Zak Brown offers surprising 'Netflix fan' take over fierce F1 criticism

Zak Brown has dismissed suggestions that F1 is alienating its new fan base after over-complicating its racing under the latest regulations.

The introduction of the 50-50 split in power between combustion and electrical, and the addition of new overtaking devices, has led to widespread criticism, not least by the drivers themselves, spearheaded by four-time champion Max Verstappen.

The fans have also voiced their concerns, seemingly left confused by the addition of the various modes, battery depletion over a lap, and the lack of flat-out qualifying laps, although Brown feels the racing has been "exciting".

After years of F1 rebuilding its once ageing fanbase, and attracting a whole new set of younger and more diverse followers, notably aided by Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' programme, there is a danger that those new fans could walk away.

McLaren CEO Brown, however, does not believe that to be the case, instead feeling it is the older generation who may be switching off.

"We're three races into it," said Brown, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365. "I appreciate that everyone gets excited when there's new technology, new rules, new cars. I know, at race one, we all like to be a bit dramatic.

"Here we are, going into race four, and we've now made some substantial changes that I think will be a good improvement. Whether we need to continue that direction, let's wait and see.

"I think it was the same noise as the hybrid era that turned out to be just fine, and towards the tail end, obviously, we don't want to wait 10 years, it was the most competitive Formula 1 ever, and the engineers are amazing. They quickly develop new technologies.

"I think it's probably more the fan that's been around longer, as opposed to the newer fan. It's probably not fair to categorise them, but probably those who have been following the sport longer.

"It's interesting on the pit wall. I understand the driver's reaction, and then you actually watch it on TV. I can't remember an Australian Grand Prix where the lead changed hands four or five times over two, three laps, so on television, it's been very exciting.

"The way the drivers have raced to pass each other four or five times, they've not been happy with, but that doesn't translate on TV.

"The races have been very exciting, and I think we've taken corrective action to hopefully accomplish both, which is continue with the exciting television coverage and have the drivers feel like they've got a Formula 1 car underneath the butt."