Netflix’s Drive to Survive has propelled the popularity of F1 to new heights and some of the current drivers agree. Ever since Liberty Media’s overtake, the sport was slowly gaining traction in America. However, Netflix’s DTS put the involvement of the fans in sport on a fast track.

And not just in America, the show has brought in fans from remote areas of the world. The popularity of the sport is at an all-time high, and every entity is to be credited. On a distinct note, Haas surprised everyone by including Kevin Magnussen in their 2022 lineup. News of the Danish driver being part of the 2022 season was enough for F1 to blow up in Denmark.

F1 journalist, Natalie Pinkham, discussed the proof of this in the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast. Talking with Magnussen, Pinkham said, “I was just chatting to Christian Eriksen, who is obviously a footballing legend.”

“And he is going to come to Silverstone with a number of other Brentford players and he told me that Formula 1 has just blown up in his native Denmark since you’ve come back into the sport. I mean that must fill you with a huge sense of pride?”

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This is just a glimpse into how popular and impactful every entity of the sport has become. However, staying humble, Magnussen replied, “I’d love to take all the credit for that, but I think Formula 1 has grown a lot and Netflix has done a great job with the series.”

Every country needs a driver to support and Denmark’s hero is the new Haas pilot. But Magnussen is aware of the fact that it is not all him.

Netflix enters race to buy F1 telecasting rights

Netflix’s DTS popularity is not just bringing in fans but also investment in the sport. In the US, Disney-owned ESPN has the rights until the end of the year. However, considering the growing popularity of the sport, a host of US-based companies are bidding for the rights.

And Netflix is in the mix as well for the first time to acquire broadcasting rights along with Amazon and NBCUniversal. ESPN submitted an initial bid of $70 million a year, but Liberty Media wants $100 million a year.

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We can partly credit this recent interest from the American companies to Netflix’s Drive to Survive.