The Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car

by Steve Matchett

Join Steve Matchett--racing broadcaster, columnist, and longtime Formula 1 mechanic for the championship Benetton team--on a quest to build the ultimate racing machine. During a fogbound evening in an airport lounge, Matchett and some fellow enthusiasts began a discussion of racecar design, a conversation which evolved into a detailed examination of the teams and technologies behind the world's most complex sport. Their thoughts are captured here, from choosing the best chassis and most advanced suspension to building the strongest gearbox, providing an unmatched insider view of the international F1 scene.

"'I really could see the scenes he describes evolving in my mind, as if I was there-the mark of true genius in the author!"-- F1 Sport International

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Biography, Racing, History

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Steve Matchett was a commentator for American cable TV on various F1 programs. Prior to that, he was a mechanic with Bennetton Formula Ltd.
He has published a semi-autobiographical trilogy based around his years in the F1 pit lane.
-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Anthoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

F1 tech has always been fascinating and lately it all seems tech. It's not about the better driver, it's just about having the better car. F1 driving skills seems to be who has better mastery of the tech. earlier the driver's used to be brash, cool and colourful, now the tech is cooler.
So it was good to get a deeper insight of the tech. The evolution has been just as cool.
Having said that, inspite of all the ugly noses this season, the McLaren Mercedes is a beauty

[Ibrar Malik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful research for my upcoming book www.1994f1.com

On the whole Matchett's book isn't a bad read - but not brilliant. The context of the story is dull (some meeting of like minded stranded passengers before a flight on concorde). The details about the car are genuinely interesting and even insightful, but the most of the parts described are not shown in a diagram of photo - so if you have never seen the constituent parts of an F1 car, this book and its few photos isn't going to help you understand. Useful to learn how to explain my book in plain english to non F1 fans.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is actually closer to s 5, but I haven't to mark it slightly less favorably than a couple other recent F1 books just because it is somewhat out of date.

From a tech perspective, this is the perfect primer for those interested in how an F1 car is built, through about 2002.

The writing is a little over the top, but still flows smoothly and clearly makes all it's points. Highly recommended for F1 tech junkies and mechanically minded individuals alike.

[Harshit Vyas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technicalities of F1 cars explained in simple terms. A decent starting point for F1 fans to gain knowledge about racecars.
Book is a 4(rating) but it is annoying when the author starts babbling anything that comes to his mind like coffee bullshit in the last chapter.

[Diana Goulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for F1 fans!

Love the storytelling, detailed information about F1 cars, and Steve’s way with words. An absolute winning formula! :-)

Steve’s prior 2 books are a must for F1 fans also.

[Kifflie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was quite a bit over my head technically, but I liked the framing story a lot, and I probably still learned something. Matchett is a very talented writer.

[Ruben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one a lot, gives some good insight in some of the trade-offs that go into building a race car.

[Michiel Berger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vermakelijk maar niet heel sterk geschreven, en interessanter voor lezers die nog niet zo veel van F1 auto’s weten. De boeken over zijn carrière als engineer zijn veel beter.

[Herwin Thole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Less gripping than the previous two books Matchett wrote on life in the F1 paddock. The premise of the book is simple: let's construct a Formula One car part by part. From the monocoque and wings to the engine and gearbox, Matchett explains why certain choices or compromises are made by F1 constructors. He avoids technical details and terms, and rightfully so. But he also never really dives into a topic. I feel the book is best suited for the uninitiated, who want to gain a basic technical understanding of F1 cars.

[Andre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former F1 mechanic turned TV broadcaster, Steve Matchett, looks at how a modern F1 is designed and put together - explaining and putting in perspective the technological advances we've witnessed since the dawn of modern Grand Prix racing. F1 fans will find quite a few revelations, while newcomers might develop a new appreciation for the things that make F1 a whole lot more than two dozen cars running in circles. Despite the emphasis on technology, the book is an easy and entertaining read.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not that I wish Mr. Matchett to put out another book merely for the sake of putting out another book, & I respect his position at the conclusion of The Chariot Makers that he always envisioned his story in three parts—the first two being Life in the Fast Lane & The Mechanic's Tale—but listening to him on Speed's F1 broadcasts I believe he has much more of merit still to say about this sport we love, more than enough to fill a fascinating & insightful book.

[Chris Welbon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info about F1 car design woven into a needlessly contrived backstory of getting to fly back to Paris on the Concorde with a couple of other milquetoast Brits. The history of composites and chassis construction is especially good, and the secret behind McLaren's ridiculous model naming is revealed. Steve needs to back off on weird mix of early 20th century uppercrust Anglo-slang and Francophilia. A much better commentator than a writer.

[Ciarán Bohane]

Took Me A Year But A Good Read For Motorheads

I started this in the way to Silverstone last year. I finished it on the way this year. A great read for those interested in behind the scenes of F1. It would be great to see a similar book detailing today's cars.

[J. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating glimpse into the world (and minds) few of us will ever be granted personal access.

[Doug Wilkerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Matchett is a former F1 mechanic and long time commentator on the speed channel. Read only if you're interested in Forumula 1.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

greatness. a very complex subject is made easy to understand. a must for any F1 fan.