Season 7 of Netflix’s Drive to Survive is set to launch on March 7, 2025, and it promises to be one of the most dramatic yet.

This season is packed with off-track antics and on-track excitement. One of the significant off-track dramas that will be covered is the controversy surrounding Christian Horner in Bahrain. The Netflix crew was right in the thick of it, documenting Red Bull’s every move during this PR crisis, and we might finally get some insider footage.

So, how did Drive to Survive come to be? Initially, Amazon was in talks to produce a documentary about F1, but it was only after Liberty Media acquired F1 that the idea gained traction. Sean Bratches, a key figure in this development, pitched the concept to Netflix, leading to the birth of Drive to Survive. Despite initial reluctance from teams like Ferrari and Mercedes, they quickly joined once they saw the success of the first season.

As for the season’s content, fans are eager to know if the departure of Daniel Ricciardo from the sport will be addressed. I was with the Drive to Survive crew outside the AlphaTauri hospitality suite, and they were capturing Lando Norris visiting Daniel. While they were present for that emotional moment, it’s unclear how much airtime it will actually get, given that five drivers were filming content for the same episode.

If you’re a Reddit user, I’ve created my own subreddit to foster discussions around F1. Feel free to share news, insights, or memes. This fan-driven space might even feature in my upcoming videos!

The five drivers to keep an eye on this season are Lando Norris, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell. Their episode is expected to have a unique classroom-style format, making it stand out from the others.

Regarding team involvement, they have limited influence over the final cut. They can view raw footage they’ve permitted to be filmed and request context for how it will be used. This back-and-forth helps ensure their cooperation, as the producers want to keep the series running smoothly.

Franco Colapinto’s rise in the sport will likely be highlighted, especially among his Latin American fans. The crew followed him closely during pivotal moments, capturing intimate audio and personal interactions.

Box to Box Films, the production company behind Drive to Survive, has a solid track record, previously producing a documentary titled Senna. Their expertise was a significant factor in their selection by F1.

While some may argue that the series has peaked, it still outperforms other sports documentaries. In 2022, 53% of American F1 fans stated that Drive to Survive influenced their interest in the sport, demonstrating its impact on audience growth.

In recent years, F1 has seen a demographic shift, with a younger average viewer age and an increase in female fans. This data is music to the ears of advertisers, proving the show’s effectiveness in reaching new audiences.

As for the production, thousands of hours of footage are recorded, but the team has learned to adapt their plans based on unfolding events, such as the Christian Horner saga.

One of the key elements of Drive to Survive is its access to the personal lives of drivers and team principals, which was rarely seen during Bernie Ecclestone’s era. This behind-the-scenes look is what makes the show captivating.

While some may criticize the series for dramatizing events, the reality is that the relationships and rivalries within F1 provide endless entertainment. The show has successfully made drivers into celebrities, and many are now looking forward to the upcoming F1 movie.

As we gear up for the premiere, be on the lookout for the DTS crews at the races. They often carry unique camera rigs that capture the action from incredible angles, giving us a thrilling viewing experience.