Ever since the start of the 2023 season, the sport has accumulated some criticism, all thanks to one repeat feature. In the opening 12 races, we have seen only one team win and one Max Verstappen secure the majority of the wins. This repeat fixture has made many fans, among others, label the sport boring. One can deny it as much as they can, but from an average fan’s perspective, it is an accurate assessment. This is exactly why McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri decided to give a wake-up call to the F1 owners. Piastri addressed a major flaw in the fan engagement area using Drive to Survive’s example.
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind Netflix’s DTS played a major role in boosting F1’s popularity, especially among the American audience. The show showcased a never before seen side of F1 and all its entities. This scenario made the fans connect with the sport better and also engage with the behind-the-scenes excitement. This is exactly why, in his exclusive with Formula Passion, Piastri advised the F1 bosses to take the DTS route to boost fan engagement.
“Improving the action on the track as much as possible will always be the most important thing. The Drive to Survive series has given Formula 1 a huge boost, attracting new fans including younger ones. In some ways, they better understand what is happening in our lives. Perhaps they are less knowledgeable about activity on the track, which, however, is equally important,” Piastri acknowledged. (Translated via Google)
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Then Piastri explained the major flaw that could hamper F1’s engagement with its massive fan base. He added, “If you have a television series and then reality isn’t as exciting, it doesn’t work. There needs to be a balance: theatrics always create excitement, at all ages. I don’t have the definitive answer, but the best way to attract new fans would be to make the action on the track as dynamic and authentic as possible.”
The fans are a big part of the sport and they often let their voices be heard as well in all matters of the sport. So even though there isn’t much anyone can do about this repeat-winner scenario, the Australian is at least making suggestions to get the “boring” label off of the sport.
While Piastri is advising the sport on its fan engagement efforts, he is still keeping his head down at McLaren and putting in the work.
Despite a massive uptick in performance, Oscar Piastri is keeping his head down and doing his due diligence
The Australian got a massive boost from his team, which he received a race later than his teammate. Piastri has been in scintillating form ever since. The rookie set the bar low when he discussed the team’s expectations before the upgrades. However, since the upgrades, Piastri is fighting with the big boys and holding his own.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The entire sport was excited to see this side of Piastri. Although he is yet to even secure a podium during the main race. Worry not, as with his work ethic, it’s a matter of when and not if.
Piastri showcased this ethic when the media asked him about how he was not preferred over Norris. Piastri said “Having the upgrades we had last week obviously looked very good. I want to take it with a pinch of salt knowing that historically, it’s been quite a good track for the team and for Lando so we’ll see how we go this weekend. But I think we can be optimistic that we’ll at least be quicker than we were at the start of the year before Austria.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Is Oscar Piastri Already Justifying His Talent By Performing Better Than Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren?
Such a mature outlook for someone so young is commendable, and we can already see what the hype was all about. Let’s hope he can translate this hype into performances on the track.