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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
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"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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Somin Bhattacharjee is an F1 editor at The SportsRush and has written more than 2000 articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and considers sports to be a part of his life. Somin has been a fan of Scuderia Ferrari since 2010 and his favorite driver is none another than the legendary Fernando Alonso. Other than longing for a Ferrari Championship win once again, Somin spends his free time playing football and basketball.

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