Formula 1

FWONKMotorsport

Mentions

Podcasts

Episodes

Podcast consensus

Points of consensus

▶Multiple sources, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, McLaren CEO Zak Brown, and Shane Parrish, agree that the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' was a critical factor in expanding Formula 1's fan base, particularly in new markets and among younger demographics.Apr–May 2026

▶Both Stefano Domenicali and Zak Brown characterize Formula 1's strategic shift as moving from a pure sport to an entertainment product, competing with movies, music, and other live events for audience attention.Apr–May 2026

▶There is consensus on the significant growth of Formula 1 in North America, with Domenicali noting the expansion from one to three US races in three years and Brown describing the transition from a niche to a major sport in the region.Apr 2026

▶Multiple sources highlight a significant demographic shift in the fan base. Stefano Domenicali states it is now 40% women with an average age of 35, while Susie Wolff notes it is 42% female, with the fastest-growing segment being females aged 18-24.May 2026

Points of debate

▶There is a slight discrepancy in the reported percentage of female fans; Stefano Domenicali claims the fan base is 40% women, while Susie Wolff states the figure is 42%.

▶Zak Brown presents multiple reasons for Formula 1's historical struggles in North America, citing both its brand perception as 'exclusive and inaccessible' and its 'failure to establish a permanent, consistent race location,' suggesting a debate over the primary cause.Apr 2026

▶While CEO Stefano Domenicali states that Cadillac has been approved to become a new team, this contrasts with the known public friction and lack of a commercial agreement with Formula 1 itself, suggesting a potential disconnect between the FIA's approval and the commercial rights holder's acceptance.

▶The ideal size of the race calendar is an implicit point of tension. While Domenicali states the maximum is set at 24 races, he also notes that demand exists from more than 24 countries, and the company is considering rotating venues to accommodate new locations.

Key themes

▶Strategic Repositioning as an Entertainment PlatformApr–May 2026

Formula 1 has deliberately shifted its identity from being solely a sport to a global entertainment platform. This strategy, articulated by CEO Stefano Domenicali and McLaren CEO Zak Brown, involves competing for audience attention not with other sports, but with entertainment verticals like movies, music, and theater.

This repositioning allows Formula 1 to access a much larger total addressable market and justifies media-centric growth strategies, like 'Drive to Survive', that prioritize narrative and accessibility over pure technical sport.

▶Conquering the North American MarketApr 2026

After historical failures attributed to inconsistent venues and an inaccessible brand image, Formula 1 has successfully penetrated the North American market. Under Liberty Media, the sport expanded from one to three U.S. races in three years and is now considered a major sport in the region, a key weakness turned into a major growth driver.

The successful U.S. expansion serves as a blueprint for future market entry, demonstrating that a targeted, media-driven approach can overcome decades of brand inertia and unlock significant revenue in previously dormant regions.

▶Audience Diversification and Digital Engagement

The company has successfully reversed its appeal to a narrow demographic, now attracting a younger and more diverse audience, with women comprising over 40% of the fan base. This was largely driven by the 'Drive to Survive' series and is being leveraged through plans for personalized content using fan data.

The shift in fan demographics creates new sponsorship and merchandising opportunities, but also requires the company to balance the interests of its traditional fan base with the content preferences of its newer, entertainment-focused audience.

▶Future-Proofing through Sustainability and Global Expansion

Formula 1 is embedding sustainability into its core strategy, with a public target to be carbon neutral by 2030 and making sustainable fuels a central pillar of the 2026 regulations. Simultaneously, it is planning for future growth by exploring new markets in the Far East and Africa and considering a race rotation model.

The focus on sustainability is a strategic necessity to retain and attract corporate sponsors and manufacturers, while the planned geographic expansion indicates a long-term strategy to mitigate reliance on its now-mature European and North American markets.

Source episodes

Timeline

Pre-Liberty Media Acquisition

Formula 1 was characterized by key weaknesses, including a lack of appeal to women, youth, and the North American market. Its brand was perceived as exclusive and inaccessible, and it struggled to establish a consistent presence in the U.S.

Post-Liberty Media Acquisition

A strategic shift occurred, focusing on fan engagement, transparency, and repositioning the sport as an entertainment product. This period saw the creation of the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive'.

Circa 2018-2022

The 'Drive to Survive' series is released and becomes a primary driver for a surge of young and new fans globally. The show is credited with fundamentally changing the growth trajectory of the sport.

Last 3 Years

The company experiences tangible results from its new strategy, most notably expanding its U.S. presence from one to three races. The fan base demonstrably shifts to become younger and more gender-diverse, with women now comprising over 40% of fans.

2026 (Future)

A major technological shift is planned with new regulations centered on sustainable fuel and hybridization, aligning the sport with future automotive trends and environmental goals.

2030 (Future)

The company has set a public target to become fully carbon neutral, marking a key milestone in its long-term sustainability strategy.

Suggested prompts

How will Formula 1 balance the logistical and environmental pressures of a 24-race calendar with the high demand from new countries wanting to host a Grand Prix? &nearr;What are the risks of relying heavily on a single media property like 'Drive to Survive' for fan acquisition, and what is the strategy for retaining these new fans as the show's novelty wanes? &nearr;As Formula 1's fan base becomes younger and more entertainment-focused, how might this influence future sporting regulations and the on-track product? &nearr;With the 2026 regulations emphasizing sustainable fuels, what is Formula 1's strategy to communicate this complex technological shift to its broad, non-technical fan base to maintain interest and highlight its relevance? &nearr;

Key concepts

Drive to Survive 3 ep North American Market Growth 2 ep Fan Demographics 3 ep Entertainment Strategy 2 ep Global Expansion 2 ep Sustainability & 2026 Regulations 1 ep Liberty Media Acquisition 1 ep Event Operations & Scale 1 ep F1 Academy & Women in Motorsport 2 ep

Notable quotes

“Prior to its acquisition by Liberty Media, Formula 1's key growth weaknesses were its lack of appeal to women, youth, and the North American market.”

Zak Brown · Why F1 Blew Up in the U.S. | McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown Explains

“Formula 1 has expanded its presence in the United States from one race to three in the last three years.”

Stefano Domenicali · Stefano Domenicali - President and CEO of Formula 1 | Podcast | In Good Company

“The primary driver for Formula 1's 2026 regulation changes is the strategic goal of keeping sustainable fuel and hybridization central to the sport's technological package.”

Stefano Domenicali · Stefano Domenicali - President and CEO of Formula 1 | Podcast | In Good Company

“Formula 1's historical lack of popularity in North America was partly due to its failure to establish a permanent, consistent race location.”

Zak Brown · Why F1 Blew Up in the U.S. | McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown Explains

Report last updated: May 5, 2026

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