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, 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 who bring the behind the scenes of F1 to life: 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 behind-the-scenes stories 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 and inherently dangerous 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 Formula 1 book than ever before—perfect for longtime fans and Drive to Survive neophytes alike.

This deeply reported book goes beyond the broadcast to reveal:

• The Unseen Army: Meet the statisticians, strategists, engineers, and mechanics whose work in the shadows is just as crucial as the drivers’ on the track.
• From Track to Table: Discover surprising stories of F1 innovation, including how racing technology helped create a legendary Melbourne bakery’s world-famous croissants.
• Paddock Pass: Get an all-access look at the high-pressure world of a Grand Prix weekend, from the engine fumes of the Bahrain starting grid to the opulent yacht parties of Monaco.
• The Race for Change: Explore F1’s ongoing efforts to improve diversity, gender parity, and its environmental impact, offering a more inclusive look at the sport’s future.