"A lot of people criticize Formula One as an unnecessary risk. But what would be life be like if we only did what was necessary?."¹
Its 1976, track is Nürburgring of German Grand Prix. As the Ferrari speeds past spectators at 150mph, it suddenly gets into a shunt, rebounds onto the circuit, petrol tank flying through the air and bursts into flames. After spending 50 seconds in this fireball of 800 degree celsius full of toxic fumes, fortunately the driver is dragged out of the inferno.
What happened to the racer, news headline the next day presents that like: " My God, where is his face?. "
The survivor of this horrible crash was one of the resilient and forever-known driver to many sports fans, who don't even watch Formula-1, the racer known as Niki Lauda*.
After recovering from this horrifying accident, Niki won two world championships, and for two world class Formula-1 car designers, Ferrari and McLaren.
In this autobiography, Niki tells about his story from childhood to entering into motor racing. He belonged to one of the elite Austrian families but always found fascination in daring and risk taking adventures, and was never attracted to studies, loved working with cars and when got a chance to participate in Formula-3, he jumped at it and paved his way to Formula-1 with consistent struggle and negotiation skills, which is a superpower of Niki Lauda. As far as Niki's personality is concerned, he is famous among Formula-1 racers as an emotion-less and stone-hearted man who always challenged the status quo.
Always challenging status quo is the specialty of Niki, whether its fighting with FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) for rights of drivers or going against Austrian Air's monopoly by establishing Lauda Air.
In this book, Niki has beautifully explained mechanics involved in Formula-1 racing, from car design, engine throughput to driver's split-second decisions, which can make him the world champion or may lead to accidents like Nürburging. He also highlights politics and money which has now creeped and established its roots within Formula-1 racing especially now when the game has gone global and has million of spectators.
Author takes reader through timeline of Formula-1, from 12-cylinder engines to wing-era, to turbo-engine, to fixed volume fuel tank, and to more safer moto racing. Author also emphasizes on key parameter of driver's success, communications; communicating not only with the crew but also with the car itself.
In conclusion, this book will put the reader behind the wheel, creates same adrenaline as felt by drivers in the cockpit and presents the most reckless, life-threatening sport as said by Hemingway;
"There are only three sports - bullfighting, mountaineering and motor racing. The rest are merely games."
*Author: Niki Lauda
Readers may also watch the movie Rush (2013), made on Niki Lauda and his rivalry with another racer, James Hunt. An epic blockbuster played marvelously by actors, Daniel Brühl (as Niki) and Chris Hemsworth (as Hunt).
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