Play Book Tag discussion

The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World's Fastest-Growing Sport by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg
5 stars

I am unabashedly a Formula 1 fan. I never ever thought I would say that, but here we are. Like so many fans new to the sport, I got sucked in by Drive to Survive on Netflix and binge-watched the sixth season right before the start of the 2024 F1 season. And I was DESPERATE for more F1 content.

So, I started watching the races. Fast forward to the end of the 2024 season and I watched almost every single qualifying and race live, no matter what time it started ET, and many of the Free Practice sessions as well. I consumed prerace interviews, postrace interviews, and race analysis as well as devoured F1 gossip (y'all, the drama is REAL). I follow drivers, teams, and pocasts on instagram, and am attending my first race this year in Montreal.

All of this is to say that we are two months after the end of the 2024 season and still 5 weeks from the start of the 2025 season (only 3 week from preseason testing and 4 weeks from new Drive to Survive though), and I needed something to tide me over.

And, as a new fan, I am curious to learn more about the history of the sport. The famous drivers of the past, and how we got from an obscure sport only open to the wealthy to the fastest growing sport in the world.

Perfect time to pick up The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World's Fastest-Growing Sport. The authors take us through the history of F1, only in loose chronological order, but the real focus is moving from one barrier-breaking person to the next until we hit present day.

I had of course heard of many of the drivers (Senna, Proust, Schumacher), was aware of the cheating scandals (Spygate and Crashgate), understand that Williams and McClaren were powerhouses of the past (and I am convinced McLaren is on the rise and have medium-sized hopes for Williams this year), and knew enough to be wary of Briatore and in awe of the genius of Newey.

But I learned so much more. Also, were we all aware of Bernie Ecclestone but me? This guy is a CHARACTER. Like, not in a good way. He basically ran F1 like a mob boss and gaslit everyone about it. I honestly do not know whether to be impressed or appalled. Appallingly impressed?

Either way, the book was fascinating! Albeit (due to no fault of the authors) a book of all white men until Lewis Hamilton enters the scene in 2007. And, even then, all men.

I do wish my favorite sport were more diverse, but the first female race engineer is entering the grid in 2025 and I have already started fangirling. Maybe we can get a book update with Laura Mueller and my my other crush, Susie Wolff, and throw in the F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling for good measure.

Well, that was a rambling review that was mainly just about my love of F1, but if you are also a new fan looking to better understand the history of the sport, then I recommend this book!

And now I am off to watch Senna on Netflix.

Also, while there is a science connection when they talk about the design of the cars, it is not the strongest science connection.

But, I think it fits and a few people have tagged it that way!

It is a great review, Nicole, you do tell some of the story of F1. Though I am not much of a fan, I have watched races and went to one many, many years ago in Florida, or it could have been Georgia. Only attended because my boyfriend, at the time, was a big fan. But, it was exciting to see and I know you are going to love it when you go.

That is amazing to learn that you are a fan. I became a fan about 6 seasons ago. I am excited to read this book so thank you for sharing. 2021 was the most exciting season I have seen, but I have lost some interest since Red Bull and Verstappen's extreme dominance. I'm hoping with the major mix-up of the teams this year, there will be better competition for the Championship.

I do not watch all the races. I do catch the ones on Sunday morning.

I'm glad to find another F1 fan. Hit me up for some F1 discussion if you'd like. I have not watched any of the Drive to Survive.

Joanne wrote: "It is a great review, Nicole, you do tell some of the story of F1. Though I am not much of a fan, I have watched races and went to one many, many years ago in Florida, or it could have been Georgia..."

There is a group of 7 of us going and we got three-day passes and I cannot wait! It will be so much fun. But, I am also used to watching on TV when you get to see everything and the commentator is telling me what is going on, so watching live will be different. lol

Jason wrote: "That is amazing to learn that you are a fan. I became a fan about 6 seasons ago. I am excited to read this book so thank you for sharing. 2021 was the most exciting season I have seen, but I have l..."

I just messaged you! I love meeting new F1 fans!

This happened to me, but with MotoGP! (motorcycle racing). We’re going to our first race in Texas this month and I am out of this world excited!

Nicole wrote: "This happened to me, but with MotoGP! (motorcycle racing). We’re going to our first race in Texas this month and I am out of this world excited!"

MotoGP also looks awesome! My Instagram algorithm sends me reels of it occasionally (totally reasonable given my obsession with F1), but I am almost scared to start watching another motorsport at the risk of it becoming all encompassing. lol.

I already actively resist watching IndyCar.

Too funny! Well if you ever give in to temptation, go back and start watching from the beginning of the Marc Marquez era - he’s the Wayne Gretzky of MotoGP IMO and the drama is REAL.

Either way, love that you love this. There’s too much stigma about girls loving moto sports and that’s silly - I’m more obsessed than my husband is!

Nicole wrote: "Too funny! Well if you ever give in to temptation, go back and start watching from the beginning of the Marc Marquez era - he’s the Wayne Gretzky of MotoGP IMO and the drama is REAL.

Either way, ..."

Totally agree. Several of my friends (2 girls and one guy) convinced me to watch Drive to Survive, but I am the one who drug them into watching the actual races during the season. lol

Though, I had NO IDEA how many people were F1 fans (either Drive to Survive or actual races) until I started watching. You probably feel the same way about MotoGP -- it is a passionate community!