On the Grid cover art

On the Grid

The Inside Track on Formula One

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On the Grid

By: Luke Smith
Narrated by: Joe Eyre
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About this listen

 'On the Grid is incredibly special. I loved every thoughtfully written word'
Will Buxton

'Luke is one of the foremost journalists within the paddock. His book draws the curtain back on our sport... Very few titles have covered the stories of the unsung members of the F1 community in this level of detail and with such vibrancy'
Toto Wolff

'Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Formula 1, you'll learn something within these pages'
GP Racing

Formula 1 might only have twenty drivers in its most elite competition, but each is supported by a world-class team of mechanics, engineers, strategists, party planners and much more. In On the Grid journalist Luke Smith takes us behind the scenes of the past, present and future of the sport, telling its story through the eyes of the people who create it, including the all-important fans.

We see thrilling drama, cutting-edge technology, the stress and the glamour. Smith takes us to the starting grid, full of engine fumes and sweat, to yacht parties in Monaco and to the pit lane for the critical mid-race decisions. We see how a fifty-pence screw in the wrong place could cause a £15m car to break down, how F1 has influenced not just the cars we drive but life-saving medical equipment and even croissants, how you create a Grand Prix track from scratch.

On the Grid shows us what it’s like to work in a high-pressure and inherently dangerous sport; showcases the personalities that give it such drama and intrigue; examines how the sport is addressing its critics around inclusivity and environmental impact. For both long-time fans and newcomers, what results is the definitive, access-all-areas account of what makes F1 stand alone in world sport. Motor Sports Sports

Critic reviews

'Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Formula 1, you'll learn something within these pages'
'From the moment he arrived in the Formula 1 paddock a decade ago, Luke Smith announced himself as far more than just a journalist. For me, he is one of the finest wordsmiths in modern sport, his deftly woven narratives immersing the reader in the full visceral experience of the motor racing world. By combining his deep knowledge and experience of Formula 1 with infectious passion and singular craft he has created a truly fabulous and unique piece of work. On the Grid is incredibly special. I loved every thoughtfully written word' (Will Buxton )
'Luke is one of the foremost journalists within the paddock. His book draws the curtain back on our sport and delves deep into the fascinating world that sees hundreds of people at each team working to put two cars on track and competing against each other every other weekend. Very few titles have covered the stories of the unsung members of the F1 community in this level of detail and with such vibrancy' (Toto Wolff )
'Luke's book is a great read for any new or seasoned F1 fan. The chapters flow as well as Suzuka’s first sector and the compelling stories of our travelling circus will keep you entertained until the very last page. Recommend!' (Esteban Ocon )
'A fabulous in-depth behind the scenes look at one of the world’s most exciting and incredible global sports. A huge mix of characters from professional athletes through to devoted, almost NASA-like scientists. A book for the fanatical fan, a wonderful journey into F1' (Tom Kerridge )
All stars
Most relevant
What a fabulous book.
With the new rise of interest in Formula 1,especially a.angst the younger adult members of society, there has been an accompanying surge of books about it from autobiographies of drivers, and the vast army of mechanics and others in and beyond the pit wall. Great and many are very enjoyable. But this book goes beyond that, stuffed with facts about how much it costs for an aspiring driver to work their way through text different levels before they can hope to try for an F1 licence - the cost of dedication not only of the potential racer but of their entire family even to selling the family home in an attempt to raise the vast sums of money needed. It covers the passion, dedication and the drivers, the physical extremes sometimes endured, the circuits old and new and the people who built them. The various constructor teams, the financial as well as the uplifting feelings from factory floor to team principal on winning from the constructor and drivers.
And what of female drivers - yes, there have been two who raced in F1 in the past - and the up-and-coming women of today,,both as fans and behind the wheel. It goes on - fact, figures and so much more. I have watched F1 since the 1990s, read .any of the books published since but I learned so much from this marvellous inclusive book and from it could taste that "pushing the boundaries of what is possible" and connecting with the speed and thrills as well as the people.
With an excellent narration by Joe Eyre.
Wonderful.

"Innovation, adaptation and competition."

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Fantastic read (listen). Can’t wait to read (listen) to the next one from the author!

Top tier

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