Starting from the Back of the Grid: Misadventures Inside Formula One's Flying Circus

by Kris Henley, Ian Henley

The hilarious and endearing story of how an academic flop with a prodigious talent for getting into embarrassing situations somehow succeeds in the glamorous world of Formula One. The author, a TV producer and occasional cameraman, gives a distinctive perspective on F1’s Flying Circus, up close and personal with motorsport legends, A-list celebrities and the super-rich. He tells of his encounters with its greatest drivers and most intriguing behind-the-scenes personalities, and recalls the sport’s rivalries, tragedies and scandals. He charts his own comedic career path from rough sleeper on a rubbish tip in Hong Kong to the paddock in Monte Carlo where his first words to Michael Schumacher caused the racing legend to inflate with rage. But a few traumatic days later he is sipping champagne high above the track on race day. If you love Formula One and have a sense of humor, you will want to read this book.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

F1 from a novel angle and from a Jersey bean....what's not to love!

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book to me and i'm so glad he did. It's a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of Formula One. The author is the perfect guide, self deprecating, funny, joyous, entertaining, it's worth the cover price for the hilarious Hong Kong interview scene alone.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where Kris Henley gave insights from his career this was interesting. However, too much of it was padded out with stories that have already been told numerous times elsewhere, such as Abu Dhabi 2021 and Pastor Maldonado winning the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix.