F1 Academy Gets Docu-Series In Push To Increase Sports Visibility After Fan Backlash

F1 Academy will be getting its own 'Drive to Survive' style docu-series.

F1 Academy will be getting its own documentary series which will be produced by Reese Witherspoon's production company in a step to bring more awareness to the all-female racing series.  

This comes after the huge amount of backlash from fans after it was announced that the F1 Academy will not be broadcasted to a wider audience. 

The all-female racing series began last week and is heading into its second round in Valencia, Spain, this weekend. The show, which is yet to be named, will follow the 15 drivers around whilst showing the on-track action as well as the background stories to the drivers. 

Reese Witherspoon founded Hello Sunshine in 2016 with the aim to back more female-led narratives. 

Netflix's Drive to Survive had a huge impact on F1, especially to dramatically increase the US-based viewership, by giving fans a new insight into the sport and also giving the individual drivers a platform to show more of their background and stories. 

One of the main arguments from disgruntled fans over the lack of broadcasting of the F1 Academy is that it seems to fall short of what the FIA aimed to achieve with the all-female series. Without the series being broadcasted, the drivers will struggle to get their names out there, gain sponsorships, and grow their fan base.

F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff has said about the exciting new docuseries:

“F1 Academy is going to drive change in the motorsport industry as we create the best possible structure to find and nurture female talent both on and off the racetrack

“We want to inspire women around the world to follow their dreams, and by partnering with Hello Sunshine, who are leaders in telling inspirational female stories, we will reach a global audience and empower the next generation of young women to break down barriers in motorsport and beyond.”

NEWS: Formula 1 and Hello Sunshine partner for docuseries on F1 Academy

The series will highlight the personal stories of the 15 drivers, as they break barriers in one of the most demanding sports in the world. https://t.co/DYk86kqrug

— F1 Academy (@f1academy) May 4, 2023

Hello Sunshine CEO, Sarah Harden, has also released a statement about the project, she explained:

“Formula 1 has established itself as not only a global powerhouse, but also a forward-thinking competition that is committed to creating equal opportunities for women. As the remarkable women of the ground-breaking F1 Academy prepare to make history, we’re honoured to have the opportunity to document the many captivating narratives both on and off the track.”

Head of unscripted at Hello Sunshine, Sara Rea, said: 

“The opportunity to partner with F1 Academy is a privilege that we could not be more excited about. These drivers are dynamic, inspiring, and competitive, and Susie Wolff, their leader, is a force of nature in the best possible way. With high stakes, adrenaline, and heart, F1 Academy is a rich landscape for compelling and powerful female stories.”

This is a step in the right direction for the racing series to continue to push for women in motorsport. Hopefully, with the continued pressure from fans, we will see the F1 Academy being broadcasted soon.