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How To Be An F1 Driver: My Guide To Life In The Fast Lane
In his 17 years as a Formula 1 driver, Jenson Button has picked up a thing or two about how to do the job properly. Sure, you need to be able to drive a car fast - and Jenson is on hand to pass on a few tricks of the trade here - but you also need to know the real rules for making it to the top.
Like, how to tell a multiple F1 champion they need to check their blind-spot. What the difference is between a helmet and a hat, and indeed a 'helmet-hat'. How to practise your champagne spray ahead of the big day. Why it is never, ever, under any circumstances a good idea to buy a yacht. And how to face down your team when you've just stacked their multi-million-pound car into a wall during practice.
But 'JB' (nicknames in F1 run the full range from initials to, well, just using first names) doesn't stop there. HTBAF1D (catchy) lifts the lid on the people, the places, the weird rituals, the motorhomes, the media, the cars, the perks and the disasters. Join Jenson as he reveals how not to race a stupid big truck, why driving Le Mans is like having five shots of tequila before lunch, and what to do when you finally hang up your helmet-hat.
Like, how to tell a multiple F1 champion they need to check their blind-spot. What the difference is between a helmet and a hat, and indeed a 'helmet-hat'. How to practise your champagne spray ahead of the big day. Why it is never, ever, under any circumstances a good idea to buy a yacht. And how to face down your team when you've just stacked their multi-million-pound car into a wall during practice.
But 'JB' (nicknames in F1 run the full range from initials to, well, just using first names) doesn't stop there. HTBAF1D (catchy) lifts the lid on the people, the places, the weird rituals, the motorhomes, the media, the cars, the perks and the disasters. Join Jenson as he reveals how not to race a stupid big truck, why driving Le Mans is like having five shots of tequila before lunch, and what to do when you finally hang up your helmet-hat.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2019
136 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
December 9, 2021
It's sad to discover a new passion and find it is impossible to pursue. I've always loved cars, but going racing in Daytona, and doing 3 laps myself, really made me want to be involved. I can't pursue it as a spectator because I don't live in the US or Europe. I can't pursue it to drive, which I'd quite like to do, because I don't have the $2 million a year that the ex-bf spent on racing. I am reduced to reading books and sitting on a bench outside a fancy hotel in Miami with the bf (or FwB, hmm) for a couple of hours discussing all the beautiful cars that drive past us. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, a Bugatti and an Aston Martin, Porsches, McLarens and even aan old E-type Jaguar. Waste of time, right?
__________
"I love the fact that they're not making the car beautiful to make it beautiful beause that's how it looks when you design a car aerodynamically." That expresses why my favourite art is form following function. Formula 1, almost all the performance sports cars and racing cars. But I also love pickups, Concorde, Swan yachts, the metal piping for water etc outside buildings in the US (usually painted brilliant colours), bamboo scaffolding in the Far East, but most of all cranes.
Back in my sailing years, I spent six months sailing from the UK to the Canary Islands, the skipper was too cheap to go into marinas usually, so we had to tie up in the docks. I loved it. All these cranes silhouetted against the sky like post-nuclear-holocaust birds. There were so many different ones and they all had that stretched-out beauty, reaching upward and outward, or just standing around, all the proportions were perfect.
What's ironic is that I got an art scholarship on my colour ability and I'm much more a pattern-maker than anything else. I like glass and light and colour. So did K. What a combination, a shared love of art (but he could afford to commission it) and cars, and it went nowhere because he was the protypical rich racing car playboy. He was livin' the dream. His anyway.
I've been studying NASCAR, loads of links I'm still following. I really want to understand how it all works. This book was an enjoyable read, it was interesting reading about Jason Button's racing life. He writes almost as well as he drives!
__________
Daytona got me. Doing three laps in a Corvette hooked me. I won't say I'm exactly over K, the racing car driver or swanning around in Ferraris and Aston Martins, as I watch Youtube videos of him racing (he has a camera in the cockpit), but it's kind of lessening, and my desire to go racing again is raging in me, a real passion. But meeting K was a one in a lifetime event, my Harlequin summer, I'll never meet another man who loves racing and has a couple of million a year to spend on his hobby. So I thought I would read about it instead :-)
__________
"I love the fact that they're not making the car beautiful to make it beautiful beause that's how it looks when you design a car aerodynamically." That expresses why my favourite art is form following function. Formula 1, almost all the performance sports cars and racing cars. But I also love pickups, Concorde, Swan yachts, the metal piping for water etc outside buildings in the US (usually painted brilliant colours), bamboo scaffolding in the Far East, but most of all cranes.
Back in my sailing years, I spent six months sailing from the UK to the Canary Islands, the skipper was too cheap to go into marinas usually, so we had to tie up in the docks. I loved it. All these cranes silhouetted against the sky like post-nuclear-holocaust birds. There were so many different ones and they all had that stretched-out beauty, reaching upward and outward, or just standing around, all the proportions were perfect.
What's ironic is that I got an art scholarship on my colour ability and I'm much more a pattern-maker than anything else. I like glass and light and colour. So did K. What a combination, a shared love of art (but he could afford to commission it) and cars, and it went nowhere because he was the protypical rich racing car playboy. He was livin' the dream. His anyway.
I've been studying NASCAR, loads of links I'm still following. I really want to understand how it all works. This book was an enjoyable read, it was interesting reading about Jason Button's racing life. He writes almost as well as he drives!
__________
Daytona got me. Doing three laps in a Corvette hooked me. I won't say I'm exactly over K, the racing car driver or swanning around in Ferraris and Aston Martins, as I watch Youtube videos of him racing (he has a camera in the cockpit), but it's kind of lessening, and my desire to go racing again is raging in me, a real passion. But meeting K was a one in a lifetime event, my Harlequin summer, I'll never meet another man who loves racing and has a couple of million a year to spend on his hobby. So I thought I would read about it instead :-)
December 31, 2019
While I enjoyed his last book, this one to me is slightly better. The style is more conversational. It feels more like a chat down the pub, and it's full of witty little asides. It covers some of the same areas as the previous book, but approaches from a different perspective. So we get the story of his big purchases, the yacht and the mobile home. What life is like as a driver in a day to day basis, what the team expects him to do, and how he does it.
Then there's the new stuff, the super GT racing. The Le Mans race and the rest of the WEC. Starting a new career as a pundit and as a father. What life is like living outside the F1 bubble and having to learn how to be normal and do things for himself. There's an interesting chapter in his own mental health and the panic attacks he used to suffer from.
Along the way there's all the advice that may be useful to aspiring racers, all the stuff he wished he'd known years ago. From the importance of knowing how the car works to the best way to spray Champagne.
I loved this, and while there may be faster drivers in the grid, this is the one i'd most like to have a drink with
Then there's the new stuff, the super GT racing. The Le Mans race and the rest of the WEC. Starting a new career as a pundit and as a father. What life is like living outside the F1 bubble and having to learn how to be normal and do things for himself. There's an interesting chapter in his own mental health and the panic attacks he used to suffer from.
Along the way there's all the advice that may be useful to aspiring racers, all the stuff he wished he'd known years ago. From the importance of knowing how the car works to the best way to spray Champagne.
I loved this, and while there may be faster drivers in the grid, this is the one i'd most like to have a drink with
January 24, 2021
How I read this: borrowed through BookBeat audio subscription
For someone like me who has never known basically anything about F1, this was great fun. Jenson Button has a great sense of humor, and the information and insider's view to the world of elite racing was definitely interesting for me.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
For someone like me who has never known basically anything about F1, this was great fun. Jenson Button has a great sense of humor, and the information and insider's view to the world of elite racing was definitely interesting for me.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
October 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this book
October 13, 2022
Good read with tips and memories. I remember button very well in F1 I’ve also read his book on becoming world champion just his autobiography book to go now can’t wait.
January 24, 2020
A very easy read due to the relaxed style, but no big revelations or deep anecdotes, seems like a missed opportunity. Also for a short book, I lost count of how many times he mentioned that he’s a dad now, he lives in California or his partners name...
October 15, 2021
Highly *not* recommended. Watch FORMULA ONE: DRIVE TO SURVIVE instead
October 20, 2019
Distinctly average with an underlying smugness, just like the author at his 'book signing' last night!
A few entertaining stories from behind the scenes of F1 but if you've seen recent interviews promoting this then you'll have already heard all the interesting parts.
Would make a great stocking filler but wait until it's half price, definitely not worth the £20 cover price, even for a signed copy!
What a disappointment.
A few entertaining stories from behind the scenes of F1 but if you've seen recent interviews promoting this then you'll have already heard all the interesting parts.
Would make a great stocking filler but wait until it's half price, definitely not worth the £20 cover price, even for a signed copy!
What a disappointment.
October 6, 2023
This book is two things:
1. An awful lot of fun, and
2. The predominant reason I'm now desperate to get back on a karting track ASAP.
Button, or JB I should say in proper F1 style, has an abundance of amusing stories to tell from his 17 years in Formula 1, and the book hurtles through them in a way that is both informative and hilarious.
I adored the insights into the life of an F1 driver in the 2000s (from the outrageous motorhomes to the who's-got-the-biggest-boat competitiveness), which revealed a fair few surprises. It was also great fun to hear about Jenson's "lazy playboy" reputation in the earlier days (or as the TikTok girlies put it, his infamous sl*g era) from the man himself, and he definitely had a few Monaco-based tales which raised my eyebrows a few centimetres. At times the humour strays over into eye-rollingly puerile, but for the most part, it elicited a good chuckle from me.
Not to be too dramatic but F1 is my true love, my passion, my joie de vivre, if you will, and so I would say I have a fairly decent knowledge of the sport. As a result, there were parts of the book where JB explains the basics of F1 that anyone who's watched a couple of races will already be fairly familiar with, which I found a tad dry. This isn't necessarily a bad thing for the book, and would make it a brilliant introduction for new fans, but just be warned that if you do already know a thing or two about motorsports, there might be sections which aren't particularly interesting. Although with that said, there certainly are enough little anecdotes sprinkled through that I hadn't heard before to keep the book engaging.
Take, for example, this small section about the Button-Vettel rivalry of 2010:
Heartwarming stuff.
1. An awful lot of fun, and
2. The predominant reason I'm now desperate to get back on a karting track ASAP.
Button, or JB I should say in proper F1 style, has an abundance of amusing stories to tell from his 17 years in Formula 1, and the book hurtles through them in a way that is both informative and hilarious.
I adored the insights into the life of an F1 driver in the 2000s (from the outrageous motorhomes to the who's-got-the-biggest-boat competitiveness), which revealed a fair few surprises. It was also great fun to hear about Jenson's "lazy playboy" reputation in the earlier days (or as the TikTok girlies put it, his infamous sl*g era) from the man himself, and he definitely had a few Monaco-based tales which raised my eyebrows a few centimetres. At times the humour strays over into eye-rollingly puerile, but for the most part, it elicited a good chuckle from me.
Not to be too dramatic but F1 is my true love, my passion, my joie de vivre, if you will, and so I would say I have a fairly decent knowledge of the sport. As a result, there were parts of the book where JB explains the basics of F1 that anyone who's watched a couple of races will already be fairly familiar with, which I found a tad dry. This isn't necessarily a bad thing for the book, and would make it a brilliant introduction for new fans, but just be warned that if you do already know a thing or two about motorsports, there might be sections which aren't particularly interesting. Although with that said, there certainly are enough little anecdotes sprinkled through that I hadn't heard before to keep the book engaging.
Take, for example, this small section about the Button-Vettel rivalry of 2010:
On the podium at Abu Dhabi in 2010 when he'd won the Championship and thus taken it off me, he said, "I'm really happy to be standing up here with you, it really means a lot," which was a very cool moment, because the previous year we'd been on that same podium and I was world champion and he was the guy who has been fighting me for it. So, yes, we've always had a good relationship.
Heartwarming stuff.
January 5, 2022
I do like Jenson Button. I think he's such a nice guy and I love his sense of humour, which he also shows in his writing. He did make me chuckle multiple times and I love it that he doesn't take himself too serious.
I think any F1 fan would enjoy this, but one thing that confused me was that he swayed between different motorsports. While the majority of this book is about Formula One, there are two random chapters in between where he talks about the Baja 1000 and Le Mans. And then he goes back to F1.
Didn't really understand this kind of structure, since there wasn't some kind of connection between those chapters, but I did enjoy his writing. I also liked his chapter about working for Sky as a former F1 driver.
I think any F1 fan would enjoy this, but one thing that confused me was that he swayed between different motorsports. While the majority of this book is about Formula One, there are two random chapters in between where he talks about the Baja 1000 and Le Mans. And then he goes back to F1.
Didn't really understand this kind of structure, since there wasn't some kind of connection between those chapters, but I did enjoy his writing. I also liked his chapter about working for Sky as a former F1 driver.
July 19, 2022
This was fun! I've been a fan of F1 for years now, I started watching round about when Button hit his peak, so reading about his experience from his POV was interesting. He also managed to keep me entertained when he was talking about some of the not so fan aspects of the sport, so props to him for his storytelling skills. All in all, an entertaining book, perfect for F1 fans.
February 25, 2025
How To Be An F1 Driver: My Guide To Life In The Fast Lane by Jenson Button offers readers a thrilling and humorous insight into the world of Formula 1 racing, as told by one of its most charismatic drivers. Unlike typical biographies that meticulously chronicle a driver’s career, Button’s book is less of a linear narrative and more a collection of experiences, anecdotes, and lessons from his time on and off the track.
From the very start, it’s clear that Button doesn’t take himself too seriously. His voice is light-hearted, often self-deprecating, and refreshingly candid. This tone sets him apart from many of his contemporaries in the sports memoir genre, who often focus on their achievements or dramatize their hardships. Button, instead, gives us a peek behind the curtain into the realities of being an F1 driver, without the pretense. He balances humor with the occasional deep insight into the pressures of elite motorsport.
Structurally, the book is divided into various topics, rather than following a strict chronological timeline. These topics cover everything from the strange superstitions of drivers to the adrenaline-fueled reality of racing at 200mph. It’s a light and accessible read, making it a perfect introduction to F1 for casual fans while offering enough personal anecdotes to keep hardcore enthusiasts entertained.
"It’s not all champagne and podiums, sometimes it’s just being soaked in sweat while a mechanic tries to fix your car mid-race."
One of the strongest aspects of the book is Button’s ability to demystify the life of an F1 driver. He breaks down technical aspects of the sport, while also giving humorous accounts of drivers’ personalities, rivalries, and even the sometimes absurd demands from sponsors. The blend of technical insight and comedic storytelling is where Button truly shines, as seen in his recounting of driver feuds or the time he was asked to drive a Formula 1 car in a tuxedo for a commercial shoot.
Comparison with Contemporary F1 Biographies:
How To Be An F1 Driver vs. Lewis Hamilton's My Story: While Hamilton’s memoir leans more towards introspection and themes of perseverance, Button’s book is more of a fun ride through the fast lane of F1 life. Where Hamilton delves into the emotional struggles of being a minority in a predominantly white sport, Button focuses on the lighter, more everyday quirks of being a driver.
How To Be An F1 Driver vs. Mark Webber's Aussie Grit: In contrast to Webber’s more intense, driven narrative, Button’s book feels like a leisurely chat over drinks. Webber writes with a chip on his shoulder, detailing battles with the Red Bull team and rival Sebastian Vettel, whereas Button’s tales of competition are more lighthearted and anecdotal.
However, there are moments when Button brushes over the darker sides of F1, like the inherent dangers or the internal politics, in favor of a humorous take. This could be a bit disappointing for readers hoping for a more detailed behind-the-scenes exploration of the sport’s cutthroat nature. While Button’s breezy style is a joy to read, it sometimes skips the emotional weight present in other F1 biographies. If you’re looking for deep personal revelations, this book might fall short in that department.
Another potential shortcoming is that the book doesn’t offer much in terms of Button’s life outside the F1 world. We get glimpses—such as his love for triathlons—but these are more footnotes than full chapters. For readers who are curious about Button the man, beyond his racing persona, there may be a sense of something missing.
Conclusion: Jenson Button’s How To Be An F1 Driver is an entertaining, accessible read that pulls back the curtain on the world of Formula 1 with wit and charm. While it may not dig deep into personal struggles or the darker side of the sport, it more than makes up for it with humor, candid observations, and Button’s laid-back personality. If you’re looking for a light, amusing take on life as an F1 driver, this book will keep you grinning from start to finish.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆ ☆ (3/5)
January 1, 2023
dilf
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5
A fun, easy read by the 2009 Formula One World Champion, Jenson Button.
In this book, Button recounts fun and interesting anecdotes throughout his career as an F1 driver and since his retirement from the sport - from humorous, tongue-in-cheek things such as buying a yacht (and why you shouldn’t do it), to discussing the mental and physical requirements of an F1 driver.
This book doesn’t go into too much of the nitty gritty details of things (something I’m sure his other two biographies might do more), and just reading it certainly won’t make you F1 driver ready (you’ll still need the years of karting, junior formula and tens of millions of pounds spent for that), but it is a lot of fun and gives an interesting insight into “formulaoneville”. The writing is very accessible and easy to read - it’s almost conversational in reading.
All in all, How To Be An F1 Driver is a fun and easy read that fans of formula 1 will generally enjoy but those who aren’t necessarily followers of motorsport will still be able to pick up and easily follow.
December 8, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
Loved this. An excellent first-hand look into being an F1 driver. Very educational, even for someone who has been watching the sport for years. Jenson does a wonderful job at keeping the material light, entertaining, fascinating and educational without feeling bogged down or boring. Very conversational and witty. The half a star lost is purely because I would’ve like to have heard Jenson read it himself. Overall a great book!
Loved this. An excellent first-hand look into being an F1 driver. Very educational, even for someone who has been watching the sport for years. Jenson does a wonderful job at keeping the material light, entertaining, fascinating and educational without feeling bogged down or boring. Very conversational and witty. The half a star lost is purely because I would’ve like to have heard Jenson read it himself. Overall a great book!
June 16, 2022
Listened to on Audible. Great listen, especially for F1 fans. Fun facts and behind the scenes information!
September 24, 2023
it took me a month to finish but i've been super busy so that's why 😓 but it was fun otherwise
i ❤️ JB
i ❤️ JB
February 21, 2024
“I was getting flak, not only from the Press but also my boss, Flavio Briatore, who called me 'a lazy playboy'. Not true. I was a highly committed and industrious playboy.”
January 4, 2025
4.5 rounding up to 5
June 17, 2025
Listened to the audiobook! Very funny, kind of technical!
October 24, 2021
It was like meeting Jenson in a bar and asking every question you had about racing!
December 30, 2023
Quite interesting!
January 8, 2020
My wife used to imagine she had a crush on Jenson Button, a man with everything a girl could want: Tall, suave, well-spoken, successful and thoroughly cashed up, he was an utter charmer. I never took umbrage. You see, she had me. The first four of her criteria might be moot, but certainly not the last: I admit I never earned tens of millions of dollars by hopping in a car and driving it fast.
I've just read the book, How To Be An F1 Driver, written by Jenson Button, and released this week (in Australia). I am unable to say that nobody reading it will ever be one of the elite chosen to drive the fast and furious Grand Prix circuits, for I am not that prescient. I can say, though, that simply reading the book won't do the trick. Not on its own.
Where How To Be An F1 Driver scores is in opening up an understanding just how much work ethic is involved in ever getting established in the elite sport. Despite the use of humour and an element of tongue frequently planted cheekside, the underlying message is one of application and cooperation... and not making too many mistakes. The author highlights this early in the book. Retired, but still a contracted driver, he was called in for one last race at Monaco. Frustrated at being in last place and faster than the car ahead, he attempted a passing move that saw the other car tipped over on its side, its driver's head against the armco barriers (but thankfully unhurt).
As Button says, "I had the walk of shame back to the paddock (imagining the crowd thoughts), Wanker. He crashed while in last place," an example of his self-deprecating humour.
Written in 14 wide-ranging chapters, many of the headings continue the humorous bent: Being A Selfish Bastard (And Other Essential Skills); How Not To Buy A Yacht (And Other Lifestyle Choices); Champagne Spraying Is All In The Thumb, with others more prosaic and all, bottom line, with potential to offer some level of assistance to a young bloke coming up through the ranks. I think my favourite is Chapter 11, How To Not Quite, Not Nearly, Win Le Mans, but sorry, I'm not about to provide a spoiler!
I'm not a F1 driver, so am in no position to argue with anything Button has to say about competitive driving at that level. From a distance, though, I agree wholeheartedly with one observation he makes in relation to two of the sport's all-time greats, Ayrton Senna and 'The Professor' Alain Prost. "He (Prost) wasn't as quick as Ayrton over a lap but over a race he was just as fast. Prost was playing the marginal gains game before it ever hit town." Senna was hotheaded, flamboyant and brilliant, but the studious little Frenchman was then and remains to this day one of my favourites.
An enjoyable book in many ways, and one that might just appeal to a whole lot more than afficianados of a selfish sport, I am happy to recommend How To Be An F1 Driver.
3 1/2 stars.
I've just read the book, How To Be An F1 Driver, written by Jenson Button, and released this week (in Australia). I am unable to say that nobody reading it will ever be one of the elite chosen to drive the fast and furious Grand Prix circuits, for I am not that prescient. I can say, though, that simply reading the book won't do the trick. Not on its own.
Where How To Be An F1 Driver scores is in opening up an understanding just how much work ethic is involved in ever getting established in the elite sport. Despite the use of humour and an element of tongue frequently planted cheekside, the underlying message is one of application and cooperation... and not making too many mistakes. The author highlights this early in the book. Retired, but still a contracted driver, he was called in for one last race at Monaco. Frustrated at being in last place and faster than the car ahead, he attempted a passing move that saw the other car tipped over on its side, its driver's head against the armco barriers (but thankfully unhurt).
As Button says, "I had the walk of shame back to the paddock (imagining the crowd thoughts), Wanker. He crashed while in last place," an example of his self-deprecating humour.
Written in 14 wide-ranging chapters, many of the headings continue the humorous bent: Being A Selfish Bastard (And Other Essential Skills); How Not To Buy A Yacht (And Other Lifestyle Choices); Champagne Spraying Is All In The Thumb, with others more prosaic and all, bottom line, with potential to offer some level of assistance to a young bloke coming up through the ranks. I think my favourite is Chapter 11, How To Not Quite, Not Nearly, Win Le Mans, but sorry, I'm not about to provide a spoiler!
I'm not a F1 driver, so am in no position to argue with anything Button has to say about competitive driving at that level. From a distance, though, I agree wholeheartedly with one observation he makes in relation to two of the sport's all-time greats, Ayrton Senna and 'The Professor' Alain Prost. "He (Prost) wasn't as quick as Ayrton over a lap but over a race he was just as fast. Prost was playing the marginal gains game before it ever hit town." Senna was hotheaded, flamboyant and brilliant, but the studious little Frenchman was then and remains to this day one of my favourites.
An enjoyable book in many ways, and one that might just appeal to a whole lot more than afficianados of a selfish sport, I am happy to recommend How To Be An F1 Driver.
3 1/2 stars.
May 28, 2024
rating: 4 out of 5 stars
i listened to this as an audiobook and it was quite fun. kind of like a podcast or interview. i liked how everything was a bunch of little lists. it was fun to hear jenson’s insights to f1 and being a driver. don’t have much else to say other than i adore jenson button a lot.
i listened to this as an audiobook and it was quite fun. kind of like a podcast or interview. i liked how everything was a bunch of little lists. it was fun to hear jenson’s insights to f1 and being a driver. don’t have much else to say other than i adore jenson button a lot.
February 7, 2020
Actual Rating: 3.75/5 stars
I love reading about F1 and this was no exception. I didn't enjoy this as much as Jenson's previous book. I love the technical detail but it was a bit heavy to read through at times. I did love reading about his presenting work and his experience at Le Mans though!
I love reading about F1 and this was no exception. I didn't enjoy this as much as Jenson's previous book. I love the technical detail but it was a bit heavy to read through at times. I did love reading about his presenting work and his experience at Le Mans though!
January 7, 2020
Very easy going
A nice change of pace from hard and heavy biographies
A nice change of pace from hard and heavy biographies
December 13, 2023
it’s like having a chat with that funny uncle who is just sooo endearing but it’s also like that meme of walter white where he’s like jesse what the fuck are you talking about
January 3, 2024
it’s jb, i love anything he does
March 11, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Burping the theme tune to Jaws."
Often referred to by commentators in the past as an Ambassador for Formula I, one time world champion, Jenson Button reveals to the ardent fans a little of what goes on behind the scenes - the rivalry between team mates, the unrealistic expectations of rookie drivers who come in believing that speed is enough, the complexities of the car and changes that have occurred over the past couple of decades since Button first took the F1 car's wheel. In a relaxed conversational style, he talks about his personal drive, his father, his fatherhood to be, the ongoing love for motor sports and 'growing up'. For any F1 fan, this book is a fascinating insight into that racing world.
The book is not narrated by Jenson Button, himself, although he does give an introduction, stating that he's a driver not a narrator - that he leaves to the professiona!s. And Jack Hawkins gives a very good rendering of the book, his voice not too dissimilar to that of the authod, the nuanced way in which he speaks captured pretty well. But Henson was wrong: it should have been him reading to fully invest what he is writing with a passion that only his all too distinctive voice could give. Perhaps then the frequent sentence repetition would have sounded more authentic, less contrived.
How to be an F1 Driver, is a very enjoyable listen for any long time F1 fan. I personally enjoyed reading about the car controls, aerodynamics and downforce, written in so straightforward a way that even this totally non technical reader could understand. And I loved the anecdote about the race when Jenson could not remember how to start the car - he was in pole position, too, so no pressure ..
Some flawa, certainly, but if you enjoy motor sports, including Le Mans, this is a fun, must-read book.
"Burping the theme tune to Jaws."
Often referred to by commentators in the past as an Ambassador for Formula I, one time world champion, Jenson Button reveals to the ardent fans a little of what goes on behind the scenes - the rivalry between team mates, the unrealistic expectations of rookie drivers who come in believing that speed is enough, the complexities of the car and changes that have occurred over the past couple of decades since Button first took the F1 car's wheel. In a relaxed conversational style, he talks about his personal drive, his father, his fatherhood to be, the ongoing love for motor sports and 'growing up'. For any F1 fan, this book is a fascinating insight into that racing world.
The book is not narrated by Jenson Button, himself, although he does give an introduction, stating that he's a driver not a narrator - that he leaves to the professiona!s. And Jack Hawkins gives a very good rendering of the book, his voice not too dissimilar to that of the authod, the nuanced way in which he speaks captured pretty well. But Henson was wrong: it should have been him reading to fully invest what he is writing with a passion that only his all too distinctive voice could give. Perhaps then the frequent sentence repetition would have sounded more authentic, less contrived.
How to be an F1 Driver, is a very enjoyable listen for any long time F1 fan. I personally enjoyed reading about the car controls, aerodynamics and downforce, written in so straightforward a way that even this totally non technical reader could understand. And I loved the anecdote about the race when Jenson could not remember how to start the car - he was in pole position, too, so no pressure ..
Some flawa, certainly, but if you enjoy motor sports, including Le Mans, this is a fun, must-read book.
April 24, 2025
A few months ago, I set out on an internet deep dive to find a shortlist of the best Formula 1 books, and this one repeatedly showed up at the top of people's rankings of best books written by a driver. Boy, were they right because this book was beyond incredible. F1 World Champion Jenson Button takes us on a journey through the ins and outs of Formula 1, both on and off the track, through the lens of his career. The narrative is witty and conversational and an absolute blast to read, and I learned so much about the cars, aerodynamics, the race weekend, how to drive the car, winning, losing, developing relationships throughout the sport, buying yachts and motorhomes, and much more. Bonus points for his stories in karting, off-roading, endurance racing, and Super GT. This guy straight up loves to drive, no matter what kind of racing it is, and his narratives from F1 and beyond brought a new appreciation for how different each series is and how physically and mentally demanding racing can be. As a second-year fan of F1 who never got to see Jenson drive, this book was a great account of his career and an excellent crash course in all things Formula 1, and I want to buy a copy for every racing fan I know. How To Be An F1 Driver is a phenomenal read and one I will be thinking about for a long time!
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