Tag Archives: Formula 1

With pre-season testing still in Sakhir a month away, now is an excellent time to stock up on gear for the new year. The official F1 Store is having a massive winter sale to make room for new merch and styles. There are over 500 items to grab with discounts of as much as 70% off. We pulled a few of our faves that would make an excellent fit for your 2024 F1 Sunday outfit. And don’t worry. Yes, everything is officially licensed.

1) Scuderia Ferrari Race MT7 Track Jacket

A few things Ferrari does well is make merch people want. This jacket is sleek and chic, you’re sure to stand out in the classic red hue. Save 48% on this, and cross your fingers for a Charles podium. Lord Perceval hasn’t had a win since the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix, but this jacket could be a good luck charm.

2) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 2022 Team Baseball Cap

A classic black baseball hat never goes out of style, and neither does Sir Lewis Hamilton. It’s just $17 and will see you through the 2024 season, and possibly podiums for both George and Lewis. This cap is easily adjustable and made from 100% recycled polyester, so it’s breathable even in the hottest of climates.

3) Oracle Red Bull Racing 2023 New Era Beanie

Winter just decided to start with lots of snow in many parts of the world, so it’s a good idea to cover your noggin. Red Bull is a winner, and so is this adorable $21 beanie. It’s a polyblend (so easy to clean) and designed by New Era.

4) McLaren USA Crew Sweatshirt

The papaya is strong with this sweatshirt. I like the vintage college vibe of this one, and I also like that this has crossover appeal. Wear it for F1, Formula E, and IndyCar races. It’s a cotton blend, versatile, and a steal at 57% off.

5) Scuderia AlphaTauri Team T-Shirt

RIP Alpha Tauri. This shirt is now a collector’s item as the rise of Visa CashApp Racing Bulls takes its place on the grid. If you think that is an awful rebrand, don’t worry. We do, too. I heard a girl once call Alpha Tauri ‘Sugar-Free’ Red Bull, and honestly, why they didn’t go that way is beyond me. But grab this unisex cotton tee for just $27, and still show your love for Danny and Yuki.

6) Formula 1 True Classics Crew Sweatshirt

There are a few basic F1 merch items available in the sale, and I love the ones that are so subtle. This classic crewneck sweatshirt is a nod to the start of the sport in 1950. With clever racing stripes down the sides, this is a mod way to show you’re a motorhead too. It’s just $33.

7) Mercedes 2022 W13 E Performance No.44 – Lewis Hamilton 1:43 Model

A few of these models from the last two seasons are on sale for just $7. These make great gifts and decorations for offices, living rooms, and bookshelves. If you got a Merc fanatic in your life, this would be a nice little present to surprise them with. It’s die-cast metal and plastic and a stunning representation of the actual million-dollar monster.

8) Michael Schumacher Legacy Classic Edition Poster

We recently celebrated the legendary driver’s 55th birthday. Schumacher has no doubt left a huge mark on F1 and motorsports as a whole. This poster honors him and his supreme legacy. Printed on high-quality paper it was designed by Automobilist as a collab piece with the Keep Fighting Foundation. This is a brilliant piece of art for only $20.

9) Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 2023 Official Team Cap

Save $30 on this 100% recycled polyester, totally adjustable official team hat. I love this green color and think it looks so stunning in a crowd. As a Fernando lover, I couldn’t make a list and not recommend something that represents him. There are a few items from Fernando’s Kimoa brand on sale as well.

10) Williams Racing Off Track Sweatshirt

I think Williams knows how to lean into quiet luxury. Must be a British thing. This year especially they have designed a great line that isn’t flashy. This 100% knitted polyester sweatshirt has zipper pockets and is $39.

11) Alfa Romeo 2023 Valterri Bottas Driver Cap

Of course, I’m including my favorite driver on this list. While Alfa Romeo was sunset for Sauber, the historic Italian brand will still live on. I have one of these and absolutely love the Milano cross and snake boldly standing out. I’m going to miss this team a lot, but I’m also preparing my soul for this to be Valterri’s last year as well. Nothing official, my gut just feels like this is it. Save 49% on this and add it to your collection.

12) Oracle Red Bull Max Verstappen Zandvoort Special Edition Tee

Are you a member of the Orange Army? What better way to celebrate another outstanding year for Verstappen than with a tee celebrating the Dutch lion’s home race win? I love the Max design on this cotton unisex shirt in that fetching neon shade. Save it for the Dutch GP, or wear it every Sunday as they play the national anthem we’ve all come to know so well.

13) Haas F1 Team – Miami 2023 Limited Edition Poster

Haas isn’t the best team, let’s be honest. But making dope posters is one of the good things they do. I love this one from the Miami GP, where, if you’ll remember, Magnussen actually got points. While their house may be a little on fire, so are these designs. This is not currently on sale, but if you sign up for the newsletter, you will get 10% off, and it ships directly from the printer.

14) Kimi Leave Me Alone Crew Socks

There’s no way I could make this list and not include my other favorite Finn. These cotton blend socks designed by West Coast Choppers immortalize one of Kimi’s best F1 moments. These are also a great way to communicate with loved ones when the race is on.

15) Pirelli Podium Cap

This is not on sale either, but I highly recommend buying this on the site and not at the track, where it is double the price. This is an item I want to add to my hat arsenal, and I just love the way it looks. It’s one of those “if you know, you know” when you see one in the wild. It’s retro, which adds a little something. You don’t need to be a fan to rock this, but it doesn’t hurt

If you are interested in catching the Bahrain GP, it will be on Sunday, March 2 at 10 a.m. (EST) on ESPN in North America and, as always, on F1TV.

A new year is upon us, and with that comes this whole idea we will be new people too. Or at least we will try to be, and make improvements and changes here and there for the next few weeks until we forget. Formula 1 drivers are no different than us. They put on their racing boots on one at a time. Testing in Sakhir is over a month away, and each of the 20 drivers has their sights set on podiums, points, and improvements. If I had to venture a guess into a few of their goals for 2024 this is what I’m certain they are.

Logan Sargeant: Score double points

Logan only needs to score two points to make this happen. Which I think is quite doable. If we completely ignore that his first point in F1 was completely by accident and only happened because of other drivers’ penalties, he did great. He also technically did not finish last, so let’s aim for 19th this season. Now that Logan is no longer a rookie and given a new lease on life by Team Principle James Vowles, how about we also don’t cause the most damage on the grid? All of these are achievable goals, Florida boy. Would love to see him get those points in his hometown of Miami.

Lando Norris: Collaboration With Martin Garrix

Martin Garrix is the real paddock princess. Any party an F1 driver has, he is there. During his sets, Max and Lando are right behind him. He’s rolling around the garages more than Perelli. 2024 has to be the year Lando gets serious about turntablism and finally makes this happen. What’s the point of one of the best internationally known DJs hanging on your jet, mixing in Monaco, and waiting to take pics with you if there isn’t a creative project in the works? The obvious move would be some sort of reimaging of “Friday” or Lando’s famous rollercoaster radio transmission. Either way, there better be an EP this year.

Charles Leclerc: Daily affirmations

I’m imagining something like Colin from Ted Lasso. A messy-haired Charles stares in the mirror and tells himself he is a strong and capable man, and the car is not a piece of shit. He is worthy of good engineers, and Carlos doesn’t need to be a tactical wizard. He will win in Monza and bring full glory back to Ferarri and the Tifosi. Or at least these are the mantras I’m picturing him scrawling in his bathroom, then lighting a lavender-scented candle and gently rocking himself back and forth. “I am NOT stupid.”

Fernando Alsono: Major internet crossover event

I need Fernando to crossover into every inch of the internet so the entire world can experience him. I am an Alonso Appoogist, and I don’t care. He flirted with a mini-bump into new territories when an absurd rumor was dropped that he was spotted with Taylor Swift. Honestly, you’re welcome, Swifties. Fernando is magic. Watching gossip columnists scramble to understand who he is was a fun moment. And, of course, Fernando ran with it. Our dark lord and savior is perfectly poised for a breakout year in 2024 as far as the interwebs are concerned. But what will the moment be? Personally, hope it’s like Kimi Räikkönen at the 2006 Monaco GP, and he just walks onto his yacht and sails off with the El Captain hat on, spraying champagne on everyone and everything.

Yuki Tsunoda: Starts a cooking channel

Yuki has done a few teasers in this area here and there. He’s participated in cooking challenges for Alpha Tauri’s social media channels, with much success. Who doesn’t want to see Yuki in his true natural environment? I know he is a busy F1 driver, but imagine if filmed a a bunch of videos where he just teaches other drivers how to cook. Forcing Lando to make sushi but not telling him would be top-tier. Making pancakes with Carlos, how adorable would that be? And reuniting Yuki with his BFF, Pierre Gasly, would be divine. Imagine them making heart-shaped cakes for each other. The sky’s the limit with this. We would also be open to a collab with a popular brand, like Momofuku x Yuki. They could release it in Vegas at one of their locations. Yuki, call me. I’m happy to be a brand agent for you.

Lewis Hamilton: One more World Championship

Just one more Lewis, then you and Roscoe can spend all your time together. Sir Lewy Hammy deserves his eighth (or ninth, if you subscribe to that) Championship. Love him or hate him, no one has been a better ambassador for this sport than him. Pushing F1 and the FIA into a new era, forcing them to look at their failings in diversity is part of his legacy. I would love to see him have a post-F1 career as an F1 Academy mentor or jump on board in a bigger role with Susie Wolf. Whatever Lewis decides will be brilliant, thoughtful, and done with love and dedication. He knows no other way. While I love him dearly, when he decides to retire it will truly be the end of an era.

*My Roman Empire is Brocedes

Danny Ricc: More focused Enchante drops

Daniel, we beg you, ease up on the releases. Our poor wallets can’t handle several of these drops throughout the year. I wish he would focus on an actual cafe line. Mostly because I want one of the teacups so bad. What if he did a whole tea set for Silverstone and the British GP? Super on brand. He’s already dabbled in wine, why not tea next? Ric3 tea has a nice ring. As much as I enjoy his releases, they have become rather predictable.

I’m hoping he goes back to the table and thinks outside the box a bit. Like Sir, where is the Aussie collection? Miami was cute. Austin was cute. Monaco was cute. I’m just wanting a little more from a guy who is so funny and creative. Perhaps, providing a wider range of pricing for his fans who don’t feel comfortable spending $250 for a jacket or $100 for a sweatshirt would be a good move as well.

Max Verstappen: Ease up on the Red Bull

I genuinely worry about Max. His blood has to be mostly Red Bull at this point, and/or champagne. With the reports of Panaera Charged Lemonade killing people, I can’t stop thinking about this. Does he actually consume all the copious amounts of taurine he seems to in post-race interviews or on his live streams after hours of sim racing? Is it all just a ruse, and those cans are filled with water? Is he really the most hydrated driver on the planet? The jury is out on this one. But I’m thinking let’s just cut back a little Max, or switch to sugar-free.

Haas: One pole, just one

Let me be delulu in 2024. I’m a big fan of Team Dad, plus Haas is American-owned. Last year, they had such an American promo that I so hope is back. Dubbed the “We Score, You Score” program at the Miami Grand Prix, official sponsor Chiptole agreed to give away 10,000 burritos if Haas ended up in the points. I say do it for every race. Finishing dead last in the constructor standings (with twelve points), doesn’t seem like a huge risk. And if anyone deserves to be on the podium it’s Nico Hulkenberg, who scored a third of those points and drives like a madman in one of the worst cars on the grid. Not to be overshadowed, K-Mags also had moments of qualifying brilliance.

My heart just says Haas is due for huge improvements and a spot on pole. With the exit of Guenther Steiner after eight years, and engineering director Ayao Komatsu stepping in to take over, big things are on the horizon.

Valtteri Bottas: Retires in Budgy Smugglers

Valtteri is a man of many talents and ventures. He’s just an F1 driver for the heck of it. Valtteri has been thinking about a life post-F1 and planning accordingly. With ownership stakes in a gin company, a coffee company, and a wine company, he’s got his bases covered, unlike his own base. The famously bare-bottomed Formula 1 driver, who feels more Australian than Finnish, is poised for great things when he hangs up his gloves. His longtime girlfriend, Tiffany Cromwell, is a partner in those business undertakings as well. And as a road and gravel cyclist, you can certainly see her influence on him as he’s taken to the bikes quite well. Who knows, maybe we see Valtteri Bottas Cycling Champion in the future.

Before we get there, I would love nothing more than for his last race to end with him stripping off his suit to reveal a pair of custom farewell “Budgy Smugglers.” And then he and Tiffany literally cycle off together. A girl can dream for her favorite driver.

Honorable Mention: Nyck de Vries: Formula E Champion (again)

What a beautiful middle finger that would be to F1 naysayers and Helmut Marko, not that he cares but still! I have a soft spot for Nyck and don’t know if it was the right move to let him go so quickly. I’m wishing Nyck all the success in Formula E this season with Mahindra Racing. And every time he gets on the podium, I will do a little clap. There can be more than one fantastic Dutch driver in a Formula series.

As we patiently wait for all the new seasons of racing to start, there are plenty of amazing car nerd documentaries and racing docuseries to get you revved up. Call it the Drive to Survive effect, but more and more areas of racing are following this model. Now, that is in no way a bad thing. Putting these series in front of more people is a good thing. I’m selfish, so I applaud this because I’d love to talk about Formula E without getting met with a blank look. If you’ve ever been curious about any of these types of racing, January is a great time to jump.

Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story

Yes, I have to start here, and I’m not sorry. Aside from being an amazing docuseries about a time in F1 that isn’t likely to happen again, it features my one true love, Jenson Button. Sorry, World Champion Jenson Button. Not to sound like Stefan from SNL, but this docuseries has everything: a cheating scandal, financial ruin, infighting, betrayals, defeats, and triumphs. This was such an amazing series, especially to see a snapshot of this very significant time in F1 from the perspectives of so many of our favorite former drivers. It’s also wild to see young Christian Horner and young James Vowels.

Keanu Reeves is excellent, perfectly creating drama, tension, and humor in the interviews. Jenson is as charming as you would expect. With his return to racing at full capacity this year, I hope this creates more Button fans. This series is well worth watching; each episode leaves you wanting more.

Michael Fassbender: Road to Le Mans

I spent a lot of last years talking about Le Mans; I mean, it was the centennial of the race, so it was only fitting. I got to speak with Parick Long, a long-time Porsche driver at Le Mans, and got some real insider knowledge. We talked specifically about the influx of actors turned drivers as he trained and raced with Patrick Dempsey. We touched on Micheal Fassbender, who was participating for the second time with Proton and driving a Porsche 911. This is a great look into the craziness that goes into getting the mind, body, soul, and car ready for the legendary 24-hour race. Fassbender, in no way, is just another pretty face or arrogant actor thinking they can just hop in and command a car of this caliber. LeMans requires so much more than grit and money. It takes tenacity, heart, and a little luck. This documentary perfectly encapsulates that. If you know nothing about Le Mans, this is an excellent place to start. Mark your calendars for June 15th and pop on MotorTrend, where you can watch the entire race. There is nothing in the world like it; it is truly unique.

Formula E Unplugged Season 3

In less than two weeks Formula E starts its 10th season in Mexico City. Aside from being a decade old now, this is the biggest calendar season they have ever had, with 17 races scheduled. If you aren’t familiar with Formula E, it is the top level of electric single-seater racing. It’s just as fast, fun, and aggressive as Formula 1. If you’ve never been to a race, I highly recommend you catch on this season. I recommend London; it’s indoors and unlike anything you’ll ever experience. But I digress. There is more than enough time to catch up on seasons one and two of Unplugged on Paramount +. Season 3’s first episode just dropped on YouTube. New episodes will launch every Monday and Wednesday until February 5th. You will get an in-depth look at the previous season and understand the personalities and intensity of this series. Keep an eye on our site this season. I’ll be happy to walk you all through this celebratory year. If you want a little more on Formula E and the science behind EV racing, check out Racing Green. It’s a book I recommend a lot.

PS. Justice for Nyck de Vries, if you know, you know.

500 Days to Indy

This six-episode series is about the preparations for the Indy 500 and is the most ideal introduction to IndyCar. As I’ve mentioned in other articles, I have loved seeing the trickle of interest from F1 into the other series, specifically IndyCar. It is a more palatable type of driving/system for Formula 1 fans to digest. Because everyone wants a DTS hit, IndyCar came together with the CW for this production. Without any prior knowledge, you can jump into this and get a feel for how special this race is, but also how significant it is to motorsports history. It’s one of the most famous races in the world. Also, Fast Friday is one of my absolute favorite ‘holidays’ in motorsports. Don’t worry, you’ll know what I’m talking about soon. IndyCar’s new season kicks off in St. Petersburg on March 10th.

(Full disclosure: I love every single one of the McLaren drivers in this series. )

Drive to Survive: Season 6

Honestly, the DTS hate has to stop. Is it as spectacular now as in the earlier seasons? No. Netflix picking and choosing what to show, how to show it, and how to edit is their prerogative. All reality TV knows you have to create villains and storylines to keep audiences engaged. The DTS producers are no different. You do have a special advantage if you watched the previous seasons of knowing the truths and real drama. But hey, for someone who has no idea about F1, it’s not a bad thing to me if people learn about Fernando Alonso or Guenther Steiner through this show. This should be an interesting season, I’m hoping to see more behind the scenes of Vegas, because my god. Season Six will air in its entirety on February 23rd, with the first race of the season following on March 2nd.

Keep an eye out for…

NASCAR Full Speed

Not to be outdone, NASCAR has tossed their hats into the DTS ring. I will say Netflix is getting better with each of these shows, in how they cover sports and live events. Will lightning strike twice for them? Perhaps. Rather than focus on a whole season, this show will solely focus on the Cup Series playoffs and Championship race from this past year. (Again, of which I had feelings.) This series is expected to be five episodes at 45 minutes each. They teased an early 2024 release, and it will drop on January 30th, just a few weeks before the 66th running of the Daytona 500 takes place. This kicks off the new season officially.

Logan Sargeant: The Step Up

Williams Racing has teased this as something longer, but if not, this is a nice look inside the experiences of a rookie. I am glad James Vowels is giving Logan another shot to prove himself in F1. Yes, he is the first American to score points in the series this century, but there is definitely something special about him. You don’t get to Formula 1 without being talented and having a heck of a lot of potential. Really hoping for a better season for him and Williams in 2024.

The Lionheart

All my fingers are crossed that this documentary on Dan Wheldon gets major distribution/released this year. It made the festival circuit rounds to very positive reviews. Dan was an absolute legend of IndyCar. Over a decade after his passing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his story certainly has a place in Indy history. Dan was an absolute force, loved both on and off the track. This is his story as it is now his two sons, Sebastian and Oliver, who are racers as well. It is a tribute, and it is part of coping after a life-changing loss. HBO is said to still have the rights, so I’m praying it gets a Max release this year.

Honorable Mention: Win The Weekend

This came out last year, but it is perfect for those who are IMSA curious. It’s eight episodes and is a great way to spend a weekend. Get a first-hand look at the dashes of Acura, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche. Last season, IMSA also introduced an electrified hybrid GT Prototype, pushing the tech of the sport forward in a fast-paced way only they could cook up. The 2024 IMSA starts January 19th with the 24 hours of Daytona.

When gift buying for a Formula 1 fan, it’s important to consider a few things. Teams, drivers, tracks, champions, there’s a lot to take into consideration. If you’ve perused this space enough, you know the same designs and dropshipping tactics that pop up all over the internet. As someone with lots of F1 merch, I think I am uniquely qualified to make this list. This is especially true when I see roundups that include nothing but the most generic items I’ve ever seen. Seeing the same three Etsy stores is disheartening. We can do better. Let me guide you.

Oh! Also see these F1-centric, non-holiday-specific gift guides:

• Best F1 literature
• Best F1 coffee table books

1) Clothing

Two companies stand out for me in this space that I rarely see at races or at least haven’t seen in North America. However, Furious Motorsport‘s jerseys have a chokehold on the entirety of F1 TikTok. This is probably while you see a million of them at races. Hard not to when everyone and their mom is pitching a discount code. I do genuinely like what they make for their good quality. I wear my Danny Ricc one quite often. It’s just predictable.

It’s no secret I love my Finns, and Kimi will always be my number one. A cherished shirt in my collection is from Heritage Racing. It is, in fact, their Räikkönen tribute tee. I like this company because the tees are soft, wear/wash well, and you just don’t see them in the wild. I also like that all of their Icon collections hit a wide range of racing, so it’s not just for F1 fans. I’m grabbing one of their Rally shirts soon.

Another company to spotlight is Stint Apparel. It’s a small business with a female designer. I get so many compliments when I wear my Fernando Alonso gear out. And even after a million washes and surviving multiple gym trips, it’s held up so well. I’ve seen copycat versions on Etsy, but this brand is the real deal.

2) Wall art

This has been a great year from Grand Prix posters, and Alpha Romeo killed almost every one of their designs. Getting art directly from the creators or photographers is always the way to go. Jamey Price is one of the best motorsport photographers working right now, and his series on curbs from all the circuits is amazing. Any of those would look awesome in your home and certainly be a convo started.

I have not been able to stop thinking about this Charles as Lord Perceval print all summer since I saw it on Tumblr. I tracked down Jojogieriz’s INprint store along with Aphrostiel. Sites like INprint, Redbubble, Etsy, and Society6 are excellent places to discover new artists in the Formula 1 space. Instagram will often lead you down this path as well.

3) Stickers

With the babygirlification of F1 this year (good or bad, it’s here), the rise of water bottle sticker collecting at the Grand Prix has happened. Much like the trading of “friendship” bracelets, this is another element that’s just kind of become part of the culture. Even the drivers wear them. I’m just as guilty of participating in these on both accounts.

Etsy is kind of a cease pool of stolen designs, but there are two creators I stand by and have a ton of their work. GoodLuckTess and DR3CreationsCo are both women-owned and designed. All of their stuff holds up well, even after a thousand washes, many road trips, and days at the track.

4) Memorabilia

Surprisingly enough, there is a lot of affordable official Formula 1 memorabilia available on the interwebs that would make excellent gifts. Yes, there are secondhand sites like eBay and Mercari, but it can be hard to trust a seller, even with authentication. I say let it come right from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. Beyond the basics of signed gear (pictures, hats, gloves, etc.), they offer so much more for every fan. Replica suits, hand-cut bodywork keyrings, checkered flags, actual car parts re-engineered into lamps, the skies the limit. I just wish I had the space (and extra bucks) for this Mercedes Rear Wheel Rim table.

5) Track art

While neon signs of Monaco and COTA are cute, we can elevate this idea. I’m such a fan of track layouts and different circuits as 3D art. I think the Block Zone does this better than anyone. This makes the art piece more fun and interactive, so you could even help build it with your loved one. Each of the tracks is made with over 300 bricks that fit perfectly into place to display the flag of the country’s circuit, as well as the actual layout itself. These just pop if you need a bit of color on the walls.

If you are looking for a particular race from this past season to commemorate, Grand Prix Frames is a spectacular seller to buy from. The one downside is they currently only offer Max or the Ferrari boys as car options. But seeing as how Max won basically every race, it feels poetic in a way. KartaTrak provides a nice selection of circuits past and present; each is an intricate layered engraved mahogany wonder. This is definitely a more sophisticated option.

6) Subscriptions

A gift that keeps on giving is truly a great one. Take the stress out of your fave fanboy and fangirls season next year by just paying it ahead. Grab a yearly subscription to F1 Pro for just $80. You want the Pro version so they have access to all the features F1 TV has to offer. Being able to watch from any driver’s POV and get their radio feed during any race is the only way to watch. Also, having the ability to watch any race you want, whenever you want, wherever you want, is unprecedented. Might I suggest my favorite: the 2006 Monaco GP. They can even catch F2, F3, and F1 Academy races. It’s worth every penny.

To correspond with those races for next season, gift a monthly box from DriveCrate. Each month, they will receive a specially curated themed box of racing goodies directly related to the Grand Prix. I’ve seen the unboxing of these all over TikTok and getting an official that makes it worth it alone. It’s around $48 per box, so we understand if you want to pick out a special Grand Prix for your motorhead to be surprised with this. I’m genuinely excited to see how this company grows next season, what they pick, and the drivers they feature.

7) Experiences

If you are that person and would love to splash the cash on your loved one, grab them an experience package for a thrilling Grand Prix weekend. Now, I can tell you, that you can attend a GP without it costing your life savings, there is a way. You don’t have to attend all three days either but like, why are you there? Some packages can be as low as $1,300 for weekend attendance, but if you want the grandstand, a box, and paddock access, start adding a lot of zeroes. But who are we to judge?

Check the Instagram of specific drivers for more personal experience. Valtter has had packages all season with his gin company, and Max had one for Circuit Zandvoort (obviously). Most teams also offer tailored experiences for them and their drivers. Do a little digging, and you will find the right fit.

8) Adult beverages

If you don’t think of booze when you think of Formula 1, I’m not sure about you. We can start with the iconic “champagne.” Yes, I had to do that because it’s sparkling wine, as Ferrari is made in Italy. No podium celebration is complete without it, and neither should any of your celebrations. As someone who has consumed copious amounts of this, I highly recommend it.

It seems like alcohol is lucrative for many of the drivers on and off the grid. Danny Ricciardo has his wines, Jenson Button has partnered with Coachbuilt whisky for his own blend, and Valtteri Bottas has both a wine and a gin (co-owned with girlfriend, Tiffany Cromwell) company. I’d bet we will see more in the future, as many of the sponsors are booze based.

Not to be outdone, Lewis Hamilton released his non-alcoholic Almave a few weeks ago. It sold out almost everywhere already, as one would expect. Lewis is a man with a finger on the pulse of trends and saw his place in the market, too. And I have to say, I am deeply intrigued by it.

No matter what you pick up from this list, it will mean a lot to your Formula 1 fan. We are ravenous beasts. Not everyone understands it. And even if you don’t, you tried, and we love you for that.

Well, that was interesting. In case you missed it, early this morning, we East Coasters witnessed Carlos Sainz’s car spark into oblivion after hitting an unsecured drain cover in the first free practice on a freshly constructed track. The Vegas Grand Prix could very well be a total disaster. With 3-day passes dropping to as low as $1,000 days before the race and frequent backlash and criticism from city locals, this experiment might have been a major miscalculation for Formula 1.

With free practice three later today/tomorrow morning, who knows what this race will have to offer? I certainly hope they figure out all the mishaps to keep drivers and fans safe. It might still be fantastic, but things at the moment do not look good. And people make fun of me for turning down the opportunity to go. Time might be on my side for this one.

With some hotel rates plummeting to 70% off what they were when the race was announced, inspiration was sparked. We decided to have some fun and give our readers a primer for this absolute debacle and spectacle. Here are a few Formula 1 drivers as iconic Vegas hotels.

“But Sheilah, what do they have in common?”

Honestly, a lot more than you’d think. This article practically wrote itself. Almost.

Lewis Hamilton / The Flamingo

The Flamingo is the oldest operating casino still on the Strip, so this seemed an obvious place to start. As Gabe stated in our group chat, “Lewis is The Flamingo, because he’s old, and I’ve heard of him.” The overall vibe is just pink, and if any driver can pull off pink and pastels, it’s Lewis. While the hotel has been updated and remodeled, the retro and classy feel remains. Lewis, being the second oldest driver on the grid, exudes the same energy. Lots of history, but still very much relevant and cherished. Plus, the gardens with all the exotic birds, wildlife, and pools are so zen. Tell me that’s not Sir Lewis.

Pierre Gasly / The Cromwell

The Cromwell is newer but a bit weird. It’s drenched in velvet to give the illusion of something much more sensuous than it is. It’s also vaguely French-themed. This is 100% Pierre Gasly. He’s always mere seconds away from a dick joke or raunchy frat boy comment. But we will give credit where it’s due. Sometimes, they do land. The mirrors in the showers give off major sex party vibes. Of all the drivers, he seems the most likely to visit a strip club or brothel while here, it’s Pierre. Overall, The Cromwell is trying so hard to be sultry and ultimately translating into something a little weird and off-putting.

Lando Norris / The Luxor

To the tune of Avril Lavigne: “He was a gamer boy…”

The Luxor is very recognizable, and we’d agree so is little Lando Norris. His quintessential curls, dashing smile, and papaya gear make him easy to spot. Both debuting in the 90s (early & late, respectively), each is a spectacle to behold. While on opposite ends of the size scale, they do have one very big thing in common: Esports. The Luxor is home to the HyperX Arena, the first permanent Esports venue on the Strip. The state-of-the-art gaming and broadcast center is available to both pros and amateurs who want to check out the 50-foot LED video wall.

And that’s something we love about Lando too. With his Quadrant brand, he’s brought gamers from all walks of life and levels together for exhilarating and wacky competitions. We want more and hope to see him in his bright orange race suit on the podium soon, even if it is virtual.

Logan Sargent / The Tropicana

“Florida man drives car 200 mph on Vegas Strip.”

The lone American and Miami boy himself, Logan Sargent, had to be the Tropicana. Everything in this hotel feels and looks like Miami. A bright and vibrant hotel, it feels more like a South Beach airport than a high-end casino. And that’s ok. It’s not trying to be anything other than a vintage touristy spot that is quite endearing. Just let it be Floridian and tropical.

Valtteri Bottas / The Excalibur

Valtteri Bottas is a legend and mythical. If that isn’t The Excalibur, I’m not sure what is. From his knightly mullet to his stately mustache, Valtteri is a man who isn’t afraid to be himself. Affectionally dubbed “Medieval Times on crack,” The Excalibur is a treasure trove of entertainment. Outside of the main attraction of the Tournament of Kings, you also get Thunder From Down Under.

This is fitting in two ways. A) Bottas has always been joked as being the most Aussie non-Aussie on the grid. And B) If there is any driver most likely to get naked at the drop of a hat, it’s him. He literally just made a calendar of his bearing his, well, his BottASS.

Fernando Alonso / The Sahara

A Vegas mainstay, the Sahara is one of the oldest independently operated hotels on the Strip. With over 20 years in Formula 1, we’d argue Fernando is also a beloved classic. The Sahara is modern, even if its age shows in a few places. It’s also a bit on the small size compared to the other hotels on the famous boulevard. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flash and allure. Spanish Celebrity Chef José Andrés has his Bazaar Meat restaurant here, which is full of wacky experimental meals and cocktails. All of which are very expensive but ultimately well worth the experience.

Lance Stroll / The Four Seasons

Nice, clean, and expensive. That’s as Canadian and as Lance Stroll as it gets. A room can set you back $1,000 for a one-night stay. The Four Seasons is giving generic luxury, and sometimes so does Aston Martin. There is nothing very stylized or sensational about it, but it does smell like a refreshing spa.

George Russell / The Waldorf Astoria

Posh. That’s all you need to know. Sleek and chic. George Russell serves swanky if the memes made in his honor are any indication. One of the few hotels without a casino, it’s meant to pull you off of the Strip and take your mind off the Vegas craziness. While the rooms aren’t cheap, you do feel like you’re living your best penthouse life, even in the lobby. The hallways feel upscale as well, with marble and stately fixtures. Tasteful, ritzy, and non-offensive.

Danny Ricciardo / The Venetian

When I pitched this idea our Editor-in-Chief, Jeric Jaleco, chimed in with this, “Daniel Riccardo as the Venetian because it’s nice, and I like it.” And he’s not wrong to make that connection. Everyone loves the Venetian, and it’s a huge draw on the Strip for good reason. It’s a little silly but pretty and kind of Italian. The last time I was here, I did, in fact, do a gondola ride, which is kind of goofy but overall a charming encounter. Sometimes, you just do things for the plot.

Sidenote: We hear the Bellagio got a “Shoey” Bar in honor of Danny Ricc, so we would like to formally make this our plea to make that a permanent establishment.

Team Haas / The Mirage

Haas is The Mirage for one very obvious reason. Me thinking Nico will ever end up on the podium is an illusion. No matter how many practices or qualifying sessions we are teased by both of these guys, we know it’s all for not. It’s not real. It was all a dream. It was a… Mirage.

If you are interested in catching the Vegas GP, it will be on Sunday at 1 a.m. (EST) on ESPN in North America and, as always, on F1TV.

Say what you want about Liberty Media’s handling of the Formula 1 races in the US, but they kind of get it. I was at the Miami Grand Prix, and it was cringe as hell at times. Overall, though, incredibly fun. Something Liberty does very well is connecting with the right audience, even if there are missteps. Formula 1 is blessed with so many drivers with charismatic personalities that shine for the press.

Watching Danny Ricciardo command the late-night and podcast circuits with ease and charm for the Vegas Grand Prix is a dream for the Red Bull social and marketing teams. So how did NASCAR fumble the bag so spectacularly with the NYC media tour of their newest champion, Ryan Blaney? They literally had a playbook in front of them. They had exactly how F1 captured the hearts of America through a carefree Australian dripping in allure.

NASCAR crowns a new champion!

NASCAR couldn’t have asked for a better champion to emerge as their season winner a week ago in Phoenix. Ryan Blaney is funny, young, personable, and pedigreed. He is a likable nerd who is a fan favorite and beloved in the garage. He is the ideal bridge between all fans. NASCAR is very much suffering from an identity crisis and has been for years. This year, it felt like the tide was changing.

The success of the inaugural Chicago race, having Formula 1 legends like Jenson Button and Kimi Räikkönen make track appearances, and mixing old traditions with new ideas, all had to have interests peaked. Full disclosure: I am a Trackhouse girlie. But watching owners like Pitbull come in and fully support drivers such as Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez, and, come the next season, Shane van Gisbergen breathes life into this entire series. It gives you hope that this product can’t just be good but great.

Growing up loving NASCAR, there was only ever a brief moment when it felt so vibrant. The country, as a whole, knew who Jeff Gordan and Dale Earnhardt were. Motorsports was cool and lucrative. Perhaps the untimely and tragic passing of Earnhardt halted the sport’s growth. Perhaps. Then, Dale Earnhardt Jr. seemed poised to be the face of the brand and bring a younger audience in. The addition of an easy-on-the-eyes newcomer named Kasey Kane ticked female viewership up as well. But again, NASCAR just couldn’t fully capitalize long term.

Now, in 2023, after a rather good season (please hold your feelings about the playoff structure), with a very marketable champion, the stars aligned for NASCAR, and they couldn’t get it together. They fumbled on Ryan Blaney’s New York City Championship unveiling.

Here’s how.

1) Sending him to the Empire State Building.

Fine. Totally untestable, it is one of the most recognizable NYC landmarks. But for the love of whatever deity you believe, why was he in a blazer and dress pants? The man was still rocking his full playoff beard. And I get it to some degree. His girlfriend looked lovely as well. But if your sport is trying to target a new demographic, why not lean into what you are? I ask you, why was he not in his fire suit? The photo opportunity of him in his iconic yellow and black hoisting the trophy would be worth it alone. It’s just good business to be displaying your team name and sponsors to a wider audience because we always have to be making money. Also, it just looks dope. Do you know how many 20-something-year-old guys I saw dressed as Ricky Bobby and Cal Naughton, Jr. on Halloween this year? That movie is almost 20 years old. That is your audience. This is who you should be appealing to.

2) Every sports champion pays homage and makes the talk show/podcast rounds now.

Danny Ric goes on Jimmy Kimmel and slays. Hell, even Christian Horner was a fantastic guest for Dax Shepard. He’s effervescent, lively, and dashing. Everyone falls in love or more in love. Ryan Blaney goes on (checks notes) Kelly and Mark. You know who watches Kelly and Mark? My mom, who ironically does know who Ryan Blaney is by way of his father. Why on earth would you put this man in front of an audience you are not aiming to convince to watch your sport? Ryan should’ve been in the Barstool office. He is absolutely the kind of guy who could vibe with Caleb and make a great viral video. Put this man in front of an engaged viewership that is under 50. He’s not a nobody. There was no reason you couldn’t get him in front of the right crowd. He drives for Team Penske, the family who literally owns almost all media news outlets. Do better.

3) No fun fan engagement.

Sure, they sent him to Times Square to stand there with the trophy and look at the Nasdaq building. Spectacular. Riveting. Insert sad face emoji. They so easily could have had the car and trophy downtown at the Seaport for photos and a meet and greet. Small things like this expand who could be interested in your sport. Formula 1 does popups and public events for their teams and drivers each race that are fun, fluffy, and inviting. It’s such a low lift. It’s the end of the season. Where is that car going after? What’s the risk? None.

It’s so disheartening to watch a sport I’ve loved for so long continually miss every opportunity to improve it and bring in new fans. I hope some of the F1 shine trickles down to NASCAR as it does for IndyCar. But if they continue with tactics like this, I have little to no hope. Regardless, I’ll be there next season in a Melon Man shirt, cheering on Mr. Worldwide’s team. At least he knows how to draw a crowd.

A good coffee table book can elevate the décor of your entire room. If you have frequent visitors, they are excellent conversation starters, especially if they are fans of the material. Keeping a neat and well-designed stack on a table in the living room, placed by a bed, or lovingly nestled on a prominent shelf tells your guests, “Yes, I am a car nerd.” Each book can serve as a beautiful centerpiece and elevate you beyond a casual fan to an elite gearhead, serving as a testament to your nerdery. Any of these would make a fantastic gift for the garage guru in your life, too. Especially now, we made sure to get all the motorsports enthusiasts in on this, not just the Formula 1 die-hards! Just some food for thought with the holidays fast approaching.

1) Owners’ Workshop Manuals

These Owners’ Workshop Manuals are such a nice touch to have out in your home. Instance cool points. This McLaren M23 book is currently on my coffee table. These are great because you can build your own set, as there are many out there from different decades and constructors. Each book is a comprehensive guide to the history of the car and its era within F1.

Outside of just being very well put together, each of these manuals has an encyclopedic look into builds and tales of both the liveries and the teams. There are quite of few floating around, so start your pile today. Buy the McLaren one above, or try out the Lotus, Ferrari, Red Bull, and/or Brabham editions! You’ll definitely get a complete view of where car tech was at each of the timeframes of the books, as well as where F1 was in motorsports history.

2) NASCAR 75 Years

This has certainly been a year of anniversaries for motorsports, and NASCAR hit its 75th birthday. I grew up a huge NASCAR fan (there are serval Polaroids of me in Dale Jarret gear). I was so excited when they announced this book. If you know anything about NASCAR, its origin is interesting, to say the least. If you’re a ’90s baby, there is no way you didn’t remember the rise of Jeff Gordon with the dominance of Dale Earnhardt. You didn’t have to watch to know who they were and their impact on American culture.

The alluring archived photos are meticulously placed amongst some of the most thrilling stories from the last 75 years. Given the growing interest in motorsports and IndyCar within the US, this is a lovely representation of an organization that I hope is on the upswing again.

3) Schumacher: The Official Inside Story of the Formula One Icon

Another entry plucked straight from my coffee table. No matter who you are a fan of, there is no doubt Schumacher is the greatest driver to step into a Formula One car. Given his current health, having a book of his history in his own words and memories is something to covet. Schumacher was the undisputed king of F1 and broke almost every record in his time in the sport. Seeing his life within motorsports through his eyes is special, especially for newer fans.

This book takes you right up to the tale end of his World Championship supremacy, for time reference. And if you are a Mick supporter, there are plenty of adorable snapshots of the blonde-haired babe growing up. A dynamic career marvelously preserved, the legacy Schumacher is leaving behind makes for the perfect book for any F1 fan’s coffee table.

4) Porsche at Le Mans: 70 Years

Le Mans hit its centennial race this year back in June, and Porsche is well a part of that story. With over 19 Le Man wins, Porsche’s prominence in France made perfect sense for an all-encompassing coffee table book. Earlier in the year, I was lucky enough to attend the screening of the documentary Racing With Giants: Porsche at Le Mans. I even interviewed Le Mans and Porsche veteran Patrick Long there.

Psst, give my interview a peep!

The history of this race and this team is rich and deep. Hundreds of photos were foraged from the very beginning in 1951 all the way to 2021. This coffee table book is a rich, sweeping history of Porsche’s victories and exploits at La Sarthe. Spyders, GTs, hybrids, oh my! Get first-hand stories from Le Mans legends like Jacky Ickx, Mario Andretti, and Helio Castroneves, to name a few. I highly recommend checking out the documentary and our article before getting cozy with this enticing book.

5) IMSA 1969 to 1989

And now for something completely different! If you’re newer to motorsports and want to look at the history of different racing series, IMSA is a great one. The International Motor Sports Association was founded in 1969 and is the North American sanctioning body for all things sports car racing. If the name sounds familiar, that would be because they are actually a division of NASCAR.

This coffee table book covers the first 20 years and was compiled by the founders’ son. The prestige in that first-hand perspective presents such a magical look at one of the most accessible forms of racing in the US. If you’ve ever wanted to see racing in the States, this is a gateway, for sure. Flipping through, you’ll get a compelling visual story of design, politics, and how the management of this GT series’ lessons are still in practice today in motor racing worldwide.

6) RACEWKND World Champions

While technically less of a book and more of a photo collage, you can still add it to any coffee table for heaps of extra personality! These look dope, and you don’t even need to be a fan. Just have working eyes! This large-scale issue is one of many from the publisher, and they are all fabulous. In the first series, the magazine focuses on legends of F1 (past and present). In collection two, they focus on our favorite constructors of Formula 1.

This issue centers around World Champions like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. Rainer Schlegelmilch opened up his archives to feature never-before-seen photos. Read about the evolution of the FIA from the ’50s to the present day. If you want one of these, I would suggest purchasing it as soon as possible, as these are not being reprinted.

7) Formula 1 Circuits: Maps and statistics from every Grand Prix track

If you’ve ever been curious about the statistics and records of each of the circuits in the history of F1, this is the coffee table book for you. Featuring all 77 circuits used in the many, many years of Formula One, discover hidden trivia and lesser-known tales from each. The book is laid out chronologically, starting with the first Grand Prix in Monza.

Keep an eye on 1978. That’s when my favorite track opens. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal has quite the history and is one of the best races on the calendar. You also get bespoke digital maps of every course. A very nice touch, indeed.

8) BMW M: 50 Years of the Ultimate Driving Machines

I see BMW M gear all over when out and about. Like, literally everywhere I go. The M-Series stands for Motorsport, which first appeared in 1972 for the historic German manufacturer. This coffee table book celebrates the 50th anniversary and deep dives into the range of famous M models that have been designed over the decades. This is an excellent gift to surprise a Bimmer fan with.

Or just that one poser kid who really likes the M clothes to go with their 335i M Sport.

9) Le Mans 100: A Century at the World’s Greatest Endurance Race

As aforementioned, we celebrated 100 years of Le Mans this year. The world-renowned race of 24 Hours at Circuit de la Sarthe is a sight and experience to behold. The fact that we have preserved a century’s worth of races, personalities, triumphs, and heartbreaks is nothing short of mesmerizing. We know you’ll recognize the usual favorites like Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, Aston Martin, Mercedes, McLaren, to name a few. But learning about how lesser racing “brands “have contributed to not just the track’s history but the sport’s metamorphosis is just as rewarding. The innovation that comes from Le Mans is hands down my favorite element about this storied race.

What was always a bit confusing that this coffee table book does a good job of touching on is the different classes. All the classes that have run are explained, and favorites are spotlighted. So you’ll get a full breakdown of the Le Mans Prototype and GT categories. This alone is so helpful in understanding where the race standards currently are.

10) Formula Ferrari: The First Official Inside Story of the Most Successful Team in the History of Formula 1

Another fine specimen from my exhibit! This book is a superb telling of the story of the world-renowned and beloved prancing horse brand. It is a bit older than other books on the list but still full of juicy Prancing Horse tidbits. I’m a sucker for old motorsport photos, especially from the ’80s and ’90s when everything was a little grainy and the antithesis of 4K resolution. It gives a lot of oh-so-delightfully nostalgic charm to them.

This book sits atop my Schumacher one, and together, they make me look like a Ferrari superfan… which I’m really not, but even I still enjoy both of these. What sets this book apart from others about the brand is that it’s the first sanctioned telling of their story, completely blessed by the Ferrari family. And having one of the most respected Italian sports journalists compile this tale doesn’t hurt either.

A few days ago, images of the trophy for this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix were unveiled. It was a bit underwhelming, given the other awards we’ve seen this season. In a partnership with Pininfarina (an Italian automotive design firm), this trophy came together over three months and was meant to express both the firm’s and Formula 1’s passion and dedication to moto design. Qatar’s circuit, the Lusail International Circuit, has had a bit of a revamp, even with it only ever being raced once in 2021. So it felt right for a new trophy to emerge as well. In my opinion, it is neither good nor bad, but here are some of our favorite Formula 1 trophies to grace the podium in the last few decades.

Japanese Grand Prix 2023

What is a long-standing tradition of trophies in sports? To give one a big ol’ smooch after a hard-fought battle for victory. This is a universal action seen all over the globe in every sporting activity. What would make finishing first in a Grand Prix even better? If the trophy was also kiss-activated. The most recent entry on the list is this year’s Japanese Grand Prix trophy, and it does just that. Developed with Lenovo, this trophy lit up in the colors of the Dutch flag as Max Verstappen was yet again a winner. Only the first-place trophy did this. A bit of a bummer but understandable. I truly hope they keep this one as a beautiful representation of how intertwined tech and automotive ingenuity are.

European Grand Prix 1993

Would you believe me if I told you Sonic is a Formula 1 winner? Well, kind of. While super-speed Sonic seems the most plausible of Sega characters to win a GP, he did make an appearance in 1993 at Donington Park in the United Kingdom. The race, formally known as the Sega Euro Grand Prix (yes, it was called that), the Sonic trophy was used purely for promotion. So, while this famous pic of Ayrton Senna hoisting Sonic is fantastic, it wasn’t the trophy he was actually awarded. But it is still fabulous. The Sonic trophy is currently in a display case at the McLaren Technology Centre.

Australian Grand Prix 2019

This wouldn’t be a Sheilah list without including a trophy the one and only Valtteri Bottas has lifted. The simplicity of this trophy is honestly what makes it so brilliant. Now and then, Formula 1 does something correct in honoring the old and blending it with the modern era of the sport. Molded after the 1956 Cooper-Climax steering wheel of Australian racer, Sir Jack Brabham, this is a gorgeous and shiny tribute to both him and the history of the beloved Albert Park Circuit. This race also gave us one of my favorite Valtteri radios, “To whom it may concern, fuck you.”

French Grand Prix 2021

There have been a few iterations of this one. This 2021 piece Max received is the cleanest in design. But honestly, it’s no less badass. Because who wouldn’t want a roaring gorilla to remind you of your time in France? Prominent French artist and sculptor, Richard Orlinski, designed this extremely unique trophy for a few years. As guessed, he is well-known for his large-scale animal pieces. I have yet to uncover definitively why it’s a gorilla other than the artist saying it’s big and scary. Sadly, Le Castellet has been dropped from the calendar for the foreseeable future but could potentially return.

Hungary Grand Prix 2023

I’m a big fan of trophies that tie local history into culture. I’m also a fan of aesthetics and craftsmanship, and this year’s Hungary Grand Prix trophy gave us all that. All three drivers receive one of these spectacularly painted porcelain trophies that each take six months to handcraft to perfection. We were also gifted a rather interesting incident that has since become a running joke when Lando Norris is on the podium. Lando destroyed Max’s trophy (on accident) in a matter of seconds with his signature champagne pound. It made for some fun jabbing and extra content for both the Red Bull and McLaren drivers. And yes, McLaren did foot the bill for repairs.

Monaco Grand Prix 2022

Okay, so this is more of an honorable mention because it is a trophy plus something extra. If you ask anyone to name one thing they may know about Formula 1, Monaco will be in that response. Probably the most famous and well-known circuit on the schedule, it exudes everything this sport is: luxury and decadence. If Louis Vuitton isn’t that, then I’m not sure what is. This stunning carrying case was designed to fit the outline of F1’s crown jewel of the year. I am a big fan of track layouts like this. Some say boring. I say chic.

If you are interested in catching the Qatar GP on Sunday, it will be on at a very reasonable 1 p.m. (EST) on ESPN in North America and, as always, on F1TV.

As the Formula 1 summer break draws to an end, there is still plenty of time to get another beach read in or tackle another book on your Goodreads challenge. If this is your first F1 break and you’re a newer fan, this is a great time to dive in with some of my favorite racing books.

Something you will realize quite quickly is how intertwined all these stories are within this industry and how everyone plays a part in the others’ stories, so to speak. 

1) Surviving to Drive – Guenther Steiner

Why not start with the most recent entry? Guenther Steiner, the lovable foul-mouthed team principal of Haas, gives you a play-by-play of a full F1 season in this book. What’s especially interesting about Guenther’s encounters are all he had to deal with in the timeframe he’s writing about: managing a smaller team, guiding a rookie with a very famous last name, navigating the politics of having a Russian driver, maintaining momentum during a pandemic, and keeping your sanity at 140MPH. This book is very much laid out like diary entries if the diary is that of a surly 58-year-old Italian running a $710 million motorsports team. 

As you would expect, if you’ve seen a presser with Guenther, he’s blunt, funny, and always real, which you have to appreciate running the smallest teams on the grid. He references several big moments from his perspective in this book. Rewatch the last Driver to Survive in tandem with this. It’s quite a tall tale.  

2) How To Be An F1 Driver – Jenson Button

This is hands down my favorite of all of the books. Yes, I have mentioned Jenson Button many times, but I truly believe his How to Be an F1 Driver is an amazing primer for even the most casual of fans. Jenson is so unbelievably cheeky and charming, which comes through in every chapter. Dare I say this book made me love him even more? 

He gives a lot of admirable life advice anyone could benefit from, not just the best drivers in the world. And again, their stories are all intertwined. His old karting partner was Sophie Kumpen… Max Verstappen’s mom. He talks about being dragged into covering for Fernando Alonso in 2017 at the Monaco GP, where the famous “Yenson, my friend!” quote comes from.

In a playful way, Jenson gives you an especially real look inside what it’s like to be a Championship driver in an ever-changing landscape of technology, rules, and relationships.

If you follow Jenson online, you can tell something is brewing. This man is poised for a comeback on some circuit beyond the occasional NASCAR spin and driving the Garage 56 car around the world. I, for one, would love to see more of Jenson behind the wheel. Overall, it’s a funny, quick, and insightful read. It’s the ideal summer book. 

3) Racing Green – Kit Chapman

I’m just at the tail-end of finishing this book, and while there were times when my brain was challenged on the technical aspects of lithium batteries, its teachings were quite comprehensive. This is a book you need to read if you’ve ever had an interest in Formula E or just electric technology in the automotive space (check out our EVs Explained series, wink, wink).

Kit Chapman makes some otherwise nonsensical technical jargon far more palatable for us mere mortals not into physics or aerodynamics. There’s love and humor that comes from him as he retells the history of the cars and people in this space. Focusing on some notable moments in motorsports, Chapman weaves the old and new ways together.

This book also serves as a travel diary, further proving how global the minds and hands dedicated to motorsports are. The technological advances made within motorsports are far-reaching, and the findings can improve many aspects of our lives.

This book is, in fact quite hilarious, so don’t let the big-brained concepts scare you off. You’ll be able to drop some fun historical racing historical factoids to your friends after reading as well.

4) How To Build A Car – Adrian Newey

If you want to know the nitty-gritty process of building an F1 car, this is the book from the man who has designed for champions. Adrian Newey is a Red Bull engineer who knows his stuff. He’s the guy in the room everyone looks to when there’s a problem. Being one of the most prolific engineers in the sport commands a heightened level of respect and delivers a perspective others don’t have, and this book breaks down years of his designs and thinking. It’s quite technical at times, but even if you don’t understand every facet of its teachings, it still makes a gorgeous coffee table book with beautifully detailed diagrams and graphics. This book will make you look cooler and smarter to your non-racing pals.

5) Max Verstappen (2022 Edition) – James Gray

I am a Max fan. But if you aren’t, this book could make you one. It doesn’t shy away from Max’s messy parts or controversies. He was brash and arrogant when he entered the scene, for sure. The crashes, the attitude, the abuse. It’s all there. It humanizes him and his experiences, especially with his father. His mother, Sophie Kumpe, is honestly the source of his talent, and understanding the inner workings of his family explains more than you’d think. For instance, I actually didn’t know the lion on his helmet was designed by his sister!

The timeline of everyone entering each other’s lives and how young they all were is fascinating. Learning about the first interactions with Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Daniel Riccardo is compelling. And yes, “Just an inchidet” is addressed.

That being said, this updated edition does include the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021. And reading the iconic Toto Wolff radio message, “No, Michael, no, no, Michael! That was so not right!” still absolutely hits, even in written form.

@kartworthy

#stitch with @Dr. Sable | Orthodontist So Lewis led most of the race and looked on course to win…. 🏎️😭 Ps. I am in my booth at FlameCon 😂 #formula1 #f1tiktok #f1edits #formulaone #formula1meme #motorsports #f1memes #lewishamilton #maxverstappen #abudhabi2021gp #mercedesf1 #redbullracing

♬ original sound – Sheilah 🏎️💎💖

This week Formula 1 sets its sights on the Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal. The 2019 winner of this race was Lewis Hamilton. Lewis might be the best-known Formula 1 driver of the last 10 years. My mom knows his name. Even if you haven’t watched the Netflix docu-series Drive to Survive (or read the companion book), you know Lewis Hamilton. When he’s not shattering world records on the track or getting “fun and flirty” with Shakira, Lewis is showing others what it takes to become the GOAT.

When I was offered the chance to review Lewis Hamilton’s “Winning Mindset” MasterClass, my curiosity was piqued. I needed to know how this man has managed to stay calm, cool, and collected over the years in a sport that at times is anything but. In 12 lessons, Lewis reveals how to prepare yourself mentally for a successful life. And with seven World Champions, who are we to argue?

If you’re curious about Formula 1, Lewis could be your gateway. Not only do you get a crash course (so to speak), in the last 20-some years of the sport from a certified GOAT but a very helpful guidebook accompanies the courses. Even I, who is pretty well versed in F1, learned a lot (though I am still very confused about the steering wheel buttons).

Save up to 50% at Masterclass

I had the very unique experience of going through this class while also reading Jenson Button’s How to Be an F1 Driver. This is significant because Jenson was Lewis’ teammate at McLaren in 2010. A lot of the thought process about training and motivation is the same coming from both. It could be that they are both pretty regimented as Brits, but it could also be that these are the personalities the sport attracts.

But for so many, racing is just in the blood as the great Aryton Senna said. Lewis fought his way in and didn’t come from great money to do so. Humble beginnings might be what makes his attachment so precious. He earned every accolade by being a) very talented, b) obsessed, c) supported, and d) fearless. That’s his winning combo. All of those are easily applied to our own lives and passions.

He is quick to remind us several times no man is an island, and neither are Formula 1 drivers. His team at Mercedes is upwards of 2,000 people, and thanks to Lewis’ initiatives, a much more diverse team. Trust is mutual as many have been with him for a decade. Both success and failure are shared, you’re not going through the highs and the lows alone. He mentions a strong support system is key; however, that might look different to you. Lots of credit goes to his father and stepmother for setting a strong foundation, but engineers, team principles, and teammates have played a part. (Sidenote: Valtteri Bottas was his best teammate.)

Forming a close relationship with the late and iconic Niki Lauda was a crucial factor in his arrival at Mercedes. Role models, however they come into your life, can be huge resources for advice and learning your craft. He points out that on more than one occasion he and Niki butted heads. And while there might have been generational differences, he pushed his performance and mentored Lewis, adding value to his life beyond finances.

What stood out throughout the classes is Lewis is a presence who lets his talents do the talking. Outspoken when he needs to be, his words hold more power because he knows when to use them. Thus making him a driver and global celebrity so many look up to. And for very good reason.

Take one race at a time, record-breaking doesn’t happen overnight. World Championships aren’t built in a day. When you’re traveling in a custom-built car that cost millions of dollars moving at aeronautic speeds, staying present is what keeps you alive. The consequences for letting your mind drift can lose you the race, or worse, your life.

Deadly crashes are rare in the sport these days given improved safety measures and intricate training, but the possibility is always there, looming in the back of your mind. Each of those 20 drivers connects with a focus and fearlessness within them each race. As the poet Beyonce said, “You got me so crazy in love.” That’s the energy you need to compete in motorsports at this level. So crazy in love with driving that you can’t survive without it.

At 38 years old, Lewis assures us he has plenty of “crazy” left in him and maybe another World Championship title. But one thing is for sure: this man has forever changed not only Formula 1 but racing as a sport. His activism, his talent, and his passion make for a compelling self-help course disguised as F1 education. It takes lessons from motorsports and applies them to other facets of our lives. And, in that sense, it’s one of the best tools for learning the fundamentals of racing before you even set foot on the tarmac.

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