Sid Watkins (1928–2012)

Basically, this is part two of Prof. Watkins's autobiography, covering the time from 1996 to the end of the season in 2000, and some memories of older drivers. The writing sounds like him, wry and unflappable, which makes sense if you're having to minister medicine to the speed freaks and weirdos involved in F1. It does lead to a certain distance, and it's less frantic than you'd imagine. But he's the Prof and we love him. I enjoyed the book but I'm not sure how much someone who isn't an F1 show more geek would get out of it. Then again, I'm not sure why someone who isn't interested in F1 would be reading this. Either way, I'm definitely going to try to get the first of his books, 'Life At The Limit'.

I'm giving the book an extra half a mark because the appendices actually covers the physics and anatomy of F1 injuries, and gives actual equations and numbers. I will always give extra marks for numbers. show less

Watkins was the chief medical officer for Formula 1 for many years and so has marvelous personal stories of people in the sport told from the insiders perspective. He also discusses details of how safety and medical response have improved over the years, often due to his personal intervention with the powers that be. A wonderful book for the F1 fan who wants to learn more about the sport. The only drawback is a somewhat hit or miss aspect of the writing style, the author understandably being show more reluctant to bring any skeletons out of closets. show less

read this before, but it's still interesting account of the changes and event in F1 from the point of view of F1's doctor.

health & Safety