8: Alpha Tauri: 14

9: Aston Martin: 5

10: Williams: 1

As for the team standings, because of Leclerc's retirement from the race, and with Red Bull bringing home first and third places plus the fastest lap, they scored a full 40 points, allowing Red Bull to surpass Ferrari and reach the top of the team standings.

After the race, Qin Miao stayed in Spain for only one night, flying directly back to France the next day.

For the drivers, this week wasn't very comfortable, as it's the first back-to-back race week of the 2022 season.

However, for Qin Miao, Leclerc, and their peers, this wasn't necessarily bad news because next week's race is taking place in Monaco.

Monaco isn't very large, making this race a home race for drivers living there.

Originally, Qin Miao didn't have a great impression of the Monaco track, but Monte Carlo felt more charming this time.

However, since Qin Miao and Leclerc's homes aren't near the track, Leclerc can't even see the track from his house due to the angle.

Qin Miao's house is situated at a high point, but the position isn't ideal, allowing just a glimpse of the Monaco harbor section of the track.

During the race, there's no point watching from home; they have to be at the site.

Nevertheless, sleeping in their familiar beds at home during the Grand Prix, for F1 drivers who spend two-thirds of the year traveling, is a rare luxury.

Also, due to internal team reviews this week, Qin Miao isn't required to go to the team's factory.

That's quite a relief.

So Qin Miao was in quite a good mood on his way back to Monaco.

After landing, Qin Miao woke Zhou Guanyu up: "Wake up, we're here." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

A groggy Zhou Guanyu removed the eye mask from his eyes, squinting to inspect the surroundings, then asked Qin Miao: "What time is it?"

"9:22," Qin Miao replied after checking his phone.

Zhou Guanyu nodded, stood up from his seat, and stretched: "You rich folks have it easy, sleep through a long trip and you're there."

Qin Miao rolled his eyes in mock annoyance: "You talk as if you're poorer than me."

Zhou Guanyu immediately got excited: "Am I richer than you? You have a private jet and a luxury penthouse in Monaco. I can't compare."

Qin Miao smiled slightly: "Luck isn't on my side when compared to yours."

Zhou Guanyu:凸(艹皿艹)

"Hahaha." After a laugh, Qin Miao waved his hand: "Alright, pack up, it's time for the transfer."

Zhou Guanyu nodded and turned to collect his luggage.

Qin Miao greeted the crew of his flight as he disembarked with his belongings.

After disembarking, the two rode the airport shuttle to the helipad and boarded Leclerc's helicopter.

Qin Miao did consider buying a helicopter, but since Leclerc has one that typically shuttles between the airport and Monaco, he decided to put off buying one and use Leclerc's for now.

And about the helicopter fuel costs... they are buddies, Leclerc likely doesn't mind.

The helicopter took off and landed, and after leaving the airport, Qin Miao and Zhou Guanyu walked home with their things.

Along the way, they noticed the protective walls being set up around the Monte Carlo track in Monaco.

Although the roads still had cars passing through, many race-specific equipment had already been installed.

When passing the team's pit area, they could see team staff in uniforms busy in the paddock.

They chose not to disturb the team's work, electing to head home first.

But on the way, fans visiting Monaco for the race and sightseeing began to recognize Qin Miao.

Typically, when recognized by passersby, they might just watch Qin Miao from afar, but today was different.

Due to the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, many visitors were there specifically for the race.

Thus, quite a few people approached Qin Miao for autographs and photos.

Though anxious to get home, Qin Miao and Zhou Guanyu couldn't refuse. Fans are the foundation for F1 teams and drivers; without them, securing sponsorship would be nearly impossible.

Moreover, not just for the team but also for his own reputation, Qin Miao could only stop and take photos and sign autographs with these fans.

Qin Miao, understanding the scenario better, led the fans to a spot typically avoided by tourists before taking photos.

This was mainly to avoid attracting more attention, causing a crowd to gather, recognize Qin Miao, and block their path home.

Even with precautions, it took nearly an hour before Qin Miao and Zhou Guanyu could leave.

After getting away from the enthusiastic fans, Qin Miao and Zhou Guanyu exchanged glances on the way home, silently choosing to put on their masks.

"Ah, you've got it going," Zhou Guanyu teased Qin Miao, "World champion recognition is impressive. Fans recognize you everywhere."

Zhou Guanyu's comment stemmed from the fact that when the fans saw them, they called Qin Miao's name first, not Zhou's.

Qin Miao raised an eyebrow: "What, feeling envious?"

When Qin Miao asked this, he expected Zhou to maintain his stance.

But unexpectedly, Zhou responded with a sense of melancholy: "Who doesn't want to be world champion?

Sadly, I might never touch that position in my life."

Qin Miao asked, puzzled: "Why would you think that?"

"Huh?" Zhou Guanyu clearly didn't understand Qin Miao's question.

"Before entering F1, you should've known. In F1, it's not just about the driver's skill. It's mainly about what performance the team offers you."

Ordinarily, Qin Miao's statement is unchallenged because it's a prevailing truth in F1 paddocks.

But hearing this, Zhou Guanyu's mouth twitched slightly.

Not about the driver's ability?

You don't know how much you held Perez back in Spain; he barely smiled on the podium.

Though Qin Miao's words are indisputable, Zhou Guanyu initially believed driver skill largely determined results before entering F1.

But in reality? Qin Miao is strong, right? Securing a podium in his debut race, locking Verstappen, which wasn't exactly the key to Hamilton defeating Verstappen but laid a solid foundation for Hamilton's victory.

And Hamilton? His strength is undisputed, with the seven-time champion title shared only with Michael Schumacher in F1 history.

Yet, even Qin Miao and Hamilton, two drivers with peak talent levels, are suppressed by Ferrari and Red Bull this season.

Qin Miao's podium this season was secured by his extraordinary tire management abilities.

While Hamilton hasn't been able to reach the podium this season, is that not indicative of individual capacity?