21 Best 「formula 1」 Books of 2024| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for formula 1. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. Senna Versus Prost: The Story of the Most Deadly Rivalry in Formula One
  2. Niki Lauda: The Biography
  3. The Unknown Kimi Raikkonen
  4. Aussie Grit: My Formula One Journey
  5. The Mechanic: The Secret World of the F1 Pitlane
  6. The Mechanic's Tale
  7. Flat Out, Flat Broke, 3rd Edition: The Original Stig
  8. Formula 1: The Official History
  9. Formula One: The Pursuit of Speed: A Photographic Celebration of F1's Greatest Moments (Volume 1) (Formula One, 1)
  10. Ferrari Formula 1 Car by Car: Every Race Car Since 1950
Other 11 books
No.1
100

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Formula One was at its most explosive, with thrilling races, charismatic drivers, nail-biting climaxes—and one of the most dangerous rivalries ever witnessed in sports. Two of F1's most honored champions and iconic figures drove together for McLaren for two seasons, and their acrimonious and hostile relationship extended even after one of them had left the team. Alain Prost was France's only F1 world champion, an intelligent, smooth driver with the epithet "Le Professeur," while Ayrton Senna was the mercurial kid from a privileged background in Sao Paolo who would become the most intense and ruthless racing driver the world has ever seen. As the great rivals raced to victory, their relationship deteriorated badly, culminating in Prost accusing Senna of deliberately trying to ride him off the circuit, and fearful that the Brazilian would get someone killed with his daring overtaking feats. The final, sad act of this drama happened at the San Marino Grand prix at Imola in May 1994, when Senna was killed. Insights from Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, Sir Frank Williams, Bernie Ecclestone, Derek Warrick, Johnny Herbert, Gerhard Berger, plus McLaren insiders and other F1 figures provide a breathtaking account of one of the all-time classic sporting rivalries.

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No.2
92

Niki Lauda: The Biography

Hamilton, Maurice
Simon & Schuster Ltd

1st edn 2nd printing. 8vo. Original silver lettered grey (Fine), dustwrapper (Fine, not price clipped). Pp. xi + 372, illus with coloured photos (no inscriptions).

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No.3
90

The Unknown Kimi Raikkonen

Hotakainen, Kari
Simon & Schuster Ltd

'I loved it. I thought it was fascinating - really, really interesting story that he's got to tell... I've known him for years and I learned an awful lot.' Marc PriestleyKimi Räikkönen is the Finnish superstar Formula One driver with a reputation for being fast on the track and silent off it – until now!In this superb and authorised portrait of Räikkönen, Kari Hotakainen gets to reveal the side of the man that few beyond his close family and friends have ever seen. Enigmatic and private, Ferrari’s former world champion driver rarely opens up to outsiders, but he granted Hotakainen exclusive access to his world and to his way of thinking. It ensures that this will be a book that will delight all fans of motorsport, who have long revered the Finn.Including never-previously-seen photographs from his own collection, The Unknown Kimi Räikkönen takes the reader into the heart of the action at grands prix around the world, behind the scenes as race strategies are planned, and opens up the private side of his life that he normally guards so carefully.With all the cult appeal of I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the raw excitement of Formula One and the insight of the best biographies, this is a book every sports fan will want to treasure.

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No.4
89

Mark Webber was at the center of one of the most captivating chapters in the history of Formula One. In 2010, while racing for Red Bull, he and teammate Sebastian Vettel went head to head for the World Championship. There could only be one winner. Since retiring from Formula One Mark has concentrated on endurance racing, including the legendary Le Mans 24 Hour race. He hit the front pages of newspapers around the world in December 2014 when he slammed into the barricades in the final round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in South America, and was lucky to escape with his life. But the controversy of his relationship on and off the track with Vettel, who went on to win multiple world titles, has never been far beneath the surface. Here, for the first time, Webber tells the inside story of one of Formula One's most intriguing battles—it is a story that goes to the heart of why the sport is loved by millions of fans around the world. In his trademark straight-talking, no-nonsense style Mark reveals his amazing life on and off the race track.

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No.5
88

In the high-octane atmosphere of the Formula One pit lane, the spotlight is most often on the superstar drivers. And yet, without the technical knowledge, competitive determination and outright obsession from his garage of mechanics, no driver could possibly hope to claim a spot on the podium. These are the guys who make every World Champion, and any mistakes can have critical consequences.That's not to say the F1 crew is just a group of highly skilled technical engineers, tweaking machinery in wind tunnels and crunching data through high-spec computers. These boys can seriously let their hair down. Whether it be parties on luxury yachts in Monaco or elaborate photo opportunities in gravity-defying aeroplanes, this is a world which thrills on and off the track.Join McLaren's former number-one mechanic, Marc 'Elvis' Priestley as he tours the world, revealing some of Formula One's most outrageous secrets and the fiercest rivalries, all fuelled by the determination to win.This is Formula One as you've never seen it before.

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No.6
87

A fascinating insider's look at life behind-the-scenes at Formula One.'An essential read' AUTOSPORT'A must for the real inside story' FORMULA 1 RACING'Recommended for anyone interested in F1 on the inside' MOTORING NEWSFormula One Grand Prix mechanic Steve Matchett takes the reader on a compelling journey through his life in the pit-lane, from his beginnings as a young apprentice, through his time at Ferrari and BMW to his later success with Benetton.He gives eye-witness views of the great drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. He also talks of key Benetton personalities, and explains how the team was transformed into a strong, competitive organisation, winning three World Championships. His determination and frustration in trying - and eventually succeeding - to break into the high-pressure world of Formula One leaps off the page.

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No.7
87

Perry McCarthy decided at the age of 18 that he wanted to reach the top in the world’s most expensive sport. With no racing experience, no cash, and little going for him except a passion for speed, the exuberant Cockney shouldn’t have stood a chance. He never gave up, however, and his relentless search for backing and recognition led the man The Times dubbed ‘the world’s unluckiest racing driver’ to heroic, often hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking efforts to make it into Formula 1. This is his autobiography.

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No.8
86

Formula 1: The Official History

Hamilton, Maurice
Welbeck Publishing Group Ltd

Experience the legendary history of Formula 1 in this new edition of the definitive illustrated book.Fully revised and updated, Formula 1: The Official History is an electrifying account of the F1 phenomenon, telling the complete story of one of the world's most popular, thrilling, and glamorous sports. Bringing together a superbly written account of the history of the sport by acclaimed author Maurice Hamilton, and an exceptional selection of stunning images from across seven decades of F1 racing, the book charts the FIA Formula One World Championship, decade by decade, from its first race at Silverstone in May 1950 right through to end of last season's championship.Each chapter tells the fascinating stories behind the greatest drivers and teams, important personnel, famous and infamous incidents, as well as key changes to the rules on design, safety and competitiveness. These tales are accompanied by more than 250 exceptional photographs featuring icons past and present, including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Accessible and entertaining for any F1 fan, and with a foreword by Ross Brawn, Managing Director of the FIA Formula One World Championship, this is the definitive visual history of the sport.

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No.9
86

With over 300 photographs – from the 1950s to the present day and many previously unpublished – this stunning book is the ultimate celebration of Formula One. This new updated version includes photographs from Rosberg's winning and retiring year.From the charismatic rivalries of Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss and the highly competitive Championship battles of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, through to the historic tales of Monaco’s winding course and the atmospheric crowds of Monza, the adrenaline-fueled, high-octane world of Formula One has created some of the greatest moments in sporting history.Chronicling both the changing face of the teams and their cars, from Lotus and Cooper to Williams and Ferrari, and of course the legendary drivers who have pushed their machines and themselves to the limits, these incredible photographs are from the archive of Bernard Cahier and his son, Paul- Henri who have been trackside capturing the drama of the Formula One Championships since the 1950s. Brought to life by Formula One correspondent Maurice Hamilton, they tell the story behind the infamous circuits that have played host to intense rivalries which have produced moments of tragedy and triumph that read like a film script.

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No.10
86

Ferrari Formula 1 Car by Car examines every F1 racer Ferrari has campaigned since 1950, each accompanied by exhilarating imagery and technical specifications.Ferrari has been a top Formula 1 competitor since the series’ inception over 70 years ago. From its first dedicated racer, the 125, through the transition to rear-engine cars to today’s technological powerhouses, Ferrari has never rested on it laurels. The longest running team in F1, Ferrari has a record 16 constructor’s titles. Its cars have been driven by some of the greatest racers of all time, including Michael Schumacher, Gilles Villeneuve, Phil Hill, Niki Lauda, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, and more.Presented in chronological order, each of Ferrari’s F1 cars is featured with:An exploration of its design and significant features Technical specifications A discussion of its racing record Spectacular full-page images, both historic and contemporaryThe book wraps up with a full competition record for all of the cars.Ferrari Formula 1 Car by Car is the complete reference to all of the amazing red racers that have cemented Ferrari’s reputation as the dominant manufacturer in F1 history.

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No.11
86

Formula One 2023, the world's bestselling Grand Prix handbook, is the essential resource for the season ahead.Formula 1 fans will be kept fully up to speed with detailed examinations of all the teams racing in 2023 (from Ferrari and Red Bull to Mercedes and Aston Martin), every driver in the competition (including Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton), and all the tracks featured on the packed Grand Prix calendar, including the new Miami street circuit. It also reviews the 2022 season with race-by-race reports and statistics; highlights changes to the rules and regulations for 2023, and discusses major talking points in F1. As well as the drivers' and constructors' world championship tables from 2022, there is a fill-in guide for 2023, so each book can become a personalised record of the Formula One season.Complementing Bruce Jones's insightful text are dozens of colour photographs, detailed circuit maps and a statistics section containing the major records from more than 70 years of the world's most thrilling and glamorous motor sport.

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No.12
85

Explore more than 25 legendary F1 race tracks in high-definition satellite photography.From the glamor of Monaco and Yas Marina, to the heritage of Silverstone, Monza and Spa-Francorchamps, Formula One Circuits from Above showcases more than 25 legendary F1 race tracks as you've never seen them before. Powered by unique Google™ Earth photography, this stunning illustrated book highlights the signature properties of iconic circuits including Monza, Interlagos and the Nurburgring in incredible detail, providing an unparalleled insight into the unique strengths and challenges of each.This insightful commentary is accompanied by fascinating details on the history of each circuit, as well as the outstanding drivers and unforgettable moments that have defined them: the rivalries, the controversies and the spectacular feats of driving skill. Whether you're a seasoned F1 fan or a newcomer to the sport, Formula One Circuits from Above captures the color, drama, history and excitement of Formula One.

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No.13
85

This book explains how modern Formula 1 cars work and demystifies the extraordinary technology they contain.By meticulously dissecting an F1 car into its constituent components, the author describes the design, engineering and function of every element, enabling the reader to develop a full understanding of how it all comes together to form a competitive package. The text is expertly written to satisfy both the engineering-minded reader as well as any enthusiast of the sport who wants to delve deeper, and supplemented by a superb range of close-up photographs, technical illustrations and diagrams. Chassis: design and manufacture; survival cell, fuel tank, impact structures, stiffness. Aerodynamics: principles, front and rear wings, turning vanes, sidepods, floor, wheels and their effect, brake ducts, suspension components, diffuser, Drag Reduction System (DRS). Suspension, steering and brakes: suspension layout, geometry and adjustments; steering wheel, column and geometry; brake hydraulics, brake-by-wire system, discs, calipers, pads and cooling. Power unit: the hybrid era, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Energy Recovery System (ERS), fuel. Transmission: clutch, gearbox, differential, driveshafts. Electronics: starting system, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), sensors, radio and data communications, cockpit display, cameras. And more: wheels and tyres; hydraulic system; safety equipment; cockpit controls. Chapters about car design and set-up. Use of analysis and simulation techniques such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wind-tunnel testing and rig testing. All F1 fans will find this book a deeply rewarding companion to enhance their appreciation of the sport. All F1 fans will find this book a deeply rewarding companion to enhance their appreciation of the sport.

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No.14
85

Bask in Formula One glory with this 240-page, large-format tribute to all 34 F1 World Champions, featuring exhilarating photography and expert commentary.Since the Grand Prix’s start in 1950, just 34 men have achieved the accolade of F1 World Champion. For the first time, legendary F1 commentator Maurice Hamilton and award-winning photographers Bernard and Paul-Henri Cahier bring the heroes of this iconic sport together, in a stunning photographic portrayal of the poise, skill and winning mindset that separates the fast from the furious, the elite from the talented.Formula One and its champions are brought to life with: An exquisitely written profile of each of the 34 F1 World Champions, with key details from the driver’s life and F1 career Stunning photography of the drivers and their cars, both on and off the track Historic interviews with the sport’s lost heroes, including James Hunt and Ayrton Senna Exclusive quotes from icons such as Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg A foreword by Bernie Ecclestone, former chief executive of the Formula One Group Debate has raged over which driver is the best of the best. It is impossible to say. But that will not deter energetic and informed discussion, usually predicated on a personal preference swayed by affection. Each of these champions will have experienced and delivered pulse-raising performances many times over.With this handsome homage to the most ferocious of sports and the incredible sportsmen who drive at the edge in pursuit of greatness, it is time to choose your favorite F1 Champion.

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No.15
85

F1 Mavericks is the story of the grandest, most influential, and most fondly remembered era in Formula 1 racing as seen through the lens of master motorsports photographer, Pete Biro and the words of award-winning author George Levy.The period from 1960 to 1982 saw the greatest technological changes in the history of Formula 1 racing: the transition from front engines to rear engines, narrow, treaded tires to massive racing slicks, zero downforce to neck-wrenching ground effects—and, of course, a staggering increase in performance and reduction in lap times. In short, the Maverick Era saw the creation of the modern Formula 1 car.This is also the time when legendary names who defined F1 were out in full force: Jim Clark, Jack Brabham, Dan Gurney, Sir Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill, Niki Lauda, James Hunt, Bruce McLaren, Jody Scheckter. We'll see and meet all of them. But F1 Mavericks also focuses on the maverick designers and engineers behind the cars—men like Colin Chapman, Mauro Forghieri, Sir Patrick Head, Maurice Philippe, Gordon Murray, Robin Herd and many others. We'll hear directly from many of them, including a foreword from 1978 F1 World Champion, Mario Andretti and afterword from the late three-time champion Niki Lauda.Every chapter is a photographic account of important races throughout the period, supplemented with sidebars featuring key designers and technologies, like wings, ground effect, slick tires, turbochargers, and the Brabham "fan" suction car. F1 Mavericks is an international story, and includes designs fromJapan (Honda), Britain (McLaren, Tyrrell, Cooper, BRM) Italy (Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo), France (Matra, Ligier, Renault), Germany (Porsche, BMW) and the United States (Eagle, Shadow, Penske, Parnelli).Strap yourself in for the story of the greatest era in Formula 1 racing--it's all here in F1 Mavericks.

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No.16
85

Whether you are a new or longtime Formula 1 fan, here is your ultimate, unofficial armchair companion to the popular Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive, providing deeper insight into the players, tech, and history that drive the show’s plot points.F1 expert Stuart Codling is your guide to all things F1. The Formula 1 Drive to Survive The Unofficial Companion is a feature-rich guide that takes you beyond the series’ personalities and off-track drama to present further context. Topics covered include:People – Who does what to keep F1 teams rolling? From personal trainers to race engineers, mechanics, pit crew, and team principal, what does it take to succeed in F1? Sidebars and callouts include significant past players and great rivalries including that between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner. F1 History in 20 Cars – From Fangio’s postwar Alfa Romeo to Max Verstappen’s Honda-powered Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes, all the great teams feature: Ferrari, Williams, McLaren, Lotus, and more. Callouts features driver gear and great past drivers like Andretti, Brabham, Moss, Schumacher, and more. Technology – Who designs and builds today’s mind-bending cars and engines and what does the process entail? Side journeys explore safety features, technology behind key components, and big ideas that flopped. F1 Circuits – A look at F1 race course in today, along with features on circuit design, past circuits, and notorious circuit features like Loew’s Hairpin at Monaco and Eau Rouge at Spa Francorchamps. Race Strategy – The rules and strategies of race day. Sidebars explore things like tire strategy, the anatomy of a pit stop, and the role of analytics. Business – Who pays for the multibillion-dollar spectacle on display in Drive to Survive and how is it possibly profitable? Features and callouts explore the evolution of sponsorship, driver salaries, and backroom deals.Where relevant, Codling relates content to specific seasons and episodes, providing even more context for the reality series. The visuals include scores of action and off-track photos. The result is a visually stunning guide to accompany a wildly popular TV series, and an engaging history spanning seventy-plus years of the world’s most popular motorsport.

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No.17
85

Explore the unique stories behind every Grand Prix track in this fully updated second edition. Written by award-winning journalist Maurice Hamilton and complete with bespoke digital maps of each course, this is the ultimate guide to the circuits of Formula One.Each venue is listed in chronological order from the first time it hosted a Grand Prix, starting with Monza, then taking in renowned locations such as Spa, Nürburgring, Monaco and Silverstone, all the way up to F1's latest destination: Miami. Uncover little-known facts about famous circuits and discover the story behind some of the sport's lesser-known venues.This fully updated second edition includes:* All 77 Formula 1 circuits, featuring six additional venues from the previous edition* Bespoke digital maps of every racetrack* Statistics including circuit lengths, lap records, and names of corners and straights* Alphabetical and 'by country' indices for ease of reference

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No.18
85

Get instant access to the history, technology, drivers, rivalries, racing circuits, and business of Formula 1 in this beautifully designed and illustrated essential guide from Motorbooks’ Speed Read series.The world racing championship that now encompasses 20 (and counting) annual races across five continents started in the European racing scene between the first and second world wars. It’s been a long road from the early races held in redundant airfields bounded by old oil drums to today’s extravagant spectacles—a road marked by glory, championships, iteration, technology, and speed.In sections divided by topic, you’ll find the history of the sport, biographies of major drivers and figures who have dominated the sport’s long and storied history, a rundown of the incredible technology that makes its cars so fast, an account of racing accidents and the safety measures they inspired, and more.Each section ends with a glossary of related terms, and informational sidebars provide fun facts, historical tidbits, and mini-bios of key people in Formula 1. Sleek illustrations of the cars, technology, and drivers impart the visual feel of F1 throughout.With Motorbooks’ Speed Read series, become an instant expert in a range of fast-moving subjects, from Formula 1 racing to the Tour de France. Accessible language, compartmentalized sections, fact-filled sidebars, glossaries of key terms, and event timelines deliver quick access to insider knowledge. Their brightly colored covers, modern design, pop art–inspired illustrations, and handy size make them perfect on-the-go reads.

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No.19
85

Formula 1

Nygaard, Peter
Dalton Watson Fine Books Ltd

Automotive author Peter Nygaard opens his archives for the first time to tell the story of one of the most famous races in the world.Since its first world championship in 1950, Formula 1 has held racing fans enthralled around the globe. In this book, motorsport historian, photographer, and collector Peter Nygaard opens his exclusive archives for the first time to tell the stories of this race’s illustrious history. Moving decade by decade, and illustrated with more than four hundred images, Formula 1 celebrates and illuminates more than seventy years at the pinnacle of motor racing. Nygaard highlights the legendary champions—and their biggest victories, famous on-track incidents through the years, and the technological developments that have propelled this famed race to new heights during its rich history.

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No.20
85

As Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc battle it out head-to-head in the most hotly contested championship in years, this in-depth book, with a foreword from Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, tells the story of how the sport evolved into the exhilarating high octane spectacle it is today.The new rules introduced in 2022 signal the greatest change to F1 in a generation, cracking the field wide open and seeing some of the most compelling and competitive races in the last 25 years.Technical changes aimed at levelling the playing field for the teams combined with the sport’s tightening budget cap have made the races closer than ever. There will be more sprint races — trialled in 2021 — and greater fan interest driven by Netflix’s hugely successful ‘Drive to Survive’ series.So, how did we get here? How did F1 become the acknowledged ‘Pinnacle of Motorsport’? Simon Arron and Tony Dodgins have identified the 100 most significant changes to the series since its inception in 1950. Formula One is unrecognizable from its debut season, where drivers raced around on old bomber training aerodrome in Northamptonshire with oil drums to mark the corners and straw bales the only concession to safety.New fans will welcome a complete and highly illustrated guide to the history of F1, while older fans will be able to compare their own views of what were the pivotal moments of change, in a book written by experienced motoring writers with two lifetimes worth of knowledge of the sport.The book will link technical progress with the personalities involved, indeed many of the swiftest changes have come about as a result of accidents or tragedies — the death of Roland Ratzenberger at Imola in 1994, the same weekend as Ayrton Senna, could have been avoided by the HANS safety device. The introduction of the halo saved Romain Grosjean’s life in Bahrain last year, but only came about because of the tragic accident that claimed Jules Bianchi in Japan.Along with changes to circuits and the technology of the cars, this book highlights the commercial changes and the controversies that threatened to split the sport apart — such as the threat of breakaway series proposed at various times by teams.A must-read for completists or for those new to the sport, F1: The Pinnacle is a fascinating insight into one of the most exciting and dangerous sports in the world.

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No.21
85

Formula One 2022, the world's bestselling Grand Prix handbook, is the essential resource for the season ahead.Formula 1 fans will be kept fully up to speed with detailed examinations of all the teams racing in 2022 (from Mercedes and Red Bull to Ferrari and Aston Martin), every driver in competition (including Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton), and all the tracks featured on the packed Grand Prix calendar. It also reviews the 2021 season with race-by-race reports and statistics; highlights changes to the rules and regulations for 2022, and discusses major talking points in F1. As well as the drivers' and constructors' world championship tables from 2021, there is a fill-in guide for 2022, so each book can become a personalised record of the Formula One season.Complementing Bruce Jones's insightful text are dozens of color photographs, detailed circuit maps and a statistics section containing the major records from more than 70 years of the world's most thrilling and glamorous motor sport.

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