Formula 1 is heading to Netflix, but not how you’d think

Following speculation of Formula 1 moving its broadcasting focus to streaming services, Liberty has announced a new documentary series about the 2018 season is to be aired on Netflix in 2019.

Ten episodes are expected, longer than McLaren’s similar Amazon Prime documentary about the 2017 season. Academy-Award winner James Gay Rees will be the series’ executive director.

“Formula 1 is a global sport that we are actively repositioning from a motor sport company to a media and entertainment brand,” said Sean Bratches, F1 managing director of commercial operations.

“[The series] is a perspective of the sport that has yet to be unveiled to fans around the world. This series will unleash a compelling vantage point to the sport that will delight fans and serve as a catalyst to entice new fans.”

Bela Bajaria, vice president of content for Netflix, added: “This partnership with Formula 1 furthers our mission of working with world-class brands and production partners to produce best-in-class unscripted series. We can’t wait for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix and to embark on an incredible season across the world.”

The move follows confirmation of the new F1 TV Pro live streaming service has been delayed for an unknown period of time.

access all areas/teams/drivers/owners/F1 – its going to be amazing content! The team are loving filming in Melbourne right now. #F1

— Box To Box Films (@BoxToBoxFilms) March 24, 2018