Formula Fast from Phaidon, by Matt Ralphs with illustrations by Dragan Kordic, is an illustrated guide to Formula One racing, exploring the world's fastest sport through superhuman drivers, legendary tracks and cutting-edge cars. I used to vaguely follow Formula One about forty years ago and my daughter Juliette is a big fan now, so I was pleased to see that the book includes names that we are both familiar with : Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Desiré Wilson but also Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
The book is an exciting, eye-catching look at the sport that will appeal to readers aged 8 and upwards. Each page is bright and colourful with simple to follow, short texts that even beginner readers will be able to deal with.
The book cleverly combines fascinating facts, detailed illustrations and technical insights to give an overview of the engineering, strategy and human skill behind Formula One. From record-breaking pit stops and high-tech steering wheels to the training that helps drivers withstand extreme G-forces, readers will discover how teams prepare for race day, how car design has evolved and how safety, diversity and sustainability are shaping modern F1.
The book includes a timeline of key developments that charts the sport's global rise and a glossary of terms that clearly explains the sport's essential technical vocabulary. Whether you are a big fan of the sport or just have your interest piqued by the title, everything is clear to understand and makes the sport more impressive. It is also educational, linking Formula One to STEM learning through real-world examples of physics, engineering and design.
Here are just a few of the fascinating facts to whet your whistle :
- The world record for the fastest pit stop is 1.8 seconds.
- Drivers can lose up to 3kg in sweat during a single race.
- Formula One cars act like upside-down airplane wings to "stick" to the track.
- Races take place on every continent except Antarctica.
- The first F1 drivers raced without helmets or seatbelts.
There are plenty more facts and figures inside the book that your kids will love to share with you !
RRP : £16.95
- Publisher : Phaidon Press
- Publication date : 28 Jan. 2026
- Edition : 1st
- Language : English
- Print length : 64 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1837290164
- ISBN-13 : 978-1837290161
- Item weight : 740 g
- Reading age : 8 - 12 years
- Dimensions : 25 x 1.2 x 30.5 cm
Formula Fast is available on amazon or in all good bookstores.
Disclosure : We received a review copy of the book in order to share our honest opinion.
