Book Review: F1 through the eyes of Damon Hill by Damon Hill
Positives
Negatives
After reliving the action packed, chaotic 1998 Belgium GP won by Damon Hill on Formula1.com F1 Rewind replay, I picked up an old copy of Damon’ book “F1 Through The Eyes of Damon Hill” which is a refreshing old fashioned F1 hardcover full of 90’s juicy narrative and excellent Keith Sutton photography.
With the opening chapters, the initial impression is the book might be Damon tracing his career from Jordan onwards but it turns out be also be more a reflection of his career up to that point.
Structured in ten chapters, the first chapter is Damon reflected on his attempts to land a McLaren seat with Adrian Newey after his exit from Williams and transition year with Arrows. He ends up signing with Eddie Jordan to be teamed with Ralf Schumacher and quickly discovering the ominous pre-testing form of the McLaren MP4/13.
Interestingly the next chapters, Damon talks personally about his driving technique (evolved from his motorbike racing), his early career, the F1 lifestyle, driver rivalry (including his famous clashes with Michael Schumacher), public privacy.
Chapter 8 is dedicated purely to recounting his win at drama filled at Spa which also chalked up Jordan’s maiden GP victory.
The Keith Sutton colour photography in the book is of course great, very much in the style of 90’s F1 magazines.
Old copies of this book can be had for a fraction of the original book price now through the usual online sites like ebay & amazon. So, for F1 fans looking for late 90’s F1 nostalgia, this isn’t a bad book if you can grab one at a marked down second hand price.
Wow factor/Money shot: The opening chapters
Suitable for: Damon & 90’s F1 fans.
