FIA president says F1 must keep adapting
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem acknowledges Liberty Media's transformative impact in powering Formula 1's unprecedented recent boom, but cautions against over-reliance on Netflix moving forward, stressing the constant need for continual adaptation.
Formula 1 is currently enjoying a surge in popularity the likes of which has arguably never been seen before in the championship's 74-year history.
The 2023 calendar will expand to a record 24 races, with demand for F1 so high that the schedule is already at full capacity.
Netflix docuseries DTS catalyzes boom
Much of this newfound popularity has been attributed to Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' docuseries, which has introduced F1 to a massive new audience since its launch in 2019.
As the series releases its fifth season in 2023 to further capitalize on fans brought in by the show, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem cautions that Netflix cannot remain the sole focus for the sport's future growth.
"I think we cannot rely on our current success. We must always think about the future," said Ben Sulayem.
"Formula 1 has existed for 74 years and during this time it has gone through many phases and crises, but it has always survived and today seems stronger than ever. And for it to continue like this, Formula 1 has to adapt.
We can’t just rely on Netflix to attract people. The new generation wants to learn about motorsport. You can’t do things like before."
Liberty Media's crucial guidance through pandemic
Current F1 owners Liberty Media took over the commercial rights in late 2016, successfully steering the sport through the pandemic period and masterminding its remarkable resurgence thereafter.
"What they did during the pandemic was fantastic," acknowledged Ben Sulayem. "I will always be indebted to them."
However, while the FIA remains grateful for Liberty's work, the President stresses that new adaptations are still required for ongoing growth.
"We know that we are indebted to them, that is very, very clear, but Formula 1 will have to adapt to new challenges.
The challenges of ten years ago are completely different today. We have to improve our business model and I am sure that this will survive for a long, long time, as long as the FIA is also strong."
The debut of a Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023, promoted directly by F1 itself, has been viewed as the latest breakthrough under Liberty's leadership in tapping new event opportunities. But Ben Sulayem maintains evolution is still imperative.
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