On the Grid - by Luke Smith (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"One of the finest wordsmiths in modern sport . . . with infectious passion and singular craft [Smith] has created a truly fabulous and unique piece of work. On the Grid is incredibly special. I loved every thoughtfully written word." --Will Buxton, award-winning broadcaster, star of Drive to Survive and New York Times bestselling author of Grand Prix: An Illustrated History of Formula 1

"Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Formula 1, you'll learn something within these pages." --GP Racing Magazine

Learn how Formula One is the world's greatest team sport with this intimate and colorful insider's account of what really happens on--and off--the race track, from The Athletic's senior F1 writer who has been following the sport around the world for over a decade.

Formula One has only 20 drivers in its elite ranks, but behind each one is an army of professionals devoted to the sport: statisticians and strategists, engineers and mechanics, PR gurus and party planners, and more--all who spend months traveling thousands of miles across the globe each year. Their achievements (and failures) may not be as well-publicized as those of the drivers and team principals, but they're just as important: one fifty-cent screw in the wrong place could cause a $15 million car to break down mid-race.

In On the Grid, F1 journalist Luke Smith brings to life the behind-the-scenes stories that don't make it to viewers' screens. From the Bahrain starting grid--thick with sweat and engine fumes--to opulent yacht parties in Monaco, with a stopover at a legendary bakery in Melbourne whose croissants exist only because of F1 technology, he showcases the extraordinary characters who give the sport such color and intrigue. With deep insight, knowledge, and warmth, he writes about the emotions and struggles that come with working in such a high-pressure and inherently dangerous sport, and the efforts being made to improve its class and racial diversity, gender parity, and environmental impact. The result is a richer, broader, and more inclusive look at F1 than ever before--perfect for longtime fans and Drive to Survive neophytes alike.

Review Quotes

"Luke's book is a great read for any new and seasoned F1 fan. The chapters flow as well as Suzuka's first sector and the compelling stories of our travelling circus will keep you entertained until the very last page. Recommend!" - Esteban Ocon, Formula One Driver

"Luke is one of the foremost journalists within the paddock. His book draws the curtain back on our sport and delves deep into the fascinating world that sees hundreds of people at each team working to put two cars on track and competing against each other every other weekend. Very few titles have covered the stories of the unsung members of the F1 community in this level of detail and with such vibrancy." - Toto Wolff, team principal and CEO of the Mercedes F1 team

"A riveting and exclusive look at the dynamic world of F1 racing, like an all-access pass to the motorsport with a rapidly growing fan base . . . made all the more impactful via interviews with premier drivers and [Smith's] analysis of how diversity and the climate crisis are being addressed within the sport." - Booklist

"From the moment he arrived in the Formula 1 paddock a decade ago, Luke Smith announced himself as far more than just a journalist. For me, he is one of the finest wordsmiths in modern sport, his deftly woven narratives immersing the reader in the full visceral experience of the motor racing world. By combining his deep knowledge and experience of Formula 1 with infectious passion and singular craft he has created a truly fabulous and unique piece of work. On the Grid is incredibly special. I loved every thoughtfully written word." - Will Buxton, award-winning broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author of Grand Prix: An Illustrated History of Formula 1

"Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Formula 1, you'll learn something within these pages." - GP Racing Magazine

"The appeal of F1 goes far beyond who crosses the checkered flag first. [Luke Smith], a journalist for the Athletic, captures the spectacle . . . of F1 racing, surveying the cars, teams and drivers. He also takes us behind the scenes to reveal all the hard work that makes the spectacle possible." - Wall Street Journal

"Hugely enjoyable... Smith's excellent book is an access-all-areas VIP pass. Full of passion for the sport - the noise, the roar and the speed - he takes you behind the scenes to look at how F1 racing works through the hundreds of people who create it... Fascinating." - Daily Mail (UK)

"A fabulous in-depth behind the scenes look at one of the world's most exciting and incredible global sports. A huge mix of characters from professional athletes through to devoted, almost NASA-like scientists. A book for the fanatical fan, a wonderful journey into F1." - Tom Kerridge