Drama, speed and controversy: the return of Drive to Survive

The hit Formula 1 series, Drive to Survive, arrived on Netflix last Friday, March 7, offering fans a new dose of adrenaline, drama and action on and off the track.

Photo: Netflix

Over the course of 10 episodes, the production reviews the highlights of the 2024 season of the top category of motorsport.  However, as in previous editions, the series leaves out several key events of the year. These include Ollie Bearman's debut with Ferrari at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the departure of Logan Sargeant and the arrival of Franco Colapinto on the grid, the departure of Checo Pérez from Red Bull and the incorporation of Adrian Newey to Aston Martin.

The series focuses primarily on the battle for championships, highlighting the intense rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, as well as the internal fight at McLaren for the lead driver's seat. It also highlights the Woking team's questionable strategies throughout the year, which almost cost them the constructors' title.  Another central aspect of the season is Mercedes' journey following Lewis Hamilton's announcement that he would leave the team to join Ferrari, and Carlos Sainz's path in his search for a new destination for 2025.

While the series puts a strong emphasis on the battle for championships, it also dedicates several episodes to the fight in the midfield. In particular, it focuses on the crisis at Alpine and the impact of Flavio Briatore’s arrival at the team, as well as the controversial decision to remove Esteban Ocon before the final race of the season. 

In addition, Drive to Survive relives some of the most memorable moments of last year, such as Lando Norris’ first win with McLaren, as well as his triumphs in the Netherlands, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. Also highlighted Oscar Piastri’s victories in Hungary and Baku, Charles Leclerc’s historic triumph in Monaco with an episode dedicated exclusively to this milestone and Carlos Sainz’s victories in Australia and Mexico. The series also picks up key moments such as Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly’s double podium in Brazil and Max Verstappen’s brilliant performance in that same Grand Prix.

The series also addresses key controversies and changes on the grid. One of the most sensitive topics presented is Christian Horner's situation following a lawsuit filed by a team employee, as well as Red Bull's notable drop in performance and the decisions they made regarding their driver line-up. Daniel Ricciardo's departure and the dispute between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda for a seat in the main team are shown as pivotal moments, with Lawson eventually being chosen to partner Max Verstappen in 2025. 

However, one of the most innovative aspects of this season is the episode dedicated to the Singapore Grand Prix. In an unexpected twist to the series' narrative and aesthetics, Netflix gives five drivers a mobile phone to record their personal experience during the weekend. This approach gives the audience a more intimate and authentic view of life in the paddock, offering a completely different perspective to the usual Drive to Survive cinematic production.

Ultimately, the series is perfect for hanging out, enjoying a weekend and sharing with friends. It also works as an ideal way to introduce more people to the world of Formula 1. However, it is important to keep in mind that many situations shown are overly dramatized. The production uses phrases, comments and even scenes taken out of context to enhance its narrative, going so far as to portray some drivers as villains and others as weak, as has happened in previous seasons.