Netflix has struck a deal with Formula 1 Racing to produce a 10-episode documentary series based on 2018 FIA World Formula One Championship, which will be aired in 2019.
Under the deal, Box to Box production company would be granted exclusive access to paddock, teams, drivers, key players, staff members, owners and as well as management of the league.
The series will be produced by James Gay Rees, the producer of acclaimed Senna film in 2010 which won him Academy Award Amy.
“This partnership with Formula 1 furthers our mission of working with world-class brands and production partners to produce best-in-class unscripted series,” said Bela Bajaria, vice president of content for Netflix.
“We can’t wait for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix and to embark on an incredible season across the world.”
The series would be granted exclusive access to paddock, teams, drivers, key players, staff members, owners and as well as management of the league
Sean Bratches, F1 managing director of commercial operations applauded the deal said it provides the league with a chance to reach the people who could not follow F1 coverage regularly.
“Formula 1 is a global sport that we are actively repositioning from a motorsport company to a media and entertainment brand. The agreement with Netflix serves to chronicle the fascinating story of what transpires behind the scenes during a Grand Prix season.”
“This is a perspective of the sport that has yet to be unveiled to fans around the world. This series will unleash a compelling vantage point to the sport that will delight fans and serve as a catalyst to entice new fans.”
This isn’t the first time that a streaming service has a signed such a deal with F1. Earlier this year, Amazon showed a successful four-episode Grand Prix Driver series about McLaren’s abysmal 2017 season.
McLaren executive director Zak Brown also hailed the Netflix deal and said it would promote the league.
“It’s really good news,” he said. “Our Amazon Prime series went over really well with the fans, and showed them parts of the sport that no one’s ever seen.”
“The Netflix series will be a deep dive into the sport, as opposed to one team. I think some teams will give more access than others, by their choice.”
“People who wouldn’t normally be exposed to it will see it, find it fascinating, and hopefully that leads to more viewers,” he added.
