Chapter 1138: Chapter 432: Mercedes’ Surprise for Their Two Drivers
Qin Miao glanced at his computer, then shrugged at Hamilton: "Lewis, thanks for your concern, but I’m fine now, and my form won’t be affected. Plus, I can’t wait to get on the track to show Verstappen my defensive skills."
Hamilton rubbed his forehead. When you said that, your gritted teeth and bulging veins already exposed your true feelings!
"Listen, Qin Miao, I know this feeling isn’t easy right now, and I know you have the strength to prove yourself on the track. But trust me, what you really should be doing now isn’t planning your next moves on the track, but calming down and adjusting your mindset."
At this point, Hamilton looked at Qin Miao’s face, then changed his words: "At least think a little, if you continue in your current state, what consequences will you face?
After all, we both know racing is a sport that requires mental engagement. On the track, if you are impulsive like you are now, there’s a high chance for some unforced errors."
Hamilton’s words naturally had no effect on Qin Miao.
However, Hamilton’s last remarks caught Qin Miao’s attention.
"The derogation and insults from Dutch fans are just methods. You have to see the purpose behind these methods, the so-called essence." Hamilton felt a bit emotional as he said this.
While not having to feel the "enthusiasm" of local Dutch fans in Verstappen’s home is a good thing, it also means that in the eyes of Dutch fans, my strength is no longer as good as my teammate Qin Miao’s.
But Hamilton still repressed his mixed feelings and continued: "The reason why they’re doing this to you is because they fear your ability. What they really want is your current state, eager to prove yourself and slap them in the face.
I believe you understand that with such a mindset, it’s easy to make unforced mistakes on the track, like Leclerc."
Next door to the Mercedes team lounge, in the Ferrari lounge, Leclerc was lying on the sofa chatting on the phone with his girlfriend when he suddenly sneezed inexplicably.
Leclerc rubbed his nose, puzzled, as he hadn’t caught a cold recently...
"And besides unforced errors, your choices might become more aggressive and dangerous than during normal thinking, which undoubtedly increases your risk of retiring during the race.
And that’s exactly what they want to see."
At this point, to reinforce his point, Hamilton walked up to Qin Miao and patted him on the shoulder: "Even though you might not take my words seriously, this is the experience your teammate gained from years on the track. I wouldn’t tell just anyone."
Qin Miao clicked his tongue, carefully savoring Hamilton’s words.
Let me tell you, honestly, the old man makes a good point!
"I’m fine now." After pondering for a moment, Qin Miao suddenly said.
After Qin Miao spoke, Hamilton was stunned for a moment.
"Fine? What do you mean fine?" Hamilton’s mind obviously couldn’t process it.
Logically, after hearing my heartfelt, thought-provoking insights, Qin Miao should carefully think it over, analyze it in detail, then ask me about the points he didn’t understand. Ultimately, after my explanation, Qin Miao would fully comprehend, be enlightened, and promise to approach the Dutch Grand Prix calmly on the track.
How could it only lead to a simple "I’m fine" from Qin Miao?
In fact, this was Hamilton underestimating Qin Miao.
Qin Miao, right now, is exceptionally young.
But with the backing of the system, Qin Miao’s mental resilience is historically significant.
This week’s Grand Prix awkwardness for Qin Miao was purely because it’s his first time truly in an away game.
Ever since entering F1, Qin Miao’s journey has been quite the celebrated one.
Even during F2, when he was isolated by other drivers, all the audience inside and outside the paddock had high tolerance and expectations for Qin Miao, a true favored son of heaven.
Everyone wanted to see how this young driver, who stirred the winds in F2, would perform upon entering F1.
And indeed, Qin Miao didn’t let them down.
So, in the first season, although everyone was somewhat surprised by Qin Miao’s achievements on the track, they were relatively tolerant towards him.
However, after the rookie protection period of the first year passed, in the eyes of some fans, Qin Miao degraded from a darling to a thorn in their side.
Thus, this is Qin Miao’s first time being targeted with malice by all the audience in the paddock.
This sudden pressure, never felt by Qin Miao before, had him caught in a loop, unable to get out.
But after Hamilton’s reminder, Qin Miao literally woke up.
Realizing all of this, Qin Miao naturally understood he had been a bit irrational.
Nevertheless, although Qin Miao no longer prioritized making Verstappen sick on the track,
