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I Just Made the Tea: Tales from 30 years inside Formula 1
This is the paperback edition of Di Spires' unusual and revealing Formula 1 memoir. Di and her husband Stu travelled the world in Formula 1 for 30 years, running the team motorhome for a succession of different teams. As well as Formula 1 people, she encountered personalities from every walk of life, from royalty to criminals on the run. Her stories range from the hilarious to the tragic and provide a unique perspective. This is a fast-paced read packed with surprising snippets and observations, with plenty of intimate insight into what the drivers are really like.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
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139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 13, 2019
Update in the light of real experience The book is sub-1 star. DNf'd at 11 chapters of continual name dropping but without saying anything much about these formula 1 stars. A load of stuff about how big the motorhome was and difficult to drive. Our motorhome was 42' long with a 30' trailer. Only the base commander, in charge of all logistics, could drive it, it was nigh on impossible to turn. All the different employers over the years. Buying groceries first job is down to Publix. The crew 7 of them, have to have drinks, unhealthy snacks and fruit for munching all day long, cooking for the drivers, We had a chef cater cater lunches, out to steakhouses for dinner. just nothing at all.
I kept hoping I would actually learn something about racing since I'm going to be driving up to Daytona in a matt black Aston Martin tomorrow morning with a pro racing car driver. This is the stuff of dreams. We're going racing. Me! A bookseller from a village of 40 people who lives on a no-account little island thousands of miles from the mainland. OMG/ I went racing, I loved it. I went in the pits, on the grid, on any bleachers I wanted. I drove 3 laps in a Corvette. I watched the video race analysis. What an adventure.
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The Harlequin Romancecontinues. I'm abandoning all other books for this one. In eight days I am going racing in Daytona. We're driving up in the Aston Martin (but back in silver Ferrari spider 'if we choose' my friend said) then it's racing for four days and staying in my friend's motorhome. The woman who wrote the book looked after motorhomes for drivers. I have to read what she has to say!
I just learned I'm going to be on the team. Well, that's an exaggeration, I'm going to get a team t-shirt. Also I have to wear closed-toe shoes, 5.5" sneakers! I don't think my friend is going to be impressed, but his houses and racing cars are a riot of colour so maybe he won't think too badly of me. Closed toe is one thing, but flat! I can't do flat outside of walking (I walk 3 miles a day, but not where anyone can see me!) I haven't owned closed toed shoes in ten years since I went back to the UK in the winter to look after my ungrateful, but dying mother.
She died six months later on the same day as Michael Jackson and therefore her passing went unremarked by all except family and friends. It wouldn't have been anyway, but I wrote that in the same vein as how Mother Theresa was starved of the world mourning her passing as Princess Diana died the same day and the glory of a funeral watched by millions, tears enough to smear the print on all the newspapers that put up the advertising rates that day were for Diana.
I'll probably regret writing this stream-of-consciousness tomorrow and delete it, but right now I'm bubbling with excitement.
I kept hoping I would actually learn something about racing since I'm going to be driving up to Daytona in a matt black Aston Martin tomorrow morning with a pro racing car driver. This is the stuff of dreams. We're going racing. Me! A bookseller from a village of 40 people who lives on a no-account little island thousands of miles from the mainland. OMG/ I went racing, I loved it. I went in the pits, on the grid, on any bleachers I wanted. I drove 3 laps in a Corvette. I watched the video race analysis. What an adventure.
_________________
The Harlequin Romance
I just learned I'm going to be on the team. Well, that's an exaggeration, I'm going to get a team t-shirt. Also I have to wear closed-toe shoes, 5.5" sneakers! I don't think my friend is going to be impressed, but his houses and racing cars are a riot of colour so maybe he won't think too badly of me. Closed toe is one thing, but flat! I can't do flat outside of walking (I walk 3 miles a day, but not where anyone can see me!) I haven't owned closed toed shoes in ten years since I went back to the UK in the winter to look after my ungrateful, but dying mother.
She died six months later on the same day as Michael Jackson and therefore her passing went unremarked by all except family and friends. It wouldn't have been anyway, but I wrote that in the same vein as how Mother Theresa was starved of the world mourning her passing as Princess Diana died the same day and the glory of a funeral watched by millions, tears enough to smear the print on all the newspapers that put up the advertising rates that day were for Diana.
I'll probably regret writing this stream-of-consciousness tomorrow and delete it, but right now I'm bubbling with excitement.
May 24, 2019
I was taken to the European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in October 1985 as a late birthday present. And more than 30 years later, I remember being taken around the pit late at what felt like the middle of the night, though all I really know is that it was after dark (7pm probably counted as 'late' at that age). Anyway, the place felt it was full of what I would much later come to think of as people who had run away with the circus. A lot of people who had found a way to opt out of normal life to go do something exciting...
Some years previously, Di Spires and her husband quite their jobs - she was a civil servant in the DTI and he was in manufacturing - to set themselves up as hospitality providers for John Surtees' Formula 1 team. And in the late 70s, F1 was a much smaller world and a couple with their hands on a motorhome and a rough idea of what they were doing in the kitchen could get themselves through the gates and be part of the circus.
Somewhere in the book Spires refers to the fact that these days, its all run by corporate 'events teams' who have a strong preference for hiring very young people (whether because they have the right look or simply because they are just easier to boss around) but at that time, they became quite close to both the drivers and the senior team personnel. One senses that Spires knows a good deal more about some of them than she is prepared to let on in the book. In particular, there are hints that Flavio Briatore was a wrong 'un and while she makes light of Nelson Piquet's childish pranks (as she describes them) it's hard to avoid the conclusion that he was, at the least, a bit of a dick.
Senna, by contrast, came across, by her account, as unfailingly polite, if frighteningly intense (she remarks that he was somewhat unusual in coming from an immensely wealthy background but having the single-mindedness more usually associated with those who have had to make a hard-scrabble journey through the ranks). Michael Schumacher, too, comes out of the book rather well, whatever one made of his on-track ethics or lack thereof.
The book itself is far too long and a judicious editor could probably have cut a hundred pages or so from it without anything being lost, but some of the period details are quite interesting. The sheer difficulty of obtaining decent basic produce of any kind the first time they went behind the Iron Curtain to Hungary in 1986 or the fact that as late as the early 1980s, many of the mechanics regarded pasta as some alien concept. How much has changed in so little time. This is, after all, an era when nobody seemed to think there was anything wrong with the John Player sponsored Lotus team handing out free cigarettes to all-comers, while the Durex-sponsored Surtees team had to tread very carefully when they tried to do the same with their wares... Ironically, the one time Spires says they actually got into difficulties with the authorities was when they inadvertently tried to take several crates of Red Bull into France, only to discover it was banned there and the customs officers seemed keen to confiscate it for their own personal use.
None of it made me think of quitting my own job - by all accounts, the time she writes of has passed, and in any event, I suspect the organisational grind would soon have worn me down - but there was enough in here to keep me entertained.
Some years previously, Di Spires and her husband quite their jobs - she was a civil servant in the DTI and he was in manufacturing - to set themselves up as hospitality providers for John Surtees' Formula 1 team. And in the late 70s, F1 was a much smaller world and a couple with their hands on a motorhome and a rough idea of what they were doing in the kitchen could get themselves through the gates and be part of the circus.
Somewhere in the book Spires refers to the fact that these days, its all run by corporate 'events teams' who have a strong preference for hiring very young people (whether because they have the right look or simply because they are just easier to boss around) but at that time, they became quite close to both the drivers and the senior team personnel. One senses that Spires knows a good deal more about some of them than she is prepared to let on in the book. In particular, there are hints that Flavio Briatore was a wrong 'un and while she makes light of Nelson Piquet's childish pranks (as she describes them) it's hard to avoid the conclusion that he was, at the least, a bit of a dick.
Senna, by contrast, came across, by her account, as unfailingly polite, if frighteningly intense (she remarks that he was somewhat unusual in coming from an immensely wealthy background but having the single-mindedness more usually associated with those who have had to make a hard-scrabble journey through the ranks). Michael Schumacher, too, comes out of the book rather well, whatever one made of his on-track ethics or lack thereof.
The book itself is far too long and a judicious editor could probably have cut a hundred pages or so from it without anything being lost, but some of the period details are quite interesting. The sheer difficulty of obtaining decent basic produce of any kind the first time they went behind the Iron Curtain to Hungary in 1986 or the fact that as late as the early 1980s, many of the mechanics regarded pasta as some alien concept. How much has changed in so little time. This is, after all, an era when nobody seemed to think there was anything wrong with the John Player sponsored Lotus team handing out free cigarettes to all-comers, while the Durex-sponsored Surtees team had to tread very carefully when they tried to do the same with their wares... Ironically, the one time Spires says they actually got into difficulties with the authorities was when they inadvertently tried to take several crates of Red Bull into France, only to discover it was banned there and the customs officers seemed keen to confiscate it for their own personal use.
None of it made me think of quitting my own job - by all accounts, the time she writes of has passed, and in any event, I suspect the organisational grind would soon have worn me down - but there was enough in here to keep me entertained.
September 28, 2013
Very much a personal memoir, this book dishes up its "cup of tea and a biscuit" theme on several layers. It's very light, somewhat sweet, and when you've finished it, you don't really have a sense of fulfilment. There's no doubt that life inside Formula 1 was a lot of fun during the 80s and 90s, and that people in support roles had jobs that would be the envy of many. Yet while biographies of the drivers tend to be penned by professional writers, this book hasn't benefitted from that - which is a shame. The writing isn't bad - it's just not particularly good. As a result, the book's OK as a bit of candyfloss reading - especially if you can borrow a copy.
April 12, 2018
Useful research for my upcoming book www.1994f1.com
Di Spires offers a good insight into her time in F1 with various tales and stories about the drivers, his fellow colleagues and the various antics that she got up to through the various eras, while moving through her different roles. It was fascinating to have the likes of Briatore, Walkinshaw, and Brawn painted in a completely different perspective to what I'd previously thought/known. But for my there
wasn't enough detail about the racing side of things as opposed to the goings on within the paddock.
Di Spires does offer some insight into the 1994 Benetton controversies and overall the book was entertaining though nonetheless.
Di Spires offers a good insight into her time in F1 with various tales and stories about the drivers, his fellow colleagues and the various antics that she got up to through the various eras, while moving through her different roles. It was fascinating to have the likes of Briatore, Walkinshaw, and Brawn painted in a completely different perspective to what I'd previously thought/known. But for my there
wasn't enough detail about the racing side of things as opposed to the goings on within the paddock.
Di Spires does offer some insight into the 1994 Benetton controversies and overall the book was entertaining though nonetheless.
March 6, 2013
Lovely book using a bit of English prose. Di does a fine job of keeping the story moving and the behind the scenes is unique, not another book like it for the days of F1 through the 70-90’s. Although she was gracious, it proves to me even more that Nelson Piquet is a prick.
October 7, 2014
A good insider's view of the goings on in the inner circle of Formula One with all the contrasting personalities.
July 17, 2019
Borrowed from the library.
For a challenge, I needed a book with "tea" in the title, so I was checking the library catalogue. I found this one, which includes F1 in the subtitle. I decided it was the one to try.
Di Spires and her husband provided hospitality to motor sports for 32 years, starting at a time when a few of the F1 teams hired people in motorhomes to provide this service at the European races. They somehow came to be known in the F1 world (and later in other types of car racing) as Mum and Dad. This book is a bit like sitting down with her (and her co-author), and her telling her stories. The first few chapters weren't strictly along the timeline, which bothered me a bit, as they seemed a bit disjointed. However, I warmed to this style, as it really was like getting to know her and sitting beside her, hearing her tales.
Pleasant book, learnt a lot about the characters I now associate with F1. I only started watching in 1997, when I met the man who became my husband. Now, I wouldn't miss watching a race.
For a challenge, I needed a book with "tea" in the title, so I was checking the library catalogue. I found this one, which includes F1 in the subtitle. I decided it was the one to try.
Di Spires and her husband provided hospitality to motor sports for 32 years, starting at a time when a few of the F1 teams hired people in motorhomes to provide this service at the European races. They somehow came to be known in the F1 world (and later in other types of car racing) as Mum and Dad. This book is a bit like sitting down with her (and her co-author), and her telling her stories. The first few chapters weren't strictly along the timeline, which bothered me a bit, as they seemed a bit disjointed. However, I warmed to this style, as it really was like getting to know her and sitting beside her, hearing her tales.
Pleasant book, learnt a lot about the characters I now associate with F1. I only started watching in 1997, when I met the man who became my husband. Now, I wouldn't miss watching a race.
August 3, 2024
I just couldn’t finish it- there were some interesting parts among a lot of rambling. I’m sure Di and Stu were lovely but I don’t know most of the people referenced and there were so many name drops… it got to be too hard to find what I was interested in (the actual F1 experience). I am betting this would better suit someone who was watching racing in the 80s!
June 4, 2021
a completely different perspective to formula 1
interesting to see the varying emotions of the paddock
cool book
interesting to see the varying emotions of the paddock
cool book
November 11, 2021
Great read. Fantastic for those with either short attention span or just not into long stories.
September 23, 2025
I didn’t think I’d get so devastatingly emotional and nostalgic over things that happened decades before I was even born, but « Mum and Dad » have really touching and/or crazy stories to tell :’)
December 2, 2025
A good book for the nostalgic F1 fan to have on their nightstand and read ten pages of before bed each night.
December 27, 2022
One of the most entertaining books on Formula 1 I’ve ever read. Written from a female (yas!), British and backstage perspective. Di Spires was up, close and personal with the likes of Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and many, many more working as a caterer for several teams & F1 suppliers for 32 years. Every single one of her stories is an absolute page turner. She managed to pen down the most amazing anecdotes and memories of (in)famous F1 people and everyday situations which totally added another dimension to my favorite sport in the world.
I particulary loved the first part of the book in which she explains how she and her husband started out in F1 and were just attempting to get their 70s campervan from one Grand Prix to another (without it breaking down and preferably in time for the race) in a time without internet, mobile phones or Red Bull Energy Stations. It goes on all the way through the 80s, 90s and 00s, many campervan upgrades and experience gained, and involves some World Rally and LeMans experiences as well (what a life!).
This is a woman I would just love to meet some day and drink tea with for hours. Such a lovely person. By the end of the book I just kept on wishing she and her husband Stu were still in F1 for F1’s sake, but also because she could write us all a sequel. Thank you Di, for writing your stories down before they were forever lost. It’s a true gem of motorsport history and a road trip story many millennials will forever envy.
I particulary loved the first part of the book in which she explains how she and her husband started out in F1 and were just attempting to get their 70s campervan from one Grand Prix to another (without it breaking down and preferably in time for the race) in a time without internet, mobile phones or Red Bull Energy Stations. It goes on all the way through the 80s, 90s and 00s, many campervan upgrades and experience gained, and involves some World Rally and LeMans experiences as well (what a life!).
This is a woman I would just love to meet some day and drink tea with for hours. Such a lovely person. By the end of the book I just kept on wishing she and her husband Stu were still in F1 for F1’s sake, but also because she could write us all a sequel. Thank you Di, for writing your stories down before they were forever lost. It’s a true gem of motorsport history and a road trip story many millennials will forever envy.
July 21, 2015
A very light reading for everyone. It deserves an additional star just because it offers an insight into lives of hard working and quite entrepreneurial people who through their jobs are in daily touch with the glorious and rich and beautiful. Regarding the "unsung heroes" of the F1 there are only few books on or by the F1 mechanics and technicians but only this one, I think, on motorhome people. What a life!
October 21, 2018
A must read for Formula One fans
Full of details, untold stories, directly from Formula One back stage. If that was not enough, a real example that everyone can and should follow our dreams.
Full of details, untold stories, directly from Formula One back stage. If that was not enough, a real example that everyone can and should follow our dreams.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews