"Drive to Survive" Drives New Fans to Formula 1? Studying Viewer Experiences of a Sports Documentary and Its Influence on the Sport's Fandom.

This study examines the influence of the Netflix docuseries *Formula 1: Drive to Survive* on Formula 1 fandom, focusing on its role in attracting new fans and deepening existing fans' engagement. Through semi-structured interviews with twelve viewers from diverse backgrounds, the research identified three main themes: the docuseries facilitated familiarization with the sport, fostered social connections among fans, and employed dramatization that elicited mixed reactions. While most participants credited the series with enhancing their understanding and interest in Formula 1, some expressed frustration with its overdramatized portrayal, which at times detracted from the authentic racing experience. The findings suggest that *Drive to Survive* has positively impacted Formula 1's global reach but highlight the need for a balanced narrative approach to maintain both new and traditional fan bases.