Chapter 98: Like Mom and Dad
After the national anthem, former F1 driver and FIA Single-Seater Commission Chairman Garde Beller stepped onto the podium, handed the trophy to Wu Shi, and embraced him.
**Clap clap clap!**
Applause erupted from the audience.
The Europa Motorsport Director then presented the team trophy to Team Principal Van Amersford. With Wu Shi and Verstappen taking first and third respectively, the team secured the championship with a commanding points lead.
The team principal raised the trophy proudly, and the crowd cheered again.
Seeing the leader's beaming face, Wu Shi felt a surge of happiness. Looking down at the audience, he noticed that only members of Van Amersford and Prema remained for the ceremony. Some other teams might stay for photos, but most had already left.
Competitive sports always have moments of joy and disappointment.
Gard Beller returned to the stage to present the trophy to Foucault, amid applause.
The Europa Motorsport Director then presented the rookie trophies to Verstappen, who held his trophy aloft proudly.
Before stepping down, the director reached out to Wu Shi. Standing on the high podium, Wu Shi bent down to shake hands respectfully.
"You drove exceptionally well—congratulations on your three-race winning streak," the director said, smiling broadly.
"Thank you!" Wu Shi replied.
After the director stepped down, staff gestured for the four drivers to stand together on the highest platform for a group photo.
**"Ooooooo!!!"**
Off the track, the Van Amersford team erupted in celebration. For a team not considered especially strong, this start was like a dream come true.
After the photo session, the drivers popped champagne bottles, spraying each other playfully.
Verstappen aimed his stream straight at Wu Shi's head—judging by that accuracy, his FPS skills must be excellent.
Once the champagne flowed freely, Verstappen took a hearty sip, and Wu Shi wiped the liquid off his face before drinking as well. In the first two podiums, drivers weren't allowed champagne, so this was the first true taste of victory.
The team principal came over, patting both drivers on the shoulders with a beaming smile.
Next came the rookie awards ceremony. According to 2014 FIA Formula 3 Europa Championship regulations, first-year F3 drivers are considered rookies, and the FIA places great emphasis on recognizing them.
Wu Shi, Foucault, and Verstappen returned to the stage. This time, the ceremony was simple—just trophies as encouragement. After applause, the awards concluded.
Wu Shi's racing suit smelled strongly of champagne, so he changed before the post-race interviews.
At that moment, Verstappen was being interviewed by Dutch media.
"Hey Max, we saw your incredible overtakes and dramatic improvement. How did you manage that?"
Verstappen adjusted his cap, rested his hands on the chair, and replied:
"Well, our team did a strategy review last night. And, you know, we have a very strong teammate. His advice helped me quickly improve and reach the podium."
"Oh! Wu is that skilled?"
"What do you think?" Verstappen looked up, puzzled. "Do you not understand human language, or am I not speaking human language?"
Wu Shi, watching from the side, burst out laughing. Verstappen's interviews always had their own charm.
"Haha! Congratulations on the podium. Are you prepared and confident for the upcoming races? You skipped Formula Renault—does that affect you?"
"I have enough confidence, which is essential for any driver. As for preparation, you can never be fully ready for every moment in a race like this. You just do your best," Verstappen replied.
After finishing with Verstappen, reporters immediately turned to Wu Shi.
"Hey Wu, three consecutive wins! How does it feel?"
"Excellent, of course."
"And like Verstappen, you skipped Formula Renault and jumped straight to F3. How did you manage such a performance in your first season?"
Wu Shi smiled. Reporters always liked asking this, but he knew there were no simple answers—just like asking the top scholar how he studied.
"Like everyone else, I practiced and practiced some more. Hard work is the only way."
"Sure, but everyone works hard. Yet people praise your talent—the precision of your car control and accuracy of your operations seem almost programmed. Could hard work alone have brought you here?" the UK reporter pressed.
Before Wu Shi could answer, Verstappen interjected, grinning:
"There are no 'ifs'. If my mother had a ball, she would be my father."
**Pfft!** Wu Shi laughed.
"Hahaha!"
The reporters joined in, and the press room was filled with laughter.
An Italian journalist squeezed through:
"Wu Shi, you have many fans in Italy. Anything you'd like to say to them?"
Wu Shi smiled warmly:
"I've always had a lot of support from Italian fans, since my karting days. I'm truly grateful—thank you all!"
He remembered a pizzeria owner in Sarno who had insisted on giving him a free meal because he was a fan—small moments like that stayed with him.
"Are your training sessions very busy? And we notice you don't have verified social media accounts. Many impersonators are causing confusion. Will you create a personal account?"
Wu Shi paused. He hadn't liked leaving traces online. Sid had suggested managing it, but he delayed. Now, with rising fame, he was considering it seriously.
"I'll think about creating a personal account," Wu Shi replied thoughtfully.