Before I knew anything about formula 1, I knew I loved cars that go fast. This list is for my grease monkey alter-ego. You don't need to know how it all works to enjoy the fast paced environment -- hell, i don't even know how to change my oil! If you are interested in F1 outside of reading, I learned everything I needed from Lewis Hamilton's biography. Unorthodox, but efficient. In one week, I was able to start watching the actual races and understanding the strategy and implications.