Grand Prix: Formula One in the deadly years

Grand Prix: Formula One in the deadly years is the story of a Formula One motor-racing driver in the deadly years of the 1970s.

William Archer, is the consummate risk taker, he is racing Formula One cars in the deadly years of the 1970’s where his chance of survival is one in three. Worse odd than a fighter pilot in war time. Deep down he knows that his chances of surviving are slim. Yet he gives those odds little thought as he fights to win the Formula One World Championship in what could be his last season.

To add to the risks, he is  confronted with problems largely of his own making causing infighting in his team while over extending himself financially and emotionally.

His refuge is his yacht Imperialist, on which he spends as much time as possible. And, after years of one woman after another, he finally meets someone whom he can neither take nor leave.

The author shares his experiences, through Will Archer, of driving single-seater racing cars, crossing oceans in yachts, flying planes, and developing property in Central America, accurately putting the reader in the driver’s seat of all three, while affording him an insider’s view of Central America, the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Customer reviews

"I hope I can do Richard Melville’s novel justice. He has created something very unique by combing a deep knowledge of the sport along with what’s going on inside the helmet that very few people in the world will ever actually know. The combination of the talent and inner drive to know that you are fully capable of winning a Formula One championship is something that I fully can’t comprehend. But the main character in the book, Will, does and does so in a matter-of-fact way. Why? Because it’s what he does. He doesn’t analyze it any more than a top rated surgeon analyzes what makes them excel. They certainly might ask themselves how they can be better but they don’t dwell on it. They do the job because it’s who they are. While there are thousands of highly rated surgeons in the world, there are probably less than a hundred drivers who can compete at the level of Formula One and that’s what makes them and this book so special.

Being so special in such a glamorous world such as Formula One gives Will access to people, places, and things most of us can barely imagine. However, in his world this is just “normal.” In Will’s world a “normal” day is “got up, had breakfast, wrecked car and almost died, and had a wonderful bottle of wine with dinner.” He’s also much more likely to discuss the bottle of wine since it’s really the only unique experience of the day!

There is a lot of detail about both sailing and racing which is fun for those of us who appreciate a deeper understanding simply for knowledge’s sage. What’s fascinating is that the detail has everything to do with Will’s approach to life and mastering the details Will knows is one of the keys to his success although I doubt he would say as much. Or he might be surprised when it was pointed out simply because he might see it as self-evident that mastering these skills is a requirement for competing in Formula One and from his perspective competing in life.

Richard Melville takes us on a very special journey into a period of time that will never be seen again. It’s a journey well worth taking."

— Mark Rosneck

"I read the above story over two days, as I found it hard to put down.

The adventures of Will portrayed a lifestyle that most men can only dream about. He ticked all the right boxes with Formula One, sailing a Super Yacht and having affairs with beautiful females.

The description about racing in his machine was really excellent; you feel as if you were behind the wheel. This must be the best technical description of Formula One racing ever written.

I have to admit that I was sorry to come to the end of this story and only hope that there will be a sequel." 

— Roger Ashley Wilson

"I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Will, the power struggle, politics and intrigue of F1 was interesting. The author clearly has knowledge of the F1 paddock. Great story that takes in racing, sailing and business." 

— Bruce Elliott

"Over the years I have tried to find a good Formula One novel. I finally found it." 

— Douglas Harper

"A fascinating insight into the exhilarating world of F1 motor racing, and the risks the drivers took to succeed." 

— Julie Haynes

"I just finished reading your novel and enjoyed it very much. You should be very proud of yourself. I would not be surprised if it becomes a movie. I think it would make a great one. It is one of the best novels I have read in a long time, if not the best ever." 

— Bob Costey

"A gripping story. It was very easy to read even where there was a lot of complexity in the form of technical information and details. While the story was very unique, refreshing and made you feel as if you were on the side-lines and part of it, the ending was just perfect. It was short and sharp yet the detail from the story kept the mind entertained if it wanted to continue the story – you’d think there would/will be a sequel?"

— Lance Hastie

"A very fine read. The author nailed the experience of driving formula cars before the era of high down force and squads of engineers on the pit wall. But this is more than a gear-head racing book. The plot is a good story on several levels. The story of "Will"s last year in formula one is a real page turner (or what ever the term is on kindle) and has left me hoping the author gives us more." 

— Ronald Pohl

"I loved the fast pace and excitement, I couldn't put it down and was disappointed when it finished. Please keep writing Richard."

— Julie Utting

"If you have never driven a racing car you feel you could after reading this book. Well researched with a large piece of experience."

— James McGregor

"In the drivers seat the entire read - only an author with first hand experience could write this level of detail for cars, planes, boats and much much more." 

— Trish Bainbridge

"What a great adventure, the details about driving, flying and yachting put you right in the seat."

— Bill Van De Sandt

"Written by someone who knows his subject well. Enough plot to have continued for several more chapters." 

— Eric Powell

"This book is well written and puts you in the driver's seat at the Grand Prix, in the cockpit in the planes and in the ups and down of living life to the fullest. Loving every minute. It is as fast as the races and as exciting as life itself can be. Love this book."

— Bernice Griffin

"The author has great in depth understanding of auto racing, yachting and business. Those who are Formula One racing fans will enjoy this book, as they will be able to place themselves in the drivers seat.. It is an entertaining page turner of a read."

— Bobby Elder

"A compelling read, to say the least!..so much so that I read it slowly so as not to get to the last page. The detail is remarkable, the sequences correct..well done Richard! The 'Grass Roots' touch brings back memories of earlier years so very well portrayed by reference to the Island folk and their quaint outlook. This is a book which should be read and enjoyed. Sequel?"

— Glen Rutherford

“I have just finished the book and in a word excellent fascinating riveting edge of your seat stuff. Well that is more than one word I know but probably the most important thing as with any novel is I enjoyed it. It would make a great movie.  I will certainly be recommending it to anyone who will listen. Very well done.” 

— Alan Kemp