Drive to Survive is widely considered one of Formula 1’s biggest success stories of recent years. The Netflix documentary, season four of which is due to arrive in time for the start of the 2022 F1 season, is widely credited with bringing new fans to the sport, particularly in the coveted American market.
Small wonder the series has inspired many imitators. Not just in other sports, such as tennis and golf, but elsewhere in motor racing: Formula E has already launched its own documentary series, NASCAR is reported to be considering one and so is IndyCar.
Now the Drive to Survive effect is spreading beyond broadcasting. Codemasters, makers of the official Formula 1 game, cited the series as a major influence of its forthcoming racing title Grid Legends and its new story mode. The game arrives for major platforms in February, but RaceFans recently played a preview version.
Codemasters attempted something similar with “Braking Point”, the narrative structure introduced in last…