A new book inspired by smash hit Netflix series Drive to Survive has surprising depth. Is it a worthwhile buy for new or existing fans of Formula 1?
Ben Evans's articles on RaceFans
Motorsport commentator Ben is RaceFans' resident bookworm. Look out for his verdict on the latest motor racing publications on Sundays.
“The Last Lap: The Mysterious Demise of Pete Kreis at the Indy 500” reviewed
F1 reviews
Posted onWhile death was not uncommon in the early years of the Indianapolis 500, The Last Lap argues the crash which killed Pete Kreis was an unusual case.
“Formula 1 Technology – The Engineering Explained” book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onA new book dives into the technical side of Formula 1 cars, but does it manage to be informative for novices as well as tech heads?
“Ferrari: 1960-65 – The Hallowed Years” book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onBooks about Ferrari are not hard to come by, so does this new one focusing on the team’s racing in the early Sixties bring anything worthy to the table?
“Jacky Ickx – His Authorised Competition History”: book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onJon Saltinstall’s ‘Niki Lauda: His Competition History’ was one of the best motorsport books of 2020. Does this new work on Jacky Ickx prove just as unmissable?
“Driven to Crime: True Stories of Wrongdoing in Motor Racing” reviewed
Reviews
Posted onA new book explores some of the most fascinating stories of criminal activity in the world of motorsport. But is it a steal at £40, or daylight robbery?
Future F1 stars, huge rows and unforgettable races: The 1988 Formula Ford Festival
F1 history
Posted onFuture F1 racers Michael Schumacher and Vincenzo Sospiri competed in the 1988 Formula Ford Festival, which saw spectacular races but also shocking crashes and controversies, as this exclusive book excerpt relates.
“Formula 1’s Unsung Pioneers” book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onAttempting to spotlight an underappreciated racing team, ‘Formula 1’s Unsung Pioneers’ chronicles British Racing Partnership. But is it a story worth discovering?
“Rick Mears – Thanks: The story of Rick Mears and the Mears gang” book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onA recently updated version of Gordon Kirby’s Rick Mears Biography hit the shelves, but is it worthy of a purchase?
“F1: The Pinnacle”: book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onVeteran writers Simon Arron and Tony Dodgins chronicle some key moments throughout F1’s storied history. But is it worth a look for hardcore fans?
“The Science of the Racer’s Brain”: book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onA detailed, scientific exploration into the complex psychology and neurology of being a racing driver. But is it impenetrable or profound?
“Formula Helmet: The Glorious Years of Formula 1 Helmets 1969-99”: book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onA brand new book chronicles some of the most famous F1 helmet designs of the 20th century. Is it worth a place on your coffee table?
“Max – The Dutch Master”: Verstappen biography reviewed
F1 reviews
Posted onThe first major unauthorised biography of Max Verstappen since he became world champion, does Andre Hoogeboom’s new book offer much insight?
“Murray Walker: Incredible!” by Maurice Hamilton reviewed
Reviews
Posted onDoes this tribute to beloved motorsport commentator Murray Walker capture the unique appeal of his “trousers-on-fire” style?
“Al Unser Jnr: A Checkered Past” reviewed
Review
Posted onAl Unser Jnr opens up on his struggles with drugs and alcohol during the CART Indycar era in this startlingly candid new book.
“Brabham” Formula 1 documentary reviewed
Review
Posted onBrabham goes beyond the story of three-times world champion Jack Brabham, exploring what became of the team which bore his name.
“Indy Split: The Big Money Battle that Nearly Destroyed Indy Racing” reviewed
Reviews
Posted onOver 25 years since Indy racing split into two factions, a new book looks at how CART and the IRL went to war with each other.
“Formula E: Racing for the Future” reviewed
Reviews
Posted onDoes this officially-licensed guide to Formula E offer anything more than the corporate line on the electric single-seater series?
“Mr Le Mans”: Tom Kristensen autobiography reviewed
Reviews
Posted onNine-times Le Mans winner Ton Kristensen, widely regarded as one of the best drivers never to race in F1, gives up only a little of himself in this semi-autobiographical work.
“A Little Bit Sideways”: Reissued insider account of nineties NASCAR reviewed
Reviews
Posted onTruly insightful behind-the-scenes accounts of any top-level motorsports are rare, making this reissued account of late-nineties NASCAR a fascinating read.