Formula 1: Drive to Survive has been a huge success for both Netflix and the sport of Formula 1. Especially after the extraordinary 2021 season followed up by season 4 of the renowned show, the sport is at an all-time high, with more fans discovering and falling in love with the exhilarating sport thanks to the popular Netflix show.
This influx of new fans brought in by Drive to Survive is something that Formula 1 desperately needed to revive the sport. While some veteran F1 fans do not really like the series due to its over-dramatization of the politics and relationships, a huge number of fans actually love it and have taken to Reddit to explain why.
Behind The Scenes Drama
While a lot of the hardcore fans don’t like the fact that Drive to Survive sometimes creates drama without any need, a lot of the fans also understand the reasoning behind this - it is a reality TV show, after all. And, at the end of the day, if this gets more people interested in the sport, then it’s good for everyone concerned.
g-berwyn says that, “I guess being on Netflix many non-fans might start watching and so the drama is there to entice the general audience.” While the sport of Formula 1 seems to be just about racing cars from the outside, it turns out to be a soap drama in reality.
Off-Track Details
People who are new to the world of Formula 1 rarely get to know all the off-track details related to the different teams and their cars, which is valuable and interesting knowledge. In fact, the off-track details are what makes F1 so interesting, not just the race day but the entire season put together.
Reddit user u/USDMB4 says that, “ I didn’t have that background when coming into F1. I wonder what it’s like watching a race for the first time already having some backstory.” This is exactly what new fans are privy to if they find their love for the sport through Drive to Survive.
Creating Larger Storylines
Hardcore fans of the sport recognize the fact that Drive to Survive is not meant for them. It is meant for the more casual fans and people who have no idea about the sport. For this, Netflix needs to make storylines that are cohesive and follow some kind of pattern. Sometimes, the producers also have to bend storylines a little to tell a larger story. For example, creating some rivalries between teams which have a larger payoff in the last race of the season.
Reddit user stillusesAOL says, “I appreciated them bending stories slightly to tell greater truths about the people involved and the sport." This was really impactful in the episode "Man on Fire" which also happens to be one of the best episodes of Drive to Survive. In addition, if fans want to see the real lives of the show's drivers, they can follow the stars of Drive to Survive on Instagram.
Introduction To The Nerdy Aspects
The real fun for Formula 1 fans begin when they start getting into the nerdy aspects of racing. Knowing the different strategies, cars, and tactics gets the audience more involved. Drive to Survive brings these strategies to the forefront, diving into how different teams decided to pursue them. IOfTheShtorm says that, “The fun starts when you feel nerdy about the enjoyment you are getting!”
Formula 1 is a lot about the technical aspects of both the car and the racetracks which Drive to Survive made pretty easy to access for a beginner. A lot of the technical words which would otherwise seem daunting were easily explained through context within the show itself.
The Sound Effects And Editing
Any show about Formula 1 needs to make sure the audience can feel the power and sound coming off of those cars. They are some of the fastest cars on Earth, so not paying attention to the sound effects and editing can ruin the sheer adrenaline rush of witnessing these cars in action. Drive to Survive, ever since the first season have nailed this aspect.
Reddit user stillusesAOL also agrees and says, “I loved it. I’m not the target as I’m a super fan… and I liked the sound effects.” If Drive to Survive was a movie, its racing scenes would be considered some of the best car chases of all time. The sound design of this show really showcases the sheer power which the drivers have to handle at such high speeds.
Large Influx Of New Fans
Formula 1 is currently at its height of popularity and Drive to Survive has had a huge role to play in this. Reddit user Auntypasto believes that, “Everywhere you look on racing forums since this series came out, you see new people coming in and asking questions about the sport and how it works.”
Drive To Survive also served to bring in a new generation of fans who discover shows and interests through the internet. A lot of people became fans of the sport just by watching the show. This is why Drive to Survive became one of the best shows for those who love cars.