F1 Insider: Notes from the Pit Lane

by Ted Kravitz

'A fascinating and unique insight from one of F1's most formidable reporters.'
Toto Wolff

From Australia and Italy to China and the U.S, Ted Kravitz - hailed as an 'icon' and 'one of the most high-profile voices in F1' - is the fan's eyes and ears in the pit, followed by millions of F1 fans eager to see what's going on behind the scenes. His 'Ted's Notebook' series is essential viewing for the fan, and his insights are fascinating, fun and accurate.

For the first time, F1 Notes From The Pit Lane brings his unique view and knowledge of the past, present, and future of the world's most glamorous, complex, and fascinating sport to life. Drawing from his own inimitable style, crafted with over two decades of working in, mixing with, and immersing himself throughout F1, Ted provides an insider's view of the inner circle of Teams, drivers and all things F1.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Biography, Audiobook

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2025

Reviews

[Harry H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that gives the reader a peek behind the curtain of F1 broadcasting (and the F1 paddock itself) and how Ted Kravitz found his way there. I especially loved all of the extra details regarding incidents and controversies during F1's history that haven't been told before. A must-read for passionate F1 fans who want detail and insight into Ted's role in F1 and the fascinating things he's witnessed while doing it!

[Jonny Mutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, been a big fan of F1 and by extension Ted for years, and this book details how he got into F1 broadcasting and numerous tales from his near 30 year career from the pit lane, very enjoyable if you’re an F1 fan or work in television

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor, for a reporter who probably has loads of proper insider knowledge and more stories about his time in the pit lane it was just a simplified history of the last 30 years of F1

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast read that gives insight into Formula 1 since the Schumacher era. Not the most interesting book but did give in depth insight into the 2021 WDC controversy in Abu Dhabi and taught me about eras of F1 that I don’t know much about.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half of the book was 5 stars, wish it had carried on that way.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star 🌟 - loved loved loved!!! Such brilliant insight from Ted and brilliant audiobook

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I consider myself an F1 fan that hasn’t watched for 25 years. Recently becoming more and more keen to ‘get back in’ I eagerly purchased over Christmas. The book is half biography and half a commentary/recap of the most interesting parts of the past 28 years of F1.

I really appreciated that the book more or less gets straight into the world of racing. We get a brief look at Kravitz’ beginnings but he knows what we came here for. :)

There is a real effort to avoid racing jargon which I really appreciated. It made for an easy read and everything was laid out in simple terms. (Did make me wonder if true F1 fans would consider this to be dumbed down in places)

At some points, I couldn’t help feel that there must already be many F1 books recapping the best of the past 25 years so it didn’t feel like it offered anything out of the ordinary or extra but having not ready anything related in a long time it was a great fit for me.

Also, I felt at times, if you were looking for a true biography of Kravitz I wasn’t sure this was it. Many chapters comment on F1 and less in any real detail his work or his own experience of these events happening. Perhaps I was hoping for more direct anecdotes.

A firm 4 stars :)

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

F1 Insider: Notes From The Pit Lane by Ted Kravitz is a perfect book for the F1 fan. It will both entertain and also awaken memories as you take a stroll down the decades.
Ted Kravitz has worked in F1 for nearly thirty years, and this book is a look back over those years. It is a delight for the seasoned fan and the new-to-the-sport (as I am) alike.
We delve behind the scenes as well as in front of the cameras as we learn how to report on events from the pit lane.
Ted Kravitz writes as he speaks on Ted’s Notebook, making F1 Insider a very easy and personable read. It is also highly entertaining.
All sorts of topics are covered over the years from various teams to individuals to particular races to cancellations due to COVID.
Ted Kravitz has a lovely chapter on the late, great Murray Walker. He also highly praises Martin Brundle.
I really enjoyed F1 Insider and read it in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep! With Christmas just around the corner, F1 Insider would make the perfect gift for the F1 fan in your life.

[Becca Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second audio book down ✅

As soon as I saw Ted had released a book, I knew I had to read it (listen to it, in this case). Anyone who knows me at all knows that the highlight of an f1 weekend for me is Ted’s Notebook, so an entire book dedicated to his career and the things he’s seen along the way was a no brainer, and an instant 5 star for me.

If you’re at all interested in f1, this book was so interesting, and covers a wide range of stories from over the years, as well as a really intriguing look at the behind the scenes of working in the sport. I’ve also been super interested in the logistics behind f1 and I feel like I’ve now had a really satisfying insight into it.

I loved that there were focuses on certain drivers and iconic moments, and I really enjoyed getting to hear about them from Ted’s point of view.

Overall, this book was everything I hoped it would be.

(Special shoutout to the Miami escalators for getting a mention - iykyk)

[David Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a follower of Formula One for as long as I can remember, this book is definitely one I was looking forward to.
I was first aware of Ted from his time atvITV and have avidly watched him ever since.
The book is an enthralling journey not just through his career, but the dynamic developments of technology, teams, drivers and most of all, the politics involved in F1.

Extremely well written, it gives chronological anecdotes of all the teams, personalities and events of the past few decades in this glamorous and technical marvel of a sport.

Well worth reading, and even if you are not a due hard petrol head, still lots to enjoy here

[Yevhen Chernenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure fun, this book. So many stories flow into one another, all guided by Ted’s hand. Yes, most fans have heard these tales before, but here they’re told from the perspective of a pit-lane reporter with no stake in the outcome - someone who just wants us to experience them as they were. I especially enjoyed the insights into Ted’s early days with Murray and Martin.
If you’re a seasoned F1 fan, you’ll be reminded what a crazy world this sport is. If you’re new to it, your mind will simply be blown.
Thanks, Mr. Kravitz (if that is your real last name).

[Danielle]

Just got home from Ted Kravitz’s book event at the Pagets Rooms in Penarth and it was brilliant (I didn’t realise it was Ted’s first ever book event/talk).

Ted has been an integral part of Formula 1 for the past 30 years which is why I jumped at the chance to attend.

Ted’s insights to the behind the scenes of F1 clarified questions I’ve had for ages. (What are ‘repercussions’? Where’s Ted? Spygate, Crashgate, Tapegate and so much more).

I cannot wait to start reading this book over the Mexico GP weekend (Ted’s notebook will be missed this weekend).

[Vicki Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book and I spent the Murray chapters in tears 🥺 I (obviously) audiobooked this and raced through it (excuse the pun!) over the last couple of mornings. I feel sad I don’t have it to listen to tomorrow! The only “notes” I would give is I think Ted should have dedicated a chapter to Lewis Hamilton (seeing as he’s the GOAT) as all we really got on him was Dubai 2021 and it was mainly about Michael Masi.

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of F1, this book is for you. I don’t get his broadcasts in Canada, but he is an insider, and although I have heard some of these stories a few times (crashgate, copygate, etc.), it’s always nice to have someone else’s perspective on it. He reads very well, and I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook.

[kulke · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a great listen! i love listening to ted’s notebook after races because of how much insight he gives into the behind the scenes but to hear about his journey into f1 plus how he’s navigated reporting on f1 breaking news through the different eras from schumacher to hamilton to verstappen was so interesting.

[Jarryd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this a really fun and engaging read. It’s insightful without ever getting too much inside baseball. Kravitz’s passion and love for the sport comes across as very genuine, but he never shies away from speaking his mind about things.

Highly recommended for an F1 fan.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

F1 Insider is an enjoyable read with some fun behind-the-scenes paddock stories and his familiar Sky Sports voice. However, much of the content will feel familiar to regular F1 viewers, and the book can lack depth at times. A decent read for casual fans, but not essential for hardcore followers.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book! A must read for any F1 fan new or old. Well done Ted!

[David Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible insights and stories from one of F1’s most captivating characters. a must read!!!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5 ⭐️

[Olly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into how Ted got into the business and started his career in motorsport also includes so interesting informations and points of view from behind the scenes of formula one

[Andrew Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and informative behind the scenes look at F1 and its broadcasting. Could easily have been longer!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. You can tell he is a journalist, great writing.

[Laura Gerick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a history of F1 through Ted's eyes? This is it! An enjoyable, light read that highlights some of the memorable moments in Ted's career.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like watching an extended version of Ted's Notebook. Interesting stories, well written and with a helping of cheese too, of course.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learnt a lot about F1 from this book. Easy to read as well, so thoroughly enjoyable too.
Every F1 fan should read this if they can

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.25/5 stars

[Gordon Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and found it very hard to put down!.. Ted comes across as a highly knowledgeable man and it's fascinating to read these behind the scenes stories. Lots of brilliant things in this book that I haven't heard before, it was very hard to put down. I would definitely. Suggest to any F1 fan to read it they will not be disappointed.

[Ant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's now beginning to feel like Ted has always been an integral part of Formula 1. That's not actually the case, but his long career reporting on the sport leads to him often bringing insights and background information that any Formula 1 follower finds valuable.

This book is no different. Ted details his early days as a fan, how that helped in his early radio career, and how it lead into his current TV gig. Chapters include various important F1 events that Ted covered, including most infamously Abu Dhabi 2021.

Along with that, many of the various F1 characters and personalities get mentioned. I especially enjoyed the couple of chapters that centred on Ted's early TV career with Martin Brundle and Murray Walker. It felt like the respect Ted has for these two legends filtered through the page, and on completing these chapters I almost had to stop reading because I had a lump in my throat.

On the telly, Ted always comes across as an affable, everyday type of person; enjoyably irreverent at times but always worth listening to. His book is written in the exact same manner, and was a joy to read.

A must-have for any Ted fan.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read with great insight. The Murray Walker chapter brought tears to my eyes.