Books to Fill the F1 Void Over the Winter Break

If you're an F1 fan like me, you're not looking forward to the winter break, since it entails several months without Formula 1. Or maybe you're a new fan who wants to learn more about the sport. However, one thing that I found myself doing during the last winter break was wanting to learn as much as I could about my favorite sport. From watching documentaries to reading any book I found, I was still able to enjoy Formula 1 even without races.

So, here are some of my book recommendations to read during the F1 break:

Senna Versus Prost by Malcolm Folley

Senna and Prost are two of the biggest names in Formula 1 for their multiple World Driver's Championships, and more so for their rivalry. Senna is highly regarded as one of the greats for his aggressive driving style, while Prost was known as "The Professor" for his more calculated approach to driving.

Using first-hand accounts and interviews, Malcolm Folley delves more into Senna and Prost for how they were known on and off track: He brings life to who they were as people, and their lives outside of racing. This book transports you to the 1980s and 1990s as you become completely immersed in the politics, the people, teams, and rivalries that F1 has become synonymous with.

For reader discretion, this book does delve into some graphic content, as it covers a time in F1 when safety was not as strong, and accidents did occur.

How to Build a Car by Adrian Newey

Adrian Newey was one of the hottest names on the market this year after he was announced to leave Red Bull. How to Build a Car blends details about his personal life with projects throughout his career.
Newey is both a reflective and honest writer as he shares stories without shying away from either the positive or negative.

How to Build a Car is a great read, particularly for those learning about the technical side of F1. Newey explains the projects he works on and the unique challenges and aspects they each bring. Newey particularly goes into the aerodynamics of the car, since that is his specialty. This book is also great for those interested in learning about the changing landscape of F1, behind the scenes of working at teams like Williams and McLaren, and the politics of racing.

Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane by Matt Whyman

Have you ever wanted to take a look at an F1 team's operations? Then this recently released book is the one for you.

Matt Whyman spends over a year with the Mercedes F1 team, where he is able to talk to a variety of staff and crew, sit in the garage, and travel with the team. Structured around a variety of race weekends, Inside Mercedes F1 goes in-depth on team life, what is happening around the car, and insights into race weekends. This book was made to be a fly on the wall!

F1 Racing Confidential: Inside Stories from the World of Formula One by GIies Richards

Giles Richards puts together a cohesive and engaging piece that gives insight to people's roles from various sides of the F1 paddock. This is the book to pick up if you're looking for an expansive look into the roles in F1.

Richards includes contributions from drivers, team principals, engineers, and mechanics, communication and marketing staff, and more. You meet people that all contribute to the success of Formula 1 and its teams. It's both interesting and insightful to meet the individuals and learn the intricacies of their roles.

I'm a Formula 1 fan and a reader, which is why I wanted to make this list. These were some of my favorite reads that taught me something more about the people, history, politics, and operations of F1.

Happy reading during the winter break!