Chapter 207: Is This 2016?
In the morning, the usual drivers' parade took place. European fans were especially enthusiastic, with Ferrari supporters waving flags across the stands.
Hamilton, wearing sunglasses and a stylish braid, stood apart under an umbrella, occasionally waving to the crowd.
"You look pretty relaxed," Wu Shi said with a smile.
"The sun's beautiful today, isn't it?" Hamilton nodded. With his points lead and his teammate's slow start to the season, pressure was minimal for him.
"The sun is nice – we'll get a good start today," Rosberg said, unusually upbeat.
Hamilton replied naturally: "You won't block my way, will you?"
Tension crackled between them instantly. Wu Shi quietly stepped over to Verstappen, who looked a little out of place.
"Can I congratulate you in advance on another podium?" Verstappen said.
"Don't jinx me!" Wu Shi cut him off quickly.
"Hahaha – you guys really do have strange customs," Verstappen laughed.
Wu Shi had always been wary of pre-race praise, even since his karting days. It was then that Verstappen first heard him explain the internet meme "poisoned milk" – made famous the previous year when commentator Huang Xudong's predictions had "cursed" multiple players at the WCS World Finals.
"Can't be too careful – you saw what happened when our domestic commentators said a safety car was unlikely at Sepang, right?" Wu Shi said.
"True enough! That happened the moment they said it," Verstappen grew serious. "You think those 'curses' will get worse?"
"Just wait – they'll happen more often than you'd believe," Wu Shi sighed.
In the afternoon, air temperature was 26°C, track temperature 45°C, wind speed 2.2 m/s, and humidity 45%. Wu Shi headed out early for his reconnaissance lap, avoiding congestion in the pit lane and driving directly to his grid spot. Once parked, Jonathan removed his steering wheel – drivers must exit their cars after reconnaissance laps for the pre-race national anthem.
"It doesn't feel that hot, but why is it so stuffy?" Wu Shi complained.
"Catalunya's always like this in May – keep an eye on tyre degradation," Jonathan advised.
"I'll manage tyre life and hold off Vettel as best I can," Wu Shi nodded.
"Ferrari's long-run tyre management is strong, but you can match them. We all trust you," Jonathan patted his shoulder.
"Thanks – our straight-line speed is better this weekend, so I'll have opportunities," Wu Shi said.
Williams had opted to prioritize engine performance and drag reduction over all-around aerodynamics. With limited resources for full development, specialization was the way forward. This sacrificed some cornering handling, but Wu Shi's driving style compensated for it – the team had agreed a radical approach was their only path to competitiveness.
As they spoke, the two Mercedes cars arrived on the grid. Hamilton, starting second – a rare sight for him – put on his sunglasses as soon as he climbed out. Rosberg emerged with his blonde hair tousled by the wind; his expression was tight, a clear sign of nerves as race time approached.
Once cars were on the grid, driver chatter faded. The three front-runners exchanged brief nods, a stark contrast to their earlier parade lap conversation. After pre-race procedures concluded, all drivers returned to their cockpits to await the starting bell.
Ding! – The bell rang, and crew members cleared the track. The warm-up lap began, and Rosberg finally enjoyed the view from pole position.
Broadcast Commentary
"He's earned this! Four races without pole – Rosberg must be feeling a huge weight lifted," said Commentator Bing.
"Absolutely rare for him. If he converts this to lights-to-flag, he'll jump back to second in points and regain his edge," added Commentator Fei.
"We understand he switched to last year's clutch setup – seems he's more comfortable with it."
"Is this year's clutch not ready yet? Why use last year's part? Did Mercedes pour all R&D into the engine?" Bing wondered.
"Hamilton hasn't had issues – it's more that Rosberg struggled to adapt to the new component," Fei noted.
"Mercedes' lead just keeps growing. Ferrari's aero upgrades aren't delivering, and Williams have no updates at all – so once again, it looks like a battle between the two Silver Arrows, just like 2014. It can make races feel predictable…"
As Bing spoke, the broadcast displayed the starting grid animation, listing drivers in order.
"Pole for Rosberg, Hamilton second, Wu Shi third, Vettel fourth."
"Massa's form has dropped off sharply – the gap to Wu Shi is massive," Bing interjected.
"After so many years in F1, it's natural to see his pace decline," Fei agreed.
"Toro Rosso are also surprisingly far forward – ahead of Red Bull themselves!"
The animation faded, and cameras focused on the grid. Ding-a-ling! – The starting bell rang, followed by a thunderous roar as engines blazed to full revs. Drivers engaged clutches and shifted into first gear.
"Red lights are on…"
Wu Shi's eyes locked on the gantry.
"All five red lights lit…"
"LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO! The 2015 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix is underway!"
"Wu Shi gets a fantastic start! He's defending the inside line from Vettel, who's slow off the line! The Mercedes pair are also quick away – heading into Turn 1! Will positions change at the front?"
"Rosberg holds the lead! Hamilton stays second! They're already two car lengths clear of Wu Shi before Turn 1 – Rosberg is driving aggressively today!"
"Through the first few corners, no changes at the front. Now approaching Turn 4 – Hamilton is right on Rosberg's gearbox! Is he looking to overtake here?"
"Overtaking's nearly impossible unless Rosberg makes a mistake…"
"WAIT – Rosberg is slower than Hamilton on the straight! Hamilton's making a move!"
The overhead camera showed Hamilton's #44 Mercedes closing fast on Rosberg's #6. Hamilton tried to go around the left outside, but Rosberg moved across to block him. Hamilton reacted instantly, switching to the right inside – only for Rosberg to squeeze over in the same moment.
Rosberg glanced in his mirror, teeth clenched – this was his best shot at victory, and he wouldn't yield an inch. Hamilton, who knew his teammate's track habits well, dove for the remaining space on the inside.
But Rosberg's car shifted right again. Hamilton had no time to react – his tires slid over the white line and onto the grass, losing all grip. The car spun wildly and slammed into the back of Rosberg's Mercedes.
SCREECH! BANG! HISS!
Mud and grass flew as both Silver Arrows careened into the gravel trap.
Wu Shi, running third, watched the crash unfold like a live spectator. Even with his experience, he flinched and adjusted his steering wheel instinctively. He remembered this collision happening in Spain – but wasn't that in 2016?
There was no time to process it. As he turned into the corner, his heart hammered in his chest. Both Mercedes cars were out.
"TR: I saw the crash – how bad is it? Are they okay?" Wu Shi radioed immediately.
"Safety car deployed. Details still coming in," Jonathan replied.
A surge of relief didn't come until moments later: "They're both unharmed. Rosberg even threw his steering wheel in frustration."
"Thank god," Wu Shi exhaled. He was acutely aware of F1's risks – having lost his life in a crash before, accidents hit differently for him.
The broadcast cut to the Mercedes garage, where mechanics stared in shock or held their heads in disbelief. Dieter Zetsche, with his white beard, shook his head as he approached Toto, who had removed his headphones and begun organizing his notes – his expression was stern but controlled.
"You held that internal meeting just last week?" Zetsche asked.
Toto nodded. "This is deeply regrettable."
"The rivalry's carried over from last year…"
"I won't blame either driver individually," Toto said.
"Of course – they're top talent, but teamwork remains critical."
As the two spoke, garage staff began packing up – their race was over.
"Safety car is leading the field now. Let's look at the replay…"
"Rosberg was slower but maintained position – his defensive move was within reason."
"Hamilton forced the issue too hard, ran onto the grass, and lost control."
"What will the FIA's penalty be?"
"I don't care about penalties right now – look who's leading!" Bing exclaimed.
"Wu Shi is in P1!"
The camera cut to the white Williams leading the pack, with Vettel's red Ferrari looming behind. The commentators fell quiet – while Wu Shi had beaten Vettel before, nothing was guaranteed now.
"Williams' strategy team must be scrambling. They won't have prepared for a win – it's a whole different approach than fighting for podiums!"
Bing was right. From the garage to Williams' headquarters in the UK, staff were stunned – the opportunity was sudden, and nerves were high. Midfield teams often falter when thrust into winning positions, as race strategies for victory are vastly different from those for points.
Pre-race plans had covered two-stop and three-stop options, and Wu Shi had a fresh set of medium tyres in reserve.
"Keep it simple if we want to win," Jonathan said.
"Two-stop?"
"Three-stop only works if we're chasing – let's stick to two," Jonathan nodded.
While they agreed on the approach, they waited for data from the simulation team. There was no rush yet – the safety car was still on track.
On Lap 4, the safety car pulled into the pit lane. All eyes in the paddock and around the world were now fixed on Wu Shi, leading his first F1 Grand Prix.