In recent years, Formula 1 has experienced a surge in viewership, attracting a growing younger audience who eagerly tune in to watch race weekends. This rise in popularity can largely be attributed to the success of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” a series that offers an in-depth look into the lives of F1 drivers and the inner workings of teams behind the scenes.
For quite some time, there has been anticipation for an F1 movie, and extensive filming has taken place during several Grand Prix weekends over the past year. Notably, the movie has Lewis Hamilton, one of the Executive Producers, on board, ensuring that it draws heavily from real-life situations. The film aims to be as authentic as possible and will prominently feature the 20 drivers currently on the F1 grid.
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of the Formula One Group, hopes that the movie will attract even more people to watch the sport, following in the footsteps of the successful Netflix series. In an exclusive interview with motorsport.com, Domenicali expressed his belief that the F1 movie, simply titled “F1,” will have an even greater impact than “Drive to Survive.” He stated, “I think that if Netflix was a big success, I believe the movie – which we discussed the commercialization and promotion plan for in Hungary – will be massive. We will reach an audience that is not yet engaged.”
Domenicali emphasizes that the upcoming film will maintain the authenticity of the sport and avoid excessive sensationalism. It aims to cater to existing F1 fans and provide a true-to-life experience. He added, “We wanted to create something unique, and while we cannot alter the essence of the racing itself, as that is the sport, we are approaching the movie from different angles and perspectives. I believe viewers will be fascinated by the behind-the-scenes complexity and the impressive aspects involved in its creation.”
Additionally, Domenicali revealed that the movie is serving as a testing ground for various new technologies. Modified Formula 2 cars are being used, allowing for the exploration of innovative camera angles that may be implemented in future F1 broadcasts. Domenicali stated, “We are developing new camera technologies and experimenting with different perspectives. This serves as a platform to pioneer certain advancements that we will later introduce.”
Photo from Stefano Domenicali Instagram
