Season 2, Episode 5: Driven to Distraction by Renée Dahlia

In Season Two, Episode 5, we read racy book: Driven to Distraction by Renée Dahlia. And, surprise! Next episode we’re interviewing her! And, not a surprise: We still don’t know what a rally driver is. Maybe she can tell us!

This MM, driver-historian, “S1” romance is also a mystery and we absolutely spoil the ending. Here’s what else happened:

Hanna changed a character’s name to “Daddy” to rattle Kate. This is reflected in our playlist for this book [KATE YOU WILL LIKE THIS ONE].

In fiction, it’s suspicious for both team cars to catch fire on a race weekend. In real life, that’s Ferrari.

We learned so many facts: 

• Monza is the most dangerous track.

• Drivers lose weight during races. 

• There are only three hours of free practice.

• The money is in the Constructor’s cup.

• Corner names at Silverstone.

• You can crash or kiss on an F1 track against a Unesco Heritage wall!

We noted some familiar tropes:

• Horses! are a common F1 trope—we think because of Rich People.

• Pixar’s Cars made another appearance. 

• The midseason sex break was back.

• Superstitions galore.

• Thicc necks.

• Living in Monaco for tax reasons. (And savory crepes!)

• The narrative followed our race schedule.

• Lots of crashes.

• But our hero was not a champion!

We wondered: What does a seven-point safety harness look like? And how tall are F1 drivers?

Here’s a great moment from Fast & Furious, as promised: “YOU NEVER HAD ME. You never had your car.”

Hanna proposes Pierre Gasly for our racer hero and rejects Kate’s offering of Esteban Ocon.