Drive to Survive Criticized for Downplaying Verstappen’s F1 Dominance

F1 business expert Mark Gallagher has criticized Netflix series “Drive to Survive”, saying it is alienating potential new fans due to Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s dominance in 2023.

Since its debut in 2019, “Drive to Survive” has become a key vehicle for F1, allowing it to reach an unparalleled level of popularity under the management of commercial rights holder Liberty Media.

Interest peaked in 2021 during the season-long Max Verstappen battle with Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton that ended with the Red Bull star winning three consecutive World Championships in controversial circumstances.

Gallagher, a former Jordan, Red Bull and Cosworth employee, argues that ‘Drive to Survive’ is trying to democratize F1 by covering 10 teams and 20 drivers equally, trying to attract everyone. But he says this could disappoint new fans as viewers see a single team and driver dominate real races, describing the 2023 season as particularly “devastating” for a new F1 fan base.

According to Gallagher, the series creates an expectation of fair competition between the teams, presenting them all as equals. However, he states that what is happening on the side of sports/entertainment is actually a technical meritocracy, and this does not fit the narrative of the Netflix series, in which he argues that everyone has an equal chance.

Gallagher also states that the cost of tickets and merchandise is another issue, and he is anxious to see whether F1’s popularity can be sustained. He emphasizes that ticket prices and the cost of merchandise are barriers for some fans, raising doubts about the sustainability of the recent increase in viewership.

As F1 looks to expand its fan base and maintain global appeal, how to balance the compelling narrative of the “Drive to Survive” series with the reality of the sport becomes a vital question for the future of the sport.