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“It has to add more value to Formula 1”: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali admits that blockbuster Netflix series Drive to Survive may not continue in the coming years

Somin Bhattacharjee
Published

"Mark the date on your calendar"– Super Bowl commercial confirms the release date of Netflix's Drive To Survive

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali admits that Netflix blockbuster ‘Drive to Survive’ has to add more value to the sport in order to continue. 

One of the key factors behind F1’s recent global growth has been the launch of popular Netflix docu-series, ‘Drive to Survive’. It features teams and drivers, who are followed throughout the course of the season, providing viewers with behind the scenes access to what goes on in the world of F1.

In particular, the show has led to a massive growth in audience in the United States. While some believe that the show adds unnesecarry drama, others recognize the key role it plays in bringing in new fans.

The fourth season of the blockbuster series will release Worldwide on 11th of March, and the entire F1 community is excited about it. The 2021 season was one of the greatest of all time.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen provided fans with a battle for the ages, and viewers can’t wait to see how things unfolded away from the cameras.

Ahead of the release, Domenicali shared his thoughts on the future of the series. The first question that fans will have after watching the latest installment would be if the Netflix crew will return for a fifth season. Domenicali admits that he isn’t sure about that.

Also read: George Russell downplays his Championship expectations ahead of his first season with Mercedes

F1 may plan on moving on from Drive to Survive and try other ventures to promote the sport

Domenicali recognizes DTS’s contribution to F1’s growth over the years. However, he feels that the audience may be stagnated if there’s nothing new to add in terms of value. As a result, the sport may try other things to promote itself in the coming years.

“There is no doubt that Drive to Survive has had an incredible effect,” he said. Mainly on the new audiences, and also in other new markets like US for sure.”

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

“I think that it’s important for us to be with Drive to Survive, with our Netflix friends,” he continued. “Up to the moment where we believe that we’ll make sure that it’s a differentiating factor.”

“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.”

Also read: Max Verstappen explains why he is not in season 4 of Netflix’s DTS

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Formula 1 Editor Somin Bhattacharjee fell for the sport as well as Fernando Alonso on the same day — during the Spaniard’s thrilling victory at the German GP in 2010. Over the years, the passion magnified manyfold, and metamorphosed into a writing career in 2021. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. He has penned over 2,700 articles for TheSportsRush, presenting a diverse range — news reports, opinions, and exclusives. A true Tiffosi, Somin never gives up on a chance to defend the Ferrari boys as a fan. As a sports writer though, he remains objective to the core and relishes opportunities to follow and engage in dissecting the action during races. That’s where the real thrill lies for him. Beyond the racetrack, Somin plays different sports including soccer. He enjoys exploring other sporting events and proudly supports Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

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