Maurice Hamilton is an award-winning motorsport journalist and broadcaster, who has worked at the Guardian, the Independent and, now, the Observer. He is the F1 summariser for BBC Radio Five Live and has written more than 25 books on the subject, having attended more than 500 Grands Prix in his career.

'By the end of this thoroughly gripping biography, what is abundantly clear is that statistics tell only half the story... This was a man who was forged in fire... Some of the most engrossing passages in this book, big on anecdote and reportage, have nothing to do with Lauda's racing career. Hamilton...reveals a man who is far more riveting and intelligent than his ability to pilot an F1 car very swiftly around a circuit may suggest. This biography is a fitting tribute to him.'

Maurice Hamilton is an award-winning motorsport journalist and broadcaster, who has worked at the Guardian, the Independent and, now, the Observer. He is the F1 summariser for BBC Radio Five Live and has written more than 25 books on the subject, having attended more than 500 Grands Prix in his career.

'By the end of this thoroughly gripping biography, what is abundantly clear is that statistics tell only half the story... This was a man who was forged in fire... Some of the most engrossing passages in this book, big on anecdote and reportage, have nothing to do with Lauda's racing career. Hamilton...reveals a man who is far more riveting and intelligent than his ability to pilot an F1 car very swiftly around a circuit may suggest. This biography is a fitting tribute to him.'

Maurice Hamilton is an award-winning motorsport journalist and broadcaster, who has worked at the Guardian, the Independent and, now, the Observer. He is the F1 summariser for BBC Radio Five Live and has written more than 25 books on the subject, having attended more than 500 Grands Prix in his career.

'By the end of this thoroughly gripping biography, what is abundantly clear is that statistics tell only half the story... This was a man who was forged in fire... Some of the most engrossing passages in this book, big on anecdote and reportage, have nothing to do with Lauda's racing career. Hamilton...reveals a man who is far more riveting and intelligent than his ability to pilot an F1 car very swiftly around a circuit may suggest. This biography is a fitting tribute to him.'