The hit behind-the-scenes documentary about Formula One has been hailed as a good thing for the sport.

Drive to Survive, a 10-part behind-the-scenes documentary filmed during the 2018 season, was released on Netflix last week.

Eight of F1’s 10 teams – all except Mercedes and Ferrari – agreed to provide Netflix with fly-on-the wall access, leading to a number of revealing scenes.

F1’s owners Liberty Media dreamt up the documentary series in order to crack the United States, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said reaching new markets was important.

He said: “The Netflix thing, it was an interesting project.

“I think it’s had huge interest, from what I understand, because it’s not just obviously about what’s going on on track so it shows glimpses of behind the scenes action.”

His Renault counterpart Cyril Abiteboul added: “A number of people have talked to me about Formula One for the first time having never talked about Formula One so it’s definitely reaching a different type of consumer or fan group.

“Did I like everything that I saw in it? No, so I think it’s important to have some formal disclaimer that it’s a bit… although it’s unscripted, it’s a bit of fiction also.

“I think the bottom line is that it’s a good thing for Formula One.”