Formula 1 has always been a popular sport, but for many years, it struggled to attract new fans, especially outside of Europe. The races were exciting, but the sport could seem complicated, and only a few teams and drivers regularly won. Then, in 2019, Netflix released Drive to Survive, a documentary series that changed how people see Formula 1. By showing the personal stories of drivers, team bosses, and the drama behind the scenes, the show helped bring millions of new fans to the sport.

One of the biggest changes has been in the United States, where Formula 1 was not as popular as other motorsports like NASCAR or IndyCar. Before Drive to Survive, many Americans saw F1 as a European sport that was hard to follow. However, the Netflix series made it more exciting and easier to understand. It focused on rivalries, dramatic moments, and personal struggles rather than just the technical side of racing. This approach helped people connect with the sport emotionally, even if they had never watched a race before.

Since the show’s release, Formula 1 has seen a huge rise in American fans, with more people watching races, attending events, and following the sport on social media. The success of the Miami Grand Prix in 2022 and the addition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023 are clear signs that Formula 1 is growing in the USA.

Another major impact of Drive to Survive has been how it has changed the way fans see drivers and teams. In the past, only the most successful drivers, like Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel, got a lot of attention. But the Netflix series gave fans a closer look at many different drivers, including those from smaller teams. For example, Daniel Ricciardo became one of the most popular drivers, not just because of his racing skills, but because of his personality and sense of humor shown in the series. Similarly, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner became a fan favorite, even though his team was not winning races.

The show has also helped teams attract more sponsors. Since more people are watching Formula 1 now, companies want to be part of the sport. More sponsorship money means teams can invest more in their cars and staff, which makes the competition better. The Netflix series has also made social media a bigger part of the Formula 1 experience. Fans now follow drivers and teams online, interacting with them outside of race weekends. This has made Formula 1 feel more personal and interactive than before.

However, not everyone in the sport is completely happy with Drive to Survive. Some drivers, including Max Verstappen in earlier seasons, have criticized the way the show edits events to make them seem more dramatic than they really are. Sometimes, rivalries are made to look bigger than they were in real life, or conversations are edited in a way that changes their meaning. While this makes for good entertainment, some people inside the sport feel it is not always an accurate reflection of what really happens. Despite this, the show continues to be very popular, and even Verstappen later decided to take part again because of how much it has helped Formula 1 grow.

Overall, Drive to Survive has played a huge role in making Formula 1 more popular and exciting for new audiences. By showing the emotions, challenges, and behind-the-scenes drama of the sport, the series has changed the way people experience Formula 1. More people are watching, new fans are joining, and Formula 1 is now bigger than ever. Even though some parts of the show may be exaggerated, there is no doubt that it has helped bring the sport to a whole new generation of fans.

The impact of Drive to Survive can be seen not only in the growing audiences but also in the way Formula 1 presents itself to the world. Teams have become more media-friendly, drivers are more engaged with their fan bases, and the sport has embraced a more storytelling-driven approach.

The show’s success has also encouraged Formula 1 to expand even further, adding new races in key markets and increasing efforts to connect with younger audiences through social media and digital platforms. Merchandise sales have also increased, with fans wanting to support their favorite drivers and teams, many of whom they discovered through the series. The once-exclusive world of Formula 1 now feels more accessible, attracting a diverse group of followers who may not have been interested in motorsport before.

While some traditional fans and insiders may debate the show’s accuracy or its dramatic editing, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Formula 1 is now more popular, more exciting, and more accessible than ever. Whether someone follows the sport for the racing, the personalities, or the drama, there is something for everyone.