Chapter 168: How Many Records?
"Amazing! He actually finished second! This is the first time a Chinese driver has stood on an F1 podium!"
In the Six Star Sports studio, Brother Bing nearly shouted himself hoarse.
Compared to the scene at the Australian circuit, the reaction in China was even more explosive.
Countless viewers leapt up from their sofas, cheering, clapping, shouting—some even pounding on tables in excitement.
Within three minutes, sports sections on every major social media platform pushed out the same headline.
The Formula 1 event—long considered a niche sport in China—shot straight to the top of the trending charts.
Curious passersby flooded in.
> "What is F1?"
"How big is this competition? Why is everyone so excited?"
"I've never even heard of this before 😂"
At once, veteran fans began enthusiastically explaining.
Some said it was "one of the world's three major sporting events, on the same level as the Olympics and the World Cup."
Others said, "Since the birth of this competition, no Chinese driver has ever even qualified—Wu Shi is the first!"
Still others added, "This is a race among the twenty fastest drivers on the planet. Becoming an F1 driver is harder than becoming a pilot!"
Years—no, decades—of pent-up emotion poured out at once.
Whether the explanations were accurate or exaggerated hardly mattered.
What mattered was this:
A Chinese name had appeared at the very top of a world-class sport.
More and more people began actively searching for F1, trying to understand exactly what Wu Shi had accomplished.
With Sky Eye Group deliberately amplifying the news across multiple media channels, the story swept the country like wildfire.
For long-time F1 fans in China, it felt like New Year's Day.
---
"Everyone, don't get too excited yet," a seemingly calm commentator posted.
After a deliberate pause, he added:
"But a rookie stepping onto the podium in his first race is even more exciting."
This kind of baiting comment usually hooked unsuspecting viewers—but this time, the fans played along perfectly.
> "It's over, friendly fire incoming—bury him on the spot."
"Everyone, don't get excited! A rookie podium is impressive—
but second place is even better!"
"Don't get excited! Second place is great—
but second place at sixteen years old is unbelievable!"
Amid the joking, people slowly realized what this result truly meant.
How many records had Wu Shi broken today?
Youngest Formula 1 Grand Prix driver
Youngest race leader in F1 history
Youngest fastest-lap holder
Youngest points scorer
Youngest podium finisher
Rookie debut race — second place
Every single one of these records surpassed names like Hamilton, Vettel, and even legends from earlier eras.
The word "genius" was no longer an exaggeration.
This Chinese F1 driver—who wouldn't even turn seventeen until the end of the year—had officially entered history.
Even officials from the General Administration of Sport quietly took notice.
Another figure worthy of national-level promotion had appeared.
---
Back at the circuit, commentator David chuckled softly.
The broadcast had just replayed both Rosberg's and Wu Shi's radio messages.
Both had said the same words:
"This is all the team's credit."
Yet the meanings could not have been more different.
Maintaining professionalism, David said evenly:
"Clearly, both drivers understand that success in Formula 1 is built on teamwork."
Then he shifted his tone.
"When this young Chinese driver crossed the finish line, we witnessed the youngest second-place finisher in Formula 1 history.
"And I dare say—based on what we saw today—
he is already one of the drivers on this grid with the greatest World Championship potential."
"It's almost unimaginable that a rookie could achieve all of this in a single race."
---
On the cool-down lap, Hamilton slowed ahead.
After waving to the crowd, he noticed the Williams approaching from behind.
He raised his hand and gave a firm thumbs-up.
Wu Shi smiled beneath his helmet and returned the gesture.
The cars rolled into parc fermé.
Car #44 Mercedes stopped beneath the number one sign.
Car #59 Williams pulled in behind the number two sign.
Car #6 Mercedes arrived later, stopping at number three.
The camera lingered first on Hamilton—then on Wu Shi.
Hamilton removed his steering wheel and headrest, calm and composed. He touched the sidepod of his car before walking off to greet his team and the fans.
Wu Shi climbed out much more slowly—even slower than Rosberg.
Only now did he realize how exhausted he was.
If not for the podium ceremony, he would have wanted nothing more than a shower and sleep.
Jonathan hurried over.
"You were incredible."
"Thank you."
Wu Shi was pulled into a tight embrace. Jonathan was visibly trembling with excitement.
"Let's go show your face," Jonathan said.
---
As tradition demanded, all three podium finishers appeared beyond the fencing.
Wu Shi high-fived his teammates one by one. Some were so excited they hugged him outright, patting his helmet repeatedly.
Williams was ecstatic.
Winter testing had shown consistency—but today proved something else entirely:
Aggression. Fearlessness. Racecraft.
Wu Shi noticed Rosberg greeting his team with his visor still closed, his body language stiff.
After weigh-in, the three drivers went upstairs.
Behind the podium, Hamilton handed Wu Shi the second-place cap.
"I didn't expect you to be the one behind me today," he said.
Wu Shi smiled. "But I knew it was you in front."
Hamilton laughed.
"March 18, 2007. Right here. I finished third in a McLaren."
The implication was obvious.
"Just lucky today," Wu Shi replied modestly.
Hamilton patted him on the back.
Nearby, Rosberg ran a hand through his hair, silent.
---
They were summoned to the podium.
Below, the square stage was surrounded by cameras, microphones, and roaring spectators.
Over 300 kilometers of racing—for this moment alone.
Rosberg emerged first, smiling professionally.
Then—
"Second place: Wu Shi!"
Wu Shi stepped out to thunderous applause and climbed the second step.
"And your race winner—Lewis Hamilton!"
Hamilton bounded onto the top step, beaming, shaking Wu Shi's hand while ignoring Rosberg entirely.
The awkwardness was unmistakable.
As the anthem began—"God Save the Queen"—the three drivers removed their caps.
Behind them, the flags appeared:
🇨🇳 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Wu Shi stood still, eyes half-closed.
Then he spotted it—a massive red flag waving in the crowd.
He smiled and waved back.
The broadcast cut to it instantly.
---
After the ceremony, champagne sprayed everywhere.
Hamilton suddenly laughed.
"Wait—you're not an adult yet! Sorry if I just made you drink alcohol."
Wu Shi laughed. "Then go spray the others."
When the cheers subsided, another roar erupted.
The post-race interviewer was Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Hamilton grinned like a child.
The interview flowed smoothly—then Arnold turned to Wu Shi.
"This might be the first time a Chinese driver has stood here. How do you feel?"
"I'm very happy," Wu Shi said sincerely.
"This result belongs to the whole team."
---
Back in the Williams garage, Claire embraced him.
"Now I understand why my father wanted you so badly," she said.
"Even knowing you might leave one day."
Wu Shi nodded.
"I should also apologize. I was impulsive on track."
Claire shook her head.
"What you showed today earns you certain privileges.
Just communicate clearly with Jonathan—that's enough."
Wu Shi understood.
In Formula 1, some things could never be said plainly over the radio.
---
As he changed clothes, Verstappen walked over.
"Tough luck today," Wu Shi said.
Verstappen shrugged. "Rosberg was too cautious. Three stops like yours would've worked."
Wu Shi said nothing.
After a brief chat, they returned to their teams.
The Australian Grand Prix was over.
But a new era had just begun.