General
Marko critical: "Netflix series has nothing to do with reality"
- Toby McLuskie
Helmut Marko thinks it is great to see Formula 1 attracting more and more spectators, and that the popularity of the pinnacle of motorsport is soaring, especially in the United States. This is largely thanks to the Netflix documentary Drive to Survive, but the Red Bull Racing adviser is critical of that very fact.
Drive to Survive has supporters and detractors. It benefits Formula 1 tremendously, but the documentary makers are often blamed for not painting a realistic picture of how things really are or have been. It was one of the reasons why Max Verstappen did not cooperate with the series several times last year and was thus missing.
Speaking to German Motorsport-Magazin.com, Marko gives his opinion on the matter. The 80-year-old Austrian is limping on two thoughts. "Some may know the Netflix series, which has nothing to do with reality." However, he also sees the benefits of it. "It has provided a breakthrough for Formula 1 in the United States and as long as the ratings and interest are there, you can debate whether it is wise or necessary. But the interest is what prevails - and as long as people want it, why shouldn't they be presented with it?"
More fans means more money
Ultimately, Red Bull also benefits from more international attention. The more fans follow Formula 1, the more companies are interested in sponsorship and the more money these sponsorship deals bring in. Still, Marko implies, it is important that fans will soon not only know Formula 1 from stories that did not even really happen that way.