Chapter 217 Business Activities
"Chinese people are dominating F1 racing!"
"Wu Shi: The F1 Driver set to break records, a world champion in his rookie season!"
"Williams' car development bias is evident, leaving Massa unable to compete with his teammate."
"The fastest Driver + the third fastest car = world champion?"
Many headlines were eye-catching, leaving many fans who missed the Monaco Grand Prix a bit stunned.
How did China come to dominate the races?
How was Wu Shi about to become a world champion?
Upon closer inspection, they were all clickbait headlines; the articles only mentioned Wu Shi's current lead in the opening paragraphs.
The rest was all rational and objective analysis, suggesting that Wu Shi's lead wouldn't last much longer.
Of course, there were also some conspiracy theory articles from smaller media outlets.
Such as:
"Chinese capital interfering with F1 races, attempting to artificially create a Chinese racing god!"
"The Mercedes Team, bought out, always creating opportunities for Wu Shi?"
Seeing these articles, Wu Shi was speechless.
I'm not, I didn't, this is completely slandering someone's innocence out of thin air!
Of course, he only saw these as a joke, but Verstappen and Leclerc kept forwarding them, which really annoyed him.
After returning to England, Wu Shi didn't expect Sid to call.
"Zhou Guanyu, his mother does want to discuss some things with us; she wants you to provide Zhou Guanyu with some development advice," Sid said.
"Oh? I remember he's racing in F4, right?" Wu Shi asked.
"Yes, he's also preparing for F3 next year," Sid replied.
Wu Shi pondered for a moment, but quickly said, "Let's meet and talk. He and I are acquainted, and we're both friends."
The rest was left to Sid to arrange.
Wu Shi's name was now very famous in F1; most fans had realized the emergence of an absolute genius.
Many fellow Chinese drivers developing in Europe also benefited from this, with some even directly asking him for help out of camaraderie.
Wu Shi would usually lend a hand, whether it was for a karting interview or a junior formula interview, he would introduce them.
However, how they performed would be up to them.
The families of drivers who could race in Europe were generally well-off, so he hadn't encountered any self-serving individuals who resorted to moral blackmail.
Parents were quite grateful to Wu Shi, as without his introduction, most European karting teams would simply not accept a child from China.
He remembered when he wanted to join a karting team, even with Aunt Martina having made prior arrangements, he could still be stood up, let alone these younger kids?
At the same time, Bianchi sent another letter, stating that his circuit was doing quite well; at least, in the short time since he took over, he had fully mastered operations at the track.
Wu Shi knew that Bianchi still wanted to invite him to join his managed circuit and karting team.
His attitude this time was different from before; previously, he was too proud and new to F1, not wanting to be bogged down by too much energy, so he refused.
Now, on one hand, Bianchi had invited him repeatedly, and on the other hand, many domestic families had found him through various connections, hoping he could help.
Considering these two points, he could indeed invest in and operate a karting team.
This way, at least, younger drivers going to Europe to participate in races would have an avenue.
Furthermore, it was already 2015; ten years later, China's automotive industry would undergo tremendous changes.
However, because racing receives too little attention in China, only one leading car manufacturer showed slight interest, and only one emerging car manufacturer was interested.
This could naturally be said that Chinese companies prioritize practicality, and so-called racing is seen as a waste of resources for those with nothing better to do.
In reality, racing has both its technical value and its cultural and entertainment industry value.
In the history of automotive industrial development, a quick search reveals a large number of technologies that originated in racing and were then adapted for civilian use.
Such as engine cylinder coatings, one-button start, disc brakes, Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (ERS), dual-clutch transmissions, and so on.
These are easy to understand, and there are many more vehicle system engineering solutions tested under race conditions that have also contributed to the continuous development of civilian cars.
It can be said that racing has, to a certain extent, catalyzed the development and progress of the automotive industry. How can it be said that it is for those with nothing better to do?
Which reputable car manufacturer has not participated in various racing series?
And from a cultural and entertainment industry perspective, racing, a sport of extreme competition and excitement, is also highly popular among many spectators.
Its development can bring economic growth, similar to sports like football and basketball.
In short, Wu Shi, whether from a rational perspective or from a position-determines-mindset perspective, must promote the development of China's racing industry.
Given this, early planning is also appropriate.
He told Sid his idea of a cooperative venture with Bianchi.
Although he didn't put in money, simply having his name associated with that karting team was already a contribution—
Many children grew up hearing the legends he left behind in various races; his achievements had already influenced a new generation of drivers.
There were also many complex matters that required effort, such as restrictions in his contract with Williams on commercial activities Wu Shi could not participate in; these all needed attention when discussing cooperation with Bianchi.
Anyway, Sid was no longer fighting alone, so it wasn't too much trouble.
After reviewing the matters from the agency, Wu Shi finally got through his busy schedule and could focus on F1 matters.
However, before he could even return to the factory, Claire informed him that he needed to attend a commercial event for Martini, their biggest sponsor.
Apparently, he had been specifically requested.
As a contracted F1 driver for Williams, Wu Shi naturally could not refuse such commercial engagements.
The main purpose was to participate in the Italian wine giant Martini's promotional activities in Italy.
Martini had actually had this idea for a while, but Wu Shi's performance in F1 hadn't been outstanding enough before, and Martini was more conservative, not yet believing in Wu Shi's commercial value.
However, after Wu Shi achieved successive good results—including strong qualifying laps and race pace—further boosting his popularity in Italy, Martini began to consider this matter.
Speaking of which, Wu Shi's connection with Italy was also quite close.
After all, there were no Italian F1 drivers in the paddock at the moment, so he, a karting driver who started his professional career in Italy, was treated as a substitute.
Of course, some people were unwilling to consider a foreigner as Italy's glory, but online, a strange competitive spirit led many Italian netizens to insist on Wu Shi's connection with Italy.
The anchor points in this, besides Wu Shi's professional career arguably starting in Italy, also involved Aunt Martina and Louise.
By June 1st, Wu Shi hurriedly flew to Milan, accompanied only by his press officer, Gianfranco Stone. This blonde older sister explained the entire itinerary on the plane.
"So, I just need to show up at the press conference and say a few words?" Wu Shi asked.
"Yes, you don't need to do anything too complex. After all, the Canadian Grand Prix is next weekend, and we won't let you spend too much time here—we need to keep you fresh for practice and qualifying," Gianfranco nodded.
"Understood."
Wu Shi saw that it wasn't a difficult task and felt a little relieved.
If he were asked to drive—whether on track or doing demonstration laps—he naturally wouldn't have any emotional fluctuations, but being asked to perform commercially still made him a bit uncomfortable.
However, as soon as he got off the plane, he realized he had underestimated his current popularity.
Some people had apparently known about the news in advance and were waiting to photograph him. Fortunately, Gianfranco was very experienced with this, having prepared masks, sunglasses, and other items.
After he signed autographs for a few fans, they went directly to the venue.
The vast estate was filled with people from all walks of life; luxury cars and beautiful women came and went. This grand reception clearly invited many guests.
"Nervous? I'm sure you're not; you handle those paddock journalists quite deftly—even when they're asking about blue flags or Drag Reduction System (DRS) usage," Gianfranco said with a smile, then straightened his suit.
Attending such a reception naturally required formal wear.
Now at 1.79 meters tall, Wu Shi looked quite dashing in a suit. Coupled with his powerful facial contours, he was the type that appealed to both Eastern and Western tastes.
"Of course, I just need to go up and say a few words. Why would I be nervous?" Wu Shi shook his head.
"That's good. Remember, if anyone asks you about drinking, you cannot answer—even about non-alcoholic options beyond what we've prepared," Gianfranco reminded him.
"Okay, I know. You've emphasized it several times on the way. I'm still underage and shouldn't touch alcohol, yet you still want me to come," Wu Shi said helplessly.
"You need to change that mindset. Don't you know, you're already a celebrity of considerable standing? Teams are already looking at your data—your brake management and ERS deployment are top-tier," she said.
"Huh?" Wu Shi truly didn't believe it. Two Grand Prix victories—are there really so few F1 drivers with this achievement?
"Your future is limitless," Gianfranco said, looking at Wu Shi's surprised face, then added:
"Martini doesn't think you'll stay at Williams for long. They're afraid you'll leave Williams next season, so they're eager to use this opportunity for promotion."
Wu Shi showed no emotional fluctuation, only shaking his head and saying, "I signed a three-year long-term contract with Williams."
Gianfranco's gaze at Wu Shi became strange. She said, "It seems you really haven't made the shift. Your qualifying performance in Monaco—setting pole with a flying lap even with yellow flags in sector two—has already caught the eye of many teams."
Wu Shi laughed after hearing this and said, "And then? Mercedes? Ferrari? Or Red Bull, McLaren? Which team do you think would be more suitable for me than Williams right now? Their chassis development is on track, and we're working well together on tyre management."
"Alright, we're here. Let's get out of the car."
Gianfranco was also wearing an evening gown today, her graceful figure filling the dress perfectly, and her fair skin glowed like moonlight under the lights.
Wu Shi didn't dwell on the topic; they were just casually chatting, not needing to debate anything.
After getting out of the car, Gianfranco linked arms with Wu Shi and walked inside.
Throughout, Gianfranco displayed her extremely high professional quality, recognizing and offering kind words to every celebrity who came to greet them.
With such a press officer, Wu Shi felt even less pressure. Even if he didn't know anyone in the entire venue, Gianfranco could handle it appropriately for him.
He only needed to keep smiling, follow Gianfranco's lead in greeting people, and exchange a few compliments to complete the event.
Upon reaching the main hall in the center of the estate, everyone was holding stemmed glasses and conversing, with waiters moving through the crowd.
Soon, someone offered Wu Shi a drink.
"Mr. Wu, this is a non-alcoholic sparkling wine specially prepared for you," the waiter said.
"Thank you."
As Wu Shi had just taken the glass, a dark-haired woman in a low-cut evening gown walked over.
"Wu Shi? I didn't expect to see you here! I watched your Monaco race—those overtakes were incredible!"
The woman's surprised look also surprised Wu Shi. Sister, who are you?
Gianfranco reacted quickly and said:
"Elisabetta Canalis, I didn't expect to see you here! I thought you had retired from acting?"
"Oh! I did consider that after marrying Brian Perri, but after receiving the invitation, I still decided to come and taste this delicious Martini—and of course, to meet the newest star of F1!"
Gianfranco quickly started chatting with the beautiful actress. Wu Shi listened on the side, realizing that Elisabetta Canalis also followed F1 closely, which was how she recognized him.
Later, he even heard some gossip, such as Elisabetta Canalis complaining that she was trying to have a child but hadn't had any luck yet.
Wu Shi was speechless.
After dealing with her, it was finally time for the main characters to appear. An executive from Bacardi began the opening speech for the evening.
After speaking, various celebrities present were invited to the stage to speak. This was the core purpose of the evening: to further promote Martini.
Alcohol, in particular, greatly benefits from celebrity endorsement.
Wu Shi wasn't too far down the list. When his name was called, he was still somewhat nervous.
Below the stage, a sea of political and business figures watched. He held his glass, steadying his hand with the same control he used for an F1 steering wheel.
"Gentlemen, ladies, I also feel quite surprised to be standing here. After all, I am only sixteen, not of drinking age, but every time I celebrate a victory, I can't open champagne. Wouldn't that be too disappointing? Fortunately…"
He raised his glass, which contained a non-alcoholic sparkling wine produced by Martini, and continued to recite his prepared speech.
By the time he finished the thousand-word speech, the audience's reaction was quite good—many applauded his thoughts on how racing advances automotive technology.
Wu Shi breathed a sigh of relief and left the stage.
"Well done. Ten thousand dollars have been credited to your account," Gianfranco said teasingly.
"I'd rather be driving than doing this—even if it means dealing with variable track conditions and tyre degradation," Wu Shi shrugged, also speaking in jest. These activities were certainly something he needed to adapt to.
He and Gianfranco rushed back to England overnight. Preparations for the Canadian Grand Prix remained incredibly busy—they needed to finalize setup changes for the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which is known for its long straights and heavy braking zones.
After a night of work, he returned to his room and hadn't rested much before Louise's call came in the morning.
"Did you go back to Italy last night?"
"Uh-huh~" Wu Shi replied weakly.
"Hmph, I was hoping you'd come home. I haven't seen you in a long time," Louise mumbled, her voice getting softer and softer.
"I also received sudden notice about last night's event. I'll come back after the Canadian Grand Prix—we can go watch some local karting races if you want," Wu Shi said.
"Okay! Are you still resting? Did you not get any sleep last night? You should rest first—you need to be sharp for practice sessions," Louise said with concern, then hung up the phone.
Wu Shi looked at Louise on his screen saver, then buried his head in his pillow. It seemed he and Wu Zhenlin were somewhat alike, completely forgetting about home when engrossed in work.
He could only keep reminding himself that he couldn't be like this; he still needed to go home more often when he had time.
The Canadian Grand Prix was on June 7th. It was already June, and half the year was almost over.
Wu Shi looked at his points, 119. Not to say he was miles ahead, but he had a comfortable lead of several races.
Keep it up; this World Drivers' Championship (WDC) opportunity was simply too perfectly placed before him.