My biggest fear is becoming a reality: AI and robotics merging in a real way. Google is integrating its Gemini AI models into robots, allowing the machines to perform untrained physical tasks. I’m eager to see what happens next (not really).
A peek into today’s edition:
- Formula 1‘s entertainment takeover
- Tech Byte: Substack surpasses 5 million paid subscribers
- Meta tests new Community Notes feature
Beyond the Track: Unpacking Formula 1’s Entertainment Revolution
Formula 1, once a niche sport for motorsport enthusiasts, has evolved into a global pop culture phenomenon. This weekend, F1 kicked off its 75th anniversary year at the Australian Grand Prix. This race marks the first of 24 Grand Prix weekends, including six sprint races across 21 countries and five continents throughout 2025.
The fusion of high-speed racing and Hollywood’s storytelling power is paving the way for a new era of motorsport entertainment that spans TV, film, gaming, and more as the sport continues to accelerate in popularity.
When F1 & Entertainment Collide
Thanks to the growing intersection between Hollywood and racing, the world of F1 is more visible now than ever. This integration has allowed F1 to reach mainstream audiences through docuseries, films, and even video games, reshaping how fans interact with the sport. One of the biggest catalysts for this shift has been Netflix‘s Drive to Survive, a docuseries that offers an insider’s look at the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Drive to Survive premiered in 2019 and has introduced millions of viewers to the sport, especially across the U.S. The show’s seventh season just hit Netflix earlier this month.
Netlfix crews have captured nearly 10,000 hours of footage across the first seven seasons. F1 also reported that 24 camera crews spanning four to 16 or more members each attend every Grand Prix on the calendar to film for the popular show. Season 5 of the show racked up more than 90 million viewing hours alone. As the series continues to grow in popularity, F1 has seen a surge in fan engagement, with both new and existing fans attending races in record numbers.
Motorsports and racing films like Rush (2013), Ford v Ferrari (2019), and Gran Turismo (2023) have already helped elevate motorsport’s presence in mainstream entertainment, but the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris is set to further fuel Formula 1’s rise in pop culture. Per the cast lineup, we’ll see some current drivers on the big screen, including Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, McLaren’s Lando Norris, Williams’s Carlos Sainz Jr., and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
F1’s cultural influence in the U.S. will continue to grow as racing-themed content spreads across streaming platforms and movie theaters, bringing the excitement of motorsports to an ever-expanding global F1 fanbase.
Tech, Gaming, & Immersive Experiences
Considering F1’s foundation in advanced engineering and constant innovation, it’s no surprise that technology is central to its growth in racing performance and entertainment. The sport’s dedication to data-driven optimization naturally translates to fan engagement strategies, resulting in immersive digital experiences. This technological synergy is vital for attracting a modern audience that expects data-driven content.
The sport has become a digital playground, with official F1 video games like the EA Sports’ F1 title attracting a global audience, offering realistic simulations and allowing fans to experience the thrill of piloting an F1 car on iconic tracks. Various virtual reality simulations take drivers inside F1 cars as they drive on historic tracks like Monaco and Silverstone. The rise of esports has further amplified the impact of F1 games, creating a competitive platform where virtual drivers showcase their skills, attracting a massive online audience and blurring the lines between professional gaming and motorsports.
The FIA Formula One Esports Series has rapidly evolved into a powerhouse of virtual racing since its launch in 2017. This officially sanctioned competition elevates F1 gaming to a professional level, showcasing the immense skill and strategic prowess of top esports drivers. The structured format includes qualifying rounds and grand prix events that mirror the real-world F1 calendar. It serves as a vital platform for engaging a younger, digitally native audience, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world motorsports. The F1 Esports Series not only highlights the talent within the gaming community but also reinforces F1’s commitment to innovation and expanding its reach through digital entertainment.
The recent introduction of F1 Arcade further exemplifies how Formula 1 embraces technology to create worthwhile experiences for fans. Combining high-tech simulators with real-world racing elements, F1 Arcade immerses fans in competitive racing challenges, where they can experience the rush of motorsport with an added cocktail lounge and restaurant experience. The first official F1 experiential hospitality venue opened in London in December 2022 before expanding to Boston and Washington, DC, last year. F1 Arcade will expand to Denver and Las Vegas this year, with plans for future locations in Philadelphia and Atlanta.
Unlike many other sports that might license their intellectual property for entertainment ventures, Formula 1 is deeply involved in the creation and execution of its entertainment products from the ground up. This direct involvement, seen in projects like Drive to Survive, the F1 Esports Series, and F1 Arcade, allows F1 to maintain control over its brand narrative and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for fans across all platforms.
The Future of Formula 1 Entertainment
As the worlds of motorsport and entertainment continue to merge, the future of Formula 1 looks brighter than ever. With the support of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, F1 is reaching new audiences, expanding its fan base, and creating more opportunities for casual and die-hard fans to engage with the sport meaningfully.
This surge in popularity isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how sports entertainment is consumed. Integrating advanced tech, from immersive VR experiences to sophisticated gaming platforms, ensures F1 remains at the forefront of innovation. Looking ahead, the potential for augmented reality to further blend the digital and physical realms of racing is immense, promising even more personalized and interactive fan experiences. With each passing season, Formula 1 solidifies its position as a dynamic force in global entertainment, proving that the thrill of the race extends far beyond the checkered flag.
Tech Byte
Substack has surpassed 5 million paid subscriptions, fueled by its expansion into video and audio content as well as an influx of high-profile journalists and political commentators leaving mainstream media. Substack’s growth comes as it capitalizes on concerns over social media stability, positioning itself as a space where creators can own their audience relationships and monetize directly.
This Week in Tech
- Meta is finally starting the testing phase for its crowd-sourced Community Notes system on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in the U.S., which will replace its third-party fact-checking program that ended in January. Initially, notes will not appear publicly, as Meta tests the system, and they will only be published if contributors with differing viewpoints agree they provide helpful context.
- In other company news, Meta is attempting to stop the promotion of a new book called Careless People from an ex-Facebook staff member alleging misconduct and harassment through an arbitration order. Publishing house MacMillan said the order has “no impact” on its promotion efforts.
- Spotter is launching its first-ever Spotter Showcase, an invite-only event on March 27 in NYC, where top YouTube creators, including MrBeast, Dude Perfect, and Ryan Trahan, will connect with leading CMOs and agencies to shape the future of creator-driven entertainment.
- Shohei Ohtani will become the first MLB player featured in Fortnite when he joins the game’s Icon Series on March 17, just before opening the 2025 MLB season in Tokyo. His in-game outfits include Dodgers home and away uniforms, a Lego style, and a special “Samurai Shohei” look, complete with fiery effects and a bobblehead version of his dog, Decoy.
- Scopely is acquiring Niantic’s gaming division for $3.5 billion, adding hit titles like Pokémon Go, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now to its portfolio alongside Monopoly Go! and Marvel Strike Force. As part of the deal, Niantic will spin off into Niantic Spatial Inc., a new geospatial AI company, while Scopely commits to expanding Pokémon Go’s live events and real-world exploration features. I made a bet that Niantic would undergo a rebrand if the deal went through.
- OpenAI has struck an $11.9 billion, five-year deal with CoreWeave, securing a new cloud service provider while acquiring a $350 million equity stake in the company. This move strengthens OpenAI’s infrastructure independence from Microsoft, and alternatively, the Big Tech giant is developing its own AI models to reduce its reliance on OpenAI.
- Sony is making big moves. Sony Pictures Television and Clover are launching the inaugural Clover x Shark Tank Summit this September in Las Vegas, offering small business owners expert insights, networking, and funding opportunities. The initiative includes the Access Pass grant program and a docuseries led by Tabitha Brown, highlighting small business challenges and successes. Elsewhere, Sony recently donated $7.5 million to NYU to establish the Sony Audio Institute — a 10-year initiative at NYU’s Steinhardt School focused on advancing innovation in music business and technology — and is also suing USC for using 170-plus tracks on the school’s official social media accounts.
Michelai’s Bet of the Week
While X faced outages in the U.S. and U.K. this week, Bluesky expanded its video capabilities to support uploads of up to three minutes. I’m going to bet that Bluesky will add advertisements and monetization features by the end of the year to really take X on.
More Tech:
The Future of Sports Streaming: Who’s Winning the Rights Battle?
SXSW’s Evolving Landscape: The Shifting Focus of a Cultural Icon
How Streaming Platforms are Dominating the Oscars
The Rise of AI in Smart Home Gyms
Beyond the Game: How Content Creators Are Shaping the NBA All-Star Experience
