Formula 1: Drive to Survive balances action with human stories that define racecar driving

Season 7 of Formula 1: Drive to Survive, released on March 7, captures the highs and lows of the dramatic 2024 Formula 1 season. As always, the Netflix docuseries blended the raw intensity of on-track battles with the behind-the-scenes power plays, emotions, and controversies that makes Formula 1 more than just a sport.  

One of the biggest storylines of the season was British racecar driver Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari. The move, which had been heavily speculated for months, was explored in depth, showing not only Hamilton’s personal reflections but also how Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur navigated the transition. 

With seven world titles to his name, Hamilton’s move signaled a new era for both teams, and the series captured the anticipation, uncertainty, and sheer excitement surrounding his future in red.  

At Red Bull Racing, team principal and CEO Christian Horner found himself in the spotlight for multiple reasons. His fierce rivalry with McLaren CEO Zak Brown took centre stage, with tension boiling over to the point where Horner was caught on camera calling Brown a rather colourful expletive. 

Beyond the paddock drama, Horner also faced allegations of controlling behaviour towards a female employee, a controversy that threatened to shake the foundation of Red Bull Racing. Though he was eventually cleared, the series did not shy away from addressing the impact of the situation on the team’s morale and internal dynamics.  

McLaren’s resurgence was another major storyline, with British racing driver Lando Norris stepping up as a genuine championship contender. The show delved into his breakthrough victory at the Miami Grand Prix, a moment that solidified McLaren’s return to the top fight. With rookie teammate Oscar Piastri also delivering strong performances, the documentary captured the internal competition within the team and how Norris handled the pressure of leading McLaren’s charge.  

A standout episode of the season took viewers behind the scenes of the physically and mentally demanding Singapore Grand Prix. In a unique twist, drivers like Charles Leclerc, Norris, George Russell, Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly were given personal cameras, offering fans a firsthand look at their race weekend preparations. From their grueling training regimens to the exhaustion post-race, this episode provided a raw, unfiltered perspective on the reality of being an F1 driver in one of the toughest races on the calendar.  

One of the most emotional arcs of the season revolved around Daniel Ricciardo. The fan-favourite Australian, known for his charisma and infectious energy, struggled to find form and ultimately faced the harsh reality of his F1 career coming to an end. The show provided an intimate look at Ricciardo’s mindset as he questioned whether continuing in the sport was worth the risk. His final moments in the series were particularly poignant, featuring a reflective Ricciardo toasting to his time in F1 before making his exit.  

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated races of the season, got its moment in the spotlight, with all the glitz and chaos that accompanied its second-ever running. The documentary captured the tension between teams as they grappled with track conditions and high-stakes drama under the neon lights of the strip. Ferrari and McLaren emerged as legitimate threats to Red Bull, with Norris taking his second career win, much to the delight of the Netflix cameras.  

The season also dove into the Alpine turmoil, showcasing the internal discord following a string of poor performances and questionable management decisions. Racing drivers Esteban Ocon and Gasly’s already-tense relationship further deteriorated, leading to uncomfortable team meetings and heated radio messages. With leadership shakeups and an uncertain future, Alpine’s struggles added another layer of drama to an already chaotic season.  

Of course, Drive to Survive would not have been complete without a focus on the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen. While his dominance in 2024 was evident, the series also captured moments of vulnerability and friction within Red Bull. Verstappen’s candid frustration with certain race strategies and his determination to keep Red Bull at the top provided insight into the mindset of a driver unwilling to settle for anything less than perfection.  

As always, Drive to Survive expertly balanced on-track action with the human stories that defined the sport. From fierce rivalries and shocking career moves to personal struggles and triumphs, Season 7 delivered yet another thrilling deep dive into the world of Formula 1. 

With exclusive access and unparalleled storytelling, the series continues to captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, proving once again why it has become an essential part of the modern F1 experience.