Chapter 105: What do you think of him?
Like Van Amersfoort Racing, JAWC ran a Volkswagen engine. Normally, this power unit was reliable, but paired with the gearbox, it could trigger a chain of vibrations, accelerating wear across the drivetrain.
So, how could one slow this decline?
Drive carefully.
But whether it was Rosenqvist or Verstappen, both were drivers capable of challenging for the championship. Would they drive gently?
The result was predictable. Their aggressive style caused mechanical failures to happen faster than usual.
Wu Shi, on the other hand, simply thought: *we're different.*
His absolute perception and precise control allowed him to detect—and reduce—vibrations, protecting his engine remarkably well.
**Rustle!**
Wu Shi accelerated, passing competitors with ease. Leading comfortably and under minimal competitive stress, his mind was free to wander, just like the engine and tires.
As usual, the 22-lap race saw collisions in the midfield and backmarkers running off-track. This unpredictability was part of F3's charm compared to F1.
At 35 minutes and 22.967 seconds after the start, Wu Shi crossed the finish line. After one lap, he parked in the paddock. Compared to Silverstone, the crew was calm.
Wu Shi smiled. He high-fived Alan, completed the weighing, and removed his helmet.
"You said during the race that you understood what might be causing the clutch issues?" Alan asked. Engineers were always curious about these things.
"Yes. Let me explain slowly."
Wu Shi described the subtle interaction between the engine and gearbox in layman's terms.
Alan's eyes widened. "Your mechanical understanding must be exceptional."
Wu Shi shrugged. As a driver, he had to grasp engineering concepts. F1 and F3 drivers alike were tested on this; a driver who couldn't provide technical feedback wouldn't go far. Only someone who could detect tuning differences and understand vehicle behavior could truly excel.
"Of course," Alan nodded, "you realized early on which gear transitions to watch—something other drivers would miss. That's your absolute advantage."
Wu Shi had not reported every detail to the team because, to him, these nuances were normal; the problems only arose if he overthought them. Maintaining superhuman perception over long stints had shaped his thinking differently from other drivers.
"Still, only the mechanics can fully solve the issue. No one else can control the car like you do," Alan added.
"Then no engine change is needed for now," Wu Shi said with a smile.
Alan shrugged. Replacing the engine would invoke FIA penalties, affecting grid positions for three races. With only three hours before the next race, repairing Verstappen's car without a full replacement was the practical choice.
---
At 15:00, the third race began. This time, 27 drivers took the grid, including the rookie Hector Hurst from the UK. Having skipped qualifying, he started last.
"Wu Shi, champion of the first two races, begins P11," the commentator announced. "Verstappen is on pole after Rosenqvist had to drop ten places due to an engine change."
The lights went out.
Antonio Foco had a strong launch, but Wu Shi reacted faster, moving into the middle lane and overtaking two yellow cars, jumping three positions in moments. Felix Rosenqvist climbed to P3 with speed to spare.
Wu Shi reached P8 when the track ahead suddenly became chaotic. Inexperienced drivers braked late, ran wide, and five cars were squeezed side by side on a small bend.
Wu Shi calmly guided his car off the grass, anticipating the chain collision that ensued, and rejoined the track in P8.
He remained composed, driving steadily toward the hairpin. The pack slowed, and Wu Shi threaded his car through the inside apex, nudging an opponent slightly onto the shoulder to clear the corner. From P4 to P8, five cars had been crammed together.
He felt the traction return. Adjusting the engine to qualifying mode on the fly, he unleashed the car's power, accelerating past rivals to reclaim P4.
Alan cautioned over the radio: "Don't adjust engine power arbitrarily—hidden risks!"
Wu Shi knew the risks. This surge was a rare opportunity, and once advantage was gained, he reverted to normal power.
The commentator's voice grew frantic: "Unbelievable! Wu Shi rises to P4, overtaking four opponents across two corners!"
Louise jumped from her seat, cheering. Ophelia, unimpressed, yawned.
Meanwhile, two men in suits watched the broadcast:
"What do you think of him?" asked Toto, the younger man.
The older, scarred man hesitated. "Since his debut? Incredible. If not for this report, we might have missed a top-tier driver."
"He's only in F3," Toto noted.
"But he's invincible."
They shared a nod, deciding to make contact.
---
Wu Shi now had a clear track ahead—both an advantage and a challenge. He avoided traffic risk but was nearly a second behind P3 and far behind Verstappen in first.
By lap two, damaged front wings forced P1–P3 into the pits. On lap three, the safety car deployed to clear debris from Turn 2. Wu Shi's gap to the leaders shrank to under a second.
The restart approached. Verstappen, leading, hesitated, causing a compression wave through the pack. Wu Shi ignored frustration, focusing entirely on strategy and timing.
Green flags waved. Wu Shi, in P4, readied himself, eyes fixed on Verstappen and the leaders.