet?" the soldier asked.

“He didn’t have enough tires; he only had one set left,” Fei Ge said.

"Is one lap enough for this?" the soldier asked doubtfully.

“Well, Vettel previously took first place in Q1, Q2, and Q3 in just one lap at the Shanghai Grand Prix, so we should give the four-time world champion a little confidence,” Haoran said.

Swish!
On the field, Lock & Lock crossed the finish line.

A time of 1 minute 27.958 seconds!

"P2, Ciel, 27.958 seconds."

Jonathan told Wu Shi, who was in the back row.

“Oh, I remember, Vettel’s pole position time last year was 1 minute 27.958 seconds.”

Wu Shi said.

“Yes,” Jonathan replied.

When Wu Shi returned, the caravan became somewhat worried.

The feedback from the two players wasn't good, but the slow ranking process was expected.

The race car has poor balance; it's the car's fault, not the driver's.

Once Leclerc returned to the pit lane, Vettel's mechanics began installing the tires. The four-time champion quickly drove onto the track, where traffic was just right.

Mercedes reacted quickly, sending Hamilton and Wu Shi out with them.

This undoubtedly puts psychological pressure on Vettel.

“Last year, Vettel acted somewhat immaturely, well, I should say he had some psychological issues,” the soldier said.

"Yes, he will have to face this problem sooner or later this year, and most importantly, there is the pressure from his teammates." Fei Ge nodded.

As soon as the two Mercedes left, Leclerc followed.

Mercedes and Ferrari are battling for pole position.

Verstappen also faces challenges from two Haas and two McLarens.

With Sainz and Norris on the same team, everyone is eager to see which of these two young drivers is better.

At this point, Vettel had just finished his second timeout, 0.092 seconds slower than Lock & Lock's time!

"There's a very good chance!"

"But Leclerc is still running. What if we refresh point 1 or point 2 again?"

"Vettel will face continued pressure this year."

"Hamilton's S1 and S2 were both slower, slower than his own, by 0.3 seconds, and he had no chance left."

"Does Wu Shi's S1 green lap mark give him a chance to challenge Leclerc?"

As the group watched the broadcast, Vettel was about to cross the line.

Swish!
1 minutes 28 seconds 160!

"Oh no, too slow! Vettel's done for, there are no front row seats left."

"Leclerc is still being farmed for purple," Haoran whispered.

"Yes, S1 has broken the record again," Fei Ge said.

The Ferrari's mic blared, announcing Vettel's lap time:

"P3".

Vitter remained silent.

Hamilton's results came out quickly.

A time of 1 minute 28.450 seconds is not even as fast as his previous lap.

"Now it all depends on Wu Shi and Leclerc!"

"Wu Shi's S2 has turned green again, looks like there's a chance!" Fei Ge shouted.

Soon after, Wu Shi crossed the finish line.

Swish!
1 minutes 28 seconds 001!

"Oh! Still didn't break 27 seconds!"

"Congratulations to Leclerc for securing his first career pole position!"

"Ferrari's change of heart is too fast. This race looks much faster than Mercedes'."

At this moment, Leclerc crossed the finish line again, completely erasing his previous 0.092!

He secured pole position with a time of 1 minute 27.866 seconds!

The Ferrari pit lane erupted in cheers.

"Have you noticed that this is somewhat similar to when Wu Shi entered the Mercedes-Benz Arena in 2017?" Haoran began to whisper again.

"Binoto is probably thinking about what to do with the first and second drivers right now!" Bing said with a smile.

"If all else fails, we can go with Mercedes," Fei said.

"Can't you manage it like Mercedes-Benz? Hahaha!" the soldier immediately chimed in.

Wu Shi drove the car back to the parking area, got out, shook hands with Lock & Lock, and said, "Congratulations!"

“Thank you! That’s incredible, haha, this is the first time I’ve started ahead of you,” Leclerc said happily.

"Of course, I look forward to your performance tomorrow! Go and celebrate with them," Wu Shi said.

Lock & Lock hugged Wu Shi, weighed the items, and quickly ran back to the team.

At this point, Vettel took off his helmet and completed the weighing process.

The two greeted each other politely, and Wu Shi sensed that Vettel was in a somewhat depressed state.

“Wu, do you know how Lewis feels?” Vettel suddenly said.

"What?" Wu Shi didn't understand what it meant.

"It's nothing, you're still as amazing as ever. Keep striving for your fourth world championship title." Vettel patted Wu Shi on the shoulder and turned to leave.

(End of this chapter)