Netflix, Formula 1 to Stream Docu-series in 2019
March 24, 2018
Netflix is entering the auto-motoring genre in the fast lane.
The SVOD behemoth and Formula 1 March 24 announced a season-long collaboration for a 10-episode original docu-series of the 2018 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, to be screened in early 2019.
Separately, Netflix, beginning April 6, will stream its first global original motor series, “Fastest Car” – featuring souped-up every-day cars from the past (1971 Pinto, 1984 Buick Grand National, etc.) taking on high-performance race cars such as a Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren MP4. The series seems to be in response to Amazon Prime Video’s big-budget “The Grand Tour.”
Meanwhile, the unnamed Netflix original F1 series claims to be the first to bring viewers inside the cockpit, the paddock and the lives of the key players in Formula 1. The series will have exclusive access to the world’s fastest drivers, team principals and owners, as well as Formula 1’s own management team.
The series will be executive-produced by Academy-Award winner James Gay Rees (Senna) and Paul Martin for Box to Box Films. Sophie Todd will be the showrunner.
“This partnership with Formula 1 furthers our mission of working with world-class brands and production partners to produce best-in-class unscripted series,” Bela Bajaria, VP of content for Netflix, said in a statement
Formula 1, which recently bowed its first over-the-top streaming service, believes Netflix’s global audience and brand will help attract more casual fans.
“We are actively repositioning from a motorsport company to a media and entertainment brand,” said Sean Bratches, managing director of commercial operations at F1. “The agreement with Netflix serves to chronicle the fascinating story of what transpires behind the scenes during a grand prix season. This is a perspective of the sport that has yet to be unveiled to fans around the world.”