Is Drive to Survive Good or Bad for F1?

With the latest season of Drive to Survive hitting Netflix today, the debate over its impact on Formula One is more relevant than ever. Since its debut in 2019, Netflix’s Drive to Survive has transformed the landscape of Formula One, introducing millions of new fans to the sport. The docuseries, known for its dramatic storytelling and behind-the-scenes access, has played a major role in expanding F1’s global audience, particularly in the United States. But with its rise in popularity comes an ongoing debate: has Drive to Survive been a positive force for the sport, or has it distorted F1’s reality in favour of entertainment?

The Positives: A Booming Fanbase and Fresh Interest

There is no denying that Drive to Survive has significantly broadened Formula One’s appeal. Traditionally seen as a niche European sport with a hardcore following, F1 has now captured the attention of younger audiences and previously untapped markets, largely thanks to the exposure brought by the series. The show has done what was once thought impossible—introducing millions to F1, especially those who may never have considered following the sport before.

Expanding the Audience

One of the most notable impacts of the series is its role in growing F1’s global audience. The United States, which had historically been a tough market for the sport, has seen a sharp rise in viewership since the show’s release. Races like the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, have seen record attendance figures, and with the addition of races in Miami and Las Vegas, it’s clear that Drive to Survive has been a driving force behind this shift. The show has allowed F1 to cross the Atlantic and appeal to a demographic that may have otherwise remained indifferent to motorsport.

Furthermore, the series has made great strides in attracting a more diverse audience. Historically, F1 has been perceived as a male-dominated sport, but Drive to Survive has helped shift this narrative. By focusing not only on the drivers but also on their backgrounds, personalities, and struggles, the show has drawn in female viewers and those from different walks of life. This shift has made the sport feel more inclusive and accessible, and in turn, has broadened its appeal.

Humanising the Sport

By focusing on the personalities of the drivers, team principals, and key figures within the paddock, Drive to Survive has made F1 more relatable to the average viewer. Instead of just being about cars racing at high speeds, the show tells compelling stories about ambition, pressure, rivalry, and human drama. It is no longer just about the race, but about the people who make it happen.

The series has also provided a platform for drivers and teams who were previously overlooked by the mainstream media. Drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Guenther Steiner became fan favourites despite not being front-runners in the championship. Ricciardo’s charm, combined with his everyman appeal, and Steiner’s blunt, no-nonsense attitude made them highly marketable figures. This exposure has led to increased sponsorship opportunities, with the drivers turning into household names and commercial success stories, which have spilled over into their personal brands.

Increased Media and Sponsorship Growth

The success of Drive to Survive has led to a significant increase in media coverage and investment in F1 content. Teams and drivers, recognising the show’s impact on the sport, have ramped up their social media engagement. Fans are no longer just interested in race results—they’re looking for access to behind-the-scenes content, personal stories, and more intimate glimpses of their favourite drivers and teams. This growing interest has attracted new sponsorships, with major brands eager to get involved in F1’s newfound mainstream appeal.

Even teams that traditionally struggled to attract sponsorship, such as Haas or Williams, have benefited from the increased exposure. The series has showcased their stories, struggles, and triumphs, which has contributed to their improved visibility and made them more marketable. This surge in sponsorship and media attention has helped drive F1’s commercial success, giving the sport a new level of financial stability and global reach.

The Criticisms: Over-Dramatisation and Narrative Distortion

While Drive to Survive has undeniably popularised F1, critics argue that the series prioritises drama over accuracy, sometimes misrepresenting the reality of the sport. The entertainment value of the show has undoubtedly captured the attention of millions, but at what cost? Has the quest for drama altered how F1 is perceived by both new and old fans alike?

Exaggerated Rivalries

One of the biggest criticisms of Drive to Survive is its tendency to exaggerate rivalries for dramatic effect. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, famously refused to participate in multiple seasons of the show, calling it “over-dramatised” and claiming that the editing created fake storylines. In some cases, radio messages have been taken out of context, making disagreements between drivers appear far more heated than they actually were.

The supposed rivalry between Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz in earlier seasons serves as a prime example. While the two drivers are known to be good friends, the show framed their competition as much more intense than it truly was. The tension between them was largely manufactured for dramatic effect, which misled viewers about the nature of their relationship. This not only misrepresents the drivers but also distorts the true dynamics of competition in F1.

Selective Storytelling

Another issue is Drive to Survive's tendency to focus on certain teams or storylines while neglecting others. Key moments from the F1 season are sometimes barely covered, while more sensational conflicts—whether or not they were truly significant—are given a disproportionate amount of screen time. For example, Mercedes’ struggles in 2022 were barely explored, despite being one of the biggest talking points of the season. In contrast, the show chose to focus on the mid-table battles, giving more emphasis to drivers and teams who were more marketable, but not necessarily more deserving of attention.

The selective nature of the storytelling has also led to the omission of key figures in the sport. Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, was barely featured in later seasons, despite his legacy in F1. Similarly, Fernando Alonso’s return to the sport in 2021 was downplayed in favour of rivalries that were easier to market. This lack of coverage of certain drivers and teams has led to frustration among long-time fans, who feel that the show has a skewed focus that fails to capture the full depth of F1.

Casualisation of the Sport

Many long-term F1 fans argue that Drive to Survive presents a simplified version of the sport. The focus on personalities and drama often comes at the expense of highlighting the technical and strategic elements that make F1 so complex and captivating. While this approach may help draw in new viewers, it can also create misunderstandings about how the sport works. For example, some fans who are introduced to F1 through Drive to Survive may not fully appreciate the importance of race strategy, car development, or the intricate team dynamics that shape the outcome of each season.

There is also concern that the success of the show is influencing the way F1 itself is being run. The sport has increasingly prioritised entertainment, with new formats like sprint races and a greater emphasis on social media engagement. Some critics worry that these changes are being driven more by the desire to appeal to casual fans, rather than by a commitment to maintaining F1’s traditional values and competitive integrity.

The Verdict: A Double-Edged Sword

Ultimately, Drive to Survive has had a profound impact on Formula One, bringing unprecedented attention and commercial success. However, the question remains: is the trade-off between entertainment and authenticity worth it? While the series has made the sport more accessible to a wider audience, it has also altered how F1 is perceived by both fans and outsiders.

For new fans, Drive to Survive serves as an engaging entry point into the world of F1. It has made the sport feel more relatable and approachable, opening the doors to a new generation of viewers who might never have considered following F1 in the past. But for purists, the concern lies in how much the sport is being shaped by the need for entertainment, rather than competition. As F1’s relationship with Netflix grows, the question arises: is the show reflecting the sport’s true essence, or is the sport evolving to meet the demands of the series?

As the series continues, the challenge for both Netflix and F1 will be finding a balance between storytelling and truth. One possible solution is greater transparency—ensuring that editing choices do not mislead audiences and that the drivers have more control over how they are portrayed. If the show can strike a better balance between drama and authenticity, it could become a more responsible and accurate representation of the sport.

Regardless of where one stands on the issue, Drive to Survive has undoubtedly changed the way people engage with Formula One. It has ushered in a new era of fandom, and whether that era is ultimately good or bad for the sport depends on how F1 chooses to navigate its relationship with entertainment media.

What do you think? Has Drive to Survive helped or harmed F1? I may also post a review of this season after watching it, so keep an eye out for my thoughts on how Drive to Survive handles the latest F1 storylines.