Helmut Marko has questioned whether further seasons of Formula 1: Drive to Survive are "necessary" after the sport's boom in popularity.
Formula 1 has been able to attract a significant new audience in recent years. And part of the reason for its success is the Netflix docu-drama series.
Drive to Survive's success has been credited to its focus on the personalities in the sport rather than the racing itself. As a result, the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Guenther Steiner have become household names and all involved have experienced a huge popularity boost.
But the programme is not without its flaws. For years, it has been accused of over-dramatizing scenes in the name of entertainment, incurring the wrath of some drivers and team bosses.
Red Bull adviser Marko was referring to both those positive and negative aspects as he opined that the show might have no reason to continue. "Viewership in Formula 1 is increasing dramatically. We're talking about a 20 percent increase in ratings," he told Motorsport-Magazin.
"Some may know the Netflix series, but this has nothing to do with reality. It has created a breakthrough for Formula 1 in America and as long as the viewership and interest is there, you can debate whether it makes sense or is necessary."
There will certainly be at least one more season of the show. Netflix renewed the programme for seasons five an six – the latter covering this 2023 F1 season and set for release early next year.
The fifth season, which was made available in February this year, featured Max Verstappen again after the Dutchman's boycott. He did not give any interviews to the fourth series over his own concerns about the way the show portrayed some events.
"They faked a few rivalries which don't really exist," he asserted. "So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show."
But ahead of series five he confirmed he would be taking part after talks with Netflix officials. He said: "It's just good to understand what we both want from each other, right? I think the interview we did was good, so... I just wanted to keep it real. You know, no fake stuff. No overhyped things, because that's not how I am."
