How to Build a Car

The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Formula 1 Designer

By: Adrian Newey, David Coulthard - introduction

Narrated by: Richard Trinder

'Adrian has a unique gift for understanding drivers and racing cars. He is ultra competitive but never forgets to have fun. An immensely likeable man.' Damon Hill

The world’s foremost designer in Formula One, Adrian Newey OBE is arguably one of Britain’s greatest engineers and this is his fascinating, powerful memoir.

How to Build a Car explores the story of Adrian’s unrivalled 36-year career in Formula One through the prism of the cars he has designed, the drivers he has worked alongside and the races in which he’s been involved.

A true engineering genius, even in adolescence Adrian’s thoughts naturally emerged in shape and form – he began sketching his own car designs at the age of 12 and took a welding course in his school summer holidays. From his early career in IndyCar racing and on to his unparalleled success in Formula One, we learn in comprehensive, engaging and highly entertaining detail how a car actually works. Adrian has designed for the likes of Mario Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Mika Hakkinen, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, always with a shark-like purity of purpose: to make the car go faster. And while his career has been marked by unbelievable triumphs, there have also been deep tragedies; most notably Ayrton Senna’s death during his time at Williams in 1994.

Beautifully illustrated with never-before-seen drawings, How to Build a Car encapsulates, through Adrian’s remarkable life story, precisely what makes Formula One so thrilling – its potential for the total synchronicity of man and machine, the perfect combination of style, efficiency and speed.

©2017 Adrian Newey

Critic reviews

‘Quite superb…This book pulls off the remarkable feat of being a first-class autobiography and textbook all in one. For those studying the evolution of the F1 car between the late ‘80s and now, it decodes all the mysteries previously hidden by competitive secrecy while revealing the man behind most of the greatest cars of that time period.’ Motorsport Online

‘In this gripping memoir, Newey reveals the highs and lows of his race to the top.’ Mail on Sunday Books of the Year

‘The greatest Formula One designer of his – or any other – age.’ Sunday Times

‘Newey has a legitimate claim on the title of "Britain’s greatest living engineer".’ Daily Telegraph

‘Adrian Newey has created more winners than all the super-brain computers in Formula One put together.’ The Times

‘Creative genius… the leading Formula One designer of his generation… refreshingly honest.’ Guardian

‘The most accomplished man in the world’s most glamorous sport… The Michelangelo of motorsport.’ New Yorker

‘If you love finding out how things work, if you’re a car nut, if you’re intrigued by the sport’s politics and even if your interest in Formula 1 is but a passing one, you absolutely must read this book.’ Octane Magazine

‘How to Build a Car encapsulates through Adrian’s remarkable life story, precisely what makes Formula 1 so thrilling.’ Car Mechanic

‘How to Build a Car gives a tremendous insight…fantastically entertaining.’ Daily Express

‘Honest…hilarious…inspirational.’ Motorsport Magazine

‘Illuminating reading.’ F1 Racing Magazine

‘How to Build a Car is an emphatic hit. It’s one of the most enjoyable F1 books I’ve read in quite some time.’ WTF1

‘How to Build a Car is an essential read for all fans of motor racing.’ F1 Fanatic

‘Adrian Newey is one of Formula 1’s finest technical brains… The prose is sharp, punchy… you learn almost without realising.’ Autosport

must for any F1 fan. Newey is a genius

It's great to understand what happened behind the scenes in formula 1. Also to see who is the real champion or the last few years

what an interesting life, I never knew

technical savvy, competitive spirit, and tender humanity. these things describe the author's portrayal of the subject (himself). this was a pleasure to listen to.

Just Excellent.

The book is excellent regardless of your level of interest in the topic. Just enough technical detail to be interesting but not boring. The story moves along fluidly with great humor and perspective. The narration is the best of any audio book I've heard yet.

Amazing read

The world of F1 and motorsport enthusiasts needs more of these. What a fantastic insight to a world not seen by anyone outside the realm of Formula 1. I would suggest this to anyone interested in making things go fast.

One of my favorite books on racing

If you could sum up How to Build a Car in three words, what would they be?

Personal story of passion

Who was your favorite character and why?

Senna. Some great insight into his driving style and personality. Though Newey himself comes out as quite an unpredictable man of genius

Which scene was your favorite?

Newey crashing into things.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes for sure. but then I loved stretching it out. didn't want it to end

Any additional comments?

Racing fans should read this