How Drive to Survive changed fandom and racing culture

Drive to Survive has profoundly reshaped Formula 1's global appeal since its 2019 debut, transforming how fans engage with the sport. The Netflix documentary, praised for bringing new, younger audiences, achieved this by offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access and highlighting driver personalities and team principal characters, such as Guenther Steiner. This approach made F1 more relatable and accessible, amplifying drivers' profiles and turning team bosses into household names. The show has notably shifted fan loyalty from traditional constructors to individual character arcs, deepening personal investment in the racing drama. Its success has not only integrated F1 deeper into popular culture, evidenced by celebrity fans and its influence on other media, but also set a blueprint for similar sports documentaries.