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The Mechanic

The Secret World of the F1 Pitlane

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About this listen

Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Mechanic, written and read by Marc 'Elvis' Priestley.

In the high octane atmosphere of the Formula One pit lane, the spotlight is most often on the superstar drivers. And yet, without the technical knowledge, competitive determination and outright obsession from his garage of mechanics, no driver could possibly hope to claim a spot on the podium. These are the guys who make every World Champion, and any mistakes can have critical consequences.

That's not to say the F1 crew is just a group of highly skilled technical engineers, tweaking machinery in wind tunnels and crunching data through high spec computers. These boys can seriously let their hair down. Whether it be parties on luxury yachts in Monaco or elaborate photo opportunities in gravity-defying aeroplanes, this is a world which thrills on and off the track.

Join McLaren's former Number One mechanic, Marc 'Elvis' Priestley as he tours the world, revealing some of Formula One's most outrageous secrets and the fiercest rivalries, all fuelled by the determination to win.

This is Formula One as you've never seen it before.

 Engineering Motor Sports Sports Inspiring Thought-Provoking Racing

Critic reviews

The principle is sound, as are the author’s credentials… [A] genuine attempt to reflect the day-to-day realities of a relentless life on the road. And it is relayed by someone who doesn’t feel duty-bound to toe the corporate line
Here we are privileged to have Marc’s take on the Formula 1 world from the inside… Marc was lucky enough to work alongside David Coulthard, Mika Hakkinen, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, among others, but it is his close relationship with Kimi Raikkonen that we gain most insight into as we read… In short, it is a must read for any F1 fan, and I can highly recommend (Sarah Merritt)
All stars
Most relevant
As a massive F1 fan for over 30 years this book was a great behind the scenes insight to the mythical world.

Very well written and well read by the author.

Always struggled concentrating and reading but audible is absolutely perfect for me whilst driving. Onto the next F1 book !

Absolutely cracking!

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loved it , lots of storys about Kimi! would listen to it over again

brilliant

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A brilliantly written book about the world of F1 from a mechanic’s point of view. Great stories about Kimi and the fall out in 2007 of Lewis and Fernando.

Brilliant book for fans of F1

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The Mechanic

The story delivered here is given effortlessly in an easy flowing and really well paced manner. Although working for McLaren at the time I believe it to be an unbiased and fair point of view.

For anyone that is interested in F1 this is a must read and an insight into the life of an F1 mechanic in the factory and on the road.

It’s the ultimate, inside fly on the wall narrative from somebody who was actually there, did it and literally got the T-shirt.

Although you won’t get any trade secrets out of Marc regarding McLaren you’ll be entertained with the stories, the highs and the lows, the professionalism and sometimes unprofessionalism of not only the pit crew but drivers as well. There’s also a little espionage going on for good measure.

Marc recalls what can only be described as shenanigans in some hilarious detail about a bunch of people who absolutely loved what they achieved and what they got up to, that not many people know about.

There are quite a few revealing and surprising anecdotes and you won’t want to put it down.

They say what goes on tour stays on tour. Well not in this book it doesn’t!

Enjoy!!

Funny, honest, shocking at times but you feel you get a true insight into the last generation of Formula One mechanics.

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Well read. A great insight. Loved every minute! Highly recommended for any F1 fan.

Fantastic

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