Best Formula 1 Books

When you’re looking for the best Formula 1 books to buy and read, one of the biggest problems you come across is that all the reviews are the same – copied and pasted from Amazon. Also, how do you know if the books you like are what the reviewer likes?

The Formula 1 books below have been read by me, not just copied and pasted from other listings. I like books that share stories, that get into the emotion of the subject and leave you feeling something. I’m not a facts and figures guys, so a book full of dates, cold facts, and specifications will have me putting the book back on the shelf half-read.

I like my books like I like my F1 – fast-paced and dramatic.

So if you’re like me, the below Formula 1 books will be for you…

The Best Formula 1 Books

Life to the Limit: My Autobiography by Jenson Button

This is actually my favourite Formula 1 book, which is why it is at the top of the list. When you read it, you can’t help but have the voice of Jenson Button in your head, which makes his jokes funnier (and this is a very funny book). While there is a lot of humour, often self-deprecating, the tone definitely takes a turn and you can’t help but be moved when Jenson talks about losing his father.

Some of the chapters are super short too, as in a handful of pages, so if you’re someone who likes to read before bed and has to finish at the end of a chapter, this book will make sure you get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Read my full review on Life to the Limit: My Autobiography by Jenson Button

Senna versus Prost

Before I read Jenson’s book, Senna versus Prost was my favourite.

Malcolm Folley has done a cracking job of creating a space for people to share their stories of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in a way that instantly transports the reader back to those great battles of the 80s and 90s.

What’s even better is Folley speaks with a lot of team personnel, people in the background who we’ve not really heard of, and lets us know what it was really like to be on the ground as the battles took place out on the track.

So much has been made of Ayrton Senna over the years, that Prost’s version of events was somewhat overlooked – until now. And although he could have used the book as an opportunity to lay the boots into his rival, Prost does a brilliant job of relaying events as he saw them.

Le Professeur off the track as well as on it.

Read my full review on Senna versus Prost

Murray Walker: Unless I’m Very Much Mistaken

Murray Walker is the voice of Formula 1. He has one of those voices that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you’re watching an old race and his enthusiasm for F1 jumps through the speakers.

Some artists use paints, some use pencils, Murray Walker used a microphone.

Walker is a quintessential storyteller, so once again this is a book that you will most likely read in his voice. He tells vivid stories about growing up, his time in the war, all the way through to the Murray Walker we know from our TV screens commentating on Formula 1.

Known for the odd gaff in the commentary box, Walker isn’t shy about having a laugh with it, and understands it helped endear him to fans over the years.

Unless I’m very much mistaken, this is a must-read book that you will thoroughly enjoy.

Niki Lauda – The Biography

If a book about a man who had a horrific crash at the wheel of a Formula 1 racing car, was given the last rights, then was back on the grid a month later doesn’t move you, then nothing will.

Niki Lauda was a man of little fuss or sentiment, and Maurice Hamilton has written this book in much the same vein. Starting from Lauda’s early days growing up in a proper family who felt motor racing was beneath their station, to his racing years, to flying, and much more.

If there is to be one criticism of this book, it’s that it doesn’t go into a great deal of detail on his time with Mercedes. However, the vivid recollections of his racing days from people who witnessed it definitely make up for this.

The Unknown Kimi Räikkönen

The Unknown Kimi Räikkönen gives great insights into Kimi’s path to F1, his upbringing, and now the importance of time with his growing family.

If you’re looking for a book of anecdotes from Kimi’s time in the paddock, this book isn’t it.

But if you want to learn more about Kimi’s path to F1, his motivation for quitting the sport, and his motivation for coming back to it.

The photos he shares are excellent too.

Read my full review on The Unknown Kimi Räikkönen

Aussie Grit: My Formula One Journey

This is one that most Australian’s will love, as the Aussie legend shares anecdotes or ‘yarns’ from his time in F1 racing against some of the best drivers on the planet.

Those who remember the ‘Multi 21’ saga and breakdown in the relationship with Sebastian Vettel will like this book, as Webber gives his version of the events that unfolded in front of our eyes on race days.

A highlight of this book is Webber walking us through his personal struggles, as it’s not something often associated with the stoic Australian. This book is brutally honest in parts, and will give you a deeper appreciation of the man, not just the driver.

The Mechanic: The Secret World of the F1 Pitlane

Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley was one the number one mechanic at McLaren, who as well as this book has an incredible YouTube channel where he shares his insights and analysis of Formula 1 regularly.

Simply put, his book needs to be on the bookshelf of every Formula 1 fan, it’s that good.

I’ll admit I’d never really thought about the pit crew. We see them for a few seconds each race, maybe more if something dramatic happens to one of their drivers.

This book takes us well and truly behind the scenes, into the life of partying and fast-living away from the track.

Priestley also shares a lot of secrets about the rivalries he was part of during his time in F1, which may make him a little unpopular with a few people…

Chequered Conflict: The Inside Story on Two Explosive F1 World Championships

You could be forgiven for thinking this book by Maurice Hamilton is the work of a family member of Lewis Hamilton, but it’s not. Maurice Hamilton is the author of amazing F1 history books on the likes of James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Jackie Stewart, Frank Williams, and more.

Grand Prix racing in 2007 and 2008 was an explosive affair between Ferrari and McLaren, and this book captures all the drama perfectly.

2007 was the first time since 1986 that three drivers had a chance of winning the title going into the final race, and this book puts you back on the edge of your seat again as you re-live this piece of F1 history.

The Mechanic’s Tale

This book by Steve Matchett is quite different to The Mechanic: The Secret World of the F1 Pitlane in that it is more about the author’s life, from trying desperately to break into the world of Formula 1. Although he’s not a racing driver, the struggles he faced are on par with some of the drivers mentioned in the books above.

Steve Matchett also shares a lot of his own eye-witness accounts of some of the greats such as Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher. Plus there is a lot on his time with Benetton which is great reading.

Flat Out Flat Broke: The Original Stig

When you think of Formula 1, names like Lewis Hamilton, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Jackie Stewart come to mind straight away, but what about Perry McCarthy? No? Didn’t think so.

McCarthy spent the 1992 Formula 1 season ‘racing’ for the Andrea Moda Formula team, but unfortunately, never qualified for a Grand Prix.

That hasn’t stopped him from writing a hilarious autobiography that has already become a motorsport best seller.

While he didn’t have much luck in F1, or in a lot of other things, McCarthy bounced back to become the first ‘Stig’ on TopGear.

If you want to share a story with someone you care about that will inspire them to chase their dreams and never give up, then this is the one to give them. They don’t even need to be a Formula 1 fan to enjoy this one.

Formula 1: The Official History: Fully Revised and Updated

A magnum opus that effortlessly charts the riveting trajectory of Formula 1 from its modest beginnings to its current status as a global spectacle, Maurice Hamilton’s “Formula 1: The Official History: Fully Revised and Updated” is an essential tome for anyone even remotely interested in the world of motorsport.

Hamilton, a respected journalist in the motorsport arena, takes readers on a meticulously researched journey. Each page bursts with intimate anecdotes, behind-the-scenes drama, and critical insights that have shaped the sport over the decades. His prose is engaging, seamlessly weaving together tales of human determination, technological innovation, and the raw thrill of speed. Whether it’s the intense rivalries that set the tracks aflame or the political maneuverings that shaped the sport’s direction, no stone is left unturned.

The inclusion of a foreword by Ross Brawn, a titan in the Formula 1 industry and a name synonymous with multiple championship wins, adds another layer of authenticity and gravitas to the narrative. Brawn’s unique perspective, stemming from his myriad roles from a technical director to a team principal, lends the book an added dimension, making it more than just a historical account—it becomes a living testament to the sport’s evolution.

Visually, the book is a treat. Packed with a curated selection of photographs, many of which have never been seen before, it offers a pictorial history that complements the rich narrative. These images, spanning the sport’s inception to its modern-day glory, not only chart its progression but also capture the passion, danger, and excitement that is quintessentially Formula 1.

One of the standout features of Hamilton’s account is its inclusivity. While it pays homage to the giants of the track— the legendary drivers and the iconic races—it also sheds light on the unsung heroes, the game-changers behind the scenes, and the pivotal moments that might not have made headlines but have been instrumental in shaping the sport.

In “Formula 1: The Official History,” Hamilton has crafted more than just a book; it’s an immersive experience. It’s a portal that transports readers to the heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping world of Formula 1, making them privy to its secrets, triumphs, and tribulations.

Whether you’re a die-hard Formula 1 aficionado or a casual reader intrigued by the world of racing, this book promises to be an enthralling ride from start to finish. Hamilton’s magisterial account, bolstered by Brawn’s insights, makes “Formula 1: The Official History” a definitive resource and a shining jewel in the crown of motorsport literature.

Formula One: The Pursuit of Speed: A Photographic Celebration of F1’s Greatest Moments (Volume 1)

In the grand tapestry of Formula 1 literature, Maurice Hamilton’s “Formula One: The Pursuit of Speed” emerges as a visual masterpiece—a symphonic blend of gripping narratives and breathtaking photography that encapsulates the essence of the sport.

Hamilton, with his vast experience as a seasoned motorsport journalist, takes the reins and navigates the reader through an odyssey of Formula 1’s most iconic moments. But what sets this volume apart is its visual emphasis. Through a curated selection of photographs, many of which remain unparalleled in their raw intensity, the book immortalizes moments that define the very ethos of F1: the split-second decisions, the balletic dance of cars on a rain-soaked track, the sheer euphoria of a podium finish, and the heart-wrenching despair of a race gone awry.

The book’s title, “The Pursuit of Speed,” is not just a descriptor but a theme that reverberates throughout its pages. Speed is not merely chronicled as a measure of distance over time but is celebrated as an art, an obsession, and sometimes, a cruel mistress. Hamilton’s accompanying prose is both insightful and evocative, fleshing out the stories behind the images, providing context, and often drawing the reader into the world of roaring engines and tire smoke.

Each photograph, meticulously chosen, becomes a story in itself, capturing fleeting moments that might otherwise have been lost in the annals of history. The book pays homage not just to the titans of the track but also to the unsung heroes, the pioneering engineers, the dauntless crew, and the legion of fans whose collective spirit fuels the spectacle of Formula 1.

Hamilton’s “Formula One: The Pursuit of Speed” is not just a historical account. It is a testament to the sport’s legacy, a tribute to its indomitable spirit, and a celebration of its relentless quest for perfection. The book stands as a veritable treasure trove for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the sport, providing an unparalleled, immersive experience of the world of Formula 1.

This volume offers more than a retrospective look—it is a journey, a visual feast, and an ode to the world of Formula 1. Through Hamilton’s masterful curation and eloquent narration, “Formula One: The Pursuit of Speed” establishes itself as a must-have addition to the library of any motorsport aficionado.

Ferrari Formula 1 Car by Car: Every Race Car Since 1950

Embarking upon a journey through the annals of automotive and racing history, “Ferrari Formula 1 Car by Car: Every Race Car Since 1950” offers readers an intricate dive into the evolution of one of Formula 1’s most emblematic and storied marques. The book transcends mere chronology, instead bestowing upon readers a profound exploration of the very heart of Scuderia Ferrari and its relentless pursuit of racing excellence.

From the opening pages, it’s evident that this is not merely a catalogue of cars. It is a tale of passion, engineering marvels, and the indomitable spirit of competition. Each chapter, dedicated to a specific race car, unravels the layers of design intricacies, technological innovations, and the tales of those who tamed these machines on the global stage of Formula 1.

The cars are undoubtedly the protagonists here, with the book presenting a meticulous account of each model since 1950. Readers are invited to witness the transformative journey of Ferrari in Formula 1, from its nascent years, where raw power and driver’s courage reigned supreme, to the modern era’s symphony of aerodynamics, computational simulations, and hybrid technologies.

The visual appeal of this volume is undeniable. A curated selection of photographs, both archival and contemporary, not only accentuates the beauty and menace of these racing machines but also contextualizes them within the larger narrative of each racing season. These images are a testament to the craftsmanship and aesthetics that are quintessentially Ferrari.

What makes “Ferrari Formula 1 Car by Car” particularly compelling is its commitment to detail. Beyond the specifications and design philosophies, the book delves into the stories of triumphs, heartbreaks, rivalries, and moments that have since become legends in the realm of motorsport. The prose is both informative and evocative, capturing the reader’s imagination and instilling a profound appreciation for the legacy of Ferrari in Formula 1.

“Ferrari Formula 1 Car by Car: Every Race Car Since 1950” stands as an opus of automotive literature, a definitive guide for enthusiasts, historians, and casual readers alike. More than just a chronicle of cars, it is a tribute to the timeless allure of the Prancing Horse in the world of Formula 1. An unmissable read, this book is set to become a cornerstone in the collection of every motorsport aficionado.

Bestselling Formula 1 Books

Below you will find a list of bestselling Formula 1 books, many of which you would have seen listed above.

As I purchase and read more from the below list, I will add them to our Formula 1 Reviews section.

Best Formula 1 Gifts On Amazon

There are some amazing Formula 1 gifts on Amazon, especially as we get close to Christmas and people are looking for Formula 1 gift ideas for family and friends.

Here is a list of the best Formula 1 gifts on Amazon.

Best Formula 1 Movies On Amazon

There are some iconic Formula 1 movies such as Senna, 1, and Rush. F1 also produces some cracking season reviews that make an incredible collection for those off-season walks down memory lane.

Here is a list of the best Formula 1 movies and Formula 1 DVDs on Amazon.

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Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API