I’ve been a casual yet engaged fan of F1 since they raced on the streets of Detroit in the 1980s. The Detroit Grand Prix was won multiple times by the legendary Ayrton Senna. Fun fact; Paul Newman ran his car in the Trans Am-100 support race.

Today the Netflix “Drive to Survive” series has created a number of new Formula 1 fans (including my wife) while providing a wealth of marketing and leadership lessons. Some of my favorites include:

• Watching how meticulous attention to detail translates into performance
• Noting how each brand’s signature colors — be it Ferrari red, McClaren orange or what Mercedes calls Pearl Petronas green —
  have instant recognition and evoke emotion
• Absorbing how the drivers and race teams slow their minds and pay attention to their breathing when things get complicated
• Validating that experience matters, particularly in the face of rapidly changing technology and a crop of young, next-generation drivers
• Showing fans the inside, the drama, and the business behind-the-scenes humanizes and creates greater affinity for the teams
• Witnessing that the cycle of enjoyment-learning-disappointment-heartbreak mirrors life, and is relatable
• Observing the many moves and decisions that ultimately pay dividends down the road (track)
• Confirming that it is a privilege to lead a competitive team

If you are in any way tracking this, please grab a Red Bull and share your thoughts. See you on the podium.