Chapter 189: Driver Parade
Wu Shi parked the car in the designated bay, and the engineers immediately came forward, jacking it up and pushing it back into the pit lane.
Claire, Jonathan, and the others all turned their attention toward him. Even though it was only third place in qualifying, it was still an astonishing result.
After getting out of the car, Wu Shi first went for the post-qualifying weigh-in, where he happened to run into Alonso.
The two-time world champion, who looked as if he had been trapped inside the McLaren cockpit all day, smiled helplessly when he saw Wu Shi and greeted him.
"Hey, it's hard to believe you could push the Williams this far. That was a brilliant lap."
"Thanks. It's my home race, so it's only natural I'd drive a little better, right?" Wu Shi said, miming a steering-wheel motion with his hands.
"Haha, then you'd better put on a good show tomorrow. Performing well at your home Grand Prix is something many F1 drivers only dream of."
Alonso patted Wu Shi on the shoulder and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something and turned back.
"By the way, let me confirm again—do Chinese fans really have a nickname for me?"
"Haha, yes!" Wu Shi nodded with a grin. "Everyone calls you 'Brother Tou.' 'Tou' means head, and 'Ge' means elder brother. No bad meaning at all."
"Wait, is my head really that big?" Alonso laughed, waving as he walked back toward the McLaren garage.
Just then, Hamilton and Rosberg also arrived at the weigh-in area. The two looked distant with each other, both wearing gloomy expressions.
Hamilton was the first to smile when he saw Wu Shi.
"I didn't expect you to be that much faster than Massa. Honestly, even if I were in the Williams, I don't think I could've done that."
"Then you should come try it sometime," Wu Shi joked.
"Oh? Trying to recruit me for Sir Frank?"
"If that worked, I'd immediately change careers and become a top-tier driver scout."
Hamilton laughed, raised an eyebrow, and stepped onto the scales.
Rosberg simply nodded briefly to Wu Shi before turning away.
Meanwhile, the drivers eliminated in Q1 and Q2 had already finished their interviews.
Verstappen walked over in high spirits.
"Congratulations. Another great starting position."
"Thanks. Seems like Red Bull's car isn't in great shape this year?" Wu Shi asked casually.
Their relationship was close enough that such sensitive topics could be discussed openly.
"Yeah, like you said, that part's definitely bad news. We're short on outright pace. But the good thing is, Red Bull Racing isn't much faster than us either, so at least I can fight them head-to-head."
Verstappen's eyes shone with fighting spirit.
He was extremely competitive—always wanting to win. And when winning overall wasn't possible, he wanted to beat his teammate and every car around him.
For him, getting on track meant only one thing: competition.
"Then I wish you a good race."
"No need. Keep your luck for yourself. I'm saving mine too. This is your home Grand Prix—enjoy the cheers from your people."
That was just how Verstappen thought. Even good wishes felt like something you shouldn't give away lightly.
They put their arms around each other's shoulders and gave a quick pat before parting.
After weigh-in, reporters crowded into the interview zone. Without the barriers, Wu Shi would probably have been completely surrounded.
At a home race, CCTV naturally got first interview priority.
Wu Shi didn't recognize the reporter, but that didn't matter—everyone knew CCTV.
"Wu Shi, welcome back to Shanghai. Racing on your home circuit must feel very different, right?"
The microphone was handed over.
"Of course. It's much more nerve-racking than anywhere else. I heard thunderous cheers several times out on track. Every time I saw all the red flags waving, I felt incredibly excited. Honestly, coming home like this feels amazing."
"The fans are truly passionate. After so many years, we finally have our own F1 driver. No matter what happens tomorrow, everyone will cheer for their own child."
Turning back to the camera, the reporter continued.
"In Q3 just now, you pushed the car to its absolute limit. Is there anything you'd like to say to the fans ahead of tomorrow's race?"
Wu Shi thought for a moment.
"Today went really well. For the race, all I can do is give everything and show everyone my best."
"Great! Everyone is looking forward to your performance. Now, say hello to the fans watching at home."
Wu Shi smiled and waved at the camera.
Suddenly, a roar erupted from the grandstands.
The broadcast had just shown his close-up on the big screen.
Wu Shi waved again, and the crowd's cheers grew even louder.
"He's quite handsome too," Brother Bing laughed in the studio.
"I've seen lots of fanboys online already."
"Really? Where?"
"Just search Wu Shi fan clubs—you'll see some pretty dramatic comments."
"Well, he does look like an idol-drama lead," Brother Bing nodded.
After CCTV, Sky Sports followed with their own interview.
Thankfully, no difficult questions today—just congratulations and well wishes.
Afterward, Wu Shi returned to the Williams hospitality area, took a quick shower, and went straight to the team meeting.
Williams always held post-qualifying briefings immediately, so drivers could understand race conditions early and give feedback before strategy planning.
"Tomorrow's ambient temperature will be around twenty degrees, humidity forty percent, and track temperature roughly fifteen."
Rodrigo looked at both drivers.
"Soft tires are clearly faster here, but Felipe, your degradation on softs is relatively high."
Massa nodded. Being teammates with Wu Shi was far more stressful than fighting Hamilton—this young man was strong everywhere.
"Our simulations show a two-stop race is optimal. Felipe will go soft–medium–medium. Wu Shi will go soft–soft–medium."
"No problem," Wu Shi said.
Shanghai was physically demanding for drivers but strategically predictable. Safety car probability was low, and two stops were almost guaranteed.
"I'm fine with that too," Massa agreed.
In truth, this was only the general plan. Final strategies would still be refined in individual race-crew meetings.
Afterward, Wu Shi took Louise to walk along the Bund.
Because it was race week, running into fans was very likely, so he wore a mask.
"Hehe, you're a real star now," Louise laughed.
"I never thought F1 was this popular in China."
Then he thought about the population size and shook his head—any sport would have massive numbers of fans here.
The riverfront was packed and brightly lit.
"Let's go back. Everywhere's crowded."
Wu Shi sighed.
The next day, the weather matched the forecast perfectly—sunny, but pleasantly cool in the shade.
The crews completed final car checks in the morning. After a light lunch, race day procedures officially began.
At exactly noon, the Driver Parade started.
Wu Shi looked at the AMG SL65 in front of him, feeling a bit tempted.
Sadly, he wasn't here to drive an AMG—he still had a Williams to race.
"Ready to go," a staff member said.
Wu Shi got into the passenger seat. The roof was already down. A Mercedes engineer was driving.
"I didn't expect both the FIA and Mercedes to agree to this arrangement," the engineer said.
"I'm surprised too, especially since I'm not even with Mercedes," Wu Shi replied.
A solo home-driver parade was rare and involved many interests—especially when it came to which brand of car was used.
Factory drivers could use their own brand.
But independent drivers had to borrow from manufacturers.
Using Porsche or Lamborghini would never pass approval from teams in the paddock.
Fortunately, Wu Shi and Williams both had good relationships with Mercedes.
And honestly, Williams often looked like Mercedes' junior partner anyway.
So Mercedes provided the AMG SL65.
The car slowly entered the track. Even before reaching the main grandstand, the roar of the crowd could already be heard.
"Your popularity here is crazy," the engineer laughed.
"I didn't realize it myself until I came back," Wu Shi said.
When they reached the straight, Wu Shi stood up in the seat.
The cheers instantly exploded.
He waved. Entire sections of grandstands stood up. Red flags rippled across the stands.
His throat tightened.
He had never said anything to these fans, yet they came to support him on their own.
He felt incredibly lucky.
The grandstands stretched from Turn 13 all the way to Turn 2, with grass banks packed at several corners as well.
He waved to everyone, not distinguishing sections.
After one full lap, his arm felt sore—but his heart felt lighter than ever.
This was exactly why he chased ultimate glory.
"Planning to overtake Rosberg today, like in the opening race?" the engineer asked.
"If I get the chance… I want to pass both Mercedes," Wu Shi answered without hesitation.
"Haha! That's the spirit. Even as a Mercedes engineer, I hope you can pull it off."
After the parade came the opening performances, including martial-arts displays.
Then the drivers lined up on the grid for the national anthem.
Since Australia, every race had included this ceremony.
As the anthem played, helicopter blades thundered overhead, carrying the national flag.
Wu Shi looked up behind his sunglasses.
This was his home race.
After the ceremonies, the drivers returned to the pit lane.
Wu Shi adjusted his race suit and removed his earplugs.
Jonathan walked over.
"Track temperature fifteen. Conditions stable."
"Good weather."
"Turn 1 is your only real chance. Mercedes' straight-line speed is too strong. If you miss the start, you won't get another opportunity."
Wu Shi blinked.
"You're actually telling me to attack both Mercedes?"
"Didn't you already say that yourself?"
"Oh… so that's how fast rumors spread in the paddock."
Jonathan laughed and patted his shoulder.
Wu Zhenlin walked over.
"Good luck, son. But safety first."
"Go, go!" Louise pumped her fists.
"I will."
Time to get in the car.
After the formation lap, cars lined up on the grid.
One bell rang—staff cleared the track.
Another bell rang—three green lights signaled the formation lap.
Hamilton led. Rosberg followed. Wu Shi weaved behind them.
The broadcast cut to a middle-aged man in the Williams pit box.
"That's Wu Shi's father," Brother Bing recognized him immediately.
Then the camera cut to Louise.
"And that's his girlfriend," Bing Ge added.
Fei Ge burst out laughing.
"What result do you think he can get today?" Bing Ge asked.
"Third would already be great. Ferrari's tire management is much better."
"That conservative? I was thinking maybe he could beat both Mercedes!"
"No chance. You're still living in the first two races."
Those results had come from perfect circumstances.
"Isn't there a Shanghai curse? No driver has won back-to-back titles here."
"Then you'd better figure out how to beat Hamilton."
"Easy. Just pit earlier."
"Hahaha!"
Meanwhile, Wu Shi continued weaving, trying to build tire temperature.
On the final straight, Rosberg held back slightly, letting Hamilton pull ahead.
Wu Shi matched Rosberg's move, then accelerated hard.
Vroom! Vroom!
Twenty cars sat on the grid.
Hamilton's car angled slightly right—clearly blocking his teammate.
Wu Shi watched closely. Would they clash into Turn 1?
Red lights came on one by one.
Lights out!
Hamilton launched perfectly.
Wu Shi's start was good—but Hamilton's was better.
He immediately glanced at Rosberg—also a strong launch.
No chance on the straight.
Vettel behind also started well. Wu Shi moved aggressively right to block him.
Massa filled the gap behind.
Rosberg now had a full car-length advantage.
Into Turn 1.
Hamilton held the racing line cleanly.
Rosberg took a defensive line, blocking Wu Shi.
Wu Shi followed Hamilton's inside entry. Vettel had no choice but to follow behind him.
Massa, stuck on the outside, dropped slightly.
Räikkönen went even wider, carrying huge entry speed and briefly passing Massa.
But Turn 1 was long and tightening. The outside line quickly became a disadvantage.
Before Turn 2, Kimi lost the position again, and Massa fell fully behind Vettel.
Wu Shi kept third.
Uphill, then downhill—visibility was poor, and the pack was dense.
But difficult corners also meant overtaking was nearly impossible.
Exiting Turn 4, full throttle.
"Hamilton's pulling away," Wu Shi said.
"Focus on Rosberg and Vettel. Both gaps are under one car length," Jonathan replied.
Wu Shi adjusted his brake balance.
Rosberg defended toward the center. Wu Shi followed. Vettel tried the outside.
Top four through Turn 6.
Behind them, Kimi dove inside and passed Massa.
"Two Ferraris behind you. Vettel still within one second."
"I can't push more. This is the limit."
In race trim, Ferrari was clearly stronger than Williams.
The dream of first or second was already gone.
Now, the real battle was simply to defend third place.