The Mechanic

The Secret World of the F1 Pitlane

By: Marc 'Elvis' Priestley

Narrated by: Marc 'Elvis' Priestley

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.

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)

Great book

unique, interesting insight. very well written, well paced read. really enjoyed the parts about Kimi

Excellent

Terrific insight into the world of F1. Expertly narrated. Makes watching the races that much more entertaining.

Good read - a bit tamed down though

Elvis does a great job telling the “behind the sciences story of F1. Interesting for someone new to the sport like myself to learn and better appreciate the pit crews and support teams that make fantastic racing happen.
My only issue was that I felt there was quite a bit of detail left out. Elvis is very respectful of the companies and teams he worked with and it felt like there was a lot left unsaid. However, it is still good listening and provided interesting insight.

Must Read for New F1 Fans

Great story, with great inside perspective, especially for the newcomer F1 fan. Must Read for all!

Inside scoop on behind the scenes F1 history, thank you Elvis!!

Good story, fun insights, amazing memoir. There is a one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve thirteen fourteen fifteen word requirement for this… silly