The Formula 1 Drive to Survive Unofficial Companion: The Stars, Strategy, Technology, and History of F1

Well written guide to understanding the world of Formula 1 racing. Beginning with a detailed explanation of the principal jobs in each organization, the author takes the reader step by step into how teams function. Reading the back stories behind the infamous rivalry of Mercedes Toto Wolff and Red Bull Christian Horner was fascinating. Chapter 2 details the history of Formula 1 racing, including the woeful lack of protective equipment in the early days. Famous drivers from the past like Jan Manuel Fangio are features, along with the evolution of racing engines and design by manufacturer. The book then covers the extraordinary technology of aerodynamics, engine power evolution. Racing circuits are shown for all the major racing venues, including some history and some that are no longer being used. The governing body is featured with the process of making rules for all the teams to follow, and those that push those limits, bending the rules to the breaking point. Subsequent chapters discuss the role of money in financing and influence in the sport, technological data, tires and strategy. Throughout the book are extraordinary candid and action photographs that would alone make the book a must-have for the Formula 1 enthusiast. My only quibble is the book ends a bit abruptly, and I would have liked to see another chapter bringing all the information together in some way, or looking to the future. Overall, highly recommend for the die-hard racing fan, and a great book for the casual fan who would enjoy the races more by understanding the teams and personalities behind the scenes.

Purchased as a gift for a long-time Formula 1 fan - he loved it!

Wow! First, this is so visually stunning! Photos take center stage and do not fail to impress. You will be captivated by page after page of glossy photos, many of which you may have never seen. I am really blown away by these gorgeous photos. And, the layout is perfect. You can tell this is created by a genuine professional because the lay-out pulls your eye from one exciting thing to the next. Much like the sport itself, the book is really dynamic! The covers are matte with a pop of glossiness for the title on the front and a glossy photo on the back. It's a really chic look! And the paper stock is excellent: glossy and thick. It withstand a lifetime of flipping! Everything here is such high quality! This is such a brilliant combination of Formula 1 history, rules, famous faces, tracks, etc. This is great for a beginner but (remarkably) equally as great for a longtime fan! Everyone will find something to like here! My better-half has been stuck in this book for the last ninety minutes. While I enjoyed it from a learning perspective, he is devouring it from a fan's perceptive. See, something for everyone! A great book to add to your personal library! So comprehensive! Highly, highly recommended!

This is a tremendous F1 book for anyone interested in the sport from beginner level on up. I think almost anyone would learn something from this book! That said the book is very accessible, and has enough to really give a beginner a good handle on the sport too. There are tons and tons of full color pictures not just of the cars and drivers but also of the tracks and locations and even the engineering facilities. I especially love the picture of the swimming pool track in Monaco! I enjoyed reading about white with such a dangerous track especially with the latest race having one of the car so messed up. Both see text and the pictures really emphasize the engineering prowess to go into the cars, as well as the skill of the drivers. I think the big book should be good for preteens and up dash anyone with good reading skills and interest in the sport should get something out of the book. There's color pictures on every page that I saw-this book is packed with pictures.

Interesting and a quick read with lots of pictures. Ties in many of the insights to specific episodes of Drive to Survive. The only problem was that the binding on my copy split so the book was at risk of falling apart.

I admit that I got into F1 because of the program “Drive To Survive” during the lockdown. Since then have even gone to my first F1 Race in 2021 and going again this year! I consider myself a “superfan” now. I watch every race, most of the qualifying and at least the highlights of practice on Friday. However, when I meet other people who are into the sport I always feel a little embarrassed that I know so little compared to those that have been watching it for a decade or more. My knowledge of the sport does not go that far back so I was excited to get this book! If you are a relatively new fan like myself then this book is made for you. It covers a lot of topics including the different roles on the team, history of the cars and drivers, the technology, the world-class circuits, the rules, and how money is made in F1. However, each and every page has at least one full-color photograph if not more which means there’s not much text. It is a relatively quick and entertaining read. It introduces you to a LOT but does not go too deep on any one team, driver, car, or topic. The book does make references to specific scenes in the show so it probably is best that you are familiar with “Drive to Survive” but I think people who have not seen the show will like the book just the same. I think even the hardcore fans who know all this stuff already will still like the book just because of the pictures.

This book is a fantastic resource on Formula 1 racing, whether you are a total newcomer or longtime fan. Like many others, I didn't know much about the sport until I got unexpectedly hooked on watching Netflix's Drive to Survive. When I get interested in something, I really like to dig deep, so I was excited to see this companion book. It not only gives you a thorough rundown of the colorful history, but also does an excellent job of covering all the extra elements that make the sport so captivating: the unique personalities, the powerful business interests, the insane technology, and more. The author, F1 journalist Stuart Codling, manages to provide a comprehensive overview that is also compelling and fun to read. It also works well as a coffee table book, with each page featuring photos and interesting tidbits. The striking photography draws from some of the sports most iconic events and moments, and is of course beautifully reproduced. The pages are thick and have a semi-gloss finish that is comfortable to read, even under harsh lighting. The cover is made from thick card stock with a matte finish. Overall, this is a well produced, beautiful, and informative book that can serve as both a reliable reference and a coffee table curiosity. Highly recommended.

Codling does a fine job of bringing forth the information on the history and what it takes for Formula 1 cars to succeed throughout the ages. Each chapter is well written with accompanying images to provide an understanding of that section, from engines, tracks, and strategies to pit crews and responsibilities. Colding begins with the roots of F1 racing, with historical images and areas, and brings you up to speed through the different chapters (new technology included) and also includes the ugly side of business in Formula 1 racing. At a 192 pages if your a gearnut this is a book well worth having on the shelf, but it also makes a great coffee table book at any garage while cars are being worked on. In general if your into cars, and especially F1 racing, this is a great book to have, and can easily make a great gift as well. Overall, a fantastic book, and well written.