As an avid motorsport fan and as an avid book reader, I decided to go to the local Waterstones, a British bookstore, in order to find an interesting read on Formula One's spectacular and often horrendous history. Here, I came across "The Limit: Life and Death in Formula One's Most Dangerous Era" by Michael Cannell.
First released in 2011, Cannell tells the thrilling yet sad story of two Formula One Grand Prix drivers who find themselves fighting for the 1961 World Drivers Championship. Phil Hill was an American driver, originating from California, experienced in racing midget and sport cars. His rival, Wolfgang von Trips, who would go onto be nicknamed "Count von Crash," was from a noble family based in Rhineland, Germany. His interest in cars and racing was encouraged by British and American soldiers who occupied his family's castle during World War Two. After of what seems some extensive research, Cannell goes into further detail about both gentlemen's childhoods and how two extremely different people; Hill being intense and highly sensitive and von Trips being charming and extroverted, both go onto catch the eye of the infamous Enzo Ferrari. With the Ferrari name behind them, both would try and achieve every Formula One drivers dream - becoming World Champion.
From the start, the book is leading onto the big event - the Italian Grand Prix in 1961; the home of Ferrari. Hill and von Trips went into the race fighting for the championship. One would win and one would perish in an accident that caused the death of fifteen spectators. You soon realise, no matter who you are, in Formula One the race goes on. And, if you are Phil Hill, your spectacular championship win is completely overshadowed by the death of your most closest competitor; Wolfgang von Trips.
"The Limit" looks back at how different and dangerous Formula One used to be, where accidents and fatalities were guaranteed at almost every event. It's quite a shock to be reminded that safety was the least of race officials concerns back in the 1950's. Drivers themselves would continue to race if a competitor perished during the race weekend. Cannell's words cleverly portray, with thanks to external sources, how the drivers felt during these times and, as the reader, you can get a really personal feel or "connection" to this.
Obviously this is not a story but a recap of Formula One history. One which Cannell portrays extremely well with his brilliant writing and research. It really hits you that these people, men or women, that are portrayed as some kind of superhero, are in fact frail humans, constantly putting their lives on the line. "The Limit" never let's you forget that.
I, for one, really enjoyed this read. Every time I opened the book, I was transported back in time, deeply immersed into the history of Formula One and motor sport in general. I've learnt things about the sport I never knew before and I've learnt about racing drivers who truly were incredible in that dangerous era. As for Cannell, who is someone who has little interest in motor sport, I think that it has been been written beautifully with every moment detailed to a great quality. I can't help but grin when I think of this book, despite the sad and perilous circumstances that surround it. I also can't help but compare this story to "Rush," which portrays a later rivalry between the late Niki Lauda and the late James Hunt. And, I'm sure in the future will have more stories on fierce rivalries. I for one cannot wait. In the meantime, I highly recommend this read for all motorsport fans. It's one you don't really want to miss!
"The Limit - Life and Death in Formula One's Most Dangerous Era." by Michael Cannell.
Language: English
Pages: 336
First Released: November 2011
Publisher: Atlantic Books
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