F1 TV drama led by Star Wars star confirmed

Formula 1's expansion into popular culture looks set to continue with a new family television drama becoming the sport's first officially sanctioned scripted show.

As reported by Deadline, One will 'focus on the tumultuous ascension of a fictitious family-owned Formula 1 team as it contends with fierce personalities, ever-changing rivals, and multi-million-dollar stakes'.

Felicity Jones, best known for her roles in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and The Theory Of Everything will star and produce the show, with Band of Brothers' Tony To to executive produce. Oscar-nominated Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby are slated as writers, should the ongoing writers' strike in Hollywood find a resolution.

F1 Head of Original Content Isabelle Stewart said: “Felicity is one of the most talented and engaging actresses in the world.

“We are thrilled to partner with her, Tony, Philippe [Maigret, ITV Studios America President and Managing Director], Mark and Hawk, to bring the glamorous, high-pressure and competitive inner workings of the world of Formula 1 to life for audiences across the globe.”

Unique and exciting partnership

F1 is the subject of a Lewis Hamilton-produced film, which will star Brad Pitt, as well as the hugely-successful Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive as it aims to reach new audiences.

Will.I.Am entered a partnership with F1 by releasing his single The Formula featuring Lil Wayne ahead of the Miami grand Prix, with One set to continue the sport's pop-culture exploration.

“It is an honour to be part of this unique and exciting partnership with Formula 1," said Jones.

"The high-stakes world of F1 continually delivers edge-of-your-seat drama and to have the opportunity to create a show based in this world is a thrilling prospect.

"I feel incredibly privileged to be working alongside this talented team including Mark and Hawk, Tony and the team at Bedrock Entertainment, and the whole team at F1 to bring our story to the screen.”

To added: “One has been driven by our collective passions to tell the story of the characters who inhabit this unique world and what happens behind the scenes of the great and complex sport, while capturing the massive scope and scale of F1.

"We’re grateful that Felicity has graced us with her enduring commitment and talent and we are thrilled to collaborate with the team at Formula 1.

"We look forward to getting down to work with Mark, Hawk, and the One team to bring this global series to life.”