How to Read F1: Everything you need to know about racing in the fast lane

by Jennie Gow

'Formula 1 is as complex as it is competitive, existing in a world which has built up a language almost unique to itself. Jennie has been working the Formula 1 pitlanes and paddocks of the world since before many of today’s superstars had even started karting. She knows the sport inside out. There’s nobody better to take you on this alphabetic adventure through the greatest sport in the world.' Will Buxton

'This is a great read for old and new fans of F1, one that will inform, educate and entertain you. A truly comprehensive guide to Formula One - from A to Z (and most importantly, to B).' Valtteri Bottas

'Jennie's job is to go where angels fear to tread. Being in the pit lane and on the grid or even in the F1 paddock is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage and a lot of hard work to know your stuff and ask the difficult questions in F1. Jennie Gow is that gal!' – Damon Hill

'Jennie brings such a great passion to broadcasting on F1.' – Nico Rosberg

Fun, informative and insightful, How to Read F1 is the perfect gift for Formula One fans.

BBC F1 presenter and Drive to Survive expert Jennie Gow covers the key concepts, drivers, teams, tech and rules in an easy-to-read, bitesize format. Featuring bespoke illustrations capturing the sport's famous faces and technical elements, the book is packed with Jennie's unique insights, anecdotes and plenty of trivia. Whether you’re new F1 and keen to learn more or a veteran supporter looking to brush up on facts, there’s something for everyone in this entertaining guide to racing in the fast lane.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2024

Reviews

[Emma (ejm_reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for beginners wanting to understand the basics about F1.

[DonutKnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! A great introduction that is easy to read and follow. I felt invigorated learning about the elements of this amazing sport and I thank the author for deciding to write it after all she has gone through after having a stroke. Thank you Jennie Gow!!

[Justin Mewse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bought this as a kindle book. Fortunately I was able to return it having read just the first chapter 'A'. Yep, it's an A-Z book (Albon, Apex, Alpine, Australia etc). Some topics are just a paragraph, some a little more than a page. It's really written for kids. Learnt nothing new about Albon. He does like to dye his hair often. An apex is the inside of a corner that drivers aim for to gain the fastest speed around the track. Wow! I found myself cringing at every few sentences and was completely underwhelmed. No depth. F1 fans avoid. If you're new to F1 though, this could be reasonably interesting.

[Luna Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

From now on, I will consider this book my new Bible for everything regarding F1.
As a newcomer to the wonderful world of Formula 1, I had no clue about anything, from the fundamentals to the technical aspects. Even basic things were obscure to me (like the difference between a hard tyre and a medium one, and so on).
This book serves as the perfect ABC of F1, giving you a minimal understanding of how Formula 1 works. The language is both easy to comprehend and accessible to everyone, enriched with nice little drawings scattered throughout the chapters.
I consider this book a stepping stone to warming up on the sport and delving deeper into the aspects of F1 that intrigued you the most.

Thank you, Jennie Gow. Really, thank you for writing such an amazing introduction for new F1’s fan like me.

Review by zhivago.library

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

picked this up since Jennie was at the gatg event I was at! somehow I didn’t make the connection that Jennie was the same broadcaster on the Chequered Flag podcast since I haven’t listened in awhile but overall really good casual read for a glossary of current and past F1 terms! would recommend for newer fans who are still learning about the sport and history so it would be a great segue into diving deeper into the sport!

[Mr M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great light hearted book about the beloved sport of F1. Having worked close to F1 broadcasting I felt relatively informed but this book reveals a little more under the surface. Jennie's personal stories and insights are great to hear and I'm glad to support here after hearing about her shocking stroke.

[TheCoffeeGridReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short review: perfect companion for someone getting into Formula 1.

It’s accessible for newcomers and offers tidy, well-informed reminders for longtime fans. It provides great understanding of the language, people, and culture of Formula 1.

Great audiobook especially if you don’t normally listen to audiobooks!

4.5 out of 5 stars!

[The Book Circus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book!!! I have been an f1 fan since the start of this season and consider myself pretty well educated on the rules etc. However this book had me learning so much! Thank you so much for this absolute gem! Highly reccomend

[Stuart Nutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read.

I have read a book laid out in this style before but I cannot remember which. Nevertheless there is lots of information here laid out in an interesting style. Well done to Jennie Gow for writing this following her stroke.

[Jan Prins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very basic and aimed at people that know nothing about F1. I had expected a bit of a biography, also considering what happened to Jennie (she had a stroke) but there was very little of that, if anything.

[Melissa Yeates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Would have given it 5 stars if it hadn’t been for several mistakes I picked up on.

[Lauren Knox · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ A nice easy audio book. I know and love Gow’s voice from the BBC podcast. I enjoyed her little anecdotes throughout

[ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive guide to everything you need to know about F1. It’s a fun, quick and easy read that a fan on any level (whether you’re a beginner into the sport or an expert) can appreciate

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 *

Its good, informative but I think more aimed at the junior reader

[Leanne Capon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read & insight to all the technical bits about F1

[Robert Whitfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic A-Z premise. Ideal for people new to F1

[Ceren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good beginner's guide to F1, not much to it, but a fun read overall.