Michael O’Mara Books to publish thrilling behind-the-scenes stories from the world of Formula One

Michael O’Mara Books is to publish F1 Racing Confidential: Inside Stories from the World of Formula One by Guardian journalist Giles Richards in February 2024. With unparalleled access to the inner workings of the sport, this insightful and revealing book delves deep into the fascinating world of Formula One. 

The book includes a foreword by former F1 world champion Damon Hill and features contributions from twenty insiders including Lando Norris, Christian Horner and Toto Wolff, as well as other key players working in teams such as Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin.

Formula One is the fastest growing sport on the planet and documentaries such as Netflix’s hugely successful Drive to Survive have only accelerated its popularity. Despite this, there are still many stories from this high-stakes, globe-trotting world that remain untold.

Giles Richards’s extensive experience covering F1 for the Guardian and Observer for the last twenty years has granted him unique access to the paddock, the garages and the lives of the sport’s biggest stars. Featuring exclusive interviews from men and women at every level of the sport – from drivers and team principles to engineers and pit mechanics – readers can expect never-before-seen insights and anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of what it’s like to be a part of the Formula 1 circus.

Giles Richards said: ‘I began this book wanting to lift the veil on the roles of the men and women behind F1 and about whom little is known. Then, in the process of meeting them and in extensive interviews it became clear that their unique tales, their journeys to the sport and indeed their voices were every bit as fascinating as the work they did. Intriguing, informative and all too human, these are the stories of F1’s unsung heroes.’

Ross Hamilton, Commissioning Editor at Michael O’Mara Books, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be publishing Giles’s book and spotlighting some of the incredible men and women working in F1 today, without whom it simply couldn’t function. Packed with tales of thrilling victories, heart-breaking losses and inspirational achievements, F1 Racing Confidential goes beyond the headlines, offering a deeper understanding of what makes the sport the global phenomenon it is today.’

F1 Racing Confidential: Inside Stories from the World of Formula One by Giles Richards will publish in royal hardback with a full colour plate section on 29 February 2024 ahead of the 2024 racing season, priced £20. 

World all-language rights were acquired by Commissioning Editor Ross Hamilton directly from the author.