George Harrison’s Quiet Love Affair With Formula One - Rolling Stone

Byline: Alex Johnson

As the world remembers George Harrison as a celebrated musician and a member of the iconic band, The Beatles, there was another side to him that was perhaps less known but equally significant - his passion for Formula One. Indistinguishable among the crowd at the racetrack, Harrison was a devoted fan of the sport, finding comfort in the high-speed thrills and the camaraderie of the racing community. This was a place where he could escape the trappings of his global fame and be just another guy at the track, blending seamlessly with the crowd.

His love affair with Formula One was not merely a passing fancy or a celebrity endorsement. Harrison was deeply invested in the sport, enjoying its nuances, understanding its strategy, and appreciating the skill of the drivers. This article delves into George Harrison's quiet love affair with Formula One, exploring how the racetrack offered him a sanctuary where he could shed his Beatle persona and indulge in his passion.

While George Harrison is universally recognized for his contributions to music as a member of the Beatles, his lifelong passion for Formula One racing is less known. The love affair started in the 1960s when Harrison attended his first Grand Prix. He swiftly became a regular fixture at the racetrack, often seen in the company of F1 legends like Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda.

His appetite for the sport wasn't merely as a spectator; he also developed a deep understanding of its technical aspects. Harrison's friends have recounted how he would eagerly engage in discussions about engine configurations, aerodynamics, and tire compounds. His passion was such that he became close friends with many drivers and team members, often visiting them during testing sessions and offering his insights.

What stood out about Harrison's relationship with Formula One was his unassuming presence. Despite his global fame as a Beatle, he was just another enthusiast at the track, eschewing the limelight and immersing himself in the sport. He often said that the racetrack was one of the few places where he could shed his rock star image and be himself.

Harrison's love for Formula One extended beyond the tracks. He wrote and recorded "Faster," a tribute song to F1 drivers, in 1979. The proceeds from its sale were donated to the Gunnar Nilsson Cancer Foundation, a charity set up by the late F1 driver. This gesture encapsulated Harrison's quiet yet profound love for the sport.

It was at the racetrack where Harrison, one of the world's most recognizable figures, could find anonymity and escape the pressures of fame. The thrill of the race, the roar of the engines, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts provided a welcome distraction from the constant attention and expectations that came with being a Beatle.

Unlike the music world, where Harrison was always the focus of attention, he was just another face in the crowd at the racetrack. He could chat about engines, lap times, and driver skills with fellow racegoers, without the conversation inevitably turning to his music or his celebrity. For Harrison, these moments were a rare opportunity to step outside of his Beatle persona and simply be George.

Moreover, the racetrack offered a physical space where he could put his passion for speed and technology into practice. Harrison was known for his love of fast cars, and Formula One provided an outlet for this passion. It was not just about watching the races; Harrison often got involved in the technical aspects of the sport, discussing car setups and strategy with drivers and team members.

While his fame brought him many privileges, it is clear that Harrison cherished these moments of normalcy at the racetrack. Racing gave him the freedom to be himself, away from the spotlight and the demands of his Beatle identity. It was, in many ways, his quiet love affair with Formula One that allowed him to maintain a sense of balance in his extraordinary life.

Despite being a world-renowned musician, George Harrison was known to have a deep affection for the world of Formula One. "George was a genuine fan. He loved the sport and the people in it. He was just another guy at the track, no ego, no entourage," according to longtime friend and fellow racing enthusiast, Jackie Stewart.

Although he was one of the most famous people on the planet, it was at the race track where Harrison could shed his fame and simply be himself. “He loved the authenticity of it. He really felt at home," said Stewart. "It was a place where he could be just George, not a Beatle.”

According to Dr. Ian Inglis, a music historian and expert on The Beatles, Harrison's passion for Formula One was a key part of his identity. "George was not just a musician, but a complex and multifaceted individual. His love for racing was a significant part of his life and helped shape him as a person. It was more than a hobby, it was a passion."

Not only was Harrison a fan of the sport, but he also became a close friend to many of the drivers, often attending races and spending time with the teams. His song 'Faster' was a tribute to his friends in the racing community and was inspired by his time spent trackside.

As Harrison once said, "I find the whole Formula One scene exciting and I get a buzz from the people. It's good to have a hobby that takes you away from your main job."

George Harrison's love for Formula One was more than just a passing interest. It was a passion that allowed him to escape from the trappings of celebrity life and find peace and enjoyment. His presence at the track was marked by a sense of normalcy and groundedness that stood in stark contrast to his status as a member of one of the most famous bands in the world.

Formula One offered Harrison a rare opportunity to be a regular guy, an adoring fan, and to immerse himself in the thrill of the sport. His deep connection to this world was authentic, a quiet love affair that was as personal as it was profound. His legacy in the sport, through his friendships, his music, and his love for the race, will always be remembered.

As we reflect on Harrison's life and his unique relationship with Formula One, we are reminded of the power of passion to transcend fame and status, to connect us to our true selves, and to bring us joy. In the end, Harrison was, in his own words, just another guy at the track. And perhaps, that's exactly how he liked it.

Source: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/george-harrison-formula-one-1235294518/