Chapter 203: Want to Learn Arabic
Without DRS on the main straight, Räikkönen could only rely on slipstream to stay close to Rosberg.
Approaching Turn 1 again, Kimi moved to the outside, attempting a late slingshot, but Rosberg didn't even bother defending aggressively this time. He simply protected his tyres and committed to the racing line into the corner.
It was the correct decision.
Kimi didn't have enough overlap, and by forcing a wider entry, he lost momentum on corner exit.
Rosberg's clean line carried better speed, while Kimi paid for the extra distance.
"Good thing Wu Shi taught Rosberg a lesson earlier," Brother Bing exclaimed.
"Otherwise, he might've made another mistake here."
"Yeah, after that scare, his driving settled down a lot," Brother Fei agreed.
"Wu Shi's overtake was thrilling, but Rosberg's mistake back then was absolutely unacceptable for a driver of his level."
"True. But then again, Vettel made a mistake earlier and gave him the position, and now this mistake had its own causes too," Brother Bing said thoughtfully.
"Give and take."
Brother Fei burst out laughing.
"Your 'give and take' hurt Ferrari and helped Williams!"
"Haha, when you put it that way, it really did," Brother Bing clapped his hands.
"Vettel ran wide, damaged his front wing, had to pit. Now Kimi can't get past either. All the bad luck went to Ferrari today."
Half a lap later, Kimi finally got another chance and tried to use DRS to attack, but the gap still wasn't enough. Rosberg held the middle of the track, constantly checking his mirrors.
Lap 56.
Another failed attempt.
"Nico, mind your braking points," Mercedes reminded him again.
At the same time, they told Hamilton:
"Final lap. Wu Shi is two point eight seconds behind."
Two messages.
One sounded tense.
The other completely relaxed.
"Yes, I know. Any better settings available?" Rosberg asked urgently.
"This is optimal. Just focus on driving," the engineer replied.
Rosberg kept glancing at his mirrors once, twice every braking zone, every corner, constantly adjusting his lines, thinking about defense.
But in that extreme concentration, all unnecessary thoughts disappeared.
He was driving purely on instinct and muscle memory now.
Räikkönen's tyres were slightly better, but against this level of defense, he still needed the perfect opportunity.
Unfortunately, with only one lap left and fifteen corners remaining, not every section allowed for an attack.
The camera followed them back onto the main straight.
Up front, Hamilton gently weaved and crossed the finish line with ease.
Wu Shi behind him lifted slightly the tyres were already past their best.
Further back, the silver No. 6 Mercedes ran flat out, sparks flying.
The red No. 7 Ferrari followed with DRS wide open, throwing even more sparks.
Kimi launched a last slingshot in the middle of the grid.
Silver and red side by side.
They crossed the line almost together.
Only spectators directly opposite the finish could tell who was ahead. Everyone else had to wait for the timing screens.
It was incredibly close.
"Good job. You held position," Jonathan said.
"Yes! Very good race, woohoo!" Wu Shi laughed into the radio.
This result meant more than just a podium.
It proved the strategy shift was working and after four races, second place in the championship was now firmly within reach.
"Good news Massa passed Kvyat for ninth," Jonathan added.
"That really is double happiness," Wu Shi whistled.
Just as they thought it was over, white smoke suddenly poured from the rear of Ricciardo's Red Bull after the finish.
"Yellow flags in Sectors One and Three. Ricciardo has stopped after the chequered flag," Jonathan reported.
"Does his result still count? What a shame," Wu Shi sighed.
"What kind of engines are these? Red Bull's luck this year is terrible. Between Red Bull and Toro Rosso, it feels like only Kvyat hasn't had trouble."
"Sorry, Nico. We'll need to review the brake overheating after the race," Mercedes told Rosberg.
"Yeah, but at least it's a podium better than my grid position," Rosberg replied, sounding more relieved than disappointed.
After picking up rubber on the cooldown lap, Wu Shi parked under the P2 board.
Removing the headrest, he saw Hamilton standing on his car, waving to the crowd as fireworks exploded overhead.
Wu Shi wasn't usually that expressive, but as he climbed out, cheers rolled through the grandstands.
He raised his fist and pulled it toward his chest a simple but powerful celebration.
Then he rushed to the barrier and hugged the crew.
This second place truly required perfection from everyone.
Every single person was a hero.
Nearby, Rosberg got out and walked straight toward the tunnel without even looking at Hamilton.
Hamilton, after finishing his own celebrations, walked over and patted Wu Shi on the shoulder.
They went together into the waiting area and removed their helmets after weighing in.
"Congrats. I didn't expect you to pass Nico in the end," Hamilton said.
"The team said he made some basic mistakes?"
Wu Shi glanced toward Rosberg, who was fixing his hair and cap at the counter.
"I heard he had brake issues. Maybe that caused him to run wide."
"Yeah, could be. But it was still your pressure that put him there."
Hamilton picked up two caps and handed Wu Shi the one marked 2nd.
Wu Shi wiped the sweat from his hair and put it on without thinking.
Bono came to collect the team trophy, spoke briefly to Rosberg, then turned to Hamilton.
Soon, they heard the announcer outside.
Rosberg walked out first cheers erupted.
Then Wu Shi still loud.
Finally Hamilton the loudest roar of all, with British flags waving everywhere.
They stepped onto the podium.
"God Save the Queen" began to play.
Wu Shi glanced at the flag and saw Hamilton checking it too.
They both smiled.
Only then did Wu Shi look at the presenters wearing white head coverings.
He didn't know who they were only that cloth on the head usually means extremely rich.
He vaguely heard the announcer say that his trophy was presented by
Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam, CEO of Gulf Air.
Champagne followed.
Hamilton and Rosberg sprayed each other.
Wu Shi joined in lightly.
Perhaps out of respect for local customs, the celebration was more restrained than usual.
All three drivers looked unusually calm.
Then Jackie Stewart stepped forward with the microphone.
He congratulated them and started with Hamilton.
Hamilton greeted the crowd in Arabic again, just like last time.
Wu Shi's eyes widened.
I still have a lot to learn…
"Your performance today was spectacular," Stewart said.
"Does this mean you're on course for a third world title?"
"The team built a great car — strong pace, good balance," Hamilton replied smoothly.
"Ferrari and Williams are also very competitive. Tyre management was key today."
Wu Shi stared at his shoes.
That answer was textbook-perfect.
"We heard your teammate had brake issues," Stewart continued.
"Did you experience anything similar?"
Wu Shi immediately looked up.
"While passing traffic, I had to be careful hot air affects braking," Hamilton replied.
"But overall it was manageable."
So the overheating was real just less severe because he wasn't fighting wheel to wheel.
Stewart turned to Wu Shi and smiled.
"Oh, Wu Shi! Are you happy?"
"Of course I am! Very happy!" Wu Shi replied.
Cheers erupted again.
He waved enthusiastically.
Damn it… if I spoke Arabic too, I'd gain even more fans.
He really should start learning it.
Making friends with rich people was never a bad idea.
"Qualifying went very well, then I dropped back early," Wu Shi said.
"I thought the podium was gone, but the team made the right strategy call and I was able to recover. It's a very good result."
"You've been outstanding in your rookie season," Stewart said.
"If Williams improves the car, do you believe you can fight for the championship?"
"Of course every driver wants to be world champion," Wu Shi answered seriously.
"Otherwise we wouldn't be here. The car is competitive, and I'll give everything to get the best possible results."
Hamilton smiled and said something quietly to Rosberg.
Rosberg didn't respond.
"Well said. Best of luck in the next races," Stewart concluded, then turned to Rosberg.
"You held off Kimi in a thrilling finish. Were the brakes already affecting you when fighting Wu Shi?"
"Yes, the pedal feel wasn't great. Braking wasn't ideal," Rosberg admitted.
"But I'm still satisfied the car helped me gain a position. It was an exciting race."
Stewart nodded, thanked them, and left the podium.