Latest news with #Formula1:DrivetoSurvive
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
More grit than glitz in female motorsport's answer to Drive to Survive
Netflix's fly-on-the-wall documentary Formula 1: Drive to Survive has been such a success that sports have fallen over themselves to try to cash in on the back of it. The latest to allow cameras on the grid is F1: The Academy. The stage is almost the same, even if the story is not. The F1 Academy, under managing director Susie Wolff, has been established to nurture young female talent, and the series is produced by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine. Unlike F1, it is not a career in itself. Drivers must be aged between 16 and 25 and are only allowed to race for two seasons, with just the winner awarded a fully-funded seat in GB3 – the next rung in the ladder before the heights of F2, or even F1. The differences between F1 Academy and Formula One are stark. There are no Monaco penthouses and only one clip of drivers cruising to a track in a luxury vehicle. It might be the pinnacle of female motorsport, but there is a long way to go for the drivers to have more than just a taste of the riches on offer. Instead, drivers live with their managers and only a few have the luxury of an entourage. The documentary will leave even those few who believe the sport is open to all convinced of the barriers. Abbi Pulling, the British driver, cannot afford to have her father fly out and watch while merchandise shoots are a necessity – as she bluntly explains, it helps her pay rent. Wolff says she wants F1 Academy to be a 'movement not a moment', but for those in their final season of the competition there is the constant uncertainty of what the future holds. Pulling's story is one of sacrifice, from her father working seven days a week to fund her karting career to an honest reflection that if she does not win in her final F1 Academy year – and therefore misses out on the GB3 place – that might be the end of her racing journey. Pulling, who does go on to win and is now competing in GB3, says: 'I'm a woman in a man's world trying to prove herself. That's why Mulan is my favourite movie.' It is a harsh reality that contrasts sharply with the glitz and glamour that comes with racing in F1 teams' liveries, on the same weekends and at the same track as the flagship races. As Wolff states plainly: 'If you can't cut it in F1 Academy, there's not going to be much of a career in motorsport left for you.' In F1, even drivers who do not make the cut after a year or two are still compensated heavily, but reaching F1 Academy does not pay the bills. Bianca Bustamante, a driver from the Philippines, boasts more than three million followers on social media, and more on Instagram than F1 driver Liam Lawson. She is mobbed at races, with endless requests for selfies, especially when in Singapore, and her McLaren aide worries how her social media posts and marketing affect her racing – her season is one of pitfalls. In a later episode Mercedes's Toto Wolff, in one of a handful of brief appearances by F1 team principals, says: 'This is not an influencer racing series. Only the best ones must survive.' In the seven-part series, only five stories are really explored – Bustamante, Pulling, Mercedes driver Doriane Pin, sisters Hamda and Amna Al Qubaisi from Dubai, and American rally driver turned track racer Lia Block. Those tuning in expecting another version of the abrasive rivalries between drivers and team principles that are the cornerstone of Drive to Survive will find themselves disappointed. The first episode, titled Not here to make friends, is little more than words as the drivers throw each other birthday parties and take group excursions into the desert. On track there is some frustration, but usually by drivers at their own mistakes, and of course there are a few tears as well. Susie Wolff closes off the season by saying: 'I've driven a Formula One car, and fast. I know it's possible and I want to see a young woman on that grid.' Yet the question remains: is it possible?
Bloomberg
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Not Every Team Deserves a Netflix Sports Documentary
Last season the Boston Red Sox were the picture of mediocrity, finishing 81-81, dead middle of the American League East Division, and failing to make the playoffs. The Red Sox were expected to be meh, and they were. So my expectations for The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox, an eight-episode docuseries released by Netflix Inc. in April, were low. The idea of spending eight hours rehashing their humdrum season sounded like a chore, even for this Sox fan. At first glance, The Clubhouse seemed like another unnecessary sports doc. Since the breakout success of Formula 1: Drive to Survive and The Last Dance, both of which helped fill the void when most live sports were canceled during the early days of the pandemic, programmers have been clamoring for unscripted sports series. At the start of 2019, according to data from Ampere Analysis, sports accounted for 3% of all newly commissioned documentaries, both upcoming and released. So far in the second quarter of this year, that share is 12%.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Formula E Driver trailer: Drive to Survive electrification is complete as new documentary set to release on Amazon Prime
Formula E has entered its eleventh season, showcasing the advanced Gen3 Evo cars speeding around the track. Now, a Formula E documentary titled Formula E: Driver is set to release on Amazon Prime Video , aiming to elevate the sport's global presence and rival the popularity of Formula 1. The trailer for Driver looks promising, offering everything needed to match the success of Netflix's Formula 1: Drive to Survive , by diving deep into the high-octane world of electric racing . All about Formula E: Driver trailer The official trailer for Formula E: Driver was unveiled on Friday on Formula E's official website while the Driver poster was shared on its social media platforms. The trailer opens with Antonio Félix da Costa, a prominent figure in the series, who recently secured third place at the Miami E-Prix. It then transitions into a montage of intense on-track action and candid off-track moments, providing a comprehensive look into the lives of the drivers and the dynamics of the championship. Watch the trailer here. On Instagram, Formula E shared the trailer with the caption: "Racing like you've never seen it before. Formula E: Driver, coming soon exclusively to @primevideo. #PrimeVideo #FormulaE #Motorsport #Racing." Antonio Félix da Costa, representing the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, responded to the post with enthusiasm, commenting, "Here we go." Andretti Formula E's Instagram account also dropped a comment, "We'd recognise that piercing blue eye anywhere…" Fans expressed their anticipation, with comments like, "The last thing missing is an official Formula E video game," and "Now we have a movie for almost all motorsports now." Another fan remarked, "Can't wait to see this and find out more about Formula E, should be an interesting watch!" Many viewers drew parallels between Formula E: Driver and Formula 1: Drive to Survive, with one fan dubbing it "Drive to Survive electrification," and another exclaiming, "The Drive to Survive Formula E edition is here!!!" While the exact release date for Formula E: Driver has not been announced, it is confirmed that the documentary will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Also Read: Oliver Rowland and Taylor Barnard: Meet the cute mentor-student pair dominating Formula E at the same time Meanwhile, the next Formula E race is scheduled to take place in the hub of motorsports, Monaco. The Round 6 and 7 double header will be held on May 3 and 4.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Netflix to premiere 'F1: The Academy' docuseries on up-and-coming female racing stars
F1 Academy (via Getty Images) Netflix will premiere its new motorsport docuseries, F1: The Academy , on May 28, 2025, and take audiences on an unprecedented behind-the-scenes ride through the F1 Academy's all-female grid. The Hello Sunshine-backed series chronicles the drama, determination, and personal story of these talented young female drivers during the 2024 season. With Formula 1 Academy CEO Susie Wolff also on board in an executive production role, the global launch is a landmark moment for sportswomen and will set the stage for a whole new generation of talent. Netflix and F1 Academy join forces to amplify women's racing With the backing of all 10 Formula 1 teams, the program got underway after the program was announced in 2023 to worldwide recognition and support within the motorsport industry. Susie Wolff, former Formula 1 development driver and now managing director of F1 Academy, reiterated the cultural importance of the show: 'To have the F1 Academy docuseries launch globally with Netflix is not just a huge step forward in visibility for our mission but also a resounding statement about the momentum and demand for women's sport.' The show will also elevate the profile of the championship by bringing its stars to the giant audience of Netflix through a formula which worked so well for Formula 1: Drive to Survive . As there is growing recognition for women in motorsport , this documentary series will also be able to enhance F1 Academy's increasing profile further. Paddock insiders and real-life stories from the paddock Fans have already been teased with behind-the-scenes content on social media, with drivers such as Bianca Bustamante and Maya Weug offering glimpses into filming. Maya Weug, who made history as Ferrari's first female academy member, brought the Netflix crew to the famed Maranello facility, adding rich context to her journey. F1 Academy has also picked up the pace away from the track, expanding its grid to 18 from 15 cars for 2025 and agreeing sponsorship partnerships with blue-chip companies such as TAG Heuer and Charlotte Tilbury. The actions reinforce the seriousness of the series' determination to establish itself as a standard on the motorsport calendar and a platform for women drivers to launch their careers. A decisive move towards future equality in the world of motorsport With its narrative cinema and real-world consequences, F1: The Academy can be a cultural touchstone, as its precursor, Drive to Survive, was. This Netflix series is not only a series about motorsport—it's about representation, determination, and rewriting the script for women in motor racing. Also read: 19-year-old Canadian driver Nicole Havrda set for F1 Academy debut in season 2025 With the world waiting for the launch of the series, everyone will be looking at the skilful women drivers behind the wheel—and the incredible stories they will soon be telling. Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .
Arab News
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
From Formula 1 to Saudi Pro League — how Sunil Patel is capturing the region's biggest sporting moments
LONDON: On December 31, 2022, just days after the World Cup ended in Qatar, Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the footballing world by joining Saudi Pro League and Riyadh giants Al-Nassr. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport What had seemed to be only rumor was now reality, and it kick-started a football revolution that continues to reverberate around the Kingdom and the world. The recent Netflix documentary series, 'Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,' gave a glimpse into Saudi football in the same way 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' has into the echelons of top-tier motorsport. Sunil Patel, co-founder and CEO of Whisper, the production house behind the show, recognizes this was a critical milestone for his company. 'We had built a relationship with the [Saudi] Ministry of Sport, and they wanted us to capture the essence of the SPL,' he explains. However, when Whisper approached Netflix with the idea, there was initial skepticism: 'Netflix didn't believe we had the access to the SPL that we claimed.' To allay any doubts, Whisper invited Netflix executives to their offices. 'We played them the tape of everything we'd shot, and they were blown away,' Patel recalled. This pivotal moment led to Netflix taking ownership of the project, marking the first significant access point in Saudi Arabia for the streaming giant. 'It was a watershed moment for us,' added Patel. The resulting production struck a balance between the excitement of football and the broader narrative surrounding the SPL's growth, incorporating critical discussions on infrastructure and the region's evolving football landscape. The program, however, was not an overnight success. Nor was it a case of jumping on the bandwagon of one of the world's biggest sports stories. As with the Saudi Pro League itself, years of hard work had gone into getting Whisper to the that point. The company was born out of Sunil's experiences within the BBC, particularly during his time covering Formula 1. 'I joined the BBC in 2003, and in late 2008 we had secured the rights to Formula 1,' Patel told Arab News during an interview in his London office. At the time, the BBC football department was a powerhouse and the idea of covering a sport as complex as F1 was daunting. Sunil vividly remembers a management meeting where he advocated for the internal production of F1 content instead of outsourcing it to the Top Gear team, as existed at the time. His bold suggestion was welcomed and led to a shift in strategy, bringing in experienced personnel and transitioning him from football to F1. 'From that moment, they went out and got a really experienced executive in, Mark Wilkin, and he ran the Formula 1. And then I moved from football to Formula 1 to launch it,' he said. It proved a turning point for Patel. He took on the role of creative lead, collaborating with a talented team that included presenters like Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard, who had recently retired from racing with the Red Bull team. Patel's experience allowed him to cultivate relationships with various stakeholders in the F1 ecosystem — drivers, teams, and sponsors. This set the stage for Whisper's emergence in sports media. In 2010, after two years in F1 production, Patel made a pivotal decision and left the BBC to start Whisper with Humphrey. 'I had no experience of running a business, nor did Jake. We had no name, no money,' he said. However, the duo was driven by a shared vision and an understanding of the unique storytelling opportunities in sport. The partnership quickly proved to be a winning combination. Humphrey's rapport with drivers and team principals, coupled with Patel's content delivery expertise, laid a solid foundation for their new venture. They became known for producing compelling content that resonated with audiences and stakeholders alike. 'Then David [Coulthard], who was in the meetings that we were having generally, and he was around the team, said, 'Well, why didn't you ask me to be part of the company?',' Patel recalled. Once on board, Coulthard played a crucial role. His insights into the industry and dedication to high standards significantly influenced Patel's approach to production. 'David instilled all of the fundamental principles that we still operate in our business, like attention to detail, marginal gains and feedback,' Patel explained. He acknowledges his experiences in F1 set a high bar for expectations: 'Working with David took me to another level.' This shift in mindset helped the company establish a strong reputation. For the next few years, Whisper capitalized on the relationships built during Sunil's time in F1. They became the in-house production partners for several key teams and sponsors, including Red Bull Racing and Williams. While early focus was primarily on Formula 1, Patel and his team quickly recognized the need to diversify. To fuel growth, they sought strategic investments and partnerships. Collaborating with Channel 4 allowed Whisper to pitch for larger projects, including live sports coverage. 'Winning the production contract for Formula 1 on Channel 4 was a game-changer for us,' said Patel. 'From a business of a handful of people, we suddenly had 20, 30 people in the office.' The influx of work necessitated moving offices and enhancing their operational capacity. As they ventured into new sports, including the NFL, women's football and Paralympic sports, Whisper's portfolio expanded significantly. Partnership with Sony further opened doors, enabling them to diversify into entertainment programming including quiz shows and documentaries. An office in Cardiff was launched. Whisper's ambition did not stop at the UK market, however. Recognizing the potential for global growth, the company began exploring opportunities beyond Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed the company to expand into new territories, including New Zealand and Saudi Arabia. 'During COVID, an opportunity came up to open an office in Auckland, [leveraging] our cricket productions,' Patel said. The expansion marked the beginning of Whisper's international journey. The entry into the Saudi market was a significant milestone. 'We were involved in the Race of Champions [2018], which was a critical moment for us,' recalled Patel. 'We found a place that was challenging yet ripe for storytelling and creativity. I think people wanted to work with us because of our creativity, our storytelling, our product was really strong.' This reputation facilitated strong relationships, allowing Whisper to thrive. 'I think what's really interesting is, ever since we started working in Saudi, one project has always led to another,' said Patel. 'So whether it was Race of Champions giving us that footprint in the region, the pay-per-view boxing, so we did AJ v Usyk, we did Tommy Fury versus Jake Paul, and those relationships mean that you talk to people, people trust you. From there we ended up working with the Ministry of Sport and talking about a few football projects.' Reflecting on the reception of the Netflix show, Patel acknowledges that while it may not have received extensive global promotion, it served its purpose in the region: 'I think the reaction was good, in the sense that we told a balanced story of the kinds of challenges facing the league and teams, and players moving to the region, in terms of the infrastructure being developed ahead of the 2034 World Cup bid, and that was really interesting.' It resonated with viewers and stakeholders, underlining Whisper's commitment to quality and authenticity. 'We challenged figures like Ronaldo and the Ministry of Sport,' Patel said. Looking ahead, he is enthusiastic about the future of Whisper in Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of the country winning the bid for the 2034 World Cup: 'A lot of our focus now is on supporting the Saudi 2034 team and telling the stories that will emerge from this monumental event.' The build-up to the World Cup will involve significant infrastructural changes and developments in women's and grass roots football, which promise to provide more storytelling opportunities. Beyond this, Patel identifies various upcoming events that could present new opportunities for Whisper. 'There's the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and the Riyadh Expo 2030,' he said, highlighting the importance of a Riyadh office to engage with these developments. 'We want to leverage these landmark moments to showcase the rich culture and evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia,' he concluded.
