HC to release original Lewis Hamilton audiobook

HarperCollins has revealed its first original audio release, Lewis Hamilton: Championship Year 2017 by Formula One reporter Rebecca Clancy of the Times.

The title is a collaboration between HarperCollins audio and non-fiction divisions, building on content from both the Times and the Sunday Times, charting the driver’s race to a record fourth World Championship. It will be will be available days after the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi on 30th November.

The 3.5 hour audiobook is billed as part of the publisher’s “commitment to develop new audio products for a growing audience” and features reporting from both newspapers, adapted and edited by Clancy. Narrator Rupert Bush has spent five years programme editor for ITV’s Formula One coverage.

Rachel Mallender, group audio director, said: “We are always seeking to innovate the audio space in the publishing world in ways that complement our Total Audio policy and I am thrilled to be taking our strategy to the next level with the introduction of original audio material.”

Oliver Malcolm, publishing strategy director, said: “Lewis has excited racing fans around the world during this incredible season, and we like to think we have pulled off our own racing start by bringing this original audiobook to market before the champagne will have dried on the Abu Dhabi podium. I couldn’t think of a better title to lead the pack.”

Clancy described Hamilton as an “icon of Formula One” and described as “exhilarating to write about his racing as it has been watching him edge closer to his record fourth championship, grand prix after grand prix”. She said: “I am delighted to be partnering with HarperCollins on this innovative and timely audio original, and hope F1 fans enjoy the ride.”

Lewis Hamilton: Championship Year 2017 will be available at KOBO, Bookbeat, iTunes, Audible and other audiobook retailers with an r.r.p. of £6.99.