Qin Miao obviously understood, and after exchanging so pleasantries with Li Shufu, Qin Miao prepared to end the call with him.
But before hanging up, Li Shufu casually asked, "Qin Miao, I have a question for you. Do you think the na Lotus sounds better, or does the na Aston Martin sound better?"
Huh?
How did the conversation suddenly get to this point?
However, Qin Miao quickly realized that this sudden question likely ant Geely was truly preparing to accelerate its entry into F1. Yet, at this point, it hasn't been decided whether Geely will continue to use the Aston Martin na after entering F1, or use another brand under Geely with a glorious F1 history, the Lotus code of Lotus.
Thinking about it, Qin Miao, after all, wasn't from the Lotus era and didn't have much understanding of Lotus's history and glories. So after a brief contemplation, Qin Miao thought the blue of Aston Martin was quite good-looking, so he said, "If it were up to , I'd choose Aston Martin."
"Will my choice influence your decision on these matters?" After answering Li Shufu's question, Qin Miao curiously asked.
Li Shufu paused slightly on the other end of the phone, then said, "Not really. I'm just personally curious."
"Oh, oh, oh,"
"That's it then, if there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."
"Alright, sorry for bothering you."
"No, no, amidst all the heavy work, it's nice to chat about things unrelated to work with you."
...
He hung up the phone while expressing gratitude.
Although that last question initially baffled Qin Miao, the main purpose of Qin Miao's call was achieved.
Even though Li Shufu didn't make any promises, he didn't agree with Qin Miao signing the contract Toto provided, and finally asked such a question, indicating that Geely is confident in completing the acquisition of Aston Martin before Qin Miao's contract expires. They probably will also buy the team's shares from Old Stroll.
The implication is clear: Li Shufu and Boss Zhou do not want Qin Miao to sign the new contract.
Their idea is likely for Qin Miao not to rush into signing and to wait a little longer to join forces with the Chinese car team.
After receiving answers from these two, Qin Miao almost ford his own thoughts.
With a plan in mind, Qin Miao called Toto.
"Good afternoon, Qin Miao, is there sothing you need?"
"Good afternoon, Toto, I'm here to talk about my contract."
"Shouldn't this be discussed with your agent? I thought you would take more ti considering this since it's not a decision to be made lightly." Toto was visibly surprised after taking Qin Miao's call.
This was because Toto assud Qin Miao would certainly agree to rcedes's request. In this process, Qin Miao and his agent team would definitely conduct evaluations. If there were issues, they would compile them and raise them during negotiations. This would save both parties' ti. They should agree on a reasonable contract price, then discuss negotiation strategies, and finally set a date to start discussing the contract with rcedes.
However, once the call connected, Qin Miao didn't beat around the bush and directly said, "Toto, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you. We're not planning to extend the contract term."
"What?" On the other end of the line, Toto's mild smile imdiately froze. He sat up seriously and asked, "Did sothing happen? Or did another team make you an offer?"
Pausing, Toto continued, "It's impossible. There's a Concorde Agreent between teams. Your current contract still has a long duration, and no team can make you an offer at this ti... I can't think of a reason for your rejection. Can you share it with ?"
Qin Miao couldn't tell Toto that he planned to pack up and leave once Geely entered the field, right? Plus, Geely entering the field was just a verbal statent from Li Shufu, with no evidence to support Geely's plans to enter.
Even if Qin Miao really planned to leave after the contract ended, he couldn't tell Toto—it would backfire.
After all, Qin Miao currently has more points than the Old Man, and this season he has a chance to compete for the driver's championship.
Moreover, he just joined rcedes for half a season, not long enough to be deeply rooted in the driver's seat. This revelation would be extrely detrintal to Qin Miao's future.
If Toto found out now, all resources and the team's backing would shift towards Hamilton in future races, making it impossible for Qin Miao to showcase any talent, regardless of how good he was.
Crucial monts might see the team sabotaging him. If there were an engine oil leak strategy when competing with Hamilton for points, what would he do?
Therefore, in response to Toto's question, Qin Miao didn't tell the truth and in a youthful and spirited manner said, "I feel that after my contract ends, I'll have even better performances and competitive status. I feel there are more possibilities within ."
Despite such words might make leadership feel he's overly arrogant, given his age and current performance in the circuit, such a statent is sowhat understandable.
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