F1's extraordinary events and legendary drivers captured in new book
The Times Speed, The History of Formula 1 World Championships details every season since 1950, with unique reporting from The Times archive
The book covers the past eight decades of F1 racing, from the days of oil-smeared mechanics to the modern Las Vegas GP and its numerous hospitality options
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It might be Fangio’s breathtaking Nürburgring drive, Niki Lauda’s fiery crash, or Senna and Prost’s Suzuka collisions: sometimes a single grand prix, or a moment within a race, can define an entire F1 season.
That’s the idea behind a new book on the Formula 1 championship by Kevin Eason, the former Times correspondent, who spent 20 years reporting from circuits around the world.
The Times Speed, The History of Formula 1 World Championships, is more than just an account of the past eight decades of F1 racing.
It does include a concise summary of each year by Eason — alongside statistics and the innovations introduced each season.
But it’s the original reporting from The Times archive, which makes this book unique, with expertly selected extracts taking readers to the heart of the thrills, spills, technical sophistication and daredevil brilliance of each era.
Monaco 2006 showed Schumacher at his best — and worst
Grand Prix Photo
The 1963 season is brought to life by an evocative account of Jim Clark and Bruce McLaren tearing around Spa Francorchamps through torrential rain and lightning, while 2006 says everything you need to know about Michael Schumacher with an account of a cynical move during qualifying at Monaco to avoid losing pole position — which resulted in a penalty that put him at the back of the grid — followed by a stunning drive to fifth position on a track where it’s supposed to be impossible to overtake.
Illustrated with full-colour photography of the cars, drivers and pivotal events, the book is as much for new fans to grasp the glamour and risk of the first decades of the championship, as it is for long-term followers who’ll be transported back through F1’s 74 seasons by the colourful contemporary reporting.
“This book expertly captures the extraordinary events and legendary drivers who made the sport what it is today. A must-read for any F1 fan,” says Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, in a foreward.
On sale on October 24, The Times Speed: The History of Formula 1 World Championships, is available to pre-order now from The Times Bookshop
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The Times Speed: The History of Formula 1 World ChampionshipsForeword by Zak Brown, By Kevin Eason £30 |