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How to Read F1: Everything you need to know about racing in the fast lane
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2025
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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June 21, 2025wish I'd read what it was about before I purchased this because I basically knew everything but handy little pocket guide for those new to F1.
February 7, 2025
A phenomenal book.
I grew up in a very football-focused family. Weekend trips to games, football on at family functions; no other sport really came close to the chokehold football had on my relatives. Thus, you can imagine the reactions when I became a Formula 1 fan - the only one in my family. "But Erin, the cars go round in circles, where's the fun in that?" I could say the same about the football. Because of the immense love my family had for football, I was not acclimatised to motorsports in one bit. I was magnetically pulled to the excitement of Formula 1 and other racing series, but I would be lying if I said the knowledge magically clicked into place for me - like it might have done had I grown up with it on my screens. Motorsports lingo wasn't part of casual conversation like football culture was. And honestly, as a female fan I struggled even more. Though my love for the sport derived from fangirl friendships, sports discussions weren't a part of my all-girls school break times. As a female F1 fan, and the only in my family, I quickly realised I had to be self-sufficient when it came to understanding the sport. I adored racing and there was a place for me at the motorsports table, so I wasn't going to let my lack of socialisation into the sport effect that (especially with the 'better fan' mindset that is so prevalent today).
Jennie Gow's 'How to Read F1' is the perfect resource and I truly can't imagine how much she has helped, and empowered, fans like me with her succinct and simple descriptions of Formula 1. From the A-Z structure, to the diagrams and the personal anecdotes, everything about this book was superb. I am eager to work in motorsport media - jus like Gow - so this book was all the more encouraging. Though I knew a lot of the information, there were so many concepts I still struggled to grasp, yet I left this book feeling more confident than ever. This was a fun and informative read. Perfect for newer fans to learn the ropes, but equally ideal for the most enthusiastic of fans looking to fill the gaping hole the off-season leaves.
This is so far from what my usual reviews are like, but it felt like the only way to express my gratitude that this book exists. From my understanding, I know this book helped Jennie in a lot of ways too, but I don't think she realised how much it would help others. Thank you Jennie.
I grew up in a very football-focused family. Weekend trips to games, football on at family functions; no other sport really came close to the chokehold football had on my relatives. Thus, you can imagine the reactions when I became a Formula 1 fan - the only one in my family. "But Erin, the cars go round in circles, where's the fun in that?" I could say the same about the football. Because of the immense love my family had for football, I was not acclimatised to motorsports in one bit. I was magnetically pulled to the excitement of Formula 1 and other racing series, but I would be lying if I said the knowledge magically clicked into place for me - like it might have done had I grown up with it on my screens. Motorsports lingo wasn't part of casual conversation like football culture was. And honestly, as a female fan I struggled even more. Though my love for the sport derived from fangirl friendships, sports discussions weren't a part of my all-girls school break times. As a female F1 fan, and the only in my family, I quickly realised I had to be self-sufficient when it came to understanding the sport. I adored racing and there was a place for me at the motorsports table, so I wasn't going to let my lack of socialisation into the sport effect that (especially with the 'better fan' mindset that is so prevalent today).
Jennie Gow's 'How to Read F1' is the perfect resource and I truly can't imagine how much she has helped, and empowered, fans like me with her succinct and simple descriptions of Formula 1. From the A-Z structure, to the diagrams and the personal anecdotes, everything about this book was superb. I am eager to work in motorsport media - jus like Gow - so this book was all the more encouraging. Though I knew a lot of the information, there were so many concepts I still struggled to grasp, yet I left this book feeling more confident than ever. This was a fun and informative read. Perfect for newer fans to learn the ropes, but equally ideal for the most enthusiastic of fans looking to fill the gaping hole the off-season leaves.
This is so far from what my usual reviews are like, but it felt like the only way to express my gratitude that this book exists. From my understanding, I know this book helped Jennie in a lot of ways too, but I don't think she realised how much it would help others. Thank you Jennie.
December 26, 2024
A quick and easy read to get the details about F1. A great guide for beginners like me
January 5, 2025
Great read - lots of great info and fun facts!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews