Formula 1… the Netflix Effect
Please, tell me if you are a ‘Reality’ fan. If you love spending part of life watching a person sobbing because another one has been unfaithful or which has been the latest soap opera that caught your attention.
In the remote case that you can provide me with an answer, I raise my bet and ask you what you remember of them.
I invite you to come to this field because this is what Netflix is to Formula 1.
The Netflix Effect
Netflix is an entertainment company that belongs to the most diverse companies such us Capital Group Companies, BlackRock, The Vanguard Group, Morgan Stanley, Reed Hastings, The Vanguard Group, Capital Research Global Investors and BlackRock[i]. Their main objective is to provide entertainment, to stay on the surface of some sports without going deeper inn the guts of these activities. The more stuff to spend a time without analysing, the better. Efforts to understand the activity are close to absolute zero.
Is this wrong, not at all. Netflix objectives are largely fulfilled and people consume it. Personal drivers’ lives are shown as never before. But to know what this or that driver eats or drinks is to grasp the core of what most follower tag as the most important racing car series in the world? I do not think so.
Some years ago
I am not against showing the World of racing cars. indeed, I really consider that the first step that helped a lot to boost Formula 1 and racing cars was the film Grand Prix. The documentaries such as Pole Position, The Warrior of Formula 1 also facilitated newcomers to learn the series backstage.
But they were the initial kick off. At those times, things were not served on a minute-to-minute and at hand dish. Fans and followers were obliged to get news by doing the slight effort of getting the material and READING it.
This simple task, added to a series which was ‘normal’ with gladiators who risked their lives at any turn, was (and should still be) TO READ. Papers, magazines and books were the chosen (and many times, the unique) sources of information. That little effort built up the wish to learn, to know. An effort that built long lasting F1 lovers and supporters.
Is the present wrong
No, it is different. This new world changed the ways Formula 1 and other racing series reach people. Netflix and social hubs reveal too many aspects of this World. But they do not realise that to exhibit too much kills the sweet flavour of the imagination. -
Image: FIA Formula 1
[i] Netflix https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netflix. Checked Nov 9th, 2022
