F1's Drive to Survive Returns, Stirring Up Drama and Scandal
High-stakes racing action and uproar surrounding the seventh season of Netflix's Drive to Survive television series.
From the glamorous world of Formula One racing comes Drive to Survive, the ultimate behind-the-scenes docuseries, now in its seventh thrilling season. If you haven't already jumped on the bandwagon, fear not, for the latest series dropped on March 7, 2025. But for those of you who need a refresher, let's catch you up.
Originally a collaboration between Netflix and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Drive to Survive first popped up on our screens in 2018. The series aimed to draw in the US audience with its captivating peek into the fast-paced world of F1, and it worked like a charm.
Drive to Survive was initially planned as a documentary solely about the Red Bull Racing team, but it quickly became evident there was far more material to cover all ten teams. The show's creators hit the jackpot, as the drama unfolded thick and fast.
Formula One's Soap Opera Unveiled
For traditional F1 fans, Drive to Survive might seem like nothing more than a glitzy F1 soap opera garbed in Hollywood trappings. And it's not hard to see why—the dramas and tensions are often overplayed for dramatic effect. But there's no denying the series brings the usually inaccessible F1 pit lane into our homes in an unprecedented way.
But let's not mince words—the 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride, and Series 7 doesn't disappoint. From riveting personal stories to scandals that shook the foundations of powerhouse teams, Series 7 offers a fresh perspective on the biggest headlines that made the front and back pages.
Red Bull Racing Scandal Shakes F1 World
Perhaps no story loomed larger than the Red Bull Racing scandal that emerged about team boss Christian Horner's alleged inappropriate behavior with a female employee. As Netflix was bound to do, the series explored the scandal as deeply as possible, revealing the intense media scrutiny Horner faced and the levels of interest from within the F1 paddock.
Inevitably, Christian Horner was the focus of much speculation and debate, while F1 team leaders Toto Wolff (Mercedes) and Zak Brown (McLaren) freely shared their opinions on the scandal's impact on both Red Bull and F1.
Despite the ongoing trial scheduled for January 2026, the series manages to touch on the scandal, shedding light on the level of media frenzy Horner faced during that tumultuous season.
The Carlos Sainz Soap Opera Unfolds
The shockwaves from Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari were far-reaching, and the impact was perhaps most dramatic for the man who would replace Hamilton—none other than Carlos Sainz. Netflix takes us on a journey with Sainz as he navigates the challenges of accepting his new reality and determining his future in the world of F1.
The series suggests that, behind the public smiles, Sainz was deeply disappointed by Ferrari's decision to bring in the seven-time world champion. In Drive to Survive's telling, Sainz seems more like a jilted lover than a stoic professional, adding a fresh angle to the oft-told driver change narrative.
Sainz's Decision Rattles the Grid
Ultimately, Sainz's choice of Williams Racing as his new team would significantly alter the F1 landscape. By signing with Williams, Sainz ensured the team's rise from also-rans to potential championship contenders. With the highly-rated Alex Albon already in place, the Williams team was poised for success.
Lando vs. Max Heats Up the Track
The rivalry between current world champion Max Verstappen and rising star Lando Norris has been simmering for years, and the 2024 season brought their battles to a boil. In nail-biting scenes, Drive to Survive delves into their intense on-track rivalry and explores the stark differences in their personalities, mindsets, and approaches to racing.
Future of Perez at Red Bull
The fight for the second Red Bull Racing seat between Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson was a tightly contested race. Viewers will find themselves rooting for their favorite as they watch the trio battle it out, ultimately with Lawson receiving the nod.
If you're already a fan of Drive to Survive, consider this your invitation to dive back in. If you're new to the series, well, what are you waiting for? Sit back, prepare to be entertained, and get ready to experience the rollercoaster ride that is Formula One like never before.
- "With the latest series of Drive to Survive debuting on March 7, 2025, viewers can catch up on the drama and scandal of the Formula One racing world through this behind-the-scenes docuseries, now in its seventh season."
- "Drive to Survive, airing on social media platforms, will bring the Formula One's usual inaccessible world to your living room in an unprecedented manner, offering captivating insights into the sports' behind-the-scenes drama."
- "In the seventh season of Drive to Survive, the focus is upon the Carlos Sainz soap opera as he navigates his new reality at Ferrari and decides his future in Formula One."
- "Watchers of Drive to Survive will be on the edge of their seats as they witness the intense rivalry unfold between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, two rising stars in the Formula One racing world."
