On the Grid

“One of the finest wordsmiths in modern sport . . . with infectious passion and singular craft [Smith] has created a truly fabulous and unique piece of work. On the Grid is incredibly special. I loved every thoughtfully written word.” —Will Buxton, award-winning broadcaster, star of Drive to Survive and New York Times bestselling author of Grand Prix: An Illustrated History of Formula 1

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

Learn how Formula One is the world’s greatest team sport with this intimate and colorful insider’s account of what really happens on—and off—the race track, a must-read Formula 1 book from The Athletic’s senior F1 writer who has been following the sport around the world for over a decade.

Formula One has only 20 drivers in its elite ranks, but behind each one is an army of professionals devoted to the sport: statisticians and strategists, engineers and mechanics, PR gurus and party planners, and more—all who spend months traveling thousands of miles across the globe each year. Their achievements (and failures) may not be as well-publicized as those of the drivers and team principals, but they’re just as important: one fifty-cent screw in the wrong place could cause a $15 million car to break down mid-race.

In On the Grid, F1 journalist Luke Smith brings to life the stories from behind the scenes of F1 that don’t make it to viewers’ screens. From the Bahrain starting grid—thick with sweat and engine fumes—to opulent yacht parties in Monaco, with a stopover at a legendary bakery in Melbourne whose croissants exist only because of F1 technology, he showcases the extraordinary characters who give the sport such color and intrigue. With deep insight, knowledge, and warmth, he writes about the emotions and struggles that come with working in such a high-pressure sport, and the efforts being made to improve its class and racial diversity, gender parity, and environmental impact. The result is a richer, broader, and more inclusive look at F1 than ever before—perfect for longtime fans and Drive to Survive fans alike.

More than just a book about cars, On the Grid introduces you to the people who make the world’s fastest sport tick:
Human Stories in Motorsport: From a driver overcoming a horrific injury to an engineer whose passion for pastries changed the culinary world, discover the personal triumphs and sacrifices required to compete at the highest level.The Business of F1: Go beyond the paddock to understand the high-stakes world of billionaire owners, multi-million dollar sponsors, and the cutthroat decisions that shape the grid.Exclusive Insider Access: Join veteran F1 journalist Luke Smith on the ground, from the sweltering grid in Bahrain to the exclusive yacht parties in Monaco, for a look at what the TV cameras miss.A Changing Sport: Explore how Formula 1 is confronting its biggest challenges, tackling everything from its environmental impact to the urgent need for greater diversity and inclusion.