The ultimate F1 reading list: Best Formula 1 books
16 December 2025F1 has become a more multi-layered fandom than ever before, with podcasts, documentaries, films and games all available at the touch of a button to dive deeper into the pinnacle of motorsport.
And in recent years, there’s been a flurry of books written about different aspects of F1. It’s a medium that can take an even more detailed, behind-the-scenes view than others, so if you’re on the lookout for nuggets of trivia that set you apart from the everyday fan, look no further than our list of the best F1 books.
Whether you are looking for the technical secrets of Adrian Newey or the unfiltered chaos of Guenther Steiner, the literary grid is more competitive than ever.
Quick summary: Which F1 book should you buy?
For the fan who wants...
- The inside scoop: F1 Insider by Ted Kravitz or Inside Mercedes F1 by Matt Whyman
- Engineering genius: How to Build a Car by Adrian Newey or Life in the Pitlane by Calum Nicholas
- Team leader insights: Seven Tenths of a Second by Zak Brown
- Pure entertainment: Unfiltered by Guenther Steiner
- Race strategy masterclass: How to Win a Grand Prix by Bernie Collins
Seven Tenths of a Second
Author: Zak Brown
Best for: Those looking to learn more about leadership and McLaren’s resurgence.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has overseen one of the most remarkable turnarounds in modern F1 history, bringing team papaya from the back of the grid to World Champions in a few short years.
In Seven Tenths of a Second, Brown takes us into the boardroom and the garage to explain how he rebuilt a fallen giant. It is less of a memoir and more of a manifesto on leadership, marketing and the sheer will required to chase down Red Bull.
Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane
Author: Matt Whyman
Best for: Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Toto Wolff fans.
Embedded within the team for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Matt Whyman was given access all areas clearance at Brackley.
This book captures the raw tension of a team fighting to return to the top step of the podium and offers a rare, fly-on-the-wall perspective of Lewis Hamilton’s final chapters with the Silver Arrows, as well as the relentless pressure of F1 development.
F1 Insider: Notes from the Pit Lane
Author: Ted Kravitz
Best for: Fans of Ted’s Notebook and those interested in the tech behind F1.
If you have ever spent a post-race hour walking the pit lane with Ted Kravitz, you know what to expect: sharp insight, technical curiosity and plenty of personality.
F1 Insider translates his legendary notebook into print, offering a detailed yet accessible look at the quirks and hidden details of the sport that cameras often miss.
Life in the Pitlane
Author: Calum Nicholas
Best for: Aspiring mechanics.
Mechanics are the backbone of the F1 paddock. From 2-second pit stops to the physical toll a 24-race calendar can take, this book is a tribute to some of the hardest-working crews in sport.
Senior Red Bull technician Calum Nicholas – often spotted alongside Max Verstappen – shares the gritty reality of life as part of the F1 circus.
How to Build a Car
Author: Adrian Newey
Best for: Those interested in F1 car design.
How to Build a Car is widely regarded as one of the greatest motorsport books ever written, and sees the design genius behind Williams, McLaren and Red Bull’s dominance open his sketchbook.
Newey weaves technical aerodynamics with memoirs of working with Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell and Sebastian Vettel. It is technically rich but written with a wit that makes it accessible even for those without an engineering degree.
Surviving to Drive & Unfiltered
Author: Guenther Steiner
Best for: Fans of Guenther’s uniquely unrestrained, amusing views on F1.
The former Haas Team Principal became a global superstar thanks to Drive to Survive and his books deliver exactly what you’d expect: a brutally honest and hilarious outlook on the sport.
- Surviving to Drive: A diary of the 2022 season from inside the Haas team.
- Unfiltered: Guenther looks back at his decade of building the Haas team from scratch, offering a no-holds-barred account of the politics and money behind the sport.
How to Win a Grand Prix
Author: Bernie Collins
Best for: Readers wanting insight into F1 strategy.
Why do teams pit when they do? Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins breaks down the complex world of undercuts, overcuts and tyre degradation. It is a brilliant explainer that will change how you look at a Grand Prix.
READ MORE: The best F1 movies and documentaries every fan must watch
The Formula
Authors: Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg
Best for: Those with an interest in the business side of F1.
How did F1 turn from a niche, largely European sport into the multi-billion-dollar entertainment juggernaut we see today? The Formula tracks the sport's evolution through the lens of money and fame, focusing on the Ecclestone era through to the Liberty Media revolution.
Life to the Limit
Author: Jenson Button
Best for: An honest driver memoir.
The 2009 World Champion recounts his emotional journey from the lows of Honda to the fairy-tale Brawn GP championship. Button is refreshingly candid, offering great insight into the psychology of a racing driver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best F1 book for new fans?
The Formula by Robinson and Clegg is excellent for understanding the history and business of the sport, while Unfiltered by Guenther Steiner is a lighter, entertaining entry point.
Has Ted Kravitz written a book?
Yes, Ted Kravitz released his first major book, F1 Insider: Notes from the Pit Lane, in September 2025.
What is the best technical F1 book?
How to Build a Car by Adrian Newey remains the gold standard for technical and design insights, though Life in the Pitlane by Calum Nicholas offers a great perspective on mechanics.
Are there books about F1 strategy?
Yes, How to Win a Grand Prix by Bernie Collins is the most comprehensive guide specifically focused on race strategy and engineering decisions.
