The new season of Drive to Survive: between successes and excesses

Formula 1 is getting closer, with its first race scheduled for next Sunday, March 16 in Australia. But before the cars return to the track, fans can already warm up their engines with the arrival of the seventh season of Drive to Survive on Netflix, a season that promises to relive the most intense and controversial moments of the 2024 season.

F1: Formula 1. Drive to Survive - Netflix

The series arrived on March 7 with 10 episodes dedicated to the most important moments of last season. However, as in previous years, it leaves out several key events. These include Ollie Bearman's debut with Ferrari at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Logan Sargeant's departure and Franco Colapinto's arrival on the grid, Checo Pérez's farewell to both Red Bull and Formula 1, and Adrian Newey's surprise signing with Aston Martin.

The main themes of this season revolve around the great battles that marked the 2024 campaign. Highlights include the intense rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in the fight for the drivers' title, as well as the fierce dispute for the constructors' championship, where McLaren's questionable strategies almost cost them the crown. 

In addition, the series puts the spotlight on the fight in the middle of the table, with Haas and Alpine starring in a tough battle. It also addresses the fall of Red Bull and key decisions regarding its lineups, both in the main team and in its subsidiary team. Another relevant point is the arrival of Flavio Briatore to Alpine and its impact on the team structure. 

Of course, Drive to Survive does not leave aside one of the biggest changes of the season: the departure of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes. The series shows the German team's search to find his replacement and, at the same time, the path of Carlos Sainz in his search for a new team for 2025.

Despite all this and reliving the season’s biggest moments and races such as Lando Norris’ first win, Oscar Piastri’s triumph, Charles Leclerc’s win in Monaco, Carlos Sainz’s victories, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly’s double podium in Brazil, and Max Verstappen’s masterclass at that same Grand Prix, the series continues to focus on the drama. 

Drive to Survive continues to push an exaggerated narrative, in which some drivers are portrayed as villains and others as weak, altering the context of certain moments to heighten tension and emotion. A strategy that, while it keeps viewers hooked, also generates criticism among the most purist followers of Formula 1.

The series continues to use out of context quotes and moments to bolster its dramatic narrative. In many episodes, shots from different Grands Prix can be seen intentionally mixed together, evident by the changes in the drivers' caps or helmets. This visual device is used to fuel the drama, making it seem like certain drivers were upset about a situation when, in reality, it never happened that way. 

However, what has generated the most disgust among fans is the way in which Drive to Survive addresses the issue of mental health.

Netflix uses this resource through Lando Norris, a driver who has always been very open when talking about his mental health. His testimony has served as an inspiration for many people and fans facing similar situations, helping them to make the issue visible and normalize it within the world of sport. 

However, Drive to Survive takes a questionable approach by portraying Norris as a weak driver due to his mental health. The series gives the impression that dealing with these types of problems makes him less capable or incapable of achieving great things. This representation has generated a wave of criticism, as it reinforces stigmas instead of contributing to a more honest and positive conversation about mental health in the world. 

In addition to this, another aspect that has generated great discontent among fans is a scene from the episode dedicated to the Singapore Grand Prix. In this chapter, it is shown how George Russell, after the race, suffers a panic attack. 

In the series, you can see how the pilot and his partner try to close the doors to prevent the Netflix cameras from recording the moment. However, despite this attempt to maintain privacy, Drive to Survive decides to include the audio of Russell trying to catch his breath during his crisis. The decision to show such a delicate moment has caused outrage among fans, who consider that Netflix crossed a line by exposing such a personal and vulnerable episode without due respect.

Despite all the criticism, the series also has its positive points. One of them is the inclusion of many of the most important Grand Prix of the season, showing the first victories of some drivers, impressive performances of others and the end of certain "curses" in Formula 1.

Another success is the way in which Drive to Survive manages to capture the essence of the drivers off the track in some small scenes. It includes moments that reflect their personalities, their double-entendre jokes and the friendships within the paddock, something that humanizes the protagonists of the championship and allows the audience to connect with them beyond the helmet and the car.

A particularly emotional part of an episode is the one dedicated to Daniel Ricciardo, in which a recap of his career in F1 is made. Although his departure from the category was sad for many, the fact that the series has given him this space was a special gesture, considering that Ricciardo has been one of the most beloved drivers by fans in recent years.

Finally, there are certain aspects of the Singapore episode that should be highlighted. Although the production was questionable at times, the decision to give five pilots a cell phone to record their own experience over the weekend was a refreshing change. This idea allowed for a closer relationship with the audience and brought a different aesthetic to the series, giving it a more personal and authentic touch.

The season and series are perfect for hanging out and relaxing, as well as being an amazing way to introduce new people to the world of Formula 1. However, it is important to note that Drive to Survive continues to rely on drama, using moments out of context and exaggerating certain situations to feed its narrative.

This strategy, although effective in attracting an audience, has often generated unnecessary hatred towards certain drivers, distorting the perception that fans have of them and moving away from the sporting reality that the category experiences.