F1 is an interesting sport to follow because of its action, history, drama, innovation, competition, and passion. It can be seen in the highs and lows, and unrelenting dedication from teams, drivers, and fans alike. So, here are some more recommendations if you're looking to learn more about Formula 1's long history, especially the people and events that have shaped it.
Chequered Conflict: The Inside Story on Two Explosive F1 World Championships by Maurice Hamilton
Chequered Conflict details two championship years: 2007 and 1986. Both were hard-fought championships that went down to the wire between multiple contenders. Hamilton weaves in some parallels between both seasons when relevant, but focuses in depth on the 2007 championship year. 2007 is very much a controversial, dramatic, and competitive year of the sport, and Hamilton details the controversies, scandals, and on-track drama well. I think this recommendation is best suited for those looking for general insights into the 2007 season, with some parallels. For insight into the late 1980s, a better suited recommendation would be Senna Versus Prost or Nigel Mansell's autobiography.
Gilles Villeneuve: The Life of the Legendary Racing Driver: The Life of a Legend by Gerald Donaldson
If you're a newer fan like me, and have seen videos mentioning notable drivers, Canadian Gilles Villeneuve is usually on the list. He drove in the 70s and 80s after starting with snowmobiles. Known for his amiable personality and quick speed, Villeneuve got the attention of teams like McLaren and eventually Ferrari, of whom he was a favorite. This biography details the life of Villeneuve from his childhood, family, and life outside the track, relationship with teammates, and career. It's insightful into Gilles Villeneuve as a person, driver, and the state of the sport at the time. I recommend this one with a warning for its content: due to the nature of the time, it does get into heavy topics.
Facing Death by Romain and Marion Grosjean
Romain and Marion Grosjean both worked in Formula 1, as a driver and a TV presenter, respectively. However, the main topic of the book was Grosjean's 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix accident. Told from both of their perspectives, the book gives an overview of their life in detail. There is insight into their mutual journey, how they met, married, and balanced a family and career, but also how they experienced the aftermath of the terrifying accident. This is a well-rounded book that accounts for both the experience of a driver, the spouse of one, and someone who works in F1, and how those experiences have evolved with the changes throughout the sport in the 2010s. This is another one I would recommend with a warning for its content, as it also gets into heavy topics.