On the Grid
The Inside Track on Formula One
Published on 12. February 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-3985-3249-6 (ISBN)
Description
Shortlisted for Motorsports Book of the Year in the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards 2026
'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 GBP15m 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.
'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 GBP15m 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.
Reviews / Votes
'Hugely enjoyable... Smith's excellent book is an access-all-areas VIP pass. Full of passion for the sport - the noise, the roar and the speed - he takes you behind the scenes to look at how F1 racing works through the hundreds of people who create it... Fascinating * Daily Mail * 'Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Formula 1, you'll learn something within these pages' * <i>GP Racing</i> * '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 KerridgeMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Illustrations
none
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 130 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
222 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3985-3249-6 (9781398532496)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2025
Simon + Schuster LLC
€9.02
Available for download
Person
Luke Smith is a Formula 1 and motorsport journalist based in Bexhill-on-Sea. He is currently a Senior Writer covering Formula 1 for The Athletic and his work regularly features in the New York Times as he follows the sport's travelling circus. Prior to The Athletic, Luke spent ten years reporting on Formula 1 for Autosport and NBC Sports, among other media outlets. He regularly makes both television and radio appearances as a Formula 1 pundit. Luke does not have a driving licence.