Formula 1 Driver Lando Norris Compares New Movie to Netflix Series Drive to Survive
After a private screening of the eagerly awaited Formula 1 movie before the Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren driver Lando Norris has compared the production to the popular Netflix series Drive to Survive. Anticipating its lasting impact, he suggested that the Brad Pitt-starring film represents “something a lot more historical” than the docuseries.
Drivers’ Positive Response and Hollywood Critique
The initial response has been overwhelmingly positive from drivers across the grid, although the “Hollywood” nature of the movie has been noted by some, such as Nico Hulkenberg and Ollie Bearman. Despite this, it’s clear that the movie is a triumph in their eyes as it celebrates the growing success of their sport.
Netflix’s Drive to Survive series has played a significant role in the sport’s recent growth, particularly in territories like the United States. Launched in March 2019 and now on its seventh season, the docuseries has become incredibly popular by offering behind-the-scenes access to much of what isn’t seen during a race weekend – albeit with a touch of creative license.
This has resulted in tangible benefits for Formula 1, which now hosts three US-based Grands Prix and enjoys higher viewership, especially among the crucial 18 to 29 age group.
Criticism within the Paddock
Despite this success, Drive to Survive has faced criticism from within the paddock, with Norris himself offering sharp comments at the start of this season: “I don’t want made-up scripts and fabricated nonsense.
It’s no surprise that a comparison was drawn after the viewing of the movie. “It’s a lot more Hollywood, so it’s quite different,” Norris admitted. “I think maybe both are good for different reasons. I think Formula 1 is just good, because it’s a wider scale, and I think maybe it’ll reach a lot more people.
The Movie’s Potential Impact on Motorsport Media
Norris also highlighted the film’s potential of becoming a historic part of motorsport media. “I just find it cool that we’re in a movie,” he said. “I think it’s way cooler than a Netflix documentary. I think it’s a much bigger stage. It’s a movie, it’s got movie stars in it, and I think that’s something a lot more historical than just a Netflix documentary.
He added, “It’s something that in 20 years your kids can still watch, and it’ll still be kind of cool. I think it was very good, in my opinion. I didn’t really know what to expect, because I’ve not been too up to date with what it is, or what it was going to be.
I think just the fact that Formula 1 is in a movie, and you get a bit of an understanding about personalities, and what’s good, what’s bad about drivers and engineers, the culture of teams,” Norris continued. “I think it was good for that side of things, that people get that understanding and the work that needs to go into it. So, for that reason, I thought it was good.
