Praise for Drive To Survive: 'Huge increase in female purchasing'

The Netflix series Drive To Survive has caused Formula 1's popularity to skyrocket. According to the marketing boss of the Australian Grand Prix, the number of female fans has increased significantly because of the series.

Not everyone is a fan of the Netflix series Drive To Survive, which allows viewers to see what it's like behind the scenes during an F1 weekend. A number of drivers have criticised the series, including Max Verstappen. The Dutchman therefore did not want to participate in the latest season of the series, in which his title fight with Lewis Hamilton played a major role.

Increase in female fans

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the series has brought a large number of new fans to the sport. The series has already had four seasons, and this year Netflix is again present at race weekends to film a fifth season.

"It’s been exceptional. It’s been a marketing bonanza for Formula 1," Andrew Westacott, top executive of the Australian organisation, said to Sky Sports.

"It was great because it gives people an insight into the sport that so many people have loved for 70 years. But I’ll give you one tangible example – ticket purchasing used to be 75 per cent male to 25 per cent female. Purchasing for this year was 60-40, so there is a huge increase in female purchasing.”