Formula 1 action awaits viewers as the popular documentary-drama series by Netflix returns for season seven. Formula 1: Drive to Survive has become a global phenomenon and is loved by many as it reveals the dramatic off-track activities that every fan wants to see.
With the help of paddock access, the seventh season will show fierce competition along with controversies and some F1 career-transforming events of 2024. Executive producer Tom Hutchings stated that this season brings positive energy to viewers, together with a bigger punch.
Enough drama exists this season to keep viewers entertained as Max Verstappen attempts his fourth championship alongside Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected Ferrari switch. It will also tell the story of the resurgence of McLaren as Lando Norris begins to challenge for a title, Charles Leclerc’s historic wins at Monaco and Monza, and the Red Bull team principal Christian Horner’s unexpected controversy.
Ep. 1: Business As Usual – Lewis Hamilton’s decision and Christian Horner’s investigation
The opening episode dived into two stories that shook the F1 world before the racing even began. As Netflix’s description states,
Ahead of the new season, the drama has already begun. Lewis Hamilton makes a drastic decision — which is almost overshadowed by a shocking allegation.
Viewers will see the aftermath of Lewis Hamilton‘s announcement about leaving Mercedes after 11 years to join Ferrari in 2025. Covering even more dramatic ground, the fallout from Christian Horner’s investigation at Red Bull is also included. Horner is seen saying in the episode,
The higher you rise, the sharper the knives. I’d reached the top of my game and I never thought in a million years I’d have a challenge like this in my career.
It captures Horner receiving the news of an email containing alleged exchanges between him and a female associate.
Ep. 2: Frenemies – The Lando Norris – Max Verstappen rivalry
The second episode goes on to one of the most intriguing rivalries on track during the 2024 season. Netflix describes it as,
Lando Norris has spent his career coming second to Max Verstappen. Can this be the year he overtakes his friend and makes a bid for the Championship?
The episode will show the relationship between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, who are friends off the track but rivals on it. Viewers will see how their relationship evolves as Norris begins genuinely challenging Verstappen’s dominance for the first time in his career. Expect plenty of insight into how they go through this.
During the episode, viewers will see the intensifying verbal clashes between McLaren principal Zak Brown and Red Bull principal Christian Horner while their drivers fight for track leadership.
Ep. 3: Looking Out For Number 1 – Mercedes’ future without Hamilton
With Hamilton’s exit drawing closer, episode 3 looks at what happened at Mercedes afterward. As Netflix puts it,
Without Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes has a seat to fill for 2025. George Russell thinks he’s ready to step up to lead driver — but does Toto Wolff agree?
Viewers will see Toto Wolff thinking about the team’s future from his home in Monaco. The episode discusses George Russell’s chances of becoming the new leader of the team and the possibility of luring Verstappen away from Red Bull.
Possibly, Hamilton’s decision to leave might also be seen in this episode. It might also show the reports about Mercedes being unwilling to offer the three-year contract Hamilton was looking for, while Ferrari offered him a multi-year deal possibly worth $100 million a year.
Ep. 4: Carlos Signs – Search for a new home
Episode 4 follows the man replaced by Hamilton’s Ferrari move. Netflix teases,
Dropped from Ferrari, Carlos Sainz has got a big decision to make for next season. As two teams vie for his attention, he gets a call from an old friend.
The episode will show Carlos Sainz‘s position as F1’s top available driver, who must choose which team will be his next option. Williams and Stake F1 emerge as the leading contenders, and viewers will follow them as they try to acquire the Spanish driver.
This episode promises exclusive footage from the negotiations and discussions that tend to take place far from the public eye and will give insight into how F1 drivers go through the crossroads in their careers.
Ep. 5: Le Curse Of Leclerc – Monaco heartbreak to triumph
The focus of episode 5 is on Charles Leclerc on an emotional roller coaster at his home race. Netflix describes the episode as,
It’s the Monaco Grand Prix, and all eyes are on Charles Leclerc. With his country’s hopes hanging on his shoulders, the pressure starts to get to him.
Leclerc finally decided to take a break from all the heartbreaks on his home circuit and break “Le Curse” by winning the Monaco Grand Prix in 2024. This episode provides an inside look at the pressure that Leclerc faces in racing where he grew up and how he deals with past disappointments.
Expect some emotional moments as viewers are welcomed into Leclerc’s world within Monaco and what this victory means not just for his work but for his personal journey as a driver.
Ep. 6: Wheels Of Fortune – McLaren’s championship push
Episode 6 will analyze the resurgence of McLaren. Netflix describes it as,
The Constructors’ Championship is within McLaren’s grasp. The car is performing, the drivers are excelling — but their strategy might hold them back.
This episode leads the viewers into the heart of McLaren’s Woking headquarters, with a serious challenge for the Constructors’ Championship. The very strengths of the team are put under the limelight with some rather questionable team decisions that may have cost them valuable points over the season.
The dynamics between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri regarding team orders and their team-strategic choices will form the central focus of this episode to show the difficult decision-making process between driver support in contrast to team objectives.
Ep. 7: In The Heat Of The Night – Singapore’s challenge
Episode 7 takes a somewhat different approach, focusing more on a single race. Netflix describes the episode as,
Five of Formula 1’s most famous drivers — and lifelong friends — film their behind-the-scenes experiences of the brutal Singapore Grand Prix.
This episode will provide the viewers with an extensive view of how drivers prepare while facing the heavy demands of this extreme race. The Singapore Grand Prix, famous for its extreme heat and humidity, does not spare any driver.
The episode will also possibly cover the last race of Daniel Ricciardo in Formula One, adding an emotional angle to the already tough event and giving the spectators a chance to see how the drivers bond over one another in the toughest conditions.
Ep. 8: Elbows Out – Red Bull’s driver dilemma
Episode 8 looks at Sergio Perez’s uncertain future at Red Bull. Netflix describes it as,
After a record-breaking 2023, Red Bull has a lot to live up to. With one driver slowing the team down, veterans and newcomers alike battle for his seat.
This episode of the series shows Red Bull’s dilemma with Sergio Perez as his poor first season performance risks Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship hopes. Viewers will witness a build-up of pressure on Perez as teammates discuss Liam Lawson as his potential replacement.
The negotiations going on behind closed doors in Red Bull about balancing performance issues with the commercial benefits of retaining Perez will give a rare insight into the business events concerning decisions within Formula 1’s team.
Ep. 9: Under New Management – Team leadership changes
Episode 9 touches on critical leadership changes across several teams. Netflix describes it as,
Haas has a new principal. Alpine has welcomed back a legend of the sport. Between them, the rivals are locked in a battle worth millions of dollars.
The show discusses Haas’ new era under Ayao Komatsu and Flavio Briatore’s return to F1 paddocks during his work with Alpine in their podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix alongside new team principal Oliver Oakes.
The financial stakes of the midfield battle of these teams create an additional dimension of pressure on the management narratives, which will show how leadership changes can dramatically shift team performance.
Ep.10: End Game – The final championship battle
The season finale focuses on the climax of the 2024 championship. Netflix describes it,
As the season nears its climax, the outcome hangs on a knife edge. Can underdog McLaren stand a chance against the powerhouses of Ferrari and Red Bull?
The final race of the Constructors’ Championship pits Red Bull Racing against Ferrari and McLaren as the Drivers’ Championship race has already been determined. Storylines that were developed during the entire season will conclude their narrative in the Abu Dhabi season finale.
The episode captures the tension of the last race as the teams fight for championship positions worth millions in prize money, giving a conclusion to yet another dramatic season in Formula 1.
Season Seven of Drive to Survive shows the most important moments of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The combination of drivers’ interaction with racing events allows the series to prove why Formula 1 is acknowledged as one of the world’s most exciting sports.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 7 will premiere on Netflix on March 7, 2025.
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