It's the middle of winter, and there's about two months until the 2025 F1 season gets underway. I had a lot of fun writing Part 1, that I wanted to share more books about F1.
How to Win a Grand Prix: From Pit Lane to Podium - the Inside Track by Bernie Collins
If you're looking for technical insights, this is the book for you. Collins has a storied career working at McLaren and Force India-Racing Point-Aston Martin in multiple roles, including head of strategy. While it may be a bit dense at times if you're unfamiliar with the information, the novel is written so that things get explained thoroughly and concretely. The technical side, and later being a freelancer, of Formula 1 is given a lot of depth in this novel, and helped me learn a lot more about the behind-the-scenes of a team.
Monaco: Inside F1's Greatest Race By Malcolm Folley
Monaco is known for its allure and glamour, but also for being one of the more boring races on the calendar. After Charles Leclerc's incredible win this year, this was an interesting book to pick up, since it's a particulalry good choice for those interested in delving into the history of the Monaco Grand Prix. Folley combines interviews and first-hand accounts to bring to life many incredible moments and achievements, such as Graham Hill's victories, Ayrton Senna's triumphant charge to pole in 1988, and the memorable 1996 Grand Prix.
Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Goory at Le Mans By A.J. Baime
While Go Like Hell focuses more on the World Endurance Championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and is perfect for fans of Ford v Ferrari, the novel is expansive beyond that. In the 1950s and 1960s, motorsports were much more flexible allowing drivers to compete in multiple categories within a season. The novel becomes informative on the flexibility of motorsports and includes a lot of coverage of F1 drivers and the Ferrari team at that time. It was fascinating to learn much more about F1 drivers, such as 1964 World Champion John Surtees. This book becomes a perfect fit for anyone interested in motorsport history and dramatic rivalries.
Total Competition: Lessons in Strategy from Formula One By Adam Parr and Ross Brawn
A bit different narratively, Ross Brawn and Adam Parr sit down to discuss strategy as it relates to working in Formula 1. Both men, who have been at the top of teams, provide interesting insights into what it means to work and have success in Formula 1. Furthermore, it brings a digestible perspective of the highs and lows to be experienced in this ever-changing sport. Plus, this is a good gateway for learning more about the fascinating story of the Brawn GP Formula 1 team!