Motorsport Literary Works: Which one to start with?

With such a wide variety of motorsport themed books readily available to purchase at any moment, finding the right one to start your collection can be daunting. From autobiographies written by team principals to stories of rival teammates - there is truly something out there for everyone! So, where to start?

(Image credit to Charlotte Taylor ©️2025)

‘Surviving to Drive’ and ‘Unfiltered’ by Guenther Steiner -

From F1 team principal to author, Guenther Steiner shares his story. His first book ‘Surviving to Drive’ covers the entirety of the 2022 Formula One season, giving readers a completely unobstructed view of the highs and lows, from pre-season training to contract negotiations. ‘Unfiltered’, Steiner’s second book, follows his ‘incredible decade’ as team principal of HAAS, recalling his achievements and struggles. He gives readers the insight into his decision to leave Formula One at the end of the 2023 season, and opens up about the years he spent on the grid.

‘Total Competition’ by Ross Brawn and Adam Parr -

‘Lessons in strategy from Formula One’, ‘Total Competition’ gives readers the chance to understand the mind of one of the most successful figures in Formula One history - Ross Brawn. While the book does not necessarily delve deep into the best-kept secrets of the paddock, it instead takes more of a conversational approach between Brawn and Parr about strategy, with real world examples from F1.

‘The Life of Senna’ by Tom Rubython -

A biography about the three-time world champion, this book is an essential for any Senna fan, it not only tells the story of his Formula One racing career, but also presents his full account - from his early life and the beginning of his racing career to that fateful crash and the stunning legacy that he leaves behind.

‘The Formula’ by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg -

Since the beginning of the sport itself, Formula One has often been described as ‘a sport for Europe’, however over the past few years, the market for F1 has expanded into America, a place where NASCAR and IndyCar rule the motorsport industry. Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg tell the story of how Formula One ‘conquered America through guile, fearlessness, and above all, reinvention’.

‘How to Win a Grand Prix’ by Bernie Collins -

Chief Race Engineer and F1 Team Strategist, Bernie Collins gives readers the inside scoop on what it’s really like at a Formula One team, from the factory to lights out. This book tells readers everything - taking them through the entire process - design and construction, pre-season testing, and a fully packed race weekend schedule.

‘Life to the Limit’ and ‘How to be an F1 Driver’ by Jenson Button -

Jenson Button’s 17 seasons as a Formula One driver has certainly had many ups and downs, including 15 wins and a world championship in 2009. His books speak about everything - ‘the people, the places, the weird rituals, the motorhomes, the media, the cars, the perks and the disasters’. Button’s 2017 autobiography ‘Life to the Limit’ tells the story of his entire career and speaks about the many friendships and rivalries he has had in his time as a driver, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.

Article written by Charlotte Taylor ©️2025