David Brown

As Drive to Survive catches fire, Formula One suddenly faces an unexpected problem

Millions of new fans are discovering the sport, just as its races are being shut down.

Few sports are less suited to a global pandemic than Formula One.

In a normal year, teams circle the globe multiple times.

Thousands of mechanics, engineers, and support staff travel with them.

Tons of specialized equipment is shipped around the world in a carefully choreographed logistical ballet.

But if Formula One stops racing, it risks losing the momentum created by Drive to Survive.

So Liberty Media makes a bold decision.

After delaying the start of the season for four months, F1 returns to action as soon as circumstances allow.

Working with governments and health officials, Formula One creates a strict sporting bubble.

Teams follow rigorous COVID testing regimes, personnel are divided into isolated groups, and the calendar is rebuilt almost from scratch.

Instead of a globe-spanning tour, races are clustered together to minimize travel.

Several countries host two races on back-to-back weekends.

It's an enormous gamble.

But it works.

The 2020 season ultimately delivers 17 races.

That's five fewer than originally planned, but enough to keep the championship alive.

And with millions of people stuck at home looking for something new, Formula One's audience begins to surge.

And it finally makes a breakthrough in the United States.

Viewership there almost doubles between 2018 and 2021.