The first F1-sanctioned TV drama series is in development, and it sounds a lot like another non-sanctioned project in the works at a rival studio. Felicity Jones is attached to star in and executive produce the drama, which has landed at Amazon MGM Studios for Prime Video, Variety reports. Much like Brad Pitt's and Jerry Bruckheimer's creatively-titled upcoming movie "F1", the series in development is called "One." The premise of the show bears an uncanny resemblance to Daniel Ricciardo's also-in-development Hulu comedy, which has its pilot in testing.
Jones' series, which doesn't have a confirmed official order, will focus on a "failing family-owned racing team, led by Jones’ character, as it contends with fierce personalities, ever-changing rivals and multi-million-dollar stakes," according to Variety. Ricciardo's comedy series, "Downforce," centers on an heiress to a racing dynasty after she is thrust back into the family business and forced to make difficult choices about legacy and the team's success.
Both shows seem to take inspiration from the story of former Williams team principal Claire Williams. The daughter of Sir Frank Williams ran the team from 2013 until 2020, when she was forced to put the family business up for sale and forfeited her role on the pit wall. Claire Williams was one of only two female team principals in the history of the sport (Monisha Kaltenborn led Sauber from 2012 to 2017), and there are no women who appear to be the immediate successors to any of the current team principals on the grid.
Jones' "One" series was first announced back in 2023, but development seemingly stalled during the writer's strike. At the time, Jones told Deadline, “It is an honor to be part of this unique and exciting partnership with Formula 1. The high stakes world of F1 continually delivers edge-of-your-seat drama and to have the opportunity to create a show based in this world is a thrilling prospect."
Eager to build off the popularity of "Drive to Survive", Formula 1 hired Isabelle Stewart, a former executive at Universal and Studiocanal, to take on a newly-created role as head of original content at F1 in 2022. "One" — as well as Pitt's "F1" — have been born from her role.
Coincidentally, Daniel Ricciardo's Hulu show was also announced in 2022. His half-hour scripted series, titled "Downforce," has been pitched as "Entourage" set in the F1 paddock. Alec Berg and Adam Countee, the duo behind HBO's "Silicon Valley," are writing the series.
