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The Winning Formula: Leadership, Strategy and Motivation The F1 Way
*THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*HOW DOES A PIT CREW CHANGE FOUR WHEELS IN 1.9 SECONDS?AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR A COMPANY LIKE BLACKBERRY?WHAT IS RON DENNIS' SECRET TO GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT?AND HOW CAN THAT HELP TV PRODUCERS?WHY IS F1 THE PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR LEADERSHIP, MOTIVATION AND STRATEGY?AND WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT?In The Winning Formula, driver, commentator and entrepreneur David Coulthard opens the doors to the secretive world of F1 and reveals in simple, entertaining and utterly compelling terms how he has been able to master this mind-boggling variety of disciplines by applying the skills honed from his years at the top of the world's most demanding motorsport.By recounting his own stories, and combining them with first-hand experience of stellar individuals such as Lewis Hamilton, Ron Dennis, Sir Frank Williams, Christian Horner and Sebastian Vettel, Coulthard provides a fascinating fly-on-the-wall insight into F1 but at the same time offers an invaluable guide to the business of sport and the sport of business.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2018
81 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 17, 2021
I don't think that I've ever read a book that has that many times 'I' or 'me' mentioned in it. I decided to read this book, because I wanted to learn more about the sport. However, I feel like a huge part of the book was about DC himself. He places himself in such a positive light and he makes it seem like he won multiple championships. Furthermore, the book was repetitive and could've been half of its pages. He divides the book in multiple chapters such as 'marginal gains' and 'attention to detail'. However, 2 pages into the chapter you actually forget what he was talking about since he suddenly starts writing about something completely unrelated for another 5 pages.
Overall, I think that this is more an autobiography than a book that gives you insight into the sport and its history. There are way better books that actually teach you something other than some standard business clichés.
Overall, I think that this is more an autobiography than a book that gives you insight into the sport and its history. There are way better books that actually teach you something other than some standard business clichés.
April 25, 2021
I’ve never thought that this book would be my guideline. I love F1 and I couldn’t imagine that it was possible to transfer experience from F1 to business or just real life. The book has light narrative and I feel like David and I are just having a conversation! I’m sure that I’ll get back to this book in the future!
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August 13, 2022If you're interested in the intensity and dedication that goes on in motorsport, particularly Formula One, this is a book that you want to check out. Coulthard's story is unique, from racing karts, to racing in F1, to spearheading a broadcasting company and beyond, and it's a fascinating look into how his approach. As such, this book can be split into two aspects; part autobiography, part strategy. After reading, there are certain aspects of working that I will take with me, but I recommend reading it more as an insight into his personal journey rather than what you should demand from yourself or your team.
During many parts of the book, Coulthard questions that given F1's absolute efficiency and attention to detail, why can't that be every industry? It's a wonderful thing to aspire to. Personally, as someone with OCD, waking up and just getting things done, taking care of myself, taking care of those I love, getting through work, taking care of my co-workers, and getting a good night sleep is something that I would love nothing more. There was a thought that was lingering as I was reading that only click when I read a certain part in the final chapters, "I can tell you now that I’ve never been a builder but I do know that making an 800bhp Formula 1 car go round a track quicker than your rivals is more complex than building a simple extension." Ah.
We recently had some building work done which matched the two criticisms that Coulthard had; 1) it took longer than the timeframe and 2) it was more expensive. In an ideal world, they would have been within time and on budget. But they worked hard, turned up early, were polite, they even returned to make sure that we were happy with the work they did. (Hitting a lot of points that the book recommended). Sometimes things happen that are out of your control. It was stormy that week and living in a conservation area meant very specific hard-to-source paint. Simple things aren't always as simple or as straightforward as we would like.
Similarly, I work in the video game industry, an experience that I also had in the back of my mind while reading. It's an industry famous for its crunch (long, sometimes unpaid work hours) and... complicated history with social media. Certain advice like trying to get issues sorted as quickly as possible (need to send off an email? don't wait for tomorrow) or the importance of communication were useful reminders, but ensuring that every moment is a productive moment is an ideal that you can't maintain, particularly when time off is not guaranteed and money is strict. It's an industry that is also highly driven by deadlines, you can get stuff done if you're efficant and power through, but there's a cost.
Which brings me to what I would love to hear from him in the future. There are parts of his story that are obviously missing from the book. A previous review touched on the absent of failure or mistakes, particularly from a book which encourages learning from past experiences. The importance of resting and looking after yourself both physically and mentally; if we need to push ourselves, when do we know the point it becomes dangerous? Where there cases when he had to dial himself back and reevaluate?
During many parts of the book, Coulthard questions that given F1's absolute efficiency and attention to detail, why can't that be every industry? It's a wonderful thing to aspire to. Personally, as someone with OCD, waking up and just getting things done, taking care of myself, taking care of those I love, getting through work, taking care of my co-workers, and getting a good night sleep is something that I would love nothing more. There was a thought that was lingering as I was reading that only click when I read a certain part in the final chapters, "I can tell you now that I’ve never been a builder but I do know that making an 800bhp Formula 1 car go round a track quicker than your rivals is more complex than building a simple extension." Ah.
We recently had some building work done which matched the two criticisms that Coulthard had; 1) it took longer than the timeframe and 2) it was more expensive. In an ideal world, they would have been within time and on budget. But they worked hard, turned up early, were polite, they even returned to make sure that we were happy with the work they did. (Hitting a lot of points that the book recommended). Sometimes things happen that are out of your control. It was stormy that week and living in a conservation area meant very specific hard-to-source paint. Simple things aren't always as simple or as straightforward as we would like.
Similarly, I work in the video game industry, an experience that I also had in the back of my mind while reading. It's an industry famous for its crunch (long, sometimes unpaid work hours) and... complicated history with social media. Certain advice like trying to get issues sorted as quickly as possible (need to send off an email? don't wait for tomorrow) or the importance of communication were useful reminders, but ensuring that every moment is a productive moment is an ideal that you can't maintain, particularly when time off is not guaranteed and money is strict. It's an industry that is also highly driven by deadlines, you can get stuff done if you're efficant and power through, but there's a cost.
Which brings me to what I would love to hear from him in the future. There are parts of his story that are obviously missing from the book. A previous review touched on the absent of failure or mistakes, particularly from a book which encourages learning from past experiences. The importance of resting and looking after yourself both physically and mentally; if we need to push ourselves, when do we know the point it becomes dangerous? Where there cases when he had to dial himself back and reevaluate?
January 21, 2021
My overwhelming feeling having read this book is that David Coulthard is a thoroughly nice man. Okay, it is his book so he will paint himself in a positive light but he did so without being braggadocios. It is chock full of insights into Formula One and anecdotes from Coulthard’s life as a driver and businessman. These are dressed almost as fables, each story has a moral behind it. Each fable, as it were, centres understandably around the world of Formula One.
The Winning Formula has the potential to be caught in no man’s land between a business guide or self-improvement book and a memoir. It negotiates this terrain well. I judge books in the self-improvement category by what I can take away from them. There only needs to be one or two nuggets for me to be satisfied and Coulthard delivered one early on. While it is a piece of information that is oft repeated I felt he summed it up concisely. A manageable quote the reader can take away with them and refer to when they need to: “The best part about having a hard work ethic is that it isn’t rocket science. Just get up bright and early every day and get on. Ask yourself the question ‘Is there any more I can be doing today?’ If there is, get on and do it.” There is also an anecdote from Will I. Am that struck a chord with me, but I won’t repeat that here for fear of offering up spoilers.
This is an easy book to pick up and read. It isn’t overly wordy or self-important. It makes the point it is trying to make to a backdrop of a high octane world. It has also made me want to go out and buy a copy of Coulthard’s autobiography, prime up selling if ever I’ve seen it. How’s that for good business David?
The Winning Formula has the potential to be caught in no man’s land between a business guide or self-improvement book and a memoir. It negotiates this terrain well. I judge books in the self-improvement category by what I can take away from them. There only needs to be one or two nuggets for me to be satisfied and Coulthard delivered one early on. While it is a piece of information that is oft repeated I felt he summed it up concisely. A manageable quote the reader can take away with them and refer to when they need to: “The best part about having a hard work ethic is that it isn’t rocket science. Just get up bright and early every day and get on. Ask yourself the question ‘Is there any more I can be doing today?’ If there is, get on and do it.” There is also an anecdote from Will I. Am that struck a chord with me, but I won’t repeat that here for fear of offering up spoilers.
This is an easy book to pick up and read. It isn’t overly wordy or self-important. It makes the point it is trying to make to a backdrop of a high octane world. It has also made me want to go out and buy a copy of Coulthard’s autobiography, prime up selling if ever I’ve seen it. How’s that for good business David?
March 14, 2019
I am a huge F1 fan, and longtime fan of DC. He has always come across as a disciplined and decent man, and despite the glitz and glamour of F1, has evaded the scandal and drama that usually besets these drivers at some point in their career.
The intent of this book is admirable, in the sense that he does a reasonable job of linking the ultra competitive world of F1 to every day business tactics. It is, indeed, a demanding and precise sport that demands excellence at every turn. The idea of missing a deadline in F1 is barely a concept, let alone an actuality.
However, Mr. Coulthard I think misses the reality that every industry does not need the infinite accuracy and brutal feedback that F1 does, where the ultimate product is the death-defying act of a group of men hurtling around a track at 200mph. There literally is no room for error in F1, while everyday life allows that luxury. His tone in the book is one of "F1 dicipline is the only way, and I don't understand how people manage without that level of attention to detail".
That said, I remain a fan, and DC tells some interesting stories about the genesis of Red Bull Racing, the advent of mega real-time data in the sport, the monstrous success of McLaren racing under the uncompromising ways of Ron Dennis, the horrifying death of Ayrton Senna at Williams, and his own takes on the whole scene of F1.
It's an enjoyable read for the F1 fan.
The intent of this book is admirable, in the sense that he does a reasonable job of linking the ultra competitive world of F1 to every day business tactics. It is, indeed, a demanding and precise sport that demands excellence at every turn. The idea of missing a deadline in F1 is barely a concept, let alone an actuality.
However, Mr. Coulthard I think misses the reality that every industry does not need the infinite accuracy and brutal feedback that F1 does, where the ultimate product is the death-defying act of a group of men hurtling around a track at 200mph. There literally is no room for error in F1, while everyday life allows that luxury. His tone in the book is one of "F1 dicipline is the only way, and I don't understand how people manage without that level of attention to detail".
That said, I remain a fan, and DC tells some interesting stories about the genesis of Red Bull Racing, the advent of mega real-time data in the sport, the monstrous success of McLaren racing under the uncompromising ways of Ron Dennis, the horrifying death of Ayrton Senna at Williams, and his own takes on the whole scene of F1.
It's an enjoyable read for the F1 fan.
November 26, 2024
Kniha Recept na víťazstvo od Davida Coultharda ponúka fascinujúci pohľad na jeho kariéru v F1 a na to, ako sa jeho skúsenosti premietajú do podnikateľského sveta. Od začiatku ma oslovil jeho spôsob rozprávania, ktorý naznačuje, že kniha nebude len obyčajným životopisom, ale skôr prenikavý pohľad do jeho vnútornej disciplíny a prístupu k životu.
Kniha ma obohatila myšlienkami, ako je neustála práca na sebe, disciplína a pokora. Je fascinujúce, ako Coulthard dokáže prepájať svoje skúsenosti s princípmi tímovej práce a inovácie, ktoré sú v pretekárskom svete kľúčové. Jeho príbehy zo zákulisia F1 dodali knihe živé detaily, ktoré ma doslova vtiahli do sveta špičkového motošportu a sekúnd rozhodujúcich o úspechu.
Celá kniha je písaná spôsobom, ktorý je pre mňa inšpiratívny a zároveň prístupný. Coulthardove rady, či už o práci s ľuďmi, alebo o tom, ako sa nevzdávať, sú podané priamo a jednoducho, čím ma len viac presvedčil o svojej životnej filozofii. Jeho dôraz na tímovú spoluprácu, ako aj schopnosť udržiavať si motiváciu aj po ukončení pretekárskej kariéry, ma skutočne inšpirovali.
Táto kniha pre mňa nie je len o F1, ale o ľudskom prístupe k práci a výdrži. Coulthardove príbehy a pohľady vo mne zanechali hlboký dojem a verím, že jeho myšlienky využijem nielen v práci, ale aj v osobnom živote. Recept na víťazstvo mi určite zostane v pamäti ako kniha, ktorá mi pripomenula, čo všetko sa dá dosiahnuť, keď verím v tvrdú prácu a odhodlanie.
Kniha ma obohatila myšlienkami, ako je neustála práca na sebe, disciplína a pokora. Je fascinujúce, ako Coulthard dokáže prepájať svoje skúsenosti s princípmi tímovej práce a inovácie, ktoré sú v pretekárskom svete kľúčové. Jeho príbehy zo zákulisia F1 dodali knihe živé detaily, ktoré ma doslova vtiahli do sveta špičkového motošportu a sekúnd rozhodujúcich o úspechu.
Celá kniha je písaná spôsobom, ktorý je pre mňa inšpiratívny a zároveň prístupný. Coulthardove rady, či už o práci s ľuďmi, alebo o tom, ako sa nevzdávať, sú podané priamo a jednoducho, čím ma len viac presvedčil o svojej životnej filozofii. Jeho dôraz na tímovú spoluprácu, ako aj schopnosť udržiavať si motiváciu aj po ukončení pretekárskej kariéry, ma skutočne inšpirovali.
Táto kniha pre mňa nie je len o F1, ale o ľudskom prístupe k práci a výdrži. Coulthardove príbehy a pohľady vo mne zanechali hlboký dojem a verím, že jeho myšlienky využijem nielen v práci, ale aj v osobnom živote. Recept na víťazstvo mi určite zostane v pamäti ako kniha, ktorá mi pripomenula, čo všetko sa dá dosiahnuť, keď verím v tvrdú prácu a odhodlanie.
December 13, 2022
Accessibility: 7/10
Coherence of arguments: 8/10
Informativeness: 8/10
Value to me: 5/10
Overall enjoyment: 5/10
Total: 33/50 (3.3)
A decent but ultimately forgettable book about how to translate skills learnt in Formula 1 to running a businessness, written by an ex multiple Grand Prix winner.
It was fine. The book was formulaic in the sense that it was structured in only one way: "This is what we do in F1, this is why it's good (this is why I'm so good), this is why you should do it in your business". The key themes are efficiency, data scrutiny, meticulousness to detail, marginal gains, aggressive teamwork and shared visions, self-analysis, knowing your competitors and being driven and competitive.
I found those lessons less useful to me. What I most enjoyed about the book were the anecdotes relating to F1 drivers. I enjoyed hearing about how Coulthard helped out with improving safety standards, about how meticulous Proust was with his analysis, about how focused Lewis was on track, about the rise of Red Bull Racing and its team strategy and culture.
I don't think this would be very interesting for non-F1 fans though.
Coherence of arguments: 8/10
Informativeness: 8/10
Value to me: 5/10
Overall enjoyment: 5/10
Total: 33/50 (3.3)
A decent but ultimately forgettable book about how to translate skills learnt in Formula 1 to running a businessness, written by an ex multiple Grand Prix winner.
It was fine. The book was formulaic in the sense that it was structured in only one way: "This is what we do in F1, this is why it's good (this is why I'm so good), this is why you should do it in your business". The key themes are efficiency, data scrutiny, meticulousness to detail, marginal gains, aggressive teamwork and shared visions, self-analysis, knowing your competitors and being driven and competitive.
I found those lessons less useful to me. What I most enjoyed about the book were the anecdotes relating to F1 drivers. I enjoyed hearing about how Coulthard helped out with improving safety standards, about how meticulous Proust was with his analysis, about how focused Lewis was on track, about the rise of Red Bull Racing and its team strategy and culture.
I don't think this would be very interesting for non-F1 fans though.
March 20, 2019
The Wining Formula is an excellent book.
David Coulthard brings the lessons learned from his time as a formula one driver and applies them to the life of business. And there is a lot to learnt from F1. When the environment so competitive that fraction of a second at a pitstop tire change can mean the difference between the podium or obscurity of course you have to innovate, of course you work as a team. Never in F1 would you have meeting for meetings sake because the nature of the business won’t allow such a waste of time.
Coulthard does use a great deal of anecdotes to argue his points. Some of his advice is as simple try to be nice to your colleges and remember you colleges name, whereas others the points about work ethics really are hammered home. One criticism you could make is that he doesn’t draw upon the history of F1. Any innovations that happened outside the timeframe of his career are not used as examples. However David’s tenure in F1 was not exactly brief.
It was a great book really made me think about the way I do things.
David Coulthard brings the lessons learned from his time as a formula one driver and applies them to the life of business. And there is a lot to learnt from F1. When the environment so competitive that fraction of a second at a pitstop tire change can mean the difference between the podium or obscurity of course you have to innovate, of course you work as a team. Never in F1 would you have meeting for meetings sake because the nature of the business won’t allow such a waste of time.
Coulthard does use a great deal of anecdotes to argue his points. Some of his advice is as simple try to be nice to your colleges and remember you colleges name, whereas others the points about work ethics really are hammered home. One criticism you could make is that he doesn’t draw upon the history of F1. Any innovations that happened outside the timeframe of his career are not used as examples. However David’s tenure in F1 was not exactly brief.
It was a great book really made me think about the way I do things.
September 4, 2020
Coulthard does a a good job here. But only good. It is a great idea for a book. Formula 1 teams, infrastructure, competitiveness and performance are hugely interesting to the many however in terms of presenting The Winning Formula, it misses the mark.
In his defense its unlikely the complexity of the systems an F1 employs is likely varied and individual, so to think a one size fits all formula is a bit naive.
The chapter topics are attractive. There are some insightful thoughts present. But overall an average execution of the ideas. Strong links of themes to storied examples but they only manifest as that a story.
In saying all this, I enjoyed the book. Easy to read and DC has had a established career so good to hear his take on it.
In his defense its unlikely the complexity of the systems an F1 employs is likely varied and individual, so to think a one size fits all formula is a bit naive.
The chapter topics are attractive. There are some insightful thoughts present. But overall an average execution of the ideas. Strong links of themes to storied examples but they only manifest as that a story.
In saying all this, I enjoyed the book. Easy to read and DC has had a established career so good to hear his take on it.
February 6, 2021
I have never read a book that has this much "I" in it. This is not a autobiography, no? I get it, Coulthard try to give examples from his racing life but c'mon... All I could think "wow, how wonderful person is DC". In this book you learn how good he is, best of everything except racing. I was thinking "did he won 13 races or 13 world titles" while I was reading. I usually love F1 books but this is not a F1 book but also it is not a self development book. Most of the examples he presents don't really apply to life of an average man. I forced myself to finish this book.
February 12, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"An unfair advantage."
D.C. talks about some of the incidents in his life, people he has known and lessons learned on and off the F.1 track and relates these to best business practices as he perceives them. Hard work and attention to detail. At times, the chapters feel more like lecture presentations. However, a fascinating listen for fans of F1.
Peter Forbes narrates, clearly with good inflection and sounding not too dissimilar to Coulthard, himself
"An unfair advantage."
D.C. talks about some of the incidents in his life, people he has known and lessons learned on and off the F.1 track and relates these to best business practices as he perceives them. Hard work and attention to detail. At times, the chapters feel more like lecture presentations. However, a fascinating listen for fans of F1.
Peter Forbes narrates, clearly with good inflection and sounding not too dissimilar to Coulthard, himself
February 12, 2022
( Format :Audiobook )
"An unfair advantage."
D.C. talks about some of the incidents in his life, people he has known and lessons learned on and off the F.1 track and relates these to best business practices as he perceives them. Hard work and attention to detail. At times, the chapters feel more like lecture presentations. However, a fascinating listen for fans of F1.
Peter Forbes narrates, clearly with good inflection and sounding not too dissimilar to Coulthard, himself
"An unfair advantage."
D.C. talks about some of the incidents in his life, people he has known and lessons learned on and off the F.1 track and relates these to best business practices as he perceives them. Hard work and attention to detail. At times, the chapters feel more like lecture presentations. However, a fascinating listen for fans of F1.
Peter Forbes narrates, clearly with good inflection and sounding not too dissimilar to Coulthard, himself
November 4, 2022
I liked how this was structured, with anecdotes from DC's time with F1 and beyond, but it was nothing ground breaking, and at times felt a little like he was just realing off a bunch of the standard clichés. I did however read this a quote an apt time so I certainly don't regret picking it up (also a pretty big DC fan so may be a little biased).
September 14, 2023
Probably the worst book I’ve ever read:
- 100s of basic grammatical and formatting errors
- He repeats himself constantly
- He takes credit for things which, even by his own description, are clearly not of his doing
- He seems to believe he had a ‘working class’ upbringing, despite being born to parents with a massively successful (at the time) haulage business
- 100s of basic grammatical and formatting errors
- He repeats himself constantly
- He takes credit for things which, even by his own description, are clearly not of his doing
- He seems to believe he had a ‘working class’ upbringing, despite being born to parents with a massively successful (at the time) haulage business
July 21, 2020
I like David Coulthard, and I admire that he's applied his F1 skills to the business world.
I did find the book wandered off-piste a bit in the second half though. An enjoyable and motivating read, but far from a "business book".
I did find the book wandered off-piste a bit in the second half though. An enjoyable and motivating read, but far from a "business book".
May 18, 2022
Thought it was an autobiography, but turned out to be a self improvement book for leaders.
It was ok, will be helpful for some. DC is a good guy, and his life has been remarkable, but it doesn't make this book a particularly fun read.
It was ok, will be helpful for some. DC is a good guy, and his life has been remarkable, but it doesn't make this book a particularly fun read.
March 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this non-fiction read and the influences of formula in the story.
October 31, 2022
4.5 interesting and very motivating
November 14, 2022
Listened to on Audible. Very enjoyable and recommend for any F1 fan.
November 29, 2022
This could have been a Ted Talk or a podcast and not a book that I've spent money on
April 14, 2024
Interesting read
January 29, 2025
beetje saai
September 15, 2025
The insights on life and success were as good as the racing ones.
January 3, 2026
really interesting, I wish david only talked more about the details about his time in f1, but weirdly motivating
August 10, 2023
F1 is one of the craziest traveling circuses in the world, with money and production going in all directions. So it’s a fascinating insight from someone who has seen it from many different viewpoints, from a rookie racer to a commentator, to heading up an entire organization to make motorsport more gender-inclusive with equal opportunity. In DC we should trust to get the job done.
January 26, 2021
Enjoyable read offering an insight into the high pressured world of Formula 1. Repetitive in places with generic leadership cliques attached. However, some gems included.
October 26, 2021
Started off kind of slow, but I did enjoy how DC draws out the lessons he's learnt from F1 and applied successfully to the business World. It points it did feel like I was reading some kind of self help book which is not really my cup of tea, but definitely some food for thought at points.
October 14, 2024
Ik las dit boek voor de verhalen uit de Formule 1. In plaats daarvan probeert David Coulthard zijn succes te verklaren, zodat jij die lessen ook kunt toepassen.
Hij trapt daarvoor open deur na open deur in (hard werken, maak een plan, luister goed, denk aan het team, kom op tijd, kleed je altijd netjes) en daarmee wordt het een zelffelicitatie die je als hardcover voor 23,99 bij BOL kunt kopen.
Had een blogpost kunnen zijn. Jammer, want Coulthard heeft een F1-carrière waar menig coureur jaloers op is.
Toch 2,5 sterren omdat ik nu meer over zijn race carrière weet en het audioboek werd ingesproken door Bas van Werven
Hij trapt daarvoor open deur na open deur in (hard werken, maak een plan, luister goed, denk aan het team, kom op tijd, kleed je altijd netjes) en daarmee wordt het een zelffelicitatie die je als hardcover voor 23,99 bij BOL kunt kopen.
Had een blogpost kunnen zijn. Jammer, want Coulthard heeft een F1-carrière waar menig coureur jaloers op is.
Toch 2,5 sterren omdat ik nu meer over zijn race carrière weet en het audioboek werd ingesproken door Bas van Werven
September 26, 2019
Okayish, but certainly not as good as his autobiography.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews