Domenicali: 'Drive to Survive' must continue to 'add value' to F1

40

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali acknowledged the positive impact Netflox's 'Drive to Survive' has had on the sport but warned that the docuseries needs to continue to add value to F1's platform in the future.

The fourth season of 'Drive to Survive' will premiere on Netflix on March 11 and promises another ten thrilling installments on apar with the drama that unfolded all throughout the 2021 F1 season.

"There is no doubt that Drive to Survive has had an incredible effect, mainly on the new audiences, and also in other new markets like US for sure. And this will continue," Domenicali said in a recent conference call with Wall Street analysts.

"And I can anticipate to you that you have to stay tuned to the new series, because I’ve just had the possibility to see it, and it will be fantastic, with the right tone.

"And as you can imagine, with what has happened last year, there will be a lot of action. So that’s good."

From the outset, the popular docuseries produced by Box to Box Films that relies on a fly-on-the-wall approach to storytelling sparked a massive fan spike for Formula 1, helping the sport reach new audiences and demographics.

While Domenicali recognizes the series' merits in helping drive F1's growth, especially in the US, the Italian hopes 'Drive to Survive' will continue to enhance the sport, or a change of concept might be required.

Read also: Netflix releases trailer for 'Drive to Survive - Season 4'

"I think that it’s important for us to be with Drive to Survive, with our Netflix friends, up to the moment where we believe that we’ll make sure that it’s a differentiating factor," said the F1 boss.

"If it’s becoming just a different way to speak about F1 without adding, or giving to the F1 platform any added value, maybe I think it’s better to renegotiate and see with Netflix and with the other partners what could be a possibility to do something different in the future.

"But for sure, this platform has been a vital part on the growth of awareness, mainly with the young generation and with newcomers of F1.

"And for that we need to thank that vision, and the process and the quality, that has been really very, very good."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.