Book Review: Formula One Circuits from Above (2019 Edition) by Bruce Jones

Back in 2015, I posted a review of Bruce Jones’ “Formula One Circuits from Above” which featured F1 track profiles of circuits featured in the 2014 season calendar (& some historical circuits) using Google Earth satellite photography. The new 2019 edition is updated to include the newer tracks on the F1 calendar.

What’s new in the 2019 edition vs 2014 edition?

• Paul Ricard replaces Magny Cour
• Red Bull Ring is added
• Baku is added
• Yas Marina – Great Drivers & Moments is added
• Sakhir – Great Drivers & Moments is added
• Marina Bay – Great Drivers & Moments is added
• Circuit of the Americas – Great Drivers & Moments is added
• Mexico City is added

But…

• Old Nurburgring is gone
• Brands Hatch is gone
• Zandvoort is gone
• Estoril is gone
• Indianapolis is gone
• Watkins Glen is gone

The chapter structure is still the same format as previous – its 8 pages per circuit. The first page is a brief historic overview of the circuit with a large photo opposite, 2 page Google Earth aerial photo with corners and gear marker followed by 2 page circuit guide explaining each of the track corners with final 2 pages highlighting the 5 most successful drivers at the circuit and 5 memorable grand prix moments.

Naturally this 2nd edition has more recent photographs – eg. Max Verstappen’s in the RB14 winning the 2018 Mexican GP, Daniel Riccardo victory in Hungary 2014.

While new tracks have been added – Imola, Adelaide, Buenos Aires are the only historic circuits still featured. Given Google Earth is used, it would have been useful to feature changes to the circuits over the years.

The real issue I have with this book now is that Google maps in 2019 has so many advanced features like 3D terrain rotation and track corners names & tagged (just like the book)- exploring the circuits online via Google maps using your desktop web browser is a much more rich experience that the 2D aerial photos in a book.

Wow Factor/Money Shot: Fernando Alonso’s disintegrating McLaren airborne at La Source after being shunted by LeClerc’s Sauber at 2018 Belgium GP at Spa.

Suitable for: Modern F1 fans