Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive has returned for its seventh season, offering an all-access pass to the behind-the-scenes drama of the 2024 season. The docuseries, which has been credited with bringing a new wave of fans to the thrilling sport, provides a gateway into the luxurious world of F1 that newcomers and even longtime supporters rarely see. Its latest installment is no different, giving viewers plenty of must-watch moments during the most unpredictable season in recent history.
With driver market shake-ups, this might be its silliest season yet (the period after a racing season when teams and drivers speculate about team affiliations for the following year). The 2025 season begins this Sunday with the Australian Grand Prix, which will showcase the aftermath of these driver moves and introduce six new rookies. However, despite all the spectacle, not everything made the final cut. Some of the most talked-about headlines, including Adrien Newey’s surprise shift to Aston Martin, the bizarre “curse gate” FIA controversy, and more, were left on the cutting-room floor.
Warning, spoilers ahead!
Verstappen’s Fourth Driver’s Championship
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen entered 2024 as the favourite, but his road to a fourth consecutive title (awarded to the best-performing driver across the season) was far from easy. While Red Bull’s early-season form suggested another year of dominance, mid-season challenges from McLaren, Ferrari, and even Mercedes put pressure on the Dutchman.
One of his biggest threats came from a close friend, Lando Norris, who emerged as a serious title contender, securing multiple victories and pushing Verstappen to the limit on and off the track. Ultimately, the Red Bull driver clinched the 2024 driver’s championship early at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Christian Horner’s Legal Trouble and Team Struggles
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner jokes in episode eight, “… this is what therapy would look like.” a reflection of his struggles during a tumultuous year. The show dedicates a significant amount of screen time to the off-track turmoil at the start of the 2024 season, as shocking allegations of misconduct led to immense media scrutiny and legal battles for Horner.
Fuelling the tension, internal conflicts emerged regarding his leadership and future, particularly with Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko and even Verstappen’s father, Jos. The controversy created a major distraction for the team, overshadowing its on-track performance. Despite the personal drama, Horner remains at the helm of Red Bull heading into the 2025 season.
McLaren’s Sudden Resurgence
The biggest surprise was McLaren’s return to the top. After years of struggling in the midfield, the team finally reclaimed the Constructors’ Championship (awarded to the best-performing team across the season) for the first time since 1998. This historic achievement was made even more remarkable by the fact that both drivers, Oscar Piastri and Norris, weren’t even born yet.
While their partnership produced great results, it wasn’t without friction, as they both fought hard to establish themselves as the team’s number one driver. Despite the occasional issue, notably at the Hungarian Grand Prix, their consistent podium and race wins highlight the papaya team’s technical progress, which played a crucial role in defeating Red Bull in the championship.
Ferrari’s Rollercoaster Season
Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, known as the tifosi, had plenty to celebrate, with two episodes dedicated to the team’s star drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Leclerc, often plagued by bad luck at his home race, finally broke his Monaco curse by securing an emotional victory. He also triumphed in Imola, Ferrari’s home race, making it a dream season for the Scuderia.
Meanwhile, Sainz found himself without a seat for the next year as Ferrari prepared for the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Despite this, the Spanish driver remained unfazed, delivering an impressive win in Australia just weeks after undergoing surgery for appendicitis. The docuseries even let viewers witness the tense contract negotiations with teams like Williams and Alpine.
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes Farewell
The season chronicled the end of an era for seven-time world champion Hamilton, who announced his departure after over a decade with Mercedes. Struggling with inconsistent performances, the British driver makes his highly anticipated move to Ferrari this year. The series captures the emotional weight of his final year with the Silver Arrows, including his last victory with the team at his home race in Silverstone.
Meanwhile, team boss Toto Wolff faced the daunting challenge of finding a replacement for the legendary racer, entertaining options like Sainz and even seriously considering Verstappen (during the Red Bull drama). Ultimately, Mercedes opted for rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race alongside veteran driver George Russell, taking a gamble on young talent for its coveted second seat.
In The Heat of the Night
The best episode focuses entirely on the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, one of the toughest and most physically demanding races on the calendar. Instead of the usual interview-driven format, it follows five drivers who grew up karting together–Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Norris, Leclerc, and Russell–as they document their race weekend through the lens of a personal camera each.
The footage captured is adorable and lighthearted, particularly Russell and Albon goofing around on the flight to Singapore, as well as Norris and Gasly battling it out in a padel match. The drivers’ camaraderie shines through, with Sainz joking, “I heard they mic’d up your girlfriends…” with Leclerc replying with this iconic line, “We are the Kardashians of Formula 1”.
Daniel Ricciardo’s Reality Check
Racing Bulls driver Daniel Ricciardo faced the toughest year as his hopes to reclaim a spot back at Red Bull slipped away. The beloved Australian driver grappled with whether he still had a place in Formula 1, openly questioning his motivation and continued risk in a sport that favours younger drivers, especially considering factors beyond a racing calendar, like family and safety.
The episode culminated in the devastating loss of not only his seat at Racing Bulls for 2025 but also at Red Bull to hungrier reserve driver Liam Lawson. While the decision makes sense for both teams, it marks the end of Ricciardo’s F1 career with no alternative options in sight. Fans will definitely miss the honey badger’s cheeky presence in the paddock and on their screens.
What Was Missing?
Despite covering many major stories, some of the biggest talking points were either ignored or barely acknowledged. Given how much attention is usually given to rookies, Ollie Bearman’s stand-in race for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and his incredible drive for Haas in Baku were glossed over. Similarly, Franco Colapinto’s points-scoring debut for Williams went unnoticed.
Driver conflicts were also left out, including the heated clash between Russell and Verstappen, as well as Sainz ignoring team orders to overtake Leclerc in Las Vegas—prompting a hilarious reaction from the Monégasque. Also, several bottom-tier driver departures and changes received little attention, such as Kevin Magnussen’s F1 exits, Nico Hülkenberg’s switch to Kick Sauber, and Valtteri Bottas’s understated farewell.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive season seven is streaming on Netflix now.
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