Fortunately, there are a plethora of motorsports books going back over half a century and covering the lives of the paddock’s brightest stars.
From Virginia Williams’ perspective on the fate of her husband’s F1 team, to Niki Lauda’s newly released and posthumously published autobiography, there is plenty available to satisfy any taste.
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These books seek to provide a behind-the-scenes snapshot of the many facets of F1, from the lives of the drivers to the difficulties of working in the pit garage.
There’s something for everyone, from the casual hobbyist to the die-hard devotee.
murray walker: unless i’m very wrong – murray walker
one of the most beloved figures in motorsport, murray walker’s decades of experience in f1 have resulted in a vast collection of anecdotes and stories relating to the stars of the paddock. This autobiography contains the story of Walker’s incredible career, in and out of F1, with his enthusiasm for motorsports leaping off the page.
the unknown kimi raikkonen – kari hotakainen
the iceman is the last person in f1 you would expect to publish an authorized biography, but in 2018, kimi raikkonen did just that. The usually extremely uncommunicative Finn allows readers a glimpse into his home life, with never-before-seen photographs helping to illustrate his journey to the highest level of motorsport. It’s by no means the most explosive narrative ever written, but coming from Raikkonen, it’s extraordinary.
a different kind of life – virginia williams
virginia williams offers a different perspective on the success of the f1 williams family team. Although she acknowledges the many highlights, she does not shy away from the difficulties facing the family. Life after Frank’s accident was difficult for all of them, and Williams exhibits the sheer perseverance and determination needed to carry on.
total competition – ross brawn and adam parr
While many f1 fans often think they know what they would do if they were in the position of a team starter, after reading the full competition they might think again. In addition to exploring the complexities of leading a team, Adam Parr brings his experience to compare F1 strategy with the art of total war and the ultimate need to undermine the competition at every opportunity. There’s also plenty on Ross Brawn’s career to date and even advice on how to achieve your own business goals.
niki lauda: to hell and back – an autobiography – niki lauda
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Published in early 2020, this autobiography is essential to understand Niki Lauda as a man and not just as a racing driver. In his remarkable life, Lauda amazed everyone by overcoming a serious injury to triumph again, and the story is no less impressive coming straight from the horse’s mouth.
checkered conflict: the inside story of two explosive f1 world championships – maurice hamilton
More than a decade ago, but the 2007 championship is still remembered for its controversies. here maurice hamilton compares the season to the 1986 championship, which was the last to have three drivers capable of taking the title before the final race before 2007. from lewis hamilton’s debut to spygate, this book will jog the memory of fans in one of the most dramatic seasons in recent f1 history.
the mechanic’s tale – steve matchett
for a real look behind the scenes of f1, who better to ask than a mechanic? Steve Matchett looks back on the ups and downs of being part of F1’s traveling circus in the 1990s and reveals the less-than-glamorous realities of the work that goes into a race weekend. he is a reminder that motorsports is much more than just the drivers and he recognizes the unsung heroes who make up the backbone of motorsports.
jackie stewart: winning is not enough – jackie stewart
Scottish motoring hero sir jackie stewart has many stories to tell about f1 in the 1960s and 1970s, and is able to give a real insight into the mindset required to succeed in such dangerous times. His life since F1 has been no less interesting, and from the time he spent throwing at the plate to his international business career later on, he has brought a winning attitude to everything he has done.
my biggest loss: stories of hardship and hope from motorsport’s greatest heroes: will buxton
This compilation of information from around the world of motorsports highlights the ability of drivers to excel. From crashes and injuries to family misfortunes, these stories are an honest and emotional look at the toll racing can take. With interviewees ranging from Alex Zanardi to Sebastian Loeb, it’s impossible to walk away from these stories without being inspired to find the positive even in the worst of times.
life on the edge: my autobiography – jenson button
jenson button was the ultimate british underdog when he won the 2009 title and throughout his long f1 career he has come up against many of the greats. Button has fantastic stories about these things and more, but the real subject of this autobiography is a tribute to his late father, paddock favorite John Button. their relationship unfolds through the pages as the most influential of his career in good times and bad.
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