So you want to find the best Formula 1 biographies that will take you into the sporting action epicenter, smuggling you through history? I think this is the perfect way to learn Formula 1 because the perspective of its key players, the drivers, allows you to open the doors to the past and to compare Formula 1 in its origins with today. You can distinguish how the mentalities have changed over the years. Moreover, by delving into the minds of the legendary racers who have shaped this sport, you can learn from their experiences and apply them in your life. If so, I have collected the best F1 biographies that I think are worth your attention.

As for the beginners, I’m not sure if novicely joined Formula 1 have to start with the biographies, but they can switch to Formula 1 books for beginners. However, some of the following biographies are helpful for newbies, so I’ve included the additional notes.

My Favorite Biographies Of Famous Formula 1 Drivers

Murray Walker: Incredible! – Maurice Hamilton

Why is it worth the read?

Murray Walker was the first Formula 1 voice since the inaugural Silverstone Grand Prix in 1949. He provided exhilarating commentary and brought the racing atmosphere to millions.

I like this book because it is more than a biography. It is a style of a story. It is as if you are traveling through Walker’s 50-year career, getting a fascinating tour of the evolution of motorsports with a humorous narrative. By the end, you will be so immersed that hear Murray’s voice in your head.

For beginners: I highly recommend Maurice Hamilton’s book, as it is an engaging journey for new F1 fans.

My rating: 8/10

Fangio: The Life Behind the Legend – Gerald Donaldson

Why is it worth the read?

The Life Behind the Legend by Gerald Donaldson is another must-read of the best Formula 1 biographies because the book came so sincere.

Donaldson explores the rise to fame and the struggles on and off the track as one of the most outstanding drivers in F1 history.

The magic of these pages is that they delve into Fangio’s life as if he were sitting right behind you and telling you his lessons. So, these lessons are stories from a romantic time when Formula 1 was a risky sport. The Life Behind the Legend introduces you to Juan Manuel Fangio as a driver, a gentleman, and to the heroes of that era like Stirling Moss, Albero Ascari, and many others.  

This book is inspiring and takes you out of reality, transferring to the past so pervasive that you feel a little bit, and you can feel the action at your fingertips.

For beginners: It is not meant to be a fact-checking book but rather a novel suitable for beginners. However, for old F1 fans, it may be factually incorrect, but I believe that was done intentionally.

My rating: 10/10

Watching the Wheels: My Autobiography – Damon Hill

Why is it worth the read?

Damon Hill is the son of the great Graham Hill – one of the few to win the Triple Crown of motorsports. Watching the Wheels is worth reading for two reasons.

First, if you want to know more about Damon Hill’s career. He reflects on the triumphs and his mistakes, sharing the thoughts of Ayrton Senna and others.

The second reason to read Damon Hill’s Formula 1 biography is if you want to know about the drivers in Formula 1 in the 90’s.

For beginners: I do not recommend this book to new F1 fans. They will probably find it boring. It is not a behind-the-scenes tell-all but a personal review of the sport in Hill’s family. Also, Hill’s biography became so deep and self-reflective that it seemed a bit depressing to me.

So, if I had to choose between Watching the Wheels and Lights Out, I would prefer the latter.

My rating: 5/10

Winning is Not Enough – Jackie Stewart

Why is it worth the read?

The Winning Is Not Enough is worthy of reading because, here, three-time World Champion Jackie Stewart shares his racing exploits and discusses his tireless efforts for driver safety and his subsequent role in making Formula 1 a safer sport.

The book offers interviews with business leaders, friends, and family. Moreover, it provides rare footage and personal photographs.

Compared with Damon Hill’s biography, Stewart recalls his struggles, like dyslexia. However, Jackie Stewart’s biography provides many life lessons and not only relates to racing as much as there’s something in here for everyone.

For beginners: Overall, Stewart’s memories create a lush background on who Jackie Stewart is, and I highly recommend it to Formula 1 devotees and carefully to the new F1 fans because it is inspiring and well-written.

My rating: 7/10

Life to the Limit: My Autobiography – Jenson Button

Why is it worth the read?

Jenson Button is the Formula One World Champion who knows many interesting stories about drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, along with key figures such as Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis, Frank Williams, and Ross Brawn.

In Life to the Limit, Button shares these stories in a simple manner.

For beginners: The positive side of the book is uplifting, and I recommend this book only to the new F1 fans.

Between the chronology of the races and the results, there is a lot of lost detail as to why things happen. So, some useful insights may leave the old devotees with a feeling of too many questions left unanswered.

My rating: 5/10

Aussie Grit: My Formula One Journey – Mark Webber

Why is it worth the read?

This powerful memoir offers in-depth insight into Mark Webber’s career. Sharing as much personal information as possible, Mark Webber included humor and behind-the-scenes stories. So, his F1 biography becomes more than a true look inside the sport, but a look at the man behind the helmet.  

It is worth reading because Mark Webber was at the center of the 2010s as he fought a controversial battle for the championship with teammate Sebastian Vettel.  

It is the picturesque perspective of what Red Bull the team is because Aussie Grit fills in all the gaps in the Webber vs. Vettel story and helps shape your imagination about the team.  

What does it take to get into F1? What does it take to stay there? How to deal with emotions? How do you accept the unacceptable and keep your cool?  

For beginners: It is a must-read for any F1 fan because it is an inspirational story that is honest and gives an understanding of why someone would want to leave at the top of his game.

The only con of the book is a lot of details, but on the other hand, some things, like the drivers and managers’ interactions, weren’t possible to write shorter.

My rating: 10/10

My Preferred Biographies About Enzo Ferrari

Enzo Ferrari: Power, Politics and the Making of an Automobile Empire – Luca Dal Monte  

Why is it worth the read?

I love this book because it gives you the whole picture of the motorsport icon. Also, I think every F1 fan has to read it because Luca Dal Monte has done extensive research.

What was Enzo Ferrari’s inner and outer strength? The answers to these questions can be found in Enzo Ferrari: Power, Politics and the Making of an Automobile Empire.

Perhaps the only downside of the book is its size, for at nearly 1000 pages, it is a titanic undertaking.

For beginners: Luca Dal Monte’s book about Enzo Ferrari may seem time-consuming, and it is, but if you want to know the origins of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and its legacy, it is worth every minute spent reading it.

My rating: 10/10

The Enzo Ferrari Story – Enzo Ferrari

Why is it worth the read?

So, to complete the picture of Enzo Ferrari, it is impossible without delving into the mind of the Maestro.

For me, it is of great value because the autobiography paints a clear portrait of the man behind the motorsport and his Ferrari cars. You will find his perspective on the drivers, the teams, the manufacturers, and the problems of managing racing teams humorous.

Yes, it is about the past and history, but be sure it will fill you with new inspiration and motivation, as I found myself after reading this book.

For beginners: Enzo Ferrari’s autobiography is unsuitable for new F1 fans because it is difficult to understand.

My rating: 9/10

Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine – Brock W. Yates

Why is it worth the read?

The Man and the Machine is worth reading if you don’t mind the author giving you too many details. Yes, the details are the good side of this book, but on the other hand, there are too many.

Also, small mistakes can spoil your overall impression and often give you the feeling that you are watching a documentary.

For beginners: It is better to read only Luca Dal Monte’s and Enzo Ferrari’s books because Brock W. Yates’ has a specific style and can be tiresome.

My rating: 5/10

My Favorite Formula 1 Biographies About Bernie Ecclestone

Former Formula 1 owner Bernie Ecclestone has a million stories to tell.

Ecclestone is the aspirational figure because his ability to see things straight can turn any romantic into an ice-cold person. On the other hand, it makes him the most respectful man in his 90-plus years.   

No Angel: The Secret Life of Bernie Ecclestone – Tom Bower

Why is it worth the read?

What exactly is Bernie Ecclestone’s world? In No Angel, Tom Bower sheds light on the subject. He opens the doors to behind-the-scenes conversations that you would never have imagined.

Why is F1 going to the Middle East? Why are the extra venues in the USA on the calendar? Why has F1 become a global phenomenon? Tom Bower answers why the sport is what it is and why it is happening.

The lack of technical knowledge and a few factual mix-ups are what I can forgive Tom Bower for. Nevertheless, here is the story of a man who has traversed a path from car salesman to billionaire.

For beginners: The book is not recommended for new F1 fans as they will find it boring and hard to understand. However, it can be helpful for non-racing fans but entrepreneurs with its insights into the business.

My rating: 8/10

Bernie: The Biography of Bernie Ecclestone – Susan Watkins

Why is it worth the read?

Susan Watkins has written many biographies, including Elizabeth I, and decided to write about Bernie Ecclestone. What was the result? The book became another F1 biography worthy of your attention. It is different.

Watkins started with Ecclestone’s youth and early business. She created a picture of his rise through Formula 1 so deep that you will want to reread a few chapters.

As for the cons, this book may leave you with mixed feelings, mainly because of the other side of the sport. So keep that in mind.

For beginners: I recommend new F1 fans start with Susan Watkins’ biography of Bernie Eccleston, then move on to Tom Bower’s book.

My rating: 8/10

Valuable Biographies About Niki Lauda

For me, Niki Lauda was a source of inspiration and motivation. I often think about how he persuaded Hamilton to join Mercedes with so little perspective and how they went on to win championships.

Lauda was a unique and close person in the Paddock. Having not many friends, he had less to say, but when he spoke, it was full of wisdom, and the following books allow you to touch his intelligence.

Niki Lauda: The Biography – Maurice Hamilton

Why is it worth the read?

Maurice Hamilton’s biography is a compelling account of Lauda’s life, from his early days when he borrowed to get a seat in Formula 1 to his role in Mercedes as the team became a dominant force.

Based on interviews with friends, family, rivals, and colleagues, the book has everything to open your eyes to a complex racing driver.

Perhaps the only flaw is the lack of information about Lauda’s childhood and family.

For beginners: Maurice Hamilton’s book is worthy for new F1 fans to get a perspective on who Niki Lauda was, although they can read the following autobiography to get inside his mind.

My rating: 9/10

To Hell and Back: An Autobiography – Niki Lauda

Why is it worth the read?

This is an inspiring story about courage, the man who went through fire but never gave up and made an incredible career in motorsports. I love this book for the lessons it offers. Because it is firsthand experience, you learn the importance of fighting your fears and dealing with failure.

Also, this book allows you to gain perspective on how extraordinary Niki Lauda was because what we see on TV and the person in real life are opposite images.

Although the book is engaging and easy to read, the narrative jumps through time. However, the main flaw of To Hell and Back is the lack of details, but I think this is because Lauda was a closed person. He never really went into detail about anything.

For beginners: However, I noticed the paradox of this book. It is more challenging than Maurice Hamilton’s book, as it is a bit formal, but for old F1 fans, there is not enough to impress. All in all, it doesn’t spoil one of the best F1 biographies.

My rating: 10/10

Good Biographies On James Hunt

Thinking back to Niki Lauda, it is impossible to overlook the duel between him and one of the most extraordinary, if not the only, James Hunt. He was a controversial but attractive figure in Formula 1 in the ’70s.  

Rush to Glory: Formula 1 Racing’s Greatest Rivalry – Tom Rubython

Why is it worth the read?

Many, if not all, F1 fans have seen the Rush F1 movie, which puts the Lauda vs. Hunt rivalry in perspective, but frankly, the book gives a more valuable view without the Hollywood condensation. It provides much more detail and nuance.

The disadvantages of the book are that it is a bit laborious and written in a factual style. However, the battle between Lauda and Hunt is still exciting on its pages and worth every minute spent.

For beginners: If you want to know what the 976 season between Austria’s Niki Lauda and Britain’s James Hunt was like without all the glitz and glamour of the movie, I highly recommend reading Rush to Glory.

My rating: is 8/10

James Hunt – Gerald Donaldson

Why is it worth the read?

Gerald Donaldson is a good writer because he explains things in an easy-to-understand way.

Thus, James Hunt’s biography is worth reading because the author provides comprehensive and detailed information about James Hunt’s personality. By covering almost every aspect of Hunt’s life, you will find the contrast between current F1 drivers and drivers of the past, as well as the sport as a whole.

Moreover, the book is so attractive, immersing you in another era, that it touches your heart.

The only downside of this F1 biography is a lot of details, but on the other hand, it is a great advantage.

For beginners: If you want to know who James Hunt was, why he acted the way he did, and what the magic of Formula 1 was in the 70s, you must read James Hunt by Gerald Donaldson.

My rating: is 7/10

James Hunt – Maurice Hamilton

Why is it worth the read?

If you’ve already read Rush to Glory, Maurice Hamilton’s book will be no less interesting.

It is a somewhat shorter but no less valuable Formula 1 biography. Maurice Hamilton adds his perspective to many topics and provides a different and deeper understanding.

For beginners: The book is well written and illustrated perfectly to complete the impression of James Hunt for new F1 fans. If I had to choose between Donaldson and Hamilton, I would prefer Hamilton’s book.

My rating: 9/10

My Favorite books on Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost

You can find over 100 books about Senna, but the truth is that only a few of them offer an independent perspective, non-essential facts, and are easy to read.

Here are my favorites.

The Death of Ayrton Senna – Richard Williams

Why is it worth the read?

The Death of Ayrton Senna is the best if you are looking for a good reading to form your impression about the legendary Formula 1 driver.

There are no extra details, no additional facts; although it is very condensed, the book sheds light on his life and racing skills.

Moreover, if you have seen the Senna movie by Ashraf Kapadia, this book will still be very informative. You won’t find any new details in this biography, but you will find insight into Senna’s mindset and what made him so driven to succeed.

Also, some unknown stories might be interesting to get to the core of human performance and leave you with the impression of what could have happened if the accident had not occurred.

However, the book is old (1995), and many things have changed since then, so someone might find it unfinished.

For beginners: The book is hard to read and comes across like a documentary, but it is still a powerful narrative for new F1 fans who want to know who Ayrton Senna was.

My rating: 9/10

Senna – Maurice Hamilton  

Why is it worth the read?

Maurice Hamilton has once again gone to great lengths. The official McLaren book features interviews with key figures of Senna’s racing team to provide unique insights, unfolding stories, inspiring quotes, and great pictures.

After reading Maurice Hamilton’s book, you may wonder why Ayrton Senna was, and may yet be, the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time.  

For beginners: It fits better than Richard Williams’ book because it contains many unique stories and new perspectives from people who worked closely with Ayrton Senna. However, it is not as comprehensive as Richard Williams’ Senna.  

My rating: 8/10

Senna Versus Prost: The Story of the Most Deadly Rivalry in Formula One – Malcolm Folley

Why is it worth the read?

Malcolm Folley’s brilliant exploration of Formula One in the late 1980s and early 1990s reveals one of the most dangerous rivalries between Alain Prost and the younger, dominant Ayrton Senna. Their rivalry went down in F1 history as the sterling duel in the sport.

Don’t think it was fierce, as their relationship was also filled with strong appreciation, which was at the core of both.

In addition, Senna Versus Prost opens the doors for readers to know the teams and drivers of the past, including negotiations, contracts, and interaction between them.

I like Foley’s narrative style. He goes deep in that specific way that you immediately feel yourself in the epicenter of Prost and Senna’s conflict on the track.

The main drawbacks of this book are that it sometimes feels like the author is biased and shows sympathy for Prost, but in fact, Malcolm Folley was only able to talk to Prost.  

For beginners: It is one of the best F1 biographies for new F1 fans about the past because it describes the contrast between two personalities, the battles on the track, and the tensions off the track. So, it is an enjoyable read.

My rating: 9/10

Alain Prost – Maurice Hamilton

Why is it worth the read?

The story between Prost and Senna was very controversial. Who was right, and who was wrong? What did they feel and think? Alain Prost by Maurice Hamilton tells more of the behind-the-scenes stories that a few people know.

So, the managers and the mechanics who worked at that time unfolded these stories informatively and positively. And that is the respectable concept of the book.

For beginners: Overall, it is a must-have for those who want to get the inside views of Prost v. Senna and their relationship, but the Senna Versus Prost book will be more informative for new F1 fans.

My rating: 10/10

Why Did I Not Like Following Formula 1 Biographies?

Enzo Ferrari: The Man, The Cars, The Races, The Machine – Brock Yates

Even though the book delves into the life and legacy of Enzo Ferrari and his relentless pursuit of excellence, the book is written in a way that is difficult to read. Thus, after a few pages, you forget what you’ve read before and lose the desire to continue because it’s boring.

My rating: 3/10

Ayrton Senna: The Whole Story – Christopher Hilton

In Senna Versus Prost: The Story of the Most Deadly Rivalry in Formula One, we can say Malcolm Folley is a bit biased, but in Ayrton Senna: The Whole Story, Christopher Hilton is slanted. Partly, it spoils the reading because he offers a one-sided perspective on Ayrton Senna, which cannot be only good or bad.

My rating: 4/10

Surviving to Drive: A Year Inside Formula 1: An F1 Book – Guenther Steiner

In Surviving to Drive, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner takes readers through his Formula 1 team for the 2022 season. He reveals what goes on behind the scenes.

Yes, Steiner gives many insights into the workings of an F1 team. However, if you are familiar with the movie Drive to Survive, you are unlikely to find anything new, and most likely, it will be boring.

The intelligence of the book raises questions because Steiner’s swearing makes it difficult to get into the story.

My rating: 3/10

Concluding

So the Formula 1 is not an average sport. It is a place where not everyone can get in, and only a few can stay. And this is what I want to know through the Formula 1 biographies.

I want to know and feel the ways of ordinary people to get into such a demanding sport and to achieve success. I want to learn from their mistakes, victories, ups and downs.

So, I think a good biography has to shed light on the facts, events, and behind-the-scenes happenings while at the same time teaching the best lessons that we can learn and apply in our lives.

It should also inspire and motivate. If you feel the same – you will find these biographies and autobiographies helpful.

What about you? Do you find your best F1 biography in my top list, or is there something new on your list? Feel free to leave your comments below.

References

• Collantine Media Ltd, RaceFans, ‘Formula 1 book reviews‘ https://www.racefans.net/f1-information/reviews/books/ (May 4, 2024)