How to Win a Grand Prix: From Pit Lane to Podium - the Inside Track

I’ve been a fan of F1 since the late 70’s and, to date, I’ve been to 34 Grands Prix all over Europe, so I had to read this book and if you’re a fan of F1 it’s one for you.We all have favourite drivers and teams and we all think this one or that one is the GOAT—Greatest Of All Time—but a driver and his team would be nothing without the hundreds of men and woman who do the hard work behind the scenes.From a small primary school in Maguiresbridge, Co. Fermanagh to Queen’s University in Belfast, Bernie Collins began her F1 career as a trainee with McLaren. Three years later she became a performance engineer. She joined Force India (later to become Aston Martin) and helped Force India finish 4th in the Constructors Championship. She currently works for SKY Sports as a race strategy analyst.In her book ‘How to Win a Grand Prix: From Pit Lane to Podium-the Inside Track,’ Bernie describes a Team Strategist’s job from prior to the season with a new car to build (that works), pre-season testing and then the many hours of hard work in the build up to the first race.She describes in detail each step from the three Free Practice sessions, qualifying and the race itself. The many scenarios and ‘what ifs’ needed to allow for changing conditions from everything such as an accident and safety car, to a few spots of rain suddenly throwing all their strategic plans out of the window.And it doesn’t end when the chequered flag is waved. The team go home with their new data and this is analysed in full in preparation for he then next race.The pressure is immense and it’s not about sitting back and letting the drivers do their thing. An interesting snipped Bernie mentioned was that, at one race, she was wearing a heart monitor and it was obvious from the print-out when the pit-stops took place as her heart rate spiked during them.I’ve read many biographies of drivers as well as books on various teams (though mostly ones on McLaren—the team I’ve followed since 1979) but this is one of the best behind-the-scenes accounts I’ve ever read.

Hard truth about the industry. Good insights to what strategy monitor and measure to facilitate maximum chance/opportunity to postion cars to score.Any easy read by great writer who's captured Bernie's story.

I have been interested in F1 for a long time, too long i sometimes think, but this book gave me a marvelous insight as to what happens away from the trackside/t.v. spectator side.The amount of work that goes into a F1 team in no way correlates to the images we see on Channel 4s two programmes over a G.P. weekend.Bernie along with her co-author take you on a journey into the beating heart of the team.The foray into the various depts within a team are insightful to a lay person who thought they knew a lot about this sport.The dynamics that have to co-exsist to move the team forward were a joy to read.Well worth a read.

It is what it is, I suppose. I'm 'Old school' in as much as I value the human element. The importance of the driver is what's most relevant to me.This book will explain how the teams attempt to negate any natural process with an aim to victory. It's actually quite depressing really. Any weakness? Then find another engineer to cover that aspect.Whilst I respect Bernie personal achievements, I don't think that she can see the wood for the trees as she quite innocently explains how teams work. That's simply been her life.Ironically, the best bits of the book are her own frailties as a human being! Otherwise, it's back to engineering and eking every last bit of performance from the tools available.Personally, I've always said you don't need 1,000 people to put 2 cars on the grid every 2 weeks. But unfortunately, that's where we are.If the engineering part of a Formula 1 team interests you, then you'll like this book. If you value the human interest side, then probably stay away.

A great read. Bought as a gift for a F1 fan and he loved it. 😍

Bernie goes into great detail about her career. It will probably require a second read to take it all in. A valuable insight to the behind the scenes activities in F1 racing. Well done Bernie.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Bernie provides a real insight into the various roles she has held in F1 especially as a strategist. Although I have followed the sport for around 50 years and have a pretty good idea of how things are managed, I learnt a great deal about the detail of all the processes that are followed and the decisions that have to be made, often instantaneously. It is a well written book. Thoroughly recommended for all followers of the sport,

My friend said it was a good book

Invaluable information about F1 from a reliable source and a great commentator

Bernie Collins is probably one of my favourite people in formula one to follow online so when I saw that she had written a book, I didn’t even think before buying it and it did not disappoint! It’s witty, and so knowledgeable about the world of formula racing as well as giving clever insights on how the teams work. If you like formula one, this is a must read! 10/10 will read again 🙌🏻

Good, clear writing. Helps understanding of the F1 racing process from the point of view of a knowledgeable team member.Recommended.