The 2025 Formula 1 season is off to a roaring start, with shocking driver moves shaking up the grid and unexpected podiums keeping fans on edge. But the real game-changer? Netflix.

Drive to Survive hasn’t just boosted F1’s popularity — it has built an entirely new fanbase, bringing millions into the sport who might never have watched a race otherwise. The series turned high-speed strategy and pit lane politics into binge-worthy drama, and its impact is undeniable.

Even in places like Pakistan, where F1 was once a niche interest, the sport has exploded, with a passionate new audience hooked on the rivalries, controversies and adrenaline-fuelled action that define modern Formula 1.

A NEW ERA BEGINS

The Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit provided the first real glimpse into how the season might unfold. McLaren’s Lando Norris clinched a stunning victory in a race that saw unpredictable weather conditions shake up strategies. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, finished in second, while Mercedes’ George Russell secured third place, delivering a strong performance for a team undergoing a transitional phase.

With new rules, fierce competition and a growing global audience — even in Pakistan — the 2025 Formula 1 season could be the one to watch!

Norris’ win signalled McLaren’s potential resurgence after years of rebuilding. Their new technical approach and a competitive car package are beginning to show results, which raises questions about how they will fare against traditional powerhouses like Red Bull and Ferrari over the course of the season.

With such a competitive start, 2025 already feels different from previous years.

REGULATION CHANGES SHAPING THE SEASON

F1’s 2025 regulations have introduced several adjustments aimed at levelling the playing field and making races more competitive. One of the most significant changes has been to aerodynamics, with stricter regulations on the DRS flap usage and revised limitations on front and rear wing flexibility.

These adjustments are meant to maintain a balance between straight-line speed advantages and cornering performance, ensuring closer racing. Early indications from Australia suggest these tweaks are working, as the race saw increased on-track battles compared to last year.

Another major regulation change for 2025 is the removal of the fastest lap point. Previously, a driver finishing in the top 10 could earn an additional point by setting the fastest lap of the race. While this often provided an incentive for late-race pit stops to grab fresh tires, it also opened the door for drivers outside the top 10 to pit and strategically take the point away from a direct rival, even if they weren’t going to score themselves. This led to mixed reactions, with some arguing that it added a tactical element, while others saw it as an unnecessary disruption to the natural order of competition.

With the bonus point sometimes proving controversial, F1 has decided to remove it from the scoring system this year. Now, the focus shifts entirely to race position, ensuring that every point scored directly reflects a driver’s finishing place rather than a single fastest lap attempt.

Following concerns raised at last year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix about qualifying disruptions due to weather, new regulations state that, if a session cannot take place and the stewards confirm its cancellation, the starting grid will be determined by the Drivers’ Championship standings. The same rule applies to Sprint Qualifying, and if the championship order isn’t available — such as in the first race of the season — the stewards will decide the grid.

Additionally, in cases where multiple drivers fail to set a time in Q2, Q3, or their Sprint counterparts, classification will be determined first by whether they started a flying lap and, if still unresolved, by their fastest time in the previous session.

CALENDAR CHANGES AND DROPPED VENUES

This year’s F1 calendar has seen some noteworthy alterations. The Shanghai International Circuit has returned after a multi-year absence, bringing back a fan-favourite race in China. Meanwhile, Miami will host a Sprint race for the first time, adding another layer of excitement to an already action-packed weekend. The Chinese Grand Prix will also feature a Sprint event, further emphasising the format’s growing importance in Formula 1.

However, while some races return and evolve, others have been left off the calendar. The French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard has been removed due to logistical and financial concerns, and the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimão has failed to secure a spot despite its popularity in recent years.

Additionally, discussions about a potential new street race in Bangkok, Thailand, continue, with F1 exploring expansion opportunities in Southeast Asia. These changes reflect Formula 1’s ongoing strategy of balancing heritage circuits with new and emerging markets, to maintain a fresh and competitive calendar.

THE RISE OF FORMULA 1 IN PAKISTAN

While the season itself is undergoing changes, so is the sport’s fan base. Pakistan has become an increasingly passionate hub for F1 fandom, with the sport’s popularity surging in recent years. A recent poll among one of the largest F1 fan communities in the country revealed a sharp increase in engagement over the past four to six years.

Netflix’s Drive to Survive captivated many new fans, drawing them into the drama and intensity of Formula 1, while others became hooked through racing games such as the F1 series by Codemasters, which allowed them to experience the thrill of driving an F1 car firsthand. Social media, along with passionate discussions with friends and family, further fuelled enthusiasm for the sport.

The survey also highlighted a strong desire among Pakistani fans to attend live races. Most respondents expressed a clear intent to attend an F1 event in the future, with some having already experienced one firsthand. However, for others, the high cost of tickets and travel remains a significant obstacle, demonstrating that while passion for the sport is undeniable, affordability is a key concern.

With no local broadcaster holding F1 rights and F1 TV unavailable in Pakistan, most fans have turned to IPTV services to stream races. The lack of official coverage has made following the sport a challenge, yet it has not deterred the growing fan base. Online streaming has become the go-to option for Pakistani enthusiasts, demonstrating their dedication and willingness to find alternative ways to stay connected with the championship. Perhaps it’s something for local sports channels to consider, given the rising demand and untapped potential of F1 viewership in the country.

Merchandise sales have also skyrocketed, with Pakistani fans proudly sporting Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes gear. Despite logistical challenges, many fans have found ways to import jerseys, caps and collectibles, further showcasing their dedication to the sport. The demand for more localised access to F1 products continues to grow, suggesting an untapped market that F1 brands and retailers might soon explore.

Beyond fandom, some fans have floated the idea of Pakistan making a mark in motorsport. The country is nowhere near producing an F1 driver — most people struggle to drive on pothole-riddled roads, let alone a high-speed circuit. A street race in Karachi? Only if F1 cars can dodge rickshaws, motorbikes and the occasional cow.

That said, British-Pakistani racer Enaam Ahmed has gained recognition internationally, giving local fans at least one name to rally behind. Some dream of hosting an F1 exhibition event or setting up a motorsport academy but, given the state of infrastructure, that might be as realistic as Ferrari nailing their strategy calls.

Still, if the passion is there, who knows? Maybe one day, Pakistan’s motorsport ambitions will be more than just a meme.

The writer is a marketing and communications professional. X: @adaffan

Published in Dawn, EOS, March 30th, 2025