Grand Prix Rejects

So, Mr. Mosley has decided to publish an autobiography after stepping down as FIA president, and has said that it will "annoy certain people" and that many lawyers will be keeping an eye on this book. Finally an autobiography I want to read - perhaps it would help me understand this man a bit better.

How do people feel about this new book? What do you think the title will be?

Not wanting to be negative for the sake of it, I will not read any autobiography by people from F1. I could, perhaps, read a biography of people like Frank Williams or Ken Tyrrell, because they have lived through a time of blood, sweat, toil and tears. What's the point in reading something Mosley writes about himself? More fuel to the political F1 fire? What's the point for people like me, who appreciate the cars going around the track?

He's had an interesting life, he's worked closely with most of the most notable people in F1 for his whole career, and has presided over one of the most all-encompassing organisations in sport. He's had a controversial private life, and has suffered tragedy (his son died).

Despite this, I really don't want to read this book. And I'd usually read anything, but not this. It will (I'm guessing) be filled with propaganda as he tries to re-write history.

Was the Nazi/Downfall reference really necessary? That's been done to death.

shinji wrote:Was the Nazi/Downfall reference really necessary? That's been done to death.

Godwin's Law just catches up with you no matter what.

shinji wrote:He's had an interesting life, he's worked closely with most of the most notable people in F1 for his whole career, and has presided over one of the most all-encompassing organisations in sport. He's had a controversial private life, and has suffered tragedy (his son died).

Despite this, I really don't want to read this book. And I'd usually read anything, but not this. It will (I'm guessing) be filled with propaganda as he tries to re-write history.

Was the Nazi/Downfall reference really necessary? That's been done to death.

Defo necessary.

Even if the book is crazy in every way and Max's madness shines through like always, it will be interesting to read as I think it will give you some perspective on the man who was been arguably the most powerful man in Formula One for quite some time. I don't think it will be as much about reading the actual words in the book, as it will be about reading between the lines - trying to find some personality in it somewhere.

It will be an essential reference for students of twisted logic everywhere. But by the end you will believe black is white.

CarlosFerreira wrote:Not wanting to be negative for the sake of it, I will not read any autobiography by people from F1.

Try Perry McCarthy's autobiography and tell me how getting an insider view on Andrea Moda isn't interesting.

watka wrote:

CarlosFerreira wrote:Not wanting to be negative for the sake of it, I will not read any autobiography by people from F1.

Try Perry McCarthy's autobiography and tell me how getting an insider view on Andrea Moda isn't interesting.

I've been meaning to buy that, it's good then is it?

CarlosFerreira wrote:Not wanting to be negative for the sake of it, I will not read any autobiography by people from F1.

Murray Walkers book is a fantastic read.

Valrys wrote:

watka wrote:

CarlosFerreira wrote:Not wanting to be negative for the sake of it, I will not read any autobiography by people from F1.

Try Perry McCarthy's autobiography and tell me how getting an insider view on Andrea Moda isn't interesting.

I've been meaning to buy that, it's good then is it?

It's a very good read. I actually liked Jackie Stewart's autobiography as well until the last 5 or 6 chapters (it's a large book) where he starts name dropping everywhere.

Mosley takes a lot for most of his decisions, and I suspect - maybe even believe - that a lot of that is born out of his previous decisions, rather than the one he's making at the time. Even if it's utter bollocks, maybe he deserves a chance to return fire.

The best autobiographies are full of anecdotes that take you right to the heart of the person him/herself.

The worst autobiographies are those used as political platforms to defend previous decisions/denigrate enemies/expose carefully selected truths that make the person look better.

I'm taking an educated guess that this will be more like the latter than the former.

Valrys wrote:I've been meaning to buy (McCarthy's book), it's good then is it?

McCarthy is a very entertaining writer and reminds me most of the writing style of Bill Bryson. Definitely recommend.

I also liked Life At The Limit by Professor Sid Watkins though it is an extremely sad read.

Valrys wrote:

watka wrote:

CarlosFerreira wrote:Not wanting to be negative for the sake of it, I will not read any autobiography by people from F1.

Try Perry McCarthy's autobiography and tell me how getting an insider view on Andrea Moda isn't interesting.

I've been meaning to buy that, it's good then is it?

The book "A Mechanics Tale" by Steve Matchett is another good read. It mostly chronicles his time at Benetton. I was personally amazed at how many current F1 employees worked at Benetton in the late 80s and 90s.