Reviewed by Richard Tutin
It’s always interesting when a governing sports body calls its prize event a circus. It can mean one of two things. They may be referring to the event’s peripatetic nature as it travels the world through the year, or it could refer to the behind-the-scenes dramas and semi-dramas that assist the media in its quest for tantalising headlines and interviews. In the case of Formula One racing, it is all of this and more.
Formula One Down Under with its focus on Australia’s Grand Prix History brings together stories behind each of the Formula One Races that have been held here since 1985. This does not mean that we did not have a car racing scene prior to this time. Far from it. Australians have been building and racing cars since the 1920’s and had its own Grand Prix race for many years that attracted many drivers who received great respect and fame such as Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.
1985 marked the first Australian Grand Prix held as part of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s Formula 1 World Championship hence the focus of Formula One Down Under is on this aspect of Australia’s long and continuing motorsport history.
There is a lot to like about this book. Each year from 1985-2022 has its own dedicated chapter. The narrative covers both the race itself and the events leading up to it as teams and drivers work to qualify for their starting place on the track. Developments in car specifications and safety features for that year are also covered. The chapters also tell the story of the work and effort that goes into preparing a team for a Grand Prix event. This includes the never-ending search for sponsorship, car components and drivers.
While the words are good to read the visuals that accompany them are a highlight of the book. The photos of the races, cars and drivers contribute to the richness of the stories being told.
Records are made and broken each year not just by the drivers and their cars but also in the stands surrounding the circuit. Attendance numbers have grown as the years have gone by. The Grand Prix attracts both the ordinary Australian as well as celebrities from around the world. Former Beatle the late George Harrison was a frequent attender both in Adelaide and Melbourne where the race has been held. The increasing numbers attending each year add to the circus atmosphere that has grown around the race and its support acts.
The book offers some interesting pieces of information. Who knew for example that Michael Schumacher, one of the greatest Formula One drivers, had never won an Australian Grand Prix until the race in 2000 even though he was a prolific winner everywhere else in the world? It’s these small snippets of racing history that assist in making this book a pleasure to read.
Formula One Down Under is a sizable tome. It’s more suited to be kept on the coffee table than on a shelf where it can be easily picked up and browsed through. Motor racing enthusiasts will no doubt refer to it again and again as they relive the memories of one of World’s greatest races when the Formula One circus makes its annual pilgrimage Down Under.
Formula One Down Under: Australian Grand Prix History
(2023)
Gelding Street Press, Rockpool Publishing
ISBN 978 192278 530 5
$39.99; 308pp