New Book Review: In the Pit Lane F1 Exposed by Garry Sloan
Positives
Negatives
Despite the massive COVID situation globally, the 2020 F1 season finally kicked off in Austria to much relief of fans. One thing COVID has exposed is how financially fragile many of the teams are and also how both the FIA and the new F1 owners Liberty Media really need to commercially tackle the thorny financial issues now laid bare.
Although published just before the season opening Australian GP, Garry Sloan’s “In the Pitlane F1 Exposed” is a look into the underbelly of modern F1 from team principals, sponsors and new owners Liberty Media itself.
The book in its original form is an ebook but is also available in physical paperback format which has been reviewed here. The narrative style reads more like a blog with 11 chapters ranging from:
- the recent participation of high profile billionaires to the sport like Vijay Mallya, Richard Branson and Lawrence Stroll
- looking at Bernie Ecclestone’s antics in courting of Vladimir Putin for the Russian GP and his expansion of new homogenous circuits to the detriment of the more technically challenging and historical race circuits.
- whether Lewis will move to Ferrari in future (obviously not in 2021 with Leclerc and Sainz now signed…)
- a deeper look at the more dubious activities of the major sponsors of each F1 team (the best chapter in my mind – some well researched forensic examination of team sponsors activities and teasing some questions as to their possible motives for F1 sponsorship).
- impact of pay TV on F1’s global audience numbers.
- a comical look at the “villians” in F1.
- some of the controversial changes the new owners of F1, Liberty Media have been looking to make to spice up the entertainment of the racing “product” (reverse grids anyone?)
The paperback only has B&W renditions of the colour photos (some of which are a little grainy).
As Garry Sloan mentions in his book, he’s already working on Volume 2 to this one – I hope some investigation in the mysterious confidential Ferrari engine breach settlement, the 2020 Melbourne GP/COVID debacle and the latest Racing Point RP20 alleged “clone” of the 2019 Mercedes W10 get a look in!
At 96 pages, this is a light and entertaining read – particularly for those fans who are interested in the commercial business side of F1.
Ed note: Review copy provided courtesy of In the Pitlane Publishing
Wow factor/money shot: No exclusive photos here but chapter 8 (F1’s Dirty money) is the best.
Suitable for: business F1 fans
