The Lone Rookie

Chapter 146 The Lone Rookie
"Dear viewers of the motorsport world, welcome to Sky Sports and join us for the opening race of the 2018 F1 season."

"The first qualifying match of the season is about to begin."

"Without a doubt, this is an exciting and suspenseful season. How will the rookies perform? Which team will ultimately claim the championship? What kind of performance will the teams that have changed engines deliver? Will the HALO system play a pivotal role in changing the landscape?"

"Of course, most importantly, Hamilton and Vettel, Vettel and Hamilton."

"This is the first time in F1 history that two four-time world champions have competed in the same arena and are vying for their fifth world championship trophy."

“We are witnessing history. This season will be about Hamilton and Vettel. Who will be the first to win and close the gap on Michael Schumacher’s incredible record of seven world championships? Who will lead their team to the top of the championship and become the king of F1 this season?”

"Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready? Please fasten your seatbelts, this is going to be a tense and exciting season."

Excitement, elation, dizziness.

Not only in the TV studio, but also in the paddock at this moment.

Lu Cheng took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but his wildly beating heart still wouldn't quiet down, and the constant roar of the engine pounding in his eardrums made his blood boil uncontrollably—

This is the place, this is the moment, the ultimate challenge in the highest hall of the racing world, where he is about to witness Lu Zhizhou step onto the track to chase the limits of speed.

"Jack, Zhizhou's big heart isn't inherited from you, right?"

Lu Cheng turned his head and saw Marchionne's smiling face. He twitched the corner of his mouth and said, "Yes, from his mother."

Marchionne laughed heartily. "Haha, but his racing talent comes from you, and he's even surpassed you. You should have faith in him."

For the season opener, Marchionne cleared his schedule to come to Melbourne to watch the game, showing his support for Lu Zhizhou with his actions.

So far, the three free practice matches have been mediocre and lack highlights. The voices in the paddock have evolved from exclusion and attacks to complaints and jokes, and then to sympathy and pity. Behind those voices that question whether they are "abusing children" lies a sense of normalcy and acceptance.

"After all, there's only one Lewis Hamilton."

However, Marchionne appeared calm and composed, his good mood completely unaffected. "Lorenzo, predict the qualifying results?"

Lorenzo grinned. "Sergio, I'm confident in this one, pole position."

Lu Cheng almost choked on his own saliva.

Lorenzo burst out laughing. "Jack, please, even if the whole world doesn't believe in the Continent, we should still believe."

Lu Cheng still seemed a little reserved and under a lot of pressure. "Let's go into Q3 first and then talk."

Marchionne noticed the gazes were fixed on him, and he spread his hands. "I can accept any outcome. Because I know he always manages to surprise us, and our goal isn't just Melbourne, right?"

A simple sentence, yet it carries a profound meaning.

The air in the hunting grounds was thick with tension and tension, but there was a brief pause when the red light in the maintenance area turned green, and everyone held their breath.

Then, the qualifying matches began—

Hoo hoo hoo! Ahhh!
A surge of heat erupted instantly, like a volcanic eruption, igniting the air and engulfing the entire paddock in a storm. People cheered and shouted at the top of their lungs, opening their arms to welcome the new season. A vast expanse of color painted and enveloped the entire Albert Park in a splash of ink.

The race car stepped onto the track, and the roar of the engine instantly swept across the entire area.

A long line formed at the entrance to the repair area, with all the drivers eager to take the stage and show off their skills.

On the one hand, it's about striving for clean air and avoiding traffic jams, finding a window of opportunity with unobstructed access to break the fastest lap time; on the other hand, it's a psychological game, taking the initiative to improve performance and create invisible pressure on competitors.

In terms of time, the first qualifying session is 18 minutes long, which is enough for drivers to complete a few more laps. However, the elimination format and the tire strategy for the subsequent race complicate the situation. In F1, everything needs to be considered in the overall context, and the same applies to tactical strategies.

So, how should F1 qualifying be conducted?
The exit lap, as the name suggests, is the first lap after leaving the pit lane; it is also the warm-up lap or preparation lap.

The speed lap is all about the speed on that one lap.

The return lap is the lap that takes you back to the pit area after the race ends.

In other words, the first qualifying session lasts eighteen minutes, but the cars often choose to enter the race in two separate windows, running three laps each time and setting two lap times.

That's all there is to it. Of course, there are special circumstances and unexpected situations, but overall, this is the strategy for F1 qualifying.

Each qualifying session involves two appearances, one before the other, and two laps.

This is why the margin for error is extremely low; there are generally only two chances. If you miss them, even the top drivers from big teams may be eliminated early in Q1 or Q2.

In such situations, Q1 drivers often take the lead, setting a good time to secure their place while putting pressure on their opponents. They use psychological tactics to force their opponents to make mistakes, further narrowing the already limited margin for error and allowing no room for error from the driver.

Competitive sports are all about pressure and competition, and this is taken to the extreme in Formula 1.

However, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz remained inactive, not rushing to take to the track, while Red Bull's home team hoped Ricciardo would get on the track early.

A small number of eyes were focused on Lu Zhizhou—

This baby cyclist has only ever raced in GP3. Whether he can perform at his best in F1, where he needs to create the best time in a short period of time, is a big question mark.

As a result, the two Ferrari race cars were parked steadily and calmly in the pit lane. Vettel was one thing, but what exactly happened to Lu Zhizhou?

Won't your knees tremble with fear?
Despite the uproar and commotion outside, the Ferrari service area remained remarkably calm and composed. The Netflix filming crew was unable to enter their pit room, and no one knew what was happening inside.

Three minutes later, the first drivers to complete the flying lap crossed the finish line and entered the return lap. Greenwood found a window for Lu Zhizhou, and Ferrari's No. 22 car finally left the pit lane. The stands erupted in cheers, but were quickly drowned out by boos and laughter.

The race car finished the exit lap smoothly, navigating the final four sharp corners. The stiff suspension delivered precise feedback from the vibrations to my palms, and the car steadily left the corners. With the accelerator floored, the speed was released smoothly and evenly.

Sprint to the finish line! The timer for the flying lap has started!
Jones Turn 1 and Brabham Turn 2 are both S-curves, but they are slightly different because Jones Turn 1 is sharper, making it a right-angle turn; Brabham Turn 2 is gentler, making it a high-speed turn.

Shaking, shaking, the stiff suspension tuning made the bumps and vibrations more noticeable, but Lu Zhizhou did not deliberately press the vibration strip.

Loosen the oil early!

Not only did they not brake late to achieve the maximum pressing speed, but they even released the oil early and entered the bend ahead of time. What kind of operation is this?
Wait a minute, won't the stroller driver be scared out of his wits?
However, the scene inside the cabin was quite different—

Release the oil in advance and enter the corner cleanly.

Furthermore, Lu Zhizhou consciously widened the line, cutting slightly to the left into the right-angle right bend of Jones Turn 1. He controlled the speed not by braking, but by controlling the rhythm with the accelerator. The precise control of the direction guided the car to smoothly and fluidly outline the beautiful arc of the bend in the combination corner.

It resembles a painting.

Without crossing the kerbs or avoiding the vibration strips, the car flowed smoothly through the center of the track, navigating Jones Corner and entering Brabham Corner, with the tires and suspension remaining stable.

Light as a swallow, moving like clouds and flowing water.

Sacrificing some speed for stability and smoothness, the accelerator was gently pressed, and that bright red streak shot out like a white streak in the waves.

Speed ​​was unleashed amidst the roar of the engine, and the race car transformed into a blur.

"Pretty!"

Brendel's eyes lit up.

Perhaps, in the eyes of some racing enthusiasts and a small number of professionals, Lu Zhizhou's operation seemed hesitant and cautious, lacking any sharpness, and showing none of the flair he displayed in his first free practice session at Spa. It was as if he had been severely taught a lesson by the layers of pressure in the F1 paddock.

Everyone is like this; the youthful arrogance and high spirits of the past are gradually worn down by the real world, eventually turning into a mediocre life of mediocrity.

However, Brendel did not think so. He preferred to believe that Lu Zhizhou had not yet adapted to racing, rather than believe that Lu Zhizhou had lost his edge.

The question is whether the current caution stems from a lack of complete adaptation to racing or from a strategy developed after fully mastering the car.
Brendel stared, holding his breath—

The third corner, Whitford, is another right-angle turn, but the key point is that it is also a combination corner, almost identical to the previous Jones Corner and Brabham Corner. The difference is that it is followed by a fifth right-angle turn. Rather than an S-curve, it is more like a less sharp and crisp inverted Z-shaped combination corner.

This is the characteristic of the Albert Park circuit: one sharp braking point after another, connecting to low-to-medium speed combination corners. However, the numerous right-angle corners are not perfectly strict 90 degrees, but rather slightly obtuse angles, posing a severe test to the control of the brakes and accelerator.

Therefore, here, drivers are allowed to advance according to their own style and characteristics; they can choose to brake late and squeeze the car's speed to the extreme.

At the same time, one can also be like Lu Zhizhou.

At Whitford Turn 3, Lu Zhizhou braked half a car length earlier, maintaining dynamic balance with perfect control of the steering and throttle. The race car felt exceptionally gentle at high speeds, with bumps disappearing silently between the suspension and tire sidewalls. It glided smoothly through the corner, its propulsion line as fluid as a fish swimming in shallow water, ensuring that there was no need to push it to the limit. The tire temperature rose evenly and steadily, and the excellent grip held the car firmly, without any bumps or stops, providing a pure visual enjoyment.

The gentle breeze and drizzle moisten everything silently.

Some people enjoy watching racing for its high-speed, dramatic action, much like watching "Transformers," where explosive events are a constant feature. However, they cannot comprehend the precise control and steady driving in front of them. Behind the seemingly mundane and uninteresting acceleration lies unparalleled control.

Sure enough, after the Clarke Turn nine, in the next section of the Albert Park circuit's most exciting high-speed combination of corners—turns ten, eleven, and twelve—top drivers can go full throttle, squeezing the car's potential and diving into the sharp turn thirteen at breakneck speed.

It's yet another place where you have to brake suddenly.

However, Lu Zhizhou still didn't push to the limit, maintaining a neutral driving line, smoothly pushing off the track, like pushing open a ripple in the depths of a lake, with only shallow ripples spreading gently, like a spring breeze, truly a pleasure—

The race car did not sway at high speed. Even with a stiff suspension, it did not shake, lock up, or slip, just like a cheetah doing its morning exercise.

Elegant, light, and relaxed, not hunting, so it doesn't unleash its full power, but its leisurely stroll still leaves other animals far behind.

In the next section, the most challenging section is a series of right-angle bends, with four consecutive right-angle combinations: right right-angle, right right-angle, left right-angle, and right right-angle. All of these are short straight sections connected by right angles, which is undoubtedly the ultimate test for braking and tires. It is not easy to control the rhythm of cornering and the speed of exiting the corner.

But what about Lu Zhizhou?
The entry point, braking point, driving line, throttle and steering control were all perfectly coordinated, without pushing the track and car to their limits. The car remained in a neutral driving line, moving with ease and composure through the curves.

That light and smooth speed not only demonstrates control, but also focus and confidence—a confidence that radiates from within. It is unhurried, calm, and perfectly controlled, making driving a race car a true enjoyment and maintaining a clean lap time.

It's like admiring a work of art.

Brendel himself was unaware that he was holding his breath, staring intently at the red streak of light, as if a gentle breeze had swept across the finish line.

"1:24.073".

The lap time is out.

"Eleventh. Ferrari's number 22 is currently ranked eleventh, behind McLaren's Alonso and Haas' Magnussen."

So, will this result help this rookie driver make it into Q2?

The ranking is neither high nor low, but there is no guarantee of 100% safety; it is mediocre and unremarkable.

Croft glanced at his partner, Brendel, who seemed to be deep in thought, but the qualifying race was unpredictable and they didn't have time to discuss it.

However, the situation was different for the viewers watching the live broadcast on television.

Lu Zhizhou, the center of attention, the chosen one, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere and was showered with love and affection, after the silence of the winter test and the honesty of the free practice match, finally delivered such a conventional and unremarkable performance in the first ranking match, which is simply laughable.

Where did the genius go?

Wang Lin had never been so happy. He turned to look at Song Bo and burst into laughter, "Haha, now let's see who's the laughing stock. They can't even squeeze into the top ten."

After a brief period of tension and anxiety, Song Bo relaxed and, looking at the gloating Wang Lin, replied unhurriedly, "But it'll still be easy to get into Q2. Haha. I guess only the top rookie can make it into Q2."

Wang Lin felt a lump in his throat, "The first quarter isn't even over yet. If you get pushed out by the other rookies at the last moment, don't secretly wipe away your tears then."

Regardless of whether Wang Lin understands F1 or not, he was right this time.

The first qualifying session continued. Lu Zhizhou returned to the pit area and communicated briefly with Greenwood and Cleary to confirm some details of the flying lap. After resting and adjusting for about five minutes, he took to the track for the second time and completed another flying lap, continuing the same rhythm and strategy as the first time.

"1:24.005".

He set a new personal best, mainly improving in the second period by surpassing Haas' Magnussen. However, other riders were also setting new lap times, so his ranking remained unchanged at eleventh. It wasn't impressive enough to secure a Q2 spot.

A torrent of complaints and mockery has begun to surface sporadically.

"Honey, it seems this is your limit."

"Best result all weekend in Melbourne, oh yeah, let's celebrate."

"Eleventh, this is what they call genius. Is Ferrari happy now?"

Am I the only one who feels bored?

"Hehe, now it seems that even a once-in-a-decade genius is a newbie during the novice stage. The other newbies can breathe a sigh of relief."

Amidst the clamor, schadenfreude, gloating, and sarcastic remarks, impatient netizens have launched a joke contest, attempting to gain the upper hand in this surge of online traffic.

However, before the heatwave could fully spread, an unexpected event occurred—

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly attempted to push to the limit at Turn 3, but missed his braking point and went straight off the track, unfortunately missing his final flying lap opportunity.

For Gasly, his first full F1 season started off slightly off track.

The first qualifying session then ended.

Williams' Stroll successfully set a personal best lap time at the last minute, ranking 14th and narrowly qualifying for Q1. Force India's Esteban Ocon finished 15th and qualified.

"With Q1 over, this result is not unexpected."

"Sauber's Raikkonen, Toro Rosso's Hartley, Sauber's Leclerc, Williams' Slokin, and Toro Rosso's Gasly are out."

"Five rookie drivers, four eliminated, all finishing last. Indeed, the rookie wall in the racing world remains a formidable obstacle."

"Currently, the only survivor among the rookie drivers is Ferrari's Lu Zhizhou. Martin, what do you think? Do you think he can make it into Q3?"

There were unexpected events, but also pleasant surprises.

A hint of anticipation flickered in Brendel's eyes. "I'm reviewing the progress of Q1."

"I have a judgment, but I'm not sure if it's accurate. It remains to be verified."

"But I think Lu Zhizhou is getting into the zone. His lap time is not only stable but also balanced, showing incredible control. He is not pursuing the ultimate speed, but rather the stability of the tires and suspension; he is relying on line control to squeeze the speed to the extreme, laying the groundwork for the subsequent completion."

Croft didn't hide his surprise. "Wow, such high praise?"

Brendel shrugged slightly. "Of course, my judgment may be wrong. Perhaps this is his limit, and he can't increase his speed any further."

"The answer will be given in the next Q2."

However, car enthusiasts don't think so—

This is the limit, this is the ultimate; Lu Zhizhou's abilities are now fully on display.

The drivers who were eliminated in Q1 were less due to a lack of ability and more due to a lack of cars. Sauber and Toro Rosso were both wiped out, plus a Williams.

In fact, although Stroll drove another Williams into Q2, the car was simply not good enough, and his fate of being eliminated in Q2 was already sealed.

In other words, Lu Zhizhou's entry into Q2 was not due to his ability, but because of racing.

Look at Vettel, driving another Ferrari, ranking second in Q1, just behind Hamilton, living up to expectations and putting on a fierce battle.

The answer is obvious: Ferrari's cars are competitive, but Lu Zhizhou is not, managing only a barely eleventh place finish.

Social media was buzzing with excitement; parties had already begun, and the participants were overjoyed to have proven themselves right. Meanwhile, Tiefo Temple was filled with worry and lamentation, desperately trying to control their emotions as they anxiously watched the unfolding events, secretly praying for a miracle.

The new season has begun, and Ferrari's elimination in Q2 is a disgrace. They don't even need to pray for Lu Zhizhou to perform well; they would be satisfied with Q3.

Amidst the uproar, after a brief ten-minute break, the second qualifying round began.

Inside car number 22, Lu Zhizhou was reading real-time data, communicating with Cleary, reorganizing his thoughts, and preparing for his upcoming appearance.

He needs to stay focused and adapt to the pace of the race quickly. There is very little room for rookies to make mistakes. Just now, Gasly tried to push the car to its limits at Turn 3. He probably braked three or five meters too late, and as a result, he understeered and the car went off the track.

Gasly wouldn't normally make this kind of mistake, but in the ever-changing game, the situation is completely different.

"...OK, everything's set." Cleary snapped his fingers, preparing to put the screen away.

As a result, Lu Zhizhou noticed that Cleary's fingers were a little clumsy, and his fingertips were not obeying his commands. When he looked up, he could see that Cleary's philtrum was covered in sweat. "Jock, are you nervous?"

Cleary glared at Lu Zhizhou. "Yes. I was nervous for you, so you'd better relax."

One sarcastic remark made Lu Zhizhou burst into laughter.

As Lu Zhizhou left the pit lane to get onto the track, Cleary slapped his bald head hard. "Shame on him. That kid didn't seem nervous at all, but my heart almost jumped out of my chest. Damn it."

The tense atmosphere in the repair area finally eased slightly, and smiles appeared on pale faces.

According to the rules, the tires used in this session will be used in the main race, so the race strategy is very clear: ensure a top-ten finish and protect the tires.

However, the key is to find the right balance, which is also the experience accumulated through countless ranked matches.

In this respect, Lu Zhizhou was clearly at a disadvantage. The only thing he could trust was his own judgment, which was why he had just seized the opportunity to read the real-time data.

Q2: The first fifteen drivers all used purple ultrasoft tires, which shows that all teams had the same tires for the race start.

So, whoever can protect their tires as much as possible while ensuring they make it into Q3 will have a slight advantage in the first set of the race.

Lu Zhizhou wasn't blindly confident; his lack of experience was a given. So, he controlled himself a little during his first lap in Q2.

Test your condition, find your rhythm, and avoid serious tire wear.

"1:23.666".

It improved slightly from Q1, but it's still just average, currently ranking tenth, hovering on the edge of advancing or being eliminated.

After returning to the pit area for adjustments, Lu Zhizhou returned to the field in the second half of the second qualifying session. This time, he seemed much more at ease and played with more freedom.

The second flying lap—

At Jones Turn 1, Lu Zhizhou actively hugged the apex and gripped the curb, relying on the support of the stiff suspension to keep the rear of the car firmly on the ground. The steering wheel responded directly, and he found a straighter and smoother exit line at the next turn, Brabham Turn 2.

Despite a brief wheel slip, a well-timed throttle input and precise steering correction allowed the car to maintain its grip on the ground, accelerating continuously on the short straight. Ahead lay Whitford Turn 3, where Gasly had gone off the track and Hulkenberg had just locked up his tires in Q2.

A fierce wind howled, rushing towards us.

Lu Zhizhou appeared focused and calm. His braking point was noticeably later than Q1's, but he stepped on the brakes just before hitting the limit. Instead of slamming on the brakes, he gently dragged the rear of the car into the corner, then left the corner at a higher speed. He made full use of the width provided by the curb to create a wider driving line, maintained his speed, and gradually accelerated, hugging the inside line perfectly, like a waterbird flying close to the surface of a lake.

Body merges with the race car, fingers intertwined, allowing clear sensation of every subtle undulation of the track. Each vibration and impact seems to remind the suspension of its limits, yet everything remains under control. In the golden sunlight, it transforms into a streak of fire, departing the first timing segment—

"Paint it green!"

The fastest by an individual!
The wind howled and exploded amidst the roar of the engine. The G-force was gradually released under the control of the accelerator and brake, and all the muscles in the body tensed up.

Second timing segment —

In Turns 6 and 7, Lu Zhizhou began to make full use of the track width and take more of the inner shoulder; he tightened the driving angle slightly in the corner and exited the corner more straight. When exiting the corner, he used the support of the stiff suspension to stabilize the rear of the car and relied on precise control of the throttle rhythm to ensure speed release.

Brake. Accelerator. Brake. Accelerator.

With precise and delicate control, car number 22 smoothly and naturally entered the Clarke Turn 9, holding tightly to the apex and pushing its speed to the limit. In the following high-speed combination corners, it opened the throttle and sped past, its car hugging the side of the track near the lake like mercury flowing across the ground.

Tires screeching and engines roaring exploded in our ears as a bright, flowing red streak weaved through vast expanses of green, blue, and gold, making the world seem to flow, a feast for the eyes that made us hold our breath in awe.

"Paint it green!"

Third timing phase —

From Turn 13 to Turn 16, the combination of consecutive short straights and right-angle turns poses a severe test to braking and tires, but rhythm is key.

Astute professionals could see that compared to Q1, Lu Zhizhou's braking point was slightly delayed by three meters, yet he still did not push the track to its limits. Like dancing gracefully on a high-wire, he tested the wind, the wire, and his own condition, testing the edge of danger, yet he completed a series of high-difficulty maneuvers with ease, still having spare strength and testing the limits with ease.

Incredibly precise, the timing of braking, the coordination of the throttle, the rhythm in the corner and the speed out of the corner remained stable, without wasting any time.

The precise support of the stiff suspension prevents the Lu Zhizhou from floating when driving through vibration zones, and the grip at operating temperature keeps it firmly attached to the ground.

They sped by.

The flowing lines are pleasing to the eye.

"Paint it green!"

Brendel breathed a sigh of relief, his heart pounding in his chest, as he watched the scene intently, witnessing Lu Zhizhou's perfect control.

Squeezing the track bit by bit; unleashing the car's potential step by step. On the same track, with different driving styles and entry points, what is shown here is not just speed, but also an understanding of the track and the car, as well as unparalleled confidence and powerful control.

From Q1 to Q2, where is there any trace of novice or inexperience in this baby stroller driver?

1: 22.222!

The lap time is out!

It was a full 0.444 seconds faster than the first lap of the Q2, and this level of control sent shivers down Brendel's spine.

"seventh!"

"Currently, Lu Zhizhou is ranked seventh. If he maintains this position, this rookie driver will enter Q3 in his first qualifying session in his professional career."

"Wow, a clean lap. Very crisp, very precise, without any unnecessary maneuvers. Lu Zhizhou demonstrated top-notch control. No one believed that this rookie driver could make it into Q3, but now, with his calm and composed yet brilliant performance, he strides confidently into the next round."

The air vibrated slightly.

The team in the Ferrari service area, who had been holding their breath the whole time, finally relaxed a little and started high-fiving. The nightmare of not being able to enter Q3 had not happened. No matter what happens in Q3, at least Lu Zhizhou has completed the basic work of a rookie and will not become a laughing stock in the paddock.

Wang Lin could hardly believe his eyes. How did Lu Zhizhou manage to do that?

If Wang Lin remembers correctly, from the winter test to Albert Park, this should be Lu Zhizhou's highest ranking driving a Ferrari.

Seventh place, a first for the first time. Although still at the bottom of the six drivers from the three major teams, even behind Haas' Magnussen by one position; but there is no doubt that Lu Zhizhou is catching up, gradually realizing the speed of the car, and returning to the position that Ferrari should belong to.

Wang Lin turned to look at Song Bo in a daze, only to find that Song Bo remained calm and composed, with an expression of complete indifference, and even disdainfully showing off.

Wang Lin thought Song Bo would say, "I told you a long time ago"; but he didn't. Song Bo didn't say anything, which made Wang Lin even more depressed and frustrated.

Luck, that must be it. Pure luck. Ferrari's cars are already there, and any Tom, Dick, or Harry could easily get into Q3.

Right, that is it!

Wang Lin clenched his fist to comfort himself, clinging to a sliver of hope that the guy would reveal his true colors in Q3.

Q2 is not over yet. Alonso, Ocon, Vettel and others are still doing flying laps, trying to break records. Some are fighting hard for Q3, while others are warming up for the pole position in Q3.

"Sainz, eighth, which means Alonso has been squeezed out of the top ten, and both McLarens are out of the running."

“Ocon! Ocon is fighting hard, no, not enough, far from enough. Despite all of them turning green, they are still ranked fifteenth, and Force India has also been eliminated.”

"Vettel is sprinting. Vettel is trying to surpass Hamilton's record, can he do it?"

"Oh, the answer is yes! Vettel! The fastest lap in Q2 belongs to Vettel! Ferrari is issuing a challenge to Mercedes for pole position!"

Intense, tense, exciting, and suspenseful until the very end.

Both McLarens, both Force India cars, and the Williams that luckily escaped elimination in Q1 were all eliminated, further demonstrating the cruelty of Formula 1.

Even world champions like Alonso and Raikkonen couldn't make it into Q3 if their cars weren't performing well.

In the pit lane, Zach Brown looked utterly shocked. He was almost certain that McLaren would deliver a surprise, but instead, he suffered a major setback in qualifying for the opening game.

The Q3 qualification has been finalized, with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Red Bull, Renault, and Haas, each fielding ten drivers.

A new season brings a new look, and Renault and Haas, who had been sharpening their skills all season, have undoubtedly brought surprises, surpassing Force India and Williams, who were aiming for third place in the constructors' championship this season, and stealing all the spotlight for a time.

"Wow! Unbelievable! Two Haas cars have both advanced to Q3. This is something I definitely didn't expect before the season started. Haas is really impressive. Martin, what do you think?"

"An absolute surprise? Magnussen and Grosjean delivered spectacular performances, making Haas's performance in Q3 highly anticipated, and whether he can cause a stir. But personally, I'm really looking forward to Lu Zhizhou's performance. I have a strong feeling that perhaps Lu Zhizhou is finally ready to show his speed and talent."

"Wait, Martin, do you mean Lu Zhizhou has been hiding his true abilities all along?"

"Rather than saying I'm hiding my abilities, I'd say I'm adapting. After all, it's the beginner phase."

Brendel's words in the live stream caused a huge uproar on social media, drawing widespread criticism. No one believed that Lu Zhizhou was hiding his abilities.

How could this be! This is simply the most absurd and outrageous joke since 2018. Why doesn't Brendel just switch careers and become a shaman or a comedian?

In the paddock, there was no pause. After a short rest, Q3 kicked off without stopping.

This time, Lu Zhizhou didn't wait, because he knew that Q3 had to push speed to its limit. So he planned to take the lead, challenge a flying lap, and then return to the pit area to analyze data and adjust his condition, pushing it to the limit in the second window, squeezing the car and the track to their full potential.

He was ready, eager and ready to try.

As the exit lap ended, Lu Zhizhou had just entered the starting straight, floored the accelerator, and entered boost mode when, just as he was about to hug the apex of Turn 1, he received the devastating news of Greenwood over the radio.

"Red Flag. The continent, the red flag."

What?! Damn it!

(End of this chapter)