'Life at the Limit' by Sid Watkins - Kindle review

An incredible insight into F1's more dangerous decades

15/01/2014 by Christine

Professor Sid Watkins was an incredibly popular and much-loved character in the Formula One paddock, and his passing in 2012 saw tributes pouring in from all forms of motorsport. I was aware of his work on safety, and that he had been the F1 doctor on call for most accidents over the tumultuous and dangerous decades, but my knowledge was mostly from a distance. This book, the first of three that he wrote, gives an insight into how the Professor got to his position, what kind of activities he got up to during his time in F1, as well as thoughts on various aspects of the sport from a position as a fan, and as a doctor.

'Inside Track' by Jake Humphrey - Kindle review

Read all about Humphrey's four years in F1 as he prepares to leave BBC role

22/11/2012 by Christine

If you've followed Sidepodcast for any length of time, you'll likely know we are obsessed with how the sport is covered - be it broadcast, print or online. Upon finding out that Jake Humphrey, BBC F1 anchor 2009-2012, had written a book called Inside Track (not original, but promising), I was intrigued. The story behind the camera, secrets of the broadcasting world? This was going to be good.

'The Mechanic's Tale' by Steve Matchett - Kindle Review

How Matchett made his way to F1 and stayed there

16/01/2012 by Christine

Steve Matchett has been associated with Formula One since 1990, with experience on both sides of the business. He's been an engineer, working on a championship-winning car, and he's been a broadcaster, explaining some of the difficult technical concepts to the armchair F1 fan. Matchett has seen it all, and took the time to write three books sharing some of his wisdom with us. The Mechanic's Tale is the second work in the F1 trilogy.

'Life in the Fast Lane' by Steve Matchett - Kindle Review

An insight into the inner workings of champion team Benetton

22/09/2011 by Christine

Steve Matchett has been part of the Formula One world since 1990, and has experience in most sides of the business. From mechanic, to engineer, to broadcaster and journalist - Matchett has seen and heard a lot in his travels. Famed for his Chalk Talk series on SpeedTV, he excels at explaining the tricky technical topics to the armchair F1 fan. He has written a trilogy of books about his time in F1, and Life in the Fast Lane is the first of the three.

'Chequered Conflict' by Maurice Hamilton - Kindle review

An in depth look at the inter-team rivalries within McLaren

08/08/2011 by Christine

Maurice Hamilton is a well-respected figure in and out of the Formula One paddock, with years of experience following the highs and lows of life in motorsport. He's often appearing on 5Live's F1 coverage and always has something worthwhile to say. He's previously written a chronicle about the Williams team, but here, he takes a closer look at the 2007 season at McLaren, the turbulent battle between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

'No Angel: The Secret Life of Bernie Ecclestone' by Tom Bower - Kindle review

A detailed biography of the Formula One supremo

01/08/2011 by Christine

Author Tom Bower is better known for his unauthorised biographies of his chosen subjects, but for reasons unknown, Bernie Ecclestone allowed Bower unprecedented access to his life, his friends and family, to try and get an inside line on what makes the F1 supremo tick.

And we have a winner...

A signed copy of The Grand Prix Saboteurs has found a new home

23/03/2010 by Mr. C

Back in February, Sidepodcast ran a competition to win a signed copy of Joe Saward's book The Grand Prix Saboteurs. After collecting over 100 correct entries, Christine picked a winner from the F1 cap and Joe's book will this week be winging it's way to Ashley Grimshaw in the UK.

Win a signed copy of The Grand Prix Saboteurs

Joe's spy novel is up for grabs

23/02/2010 by Mr. C

On Friday 26 February, motor sport journalist Joe will be hosting his first "Evening With..." event, in front of almost 100 Formula 1 fans in London. The two of us will be in attendance, recording discussions for a future podcast, but to mark the event, this week Sidepodcast is giving away an exclusive signed copy of Joe's book The Grand Prix Saboteurs.