US boom in F1 ‘is down to Netflix’
SIR Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1 is “booming” in the United States thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive series.
Formula 1 heads to Florida for the first time on Sunday for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix at the International Autodrome.
Hamilton told Good Morning America: “It’s a bit nerve-racking because I think it’s going to be a huge event for us.
“We obviously had the race in Austin, Texas, which has always been amazing. The first race I had out here was Indianapolis in 2007.
“But now, with Netflix Drive to Survive series growing, we have two Grand Prix in the States and we have another one in Las Vegas next year. It’s going to be huge.”
When asked if Formula 1 had cracked the US market, Hamilton said: “I think so, yes.
“Everyone knew Nascar and obviously there are such huge sporting fans out here and this Netflix show, particularly through the pandemic, has just brought massive awareness to the sport and now it’s booming.”
Hamilton spoke about his campaign to help make motorsport become more diverse and explained why he launched the Mission 44 Foundation.
“It’s been generally quite a lonely journey. It’s been me and my family. We’re the only black family (in Formula 1),” he said.
“I’ve been racing 29 years. I’m 37 now. But I’ve been professional for 16 years. I’ve most often been the only person of colour in the room and when I asked the question there was no great feedback or answer to that.”
“So I put together the Hamilton Commission, because it starts with education and understanding.”