Chapter 97: Three-Game Winning Streak
When Ai Lan heard Wu Shi's reply, she frowned. The championship was indeed important, but if pursuing it meant a real risk of retiring from the race, it would be wiser to stay on track and keep scoring points.
Still, out of respect for the driver who had already won two consecutive races, she glanced at the telemetry.
The engine was showing high temperatures, and fuel flow seemed excessive, which could lead to incomplete combustion. Over time, this might cause carbon buildup, a loss of horsepower, or even cylinder scoring.
Wu Shi (TR): "Don't focus on the engine or fuel flow data—look at intake, exhaust, and horsepower."
Alan TR: "…right."
Alan checked again, and something didn't make sense. Logically, the issues indicated by the engine telemetry should affect intake, exhaust, and power, but all of these readings were normal.
Alan TR: "Maintain engine power and do three more laps. If we can't find the problem, we'll just keep running."
The crew then began collecting and analyzing data from every sensor on the car. The situation was genuinely strange.
Three minutes later, the data analyst spoke: "I suspect the engine and fuel-line sensors may be faulty."
Alan rested one hand on the table, the other on his chin. After a few seconds, he shook his head. "How do we know the car is fine?"
"Uh… intuition?" someone suggested.
"I don't know. But as long as the car is running smoothly and he maintains the lead, that's enough," Alan said.
True to form, Wu Shi's lead was smooth and unshakable. Over the next three laps, he extended his gap over second place, maintaining a comfortable pace after exceeding a one-second lead.
Meanwhile, the mid-pack battle was intense. Verstappen was driving aggressively, constantly attacking for position.
Commentator:
"Max is right on Bromqvist! His style is incredibly aggressive this lap—he's pressuring hard and looking for an overtaking opportunity!"
"He's closing in… is he going to dive down the inside on the straight? Bromqvist doesn't defend!"
"Oh, not enough! It was a feint—Bromqvist wasn't fooled."
"But Max isn't giving up! He circles back around, protects the outside, and then tries inside again. Side-by-side through the corner!"
Verstappen used his car's superior cornering performance to maintain position, forcing Bromqvist into defensive maneuvers. These wheel-to-wheel exchanges often lasted less than a second, relying heavily on instinct and split-second judgment.
Seizing an opportunity on the exit, Verstappen changed lines before the next corner, gaining the upper hand.
"Max has overtaken Bromqvist! Brilliant move!"
Now fourth, Verstappen was just 0.4 seconds behind Ocon. In the second sector, he consistently posted faster times. With ten laps remaining, the gap was closing.
Over the next two laps, Verstappen chipped away further, overtaking Ocon in sectors two and three. With eight laps to go, he was directly behind Ocon and launched an attack at Turn 30.
The two cars weaved through the next corners in a dance of skill and precision. Entering the final corner, Verstappen forced his front wheel inside, pressing Ocon hard.
Aokang defended aggressively, resulting in a light wheel-to-wheel contact and a brief cloud of smoke. Verstappen quickly corrected, avoiding collision.
On the straight, he tried again; Ocon blocked, forcing Verstappen wide. At Turn 15, Verstappen remained behind—but Ocon was weaker this time.
Verstappen attacked from the outside, and differences in line choice allowed him to pass immediately on corner exit, forcing Ocon to the left curb, which slowed him further.
Rustling sound!
Verstappen completed the overtake and claimed third. Five laps remained.
He was now four seconds behind Foucault—a gap too large to close—but Foucault himself was two seconds behind Wu Shi, so the top two positions were secure.
The track displayed a strange formation: the top three were spaced apart, while mid-pack drivers fought closely, and the backmarkers were stretched thin.
Sean, in last, had a loose front wing and was barely keeping pace. Goddard, second to last, was already visible in Wu Shi's mirrors.
With three laps to go, only the mid-pack battles remained unresolved.
Five minutes later, Wu Shi rounded Turn 18 and saw the checkered flag.
Rustling sound!
He crossed the line and won the race—his third consecutive victory at Silverstone! The youngest driver in the field had done it.
Race time: 34:10.233. Wu Shi slowed on the final lap, entering the pit lane. The cars behind followed in order. Crew members began packing equipment.
Wu Shi climbed from the cockpit and saw Louise waiting. Lifting his goggles, he embraced her.
"Congratulations! Three-time champion!" she said, beaming.
"You kept your word," Wu Shi replied.
"Yes!" Louise nodded.
Wu Shi shook hands with the crew and put on the baseball cap Alan handed him, adorned with the Hankook logo and a "1st" emblem.
"Podium time," Alan said with a pat on the shoulder.
"I did it—third time's the charm!" Wu Shi laughed.
"That's right, and there are eighteen more rounds to go!" Alan exclaimed.
As Wu Shi ascended the second-floor podium, he looked out at the cheering crowd. Foucault approached and high-fived him.
"You're amazing, here or in Florida!" Foucault said.
"Ha! You're strong too. Together, we outpaced the seniors," Wu Shi replied.
Verstappen finished third, adjusting his cap as he reached the podium.
"Your overtakes were spectacular!" Wu Shi acknowledged.
Applause erupted as the three winners took their positions.
The organizers announced the next procedures. The march began, and the national flags slowly rose: red in the center, flanked by two tricolors. Wu Shi lifted his cap, standing proud.