MELBOURNE, Australia -- Formula One has confirmed it is working with Netflix to produce an original docu-series around the 2018 season.
Netflix will have access to drivers, team bosses and F1's management team to create a 10-episode series due to be released in early 2019. The project is aiming to "reveal the intense fight for the heart, soul, and direction for the future of this multibillion-dollar business" and will offer behind-the-scenes footage of the championship.
The collaboration with Netflix is one of a number of initiatives F1's new owners are pursuing this year to help boost awareness of the sport in key markets.
"Formula One is a global sport that we are actively repositioning from a motorsport company to a media and entertainment brand," F1 managing director of commercial operations said. "The agreement with Netflix serves to chronicle the fascinating story of what transpires behind the scenes during a grand prix season.
"This is a perspective of the sport that has yet to be unveiled tofans 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 One 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."
This series will be executive-produced by Academy-Award winner James Gay Rees (Senna) and Paul Martin for Box to Box Films. Sophie Todd will be the showrunner.