How to Win a Grand Prix

By: Bernie Collins with Maurice Hamilton; Publish Date: 2024; Publisher: Quercus Editions Ltd. (UK), Hardcover, 320 pages

As we roll into 2025, I thought I’d rekindle my series of book reviews throughout the coming year. There will be some new release titles along with some old favorites. Some were purchased new, some have been kindly autographed by the author, and some were found in antique and used bookstores. Those books ‘in particular’ I like to call my ‘diamonds in the rough’. Old or new they have a special place in my collection.

The first book I’d like to recommend is ‘How to Win a Grand Prix’, by Bernie Collins (written with Maurice Hamilton). I received this book as a Christmas present from my son, and it really impressed me. Bernie Collins has had a very impressive career in Formula 1 as a Performance Engineer and Race Strategist, for teams such as McLaren, Force India, and finally Aston Martin. In 2022 she began her F1 media career with F1TV, and in 2023 with Sky Sports for F1 analysis coverage. And this book clearly illustrates that she knows what she’s taking about!

I’ve read many books that touch on various aspects and intricacies of planning, design, testing, race craft, etc., but I’ve never come across a book that walks the reader through each stage in such a thoughtful and complete manner. It’s very detailed but also very readable for fans of all levels of interest. You as the reader get into the mindset of a performance engineer and then are walked through the steps to implement those designs, developments, and improvements into the race car, which then are put into a race strategy. Each plan having to adapt individually and specifically for different track and weather condition situations.

I look forward to re-reading this book in the coming years. It’s a great resource to remind ones-self of the complexity that is top tier world class racing, and the commitment needed to get it right and succeed. Enjoy!

TJ…..2025