More than 167,000 fans from 187 different countries participated in Formula 1’s latest global survey. In the poll, fans chose Max Verstappen as the most popular driver. Stefano Domenicali, the F1 boss, understands that the sports’ audience is getting younger.
Surprisingly, Verstappen received a total of 14.4 percent of the total votes. Hamilton was considered F1’s most famous icon for years. However, Hamilton didn’t rank second either, and McLaren’s Lando Norris narrowly beat Hamilton for the second place on the list.
“If you think about the demographic of the people that are more involved in these kind of [votes], I think that you understand why Lando has a great audience in that respect.”
“It’s more connected to the fact that he has an approach with them that is fresh in a way that is closer to the people that are following that. That’s my personal view. We have an incredible group of young, very talented and good drivers that is of value for Formula 1.”
“I don’t want to give a bigger magnitude than what it is, but for sure it’s a sign that, as I always said, we don’t have a problem with the drivers for the future.”
Stefano Domenicali
Netflix’s ‘Drive To Survive’ plays an instrumental role
Additionally, Domenicali agrees that Netflix’s series Drive To Survive boosted drivers’ popularity in the sport. To illustrate, Drive To Survive has a massive impact on younger generations, introducing more and more people to the sport.
“For sure, Drive To Survive had a big impact, mainly on the ones that were not really so avid fans of Formula 1. They saw different narratives with regards to that sport. For sure, it had a positive impact.”
Stefano Domenicali
Formula 1’s season is resuming this weekend in Mexico. Following the US Grand Prix, Max Verstappen extended his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton to 13 points. On the other hand, Mercedes still have a 23 point lead over Red Bull.
