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Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a British documentary series produced by Netflix in collaboration with Formula One.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a British documentary series produced by Netflix in collaboration with Formula One. It follows the behind-the-scenes world of the FIA Formula One World Championship, focusing on drivers, teams, and rivalries. The series premiered in 2019 and has continued through multiple seasons on Netflix.

Premise

The series documents the FIA Formula One World Championship from an access-based, behind-the-scenes perspective. It highlights sporting competition as well as off-track politics, rivalries, and personal storylines.

Production

Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a Netflix production made in collaboration with Formula One and Box to Box Films. The series is in English and has executive producers including James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin.

Release and seasons

The series premiered on Netflix in March 2019 and has continued with annual seasons. Available source material indicates that eight seasons had been released by early 2026.

Reception and impact

Coverage from Formula One and other outlets describes the series as influential in broadening interest in Formula One, especially among newer audiences. It is often credited with increasing the sport's visibility beyond its traditional fan base. The series has been widely available to Canadian viewers through Netflix and has contributed to broader North American interest in Formula One, including in Canada.

Key facts

  • The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at Formula One racing, including drivers, team principals, and race weekends.
  • It premiered on Netflix on 8 March 2019.
  • The first season documented the 2018 Formula One World Championship.
  • By 2026, the series had released eight seasons.
  • The show is produced by Netflix in collaboration with Formula One and Box to Box Films.
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Canadian context

The series has been widely available to Canadian viewers through Netflix and has contributed to broader North American interest in Formula One, including in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Drive to Survive?
It is a Netflix documentary series about Formula One that follows drivers, teams, and races behind the scenes.
When did it first premiere?
It premiered on Netflix on 8 March 2019.
How many seasons does it have?
Available source material indicates eight seasons.
What season does the first series cover?
The first season covers the 2018 Formula One World Championship.
Who produces the series?
Netflix produces it in collaboration with Formula One and Box to Box Films.
Why is it notable?
It is widely described as having expanded Formula One's mainstream audience by emphasizing narrative, access, and off-track drama.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_1:_Drive_to_Survive
    Supports: Basic series facts including title, genre, premiere date, network, seasons, episodes, and production companies.
  2. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/47724017
    Supports: The series format as a behind-the-scenes Formula One documentary aimed at both existing fans and newcomers.
  3. Formula 1 — https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/in-numbers-the-incredible-figures-behind-seven-seasons-of-drive-to-survive.lFlNp0rCoY9Dx9R98fByU
    Supports: Season count and release context for later seasons.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8289930/
    Supports: Premiere date and series identification.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/formula_1_drive_to_survive
    Supports: Series synopsis, genre classification, network, and production credits.