How to Build a Car

The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Formula 1 Designer

Kindle Edition, 521 pages

English language

Published Nov. 1, 2017 by Harper Collins.

ASIN:
B073TS2ZWN
Goodreads:
35819244
4 stars (1 review)

The world’s foremost designer in Formula One, Adrian Newey OBE is arguably one of Britain’s greatest engineers and this is his fascinating, powerful memoir.

How to Build a Car explores the story of Adrian’s unrivalled 35-year career in Formula One through the prism of the cars he has designed, the drivers he has worked alongside and the races in which he’s been involved.

A true engineering genius, even in adolescence Adrian’s thoughts naturally emerged in shape and form – he began sketching his own car designs at the age of 12 and took a welding course in his school summer holidays. From his early career in IndyCar racing and on to his unparalleled success in Formula One, we learn in comprehensive, engaging and highly entertaining detail how a car actually works. Adrian has designed for the likes of Mario Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Mika Hakkinen, …

4 editions

"How To Build A Car" is engaging.

4 stars

This book offers a fascinating mix of Adrian Newey's personal life, his accomplishments, his love for the drawing board, and different perspectives on racing, along with technical details of cars. Despite not having a strong background in car components and engineering, I was able to follow most of the technical details. However, if someone wants to read it solely for technical insights, I would not recommend it.

The book emphasizes the importance of aerodynamics in modern racing and F1 cars. It illustrates how regulation changes are introduced and enforced by the FIA, how teams adapt to these changes, and seek workarounds to enhance car performance, all while hoping that no other team comes up with better solutions the following year.

Additionally, it includes interesting stories, such as Newey’s experiences in American motorsports, Christian Horner getting picked up by bouncers, and Newey ruining Christian’s lawn.

Subjects

  • Biography
  • Motorsport