The controversial 1994 season provoked at least two noteworthy ‘insider’ books: Damon Hill’s Grand Prix Year and Steve Matchett’s Life in the Fast Lane. Together they tell the stories of the two championship-contending teams that year: Williams (Hill) and Benetton (Matchett). And they make for an intriguing comparison with each other.
Books articles archive
F1 books
“Life in the Fast Lane” (Steve Matchett, 1995)
Posted on“Life in the Fast Lane” is the first of the two memoirs of former Benetton mechanic Steve Matchett. It focuses on the particularly tragic, turbulent and controversial 1994 season which nonetheless eventually saw Benetton’s Michael Schumacher win the World Drivers Championship. Steve Matchett’s book tells the story of a season’s racing from a mechanic’s point … Continue reading “Life in the Fast Lane” (Steve Matchett, 1995)
“James Hunt: The Biography” (Gerald Donaldson, 2003)
Posted onJames Hunt – hedonist extraordinaire. His legendary off-track exploits would more than fill a book – but happily this biography isn’t an overdose of sensation. Gerald Donaldson looks at Hunt from all angles: the consummate professional whose attention would nonetheless wander; the man who accrued vast wealth then carelessly squandered it; the party animal and … Continue reading “James Hunt: The Biography” (Gerald Donaldson, 2003)
“Stirling Moss: The Authorised Biography” (Robert Edwards, 2005)
Posted onOften we are told not to judge books by their covers. With this paperback edition of Robert Edwards’ 2001 biography of Sir Stirling Moss, do the exact opposite. The iconic picture of a youthful Stirling, face blackened by race track filth but for two goggle-sized spots gleaming white around the eyes. It’s all there in … Continue reading “Stirling Moss: The Authorised Biography” (Robert Edwards, 2005)
“Brooklands Giants: Brave Men and their Great Cars” (Bill Boddy, 2006)
Posted onGrand Prix motor racing reaches its centenary in 2006 so this retrospective look at some of the behemoth racers from the dawn of the century is well-timed. It may be a little on the dusty side but you don’t need thick-rimmed glasses and an enormous beard to enjoy this book.
“Inside Formula One” – Nigel Roebuck
Posted onFor many followers of F1, Nigel Roebuck is foremost among journalists of the sport. More than just a writer, he is a fan of the sport whose firm allegiance to it is unwavering, even when its tragedies and controversies have put it to the test. He is most well-known for his close friendship with Gilles … Continue reading “Inside Formula One” – Nigel Roebuck
“Memories of James Hunt” (Christopher Hilton, 2006)
Posted onMemories of James Hunt is a fine accompaniment to Gerald Donaldson’s accomplished biography James Hunt – but by no means a replacement for it. Prolific Formula One writer Christopher Hilton presents hundreds of quotes and 150 photographs of the 1976 World Championship in a slender, square, hardback book. It pays suitable homage to Hunt’s legendary … Continue reading “Memories of James Hunt” (Christopher Hilton, 2006)
“Alain Prost” – Christopher Hilton
Posted onAlain Prost: A controversial figure. And one who, despite his superior statistical successes remains overshadowed by his late nemesis Ayrton Senna.
“Villeneuve: The Life of the Legendary Racing Driver” – Gerald Donaldson
Review
Posted onGerald Donaldson’s memorable biography of Gilles Villeneuve is tipped to become a film to hit cinema screens in 2007.
“The Pits – The real world of Formula One” – Beverley Turner
Posted onBeverley Turner was briefly a member of ITV’s Formula One coverage team in the early 2000s.
“The Mechanic’s Tale” – Steve Matchett
Posted onThe Mechanic’s Tale is Steve Matchett’s second book, following his account of the 1994 season, Life in the Fast Lane, and covers his entire career (with emphasis on the F1 years, of course) until his retirement from the sport in 1997.
“Life at the Limit” – Sid Watkins
Posted onThe work of Professor Sid Watkins revolutionised Formula 1 in a uniquely important way, transforming a sometimes lethal sport.
“Formula One Fanatic” – Koen Vergeer
Posted onKoen Vergeer’s Formula One Fanatic is a very different kind of F1 book.
“Formula One – The Autobiography” – Gerald Donaldson ed.
Posted onHere is Formula One history as you rarely see it: straight from the mouths of the people who built or drove the cars.
“Bernie’s Game” – Terry Lovell
Posted onTerry Lovell’s biography peels back some of the layers of intrigue that surround Bernie Ecclestone.