The LRB Podcast What’s so great about Formula One?
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Aug 27, 2025 Dive into the thrilling world of Formula One, where personal passion meets competitive spirit. Explore the evolution of safety in the sport, contrasting the dangerous early days with modern advancements. Hear about the unique challenges drivers face, including intense physical demands and G-forces. Discover the artistry behind F1 cars, engineered for unmatched speed, and the dynamic relationship between drivers and their vehicles. Lastly, learn how Ferrari balanced altruism with branding during the pandemic, highlighting the complex legacy of this iconic brand.
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Childhood Origin Of F1 Passion
- Joanne O'Leary first watched F1 as a child during the Schumacher era, fascinated by his psychological warfare and dominance.
- She describes the sport as thrilling, violent, and sometimes boring enough to watch while doing homework.
Ferrari As Monomaniacal Enterprise
- Enzo Ferrari emerged from modest beginnings in Modena and channelled a lifelong monomaniacal focus into building Ferrari as a racing and car-making empire.
- He shifted from driver ambitions to running teams and factories, becoming fanatical about racing and using road car sales to fund competition.
The Deadly Early Years
- Early motor racing killed large numbers of people, including spectators; Thomas Jones recounts the 1928 Italian Grand Prix crash that killed 23.
- He also cites the 1955 Mille Miglia disaster and many yearly driver fatalities that marked the sport's brutal early decades.
