Images (c) Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
The official, access-all-areas inside story of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team.
A sunday times bestseller
‘This book lifts the lid on what life is really like inside our team and it has been based on unprecedented access – nobody has ever been this close to what happens behind the scenes.’ Toto Wolff
With exclusive and unprecedented access to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, award-winning writer Matt Whyman charts the journey of the Silver Arrows as they face their greatest challenge: the race back to the front. Once untouchable, the winner of seven Drivers' World Championships and eight consecutive Constructors' World Championships confront the reality of no longer being F1's top dog.
Whyman, fully embedded across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, follows decorated drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, Team Principal Toto Wolff, and the extraordinary men and women that design, build and race the team's cars as they fight back – on and off the track.
From the tension of pre-season testing to the thrill and glamour of race weekends – including blue riband events such as Silverstone, Monaco, and the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix – the book provides fascinating insight into the world of the fastest sport on earth and one of its most successful teams. Whyman reveals the pressure cooker environment of elite competition, shares the secrets of teamwork and high performance, and foregrounds the remarkable individuals who push to the limits in their quest for victory. The book will also include never-before-seen photographs of life inside the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team.
’Fascinating . . . compelling . . . a book not just about racing but about people and their characters in a time of adversity . . . the most illuminating look at the inner workings of an F1 team to date.’
The New York Times
‘Whyman gives a rare view into Mercedes’ F1 operation, where every detail counts toward victory. For business leaders, this book shows the importance of teamwork, precision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, key ingredients in driving a company forward.’
Forbes
‘Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane promises, and delivers, a unique behind-the-scenes look . . . It paints an authentic picture of how F1 teams operate.’
The Race
’A front-row seat to the inner workings of the eight-time constructors’ champions.’
The Mirror
‘Brutally honest.”
The Daily Mail
’A revealing and absorbing read.”
The Guardian
“A deep dive into the inner workings of the Mercedes F1 operation . . . Whyman throws himself right into the mix.”
Autosport
‘An in-depth look at the workings of Mercedes after the author spent 18 months with the team.’
Sports Illustrated
‘In the 75 year history of Formula 1, no team has ever achieved the level of consistent competitive greatness as Mercedes. In the secretive world of motorsport, nobody has ever been given this level of access to a team at this level, less still the one that redefined the sport. The result is an insightful and inspirational documentation of what it takes to compete at the very top, in the world’s most amazing sport.’
Will Buxton, F1 broadcaster and journalist
‘This is a must read for all F1 fans. My main takeaway is how jealous I am that Matt Whyman got to see inside one of the most famous and successful racing teams of all time. Mercedes have always had an air of mystery about them and that makes Matt’s findings and insight even more compelling. Matt isn’t just behind the scenes, he embeds himself right in the middle of the action’
Greg James, author and broadcaster
'From having the privilege of spending a few days with Mercedes, at the track and at Brackley, I know that Matt’s access to the inner workings of Formula 1 racing is unparalleled. Sharing extraordinary highs and lows, this is a fascinating view of the immense teamwork involved to compete at the very top.'
Gareth Southgate, former England football manager
'I’m extremely jealous of Matt Whyman. To get a chance to live inside a Formula One team (and not just any team, but the AMG Mercedes F1 Team!) for a whole year is an opportunity any fan or journalist could only dream of. Formula One is a contradictory culture. On the one hand it is ultra secretive, whilst on the other, it craves the life giving attention that propels its cars. So to invite a journalist in to take notes and then write all about it is an act of either extreme folly or an expression of supreme confidence. I think it’s probably the latter.'
Damon Hill, former F1 World Champion
Published by Century (UK) and Crown Publishing (USA).
Available in hardcover, ebook and audio.