Customer Reviews

The Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

Matchett's latest offering opens the readers' eyes to the pinnacle of motorsport engineering that is Formula One and he does not disappoint.

Discussions on this book center around a car's "stressed members" namely the monocoque, engine and gearbox. Also mentioned is the design of the fuel tank which I find particularly interesting in light of BAR's "disqualification" from the 2005 San Marino Grand Prix for essentially using the same design as described here.
The reader also gets to differentiate between a pull rod vs a push rod suspension, twin keel vs single keel, oversteer vs understeer. Quite interesting also are Matchett's insights into the tire war.

My only beef with this book is that for a technical introduction to Formula One, it should contain more schematic drawings so that a reader who is not a mechanical engineer can readily grasp it without going through secondary sources. The context in which this book unfolds i.e. in an airport lounge among a group of stranded passengers seems out of place and sometimes gets in the way of the technical detail.

Little shortcomings notwithstanding, this has proven to be quite a good technical introduction to Formula One and inevitably makes the reader look beyond the drivers and pay closer attention to their steeds which are the real works of art.

I actually read this book about 3 months ago but forgot to publish a review of it. I bought this book hoping that I'd get some detailed info regarding current F1 cars. Although the book covered many topics relating to the cars, it just didn't have the info I was looking for. I've been looking for something that will provide detailed info regarding the design and function of the various components on a modern F1 car. It's possible that the book I'm looking for hasn't been published yet. At any rate, this wasn't a bad read for an F1 fan.

The setting is rather contrived at best (airport lounge for Concorde and a collection of rich, boozing, but technically uninformed F1 fans). The information delivered is adequate, and there are a number of good tidbits, such as the challenges of creating carbon fibre brake discs and the relative advantages/costs thereof.
For those familiar with F1, there is not all that much there, but for those who have an interest but lack much of the technical background to appreciate the level of ferocious competition, it can be a good eye-opener. The informal, chatty style fits the contrived scene.

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.

Although the writing is fine the technical content and graphics in this book are very 'lightweight'. There is nothing here that a casual enthusiast who reads F1 news stand magazines would not already know. Not recommended.

For anyone interested in Formula 1 engineering (or automotive engineering of any sort), Matchett's book is the perfect introduction to the topic. It is at once engaging and informative, droll and illuminating, and no real fan will come away without a greater insight into the machines that make up so much of the sport. Who knew an exposition on the contrasting design philosophies of push-rod and pull-rod suspensions could be so riveting? While a rabid few will pine for greater detail and pedantic density, "The Chariot Makers" will more than satisfy the curiosity of the vast majority, and I suggest that even the most knowledgeable will gain much insight, given Matchett's unique perspective as an insider in the sport. Well done.

This book lit me up on Formula One. The author's writing style is witty, interesting, informative and conversational, making it an easy read despite the technical nature of the subject.

You'll learn about how the Formula One car is a compromise; engineering ideals vs. mechanical necessity, and technological development vs. the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile(FIA) regulations. The author's enthusiasm is infectious - especially the idea of the engine and gearbox as a single unit, which, along with revolutionary engine designs will never be realised due to FIA regulations. He remains objective about the FIA considering that its rules often stymie development.

I like the scenario that provides the book's structure (a conversation with enthusiasts about putting together the ideal car) as you also learn how much it costs to build a car; whether to have the engine designed in-house, what you'll pay to a major supplier like Ferrari, and where on the car significant gains in horsepower can be made.

I haven't read other F1 books to give a comparison, but I highly recommend this book to anyone.

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.

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"...