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The release of the newest installment of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series has seen an increase in the fanbase of Formula 1's superstars with one driver in particular leading the pack.
As the 2023 season of Formula 1 draws near, fans are eager to see their favourite drivers back on the tracks, with all teams having already unveiled their new cars for the new season.
However, fans are re-living last season in F1 via the release of the new season of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series.
Drive to Survive Season 5 was released last week exclusively on Netflix on Friday, February 24.
And Finnish casino review site Bonusetu has tracked the growth of Instagram followers of each driver featured in the new season to establish who has gained the most fans since its release.
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Here’s a run down of the the Formula 1 stars who saw the most growth in their fanbase after it’s release as per Bonsetu.
1. Lewis Hamilton – 98,730 followers
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Lewis Hamilton may have lost out to the championship win last season, but he has won the popularity contest.
The seven-time world champion has gained an enormous 98,730 Instagram followers over the past week.
Despite coming in sixth place in the driver standings in 2022, the Mercedes superstar still has a great pull with viewers and fans.
Hamilton looked frustrated throughout the Drive to Survive episodes as the Mercedes W13 car experienced problems throughout the season.
However, this data suggests new fans of Hamilton have flooded in following Drive to Survives release; he will have an extra 98,730 fans on Instagram rooting for him in the coming 2023 season.
2. Charles Leclerc – 54,990 followers
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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is the second most popular Formula One driver following the release of the latest Drive to Survive instalment.
The 25-year-old Monégasque driver also came second in the driver standings in 2022.
The Ferrari driver gained a massive 54,990 Instagram followers over the past week.
3. Carlos Sainz – 36,262 followers
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Carlos Sainz comes in third place as the most popular driver after gaining an impressive 36,262 Instagram followers over the past week.
The Spaniard saw his first ever pole position at Silverstone last season after Ferrari’s strategy was to leave Leclerc out on the track without pitting to change his tires.
While Ferrari’s strategy throughout the season was unpopular, the drivers themselves have both remained popular, according to this data.
4. Daniel Ricciardo – 24,527 followers
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Former McLaren driver McLaren Daniel Ricciardo takes fourth place as the most popular Formula One driver, gaining 24,527 Instagram followers over the past seven days.
The Italian-Australian driver is famous for his smiley disposition and tendency to drink champagne from his racing boot when standing on the podium. Unfortunately, despite his popularity, Ricciardo will not have a seat in Formula One this season and is now reserve driver for Red Bull.
But fans might just see Ricciardo on the tracks again this season if, for some reason, Verstappen or Perez are unavailable..
5. Sergio Perez – 22,372 followers
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Red Bull’s Sergio Perez completes the Top five in the popularity standings with 22,372 extra fans joining his Instagram over the past week.
Perez came third in the drivers' standings in 2022 with Red Bull but moves down two places in popularity.
The Mexican driver beats his fellow teammate and two-time world champion, Max Verstappen, in the popularity contest by 1,920 followers.
Here’s the full list of the Top 10 F1 drivers with the most follower gains.
1. Lewis Hamilton – 98,730 followers
2. Charles Leclerc – 54,990 followers
3. Carlos Sainz – 36,262 followers
4. Daniel Ricciardo – 24,527 followers
5. Sergio Perez – 22,372 followers
6. Fernando Alonso – 21,013
7. Max Verstappen – 20,452
8. George Russel – 20,211
9. Pierre Gasly – 18,475
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