The world of Formula 1 racing serves as the vibrant backdrop for the lives and competitions of four drivers, each distinct in background and ambition, but united by the relentless drive to succeed on the international circuit. American Pete Aron is determined to revive his faltering career after a series of professional setbacks, including being fired from his team for causing a crash that injures his British teammate, Scott Stoddard. Scott, meanwhile, grapples with his own recovery and strained marriage, his will to race tested by the trauma and physical pain of his accident. Aron finds some solace and distraction in a complex relationship with the beautiful Louise Frederickson, a journalist covering the racing scene.

Italian racer Nino Barlini is the carefree playboy of the group, embracing the fame and fortune that come with success, while French veteran Jean-Pierre Sarti contends with the philosophical weight of his aging career and the inherent danger of the sport that has consumed his life. These men find themselves navigating not only the perilous turns of the world's most challenging tracks but also the intricate twists of personal and professional relationships. Their dynamics unfold against a pulsating backdrop of international locations, the roar of engines, and the glamour and mortality of racing, with each grand prix presenting new challenges and bringing them closer to the ultimate racing triumph—or disaster.