David Wainer, Columnist

Netflix Should Reconsider Its Aversion to Live Sports

The streaming service has fueled Formula One’s popularity with “Drive to Survive,” but airing actual races would deliver a bigger payoff.

January 19, 2022 at 2:00 PM UTC

By David Wainer

David Wainer is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering the business of entertainment and telecommunications. He has covered markets, health care, economics and international affairs for Bloomberg News.

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Thanks to Netflix Inc.’s “Drive to Survive” series, Formula One racing is having a moment.

The Netflix documentary-style series has expanded Formula One’s fan base with behind-the-scenes footage featuring power struggles and compelling personalities that have helped viewers think of the sport as more than just a racing spectacle for car aficionados.