Formula 1 is an immensely popular sport in The Netherlands and this popularity particularly sparked a strong enthusiasm among Dutch fans towards Oracle Red Bull Racing and their Dutch driver Max Verstappen. Despite the widespread appeal of the sport, it still knows a predominance of men and is fairly male-oriented. This study seeks to grasp these gender dynamics among fans, both men and women, by examining the following research question: How do Dutch male and female fans negotiate meaning to their engagement with the Oracle Red Bull Racing team within the Formula 1 context? Through semi-structured interviews with ten fans and performing a succeeding thematic analysis, meaningful understandings were uncovered that help answer the research question. The findings indicate that all participants developed a passion for the sport and were introduced to it through their fathers. Having followed Formula 1 for several years or since childhood, they express a desire to continue supporting their favorite driver, Max Verstappen, even if he changes teams. Participants attribute meaning to their involvement with Oracle Red Bull Racing by recognizing its impact on their daily lives, such as how they spend their leisure time. This relates to findings where they all appreciate the sport for its entertainment value, aesthetic appeal, and as an escape from daily routines. Another way both male and female fans derive meaning from their fan engagement is by watching as many races as possible, purchasing merchandise, attending Grand Prix’s, following the sport on social media and discussing it in real life. While most take a passive approach to their engagement, this does not diminish their perception of themselves as dedicated fans. However, female fans often feel the need to prove their knowledge to be seen as authentic fans, experiencing hegemonic masculinity within the Formula 1 community. Nevertheless, all fans recognize the importance of gender representation, valuing the qualities and experience of individuals involved in the sport regardless of gender. To conclude, participants negotiate meaning to their fan engagement with Oracle Red Bull Racing through various ways, highlighting the influence of male family members, online and offline activities, and the masculinity prevalent within the sport.

dr. Argyrios Emmanouloudis
hdl.handle.net/2105/74944
Media & Creative Industries
Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication

Keulaars, Nadine. (2024, January 10). Beyond the Circuit. Media & Creative Industries. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2105/74944