Bella Jung, a 24-year-old product designer at Oracle, found her way into the world of Formula 1 through Netflix's docuseries 'Drive to Survive.' The show, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the F1 season, has played a significant role in attracting new fans to the sport.
Since its premiere in 2019, 'Drive to Survive' has not only increased F1's popularity but has also led to the emergence of similar series for other sports like tennis, golf, and NASCAR. However, not all longtime fans appreciate the show, criticizing it for sensationalizing the sport.
Despite the mixed reactions, the impact of 'Drive to Survive' on F1's fanbase is undeniable. In 2023, over 20% of F1 followers in the US credited the docuseries for sparking their interest in the sport.
For many women like Jung, 'Drive to Survive' served as a gateway into the traditionally male-dominated world of F1. The influx of female fans has been a welcome change for the sport, with F1 Group CEO reporting a 40% female fanbase in 2022, up from 32% in 2017.
However, the rise of female fans has also brought challenges, with reports of harassment at F1 events and online. Female fans often face scrutiny and skepticism about their knowledge and motives for following the sport.
Despite the obstacles, women like Neha Sridhar, a software engineer, have embraced their passion for F1 by creating content on platforms like TikTok. These female fans are not only expanding the sport's audience but also advocating for greater diversity and inclusivity within F1.
As F1 continues to evolve, the voices of female fans are becoming increasingly important in shaping the narrative around the sport. Their presence not only represents a shift in the demographics of F1 fandom but also highlights the need for more diverse perspectives in motorsport.
