Drive to Survive: Season 7 on the life of the F1 paddock is out today on Netflix

The 2024 Formula 1 season: Drive to Survive has struck again, bringing its share of revelations, twists, and intense moments that create the magic of this sport. An unprecedented look at the drivers, their decisions, internal struggles, and ambitions. And of course, as always, the cameras missed nothing.

Lewis Hamilton leaves Mercedes: The end of an era

One of the most shocking news of this season 7 of Drive to Survive? The departure of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, a team he dominated with for years. A departure that left Toto Wolff, the team principal, with a colossal task: finding a successor to this seven-time champion. And of course, the series immerses us in this dilemma.

Producer Tom Hutchings says: « Toto is such a brilliant character for Drive to Survive, and now he has to find someone who can take on the city’s biggest roles ». And that’s where Kimi Antonelli, the young prodigy, comes in. A risky but exciting bet. « Kimi Antonelli is such a nice kid. He is so adorable and so young », adds Hutchings, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding this strategic choice.

Carlos Sainz, the man who does it all

Sainz, who thought his future in F1 was compromised due to his uncertain status, found himself at the center of a battle for his future. Williams, Alpine, and Sauber did everything they could to attract the Spanish driver. Ultimately, the Spanish driver signed with Williams for 2025, and Vowles recalls: “The energy that was there that day, even now when I talk about it, I get goosebumps,” he tells the media.

Charles Leclerc, the Triumph at the Monaco Grand Prix

Finally, after years of disappointment in Monaco, Charles Leclerc managed to secure pole position and triumph on his home turf. The Drive to Survive team followed every moment of this long-awaited victory, with cameras present in the driver’s private moments.

Hutchings remembers: « It’s Charles who was very open with us and allowed us to enter his home ». A true moment of emotion, as Leclerc, determined, fought to secure this victory at home. « The competition is there. It’s not against the others… [He] asks if he can achieve the thing he has always wanted to do », the producer confides.

Behind the Scenes in Singapore: When the Pilots Take Over

Episode 7 of this season 7 has a completely new aspect: the drivers themselves were tasked with documenting their weekend. Between the pressure of the races and managing their image, the experience was intense for them. Alex Albon, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lando Norris, and Pierre Gasly picked up their phones to film their own adventures during the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hutchings explains: “We thought: Let’s try to have the drivers take over Drive to Survive. Instead of being storytellers, they are the ones who can do it.” An initiative that allowed us to see the drivers from a different perspective. The idea of these drivers as filmmakers also allowed Hutchings to highlight George Russell’s ability to become an excellent director: “He’s a real workhorse. I would be very happy to hire him as a director.”

The new season of Drive to Survive is available on Netflix starting March 7, one week before the Australian Grand Prix, which will open the season in Melbourne on March 16.

The Drive To Survive episodes are revealed! 👀

Launching March 7 on Netflix 🎥🍿#F1 pic.twitter.com/LENZ530JCc

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 5, 2025