This is the story of when Grand Prix was out of control. Mechanical failure, lethal track design, fire and incompetence snuffed out dozens of eager young drivers, who had become almost expendable. It was the ’60s and early ’70s and this waste of life was often televised for millions to see. With boycotts of the prestigious Belgian and German Grand Prix, drivers fought to get their voices heard but it would be a long and painful time before conditions changed. Featuring many famous drivers, including three World Champions – Emerson Fittipaldi, Sir Jackie Stewart and John Surtees OBE – John L Matthews goes to the heart of these deadly years in the Grand Prix and tells the story in the words of the men who were there.

This is the story of when Grand Prix was out of control. Mechanical failure, lethal track design, fire and incompetence snuffed out dozens of eager young drivers, who had become almost expendable. It was the ’60s and early ’70s and this waste of life was often televised for millions to see. With boycotts of the prestigious Belgian and German Grand Prix, drivers fought to get their voices heard but it would be a long and painful time before conditions changed. Featuring many famous drivers, including three World Champions – Emerson Fittipaldi, Sir Jackie Stewart and John Surtees OBE – John L Matthews goes to the heart of these deadly years in the Grand Prix and tells the story in the words of the men who were there.