When looking for the best formula 1 books to buy and read, one of the biggest problems you run into is that all reviews are the same: copied and pasted from amazon. Also, how do you know if the books you like are the ones the reviewer likes?
I have read the following Formula 1 books, not just copied and pasted them from other listings. I like books that share stories, that get into the emotion of the subject and leave you feeling something. I’m not a facts and figures guy, so a book full of dates, cold facts, and specifications will have me putting the book back on the shelf mid-read.
You are reading: Best formula one books
I like my books like I like my f1: fast and dramatic.
then if you’re like me, the following formula 1 books are for you…
the best formula 1 books
life on the edge: my autobiography by jenson button
In fact, this is my favorite Formula 1 book, which is why it’s at the top of the list. When you read it, you can’t help but have Jenson Button’s voice in your head, which makes his jokes more hilarious (and this is a very funny book). While there’s plenty of humor, often self-deprecating, the tone definitely changes and you can’t help but be moved when Jenson opens up about losing his father.
Some of the chapters are also very short, like a handful of pages, so if you like to read before bed and have to finish at the end of a chapter, this book will make sure you get to bed at a reasonable time.
read my full review on life on the edge: my autobiography of jenson button
sin versus prost
Before I read Jenson’s book, my favorite was senna versus prost.
malcolm folley has done a great job of creating a space for people to share their stories of ayrton senna and alain prost in a way that instantly transports the reader to those great battles of the 80’s and 90’s.
What’s even better is that Folley talks to a lot of the team, people in the background that we haven’t really heard of, and tells us what it was really like to be on the ground while the battles were going on. the track.
There has been so much talk about Ayrton Senna over the years that Prost’s version of events has been somewhat overlooked, until now. And while he could have used the book as an opportunity to put the boots on his rival, Prost does a brilliant job of conveying the events as he saw them.
le professeur on and off the track.
read my full review on senna versus prost
murray walker: unless I’m sorely mistaken
murray walker is the voice of formula 1. he has one of those voices that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you’re watching an old race and his enthusiasm for f1 comes out of the speakers.
some artists use paints, others use pencils, murray walker used a microphone.
Walker is a quintessential storyteller, so once again, this is a book you’re likely to read in his voice. He tells vivid stories about growing up, his time in the war, all the way to the Murray walker we know from our television screens commenting on Formula 1.
Known for the weird bug in the comment box, Walker isn’t shy about laughing at it and understands it’s helped endear him to fans over the years.
Unless I am seriously mistaken, this is a must-read book that you will thoroughly enjoy.
niki lauda – biography
If a book about a man who had a terrible accident behind the wheel of a Formula 1 race car, got the final rights, and then returned to the grid a month later doesn’t move you, then nothing will.
niki lauda was a man of little fuss or sentiment, and maurice hamilton has written this book along the same lines. starting from the early days of lauda growing up in a proper family that felt auto racing was below their station, to their racing years, to flying and much more.
If there’s one criticism of this book, it’s that it doesn’t go into much detail about his time with Mercedes. however, the vivid memories of his racing days from the people who witnessed it definitely make up for it.
the unknown kimi raikkönen
unknown kimi raikkönen gives us some great insights into kimi’s path to f1, his upbringing and now the importance of time with his growing family.
If you’re looking for a book of anecdotes from Kimi’s time in the paddock, this isn’t it.
but if you want to find out more about kimi’s journey to f1, his motivation for leaving the sport and his motivation for getting back into it.
The photos you share are also excellent.
read my full review on the unknown kimi räikkönen
aussie grit: my formula one journey
This is one that most Aussies will love as the Aussie legend shares anecdotes or ‘conversations’ from his time in F1 racing against some of the best drivers on the planet.
Those who remember the ‘multi 21’ saga and sebastian vettel breakup will like this book as webber gives his version of the events that unfolded before our eyes on race days.
>
The highlight of this book is that Webber guides us through his personal struggles, as this is not something often associated with the stoic Australian. this book is brutally honest in parts and will give you a deeper appreciation of the man, not just the driver.
the mechanic: the secret world of the f1 pitlane
marc ‘elvis’ priestley was one of the number one mechanics at mclaren, who, in addition to this book, has an amazing youtube channel where he regularly shares his ideas and analysis of formula 1.
In a nutshell, his book should be on every Formula 1 fan’s shelf, it’s that good.
I admit I’ve never really thought about the pit crew. we see them for a few seconds each race, maybe longer if something dramatic happens to one of their drivers.
This book takes us well and truly behind the scenes, into the party life and fast life away from the track.
priestley also shares a lot of secrets about the rivalries he was a part of during his time in f1, which may make him a bit unpopular with some people…
checkered conflict: the inside story of two explosive f1 world championships
You could be forgiven for thinking that this book by Maurice Hamilton is the work of a member of the Lewis Hamilton family, but it is not. Maurice Hamilton is the author of incredible F1 history books on the likes of James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Jackie Stewart, Frank Williams and more.
See Also: Best of 2020: The top books by African writers | Arts and Culture | Al Jazeera
grand prix racing in 2007 and 2008 was an explosive affair between ferrari and mclaren, and this book captures all the drama perfectly.
2007 was the first time since 1986 that three drivers had a chance to win the title before the final race, and this book puts you back on the edge of your seat as you relive this part of f1 history.
the story of the mechanic
this book by steve matchett is quite different from mechanical: the secret world of the f1 pitlane, as it is more about the author’s life, trying desperately to break into the world of formula 1, even though he is not a driver racing. , the struggles he faced are on a par with some of the drivers mentioned in the previous books.
Steve Matchett also shares many of his own testimonials from some of the greats, including Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher. Plus, there’s a lot about his time with Benetton that makes for great reading.
smashed: the original stig
When you think of Formula 1, names like Lewis Hamilton, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Jackie Stewart immediately spring to mind, but what about Perry McCarthy? No? I don’t think so.
mccarthy spent the 1992 formula 1 season “racing” for the andrea moda formula team, but unfortunately, never qualified for a grand prix.
That hasn’t stopped him from writing a hilarious autobiography that has already become a motoring bestseller.
although he didn’t have much luck in f1, or many other things, mccarthy bounced back to become the first ‘stig’ in topgear.
If you want to share a story with someone you care about that inspires you to chase your dreams and never give up, then this is the story to give. You don’t even need to be a Formula 1 fan to enjoy this one.
best selling formula 1 books
Below is a list of the best-selling Formula 1 books, many of which you may have seen in the list above.
As you purchase and read more of the list below, I will add them to our formula 1 reviews section.
the best formula 1 gifts on amazon
There are some amazing formula 1 gifts on amazon, especially as we head into the holidays and people are looking for formula 1 gift ideas for family and friends.
here is a list of the best formula 1 gifts on amazon.
best formula 1 movies on amazon
there are some iconic formula 1 movies like senna, 1 and rush. f1 also produces some seasonal reviews which make for an amazing collection for those off-season strolls down memory lane.
here is a list of the best formula 1 movies and formula 1 dvd on amazon.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
last updated on 2022-09-03/affiliate links/amazon product advertising api images
See Also: Sabrina Jeffries – Book Series In Order