The Chariot Makers : Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car

Rating:
Summary: A great romp through the arcane world of F1
Review: Covering all aspects of the modern F1 car from nose cone to diffusers, Matchett serves up a masterful analysis of what's in an F1 car and why. Couched in the form of a chance encounter with F1 enthusiasts, his artful descriptions of the hyper technology and old fashioned elbow grease needed to extrude the final magnificent result are a pleasure to read.

To the enthusiast, this book will be a page turner. To the newbie, an approachable, non-condescending, very informative read.

However, the travelogue introduction and conclusion are a bit of an indulgence. They do, however, help the reader get to know Steve the person, reminding us that he is in some ways a regular guy who eats at diners in Manhattan and sips coffee in Paris, in addition to being at the pinnacle of the motorsport-journalist world, and enshrined in F1 hall-of-fame-of-the-mind for his role in the 1994 World Championship.

Rating:
Summary: Steve Matchett is the best
Review: I have read all of Steve's books and am again so pleased with his latest addition. "The Chariot Makers" is a clearly written, funny and informative account of what goes into the production of a modern day F1.
Steve spells out the differences that make a winning car and the incredible degrees taken by F1 teams to make a difference in the cars. As a reader, Steve's passion for the sport and his vast knowledge make this a quick read.
I was disappointed when I got to the last chapter! I didn't wnat the book to end.
If you are interested in the subjects that Steve comments on during the Speedtv broadcasts, this is your book. If you are more interested in life behind the sport, try "A Mechanic's Tale"...

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating intro to F1 technology
Review: I'm a big F1 fan and enjoy listening to Matchett's commentary on the Speed F1 broadcasts. He's intelligent, well-spoken and has a deep base of knowledge of the F1 universe. This book literally picks Matchett's brain for every scrap of knowledge about the mechanics and science (and art) of Formula 1 racecar design. It's built around a somewhat affected premise of a long airplane flight conversation with some fictional F1 fans. This is the only part of the book that feels a little weak. He doesn't write fiction as well as facts, and his new-found friends come off sounding like a group of wealthy British twits. One even asks Steve "What say you, old man?". Please tell me no one still says things like that.

I still strongly recommend this book. I learned a lot about F1 car design and the science of racing in general, as well as some interesting background on the people involved in the sport.

Rating:
Summary: The best single book on the F1 car, no question.
Review: This is readable, educational, funny, and really useful. If I had to suggest a single book on the F1 car, this is it, without question. You will learn the historical development of all the aspects of the modern F1 car, and why Matchett thinks some approaches are better than others. The aspects, such as engine, transmission, aero, monocoque, and connections are explained with the best clarity I've ever found. I liked his other books. This one is, in my view, his best. I kept thinking, "Oh, now I understand!" I've read more technical books. This one gives you knowledge and understanding.