Luke Smith from has previewed eight episodes of the new season “Drive to Survive” and reveals what makes it – with cutbacks – worth watching again this time
As Formula One fans eagerly await the start of the new season, they can tide over the last few days of waiting with the fourth season of “Drive to Survive,” which makes its official debut on Netflix this Friday (March 11).
The series has been a tremendous success for Formula 1, reaching a huge new audience alongside die-hard fans and broadening the spectrum of fandom.
In the process, season 3 marked a new high for Drive to Survive, landing at 1 on Netflix worldwide and surpassing the first season, which is a first in streaming circles. Still, season 4 is arguably the series’ most important yet.
Max Verstappen has refused
For the first time in “Drive to Survive” history, there’s a real title fight for Netflix to work off of. The duel between Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) is a natural focus of the entire season, and it’s set up well in the opening episode.
While it is a little basic in places for long-time fans, it provides a good refresher for those who only consume Formula 1 via Netflix.
Verstappen’s absence, however, is felt throughout the season. He had accused Netflix of deliberately manipulating certain statements last year and was not available for interviews. Much of his side of the story is therefore told by Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
Tension between Red Bull and Mercedes
He quickly takes on the role of the bad guy and regularly makes jibes towards Toto Wolff – for example, seeing him on a TV screen and saying, “Oh, shut up, the guy hasn’t got a clue.” This quickly becomes quite repetitive and could do with a more nuanced portrayal of the rivalry.
Hamilton gets to speak sparingly throughout the season, but his interviews are revealing. One of the most vulnerable moments is when he talks to Wolff about his frustration over Baku – and his fears of catching covid again ahead of the British Grand Prix. It’s the kind of insight that only Drive to Survive can offer.
Aside from Verstappen, many other gaps are felt in the eight episodes available to the media at the time of going to press. Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel barely make an appearance, while Ferrari features only peripherally in the two McLaren-dominated episodes.
The series thrives on personalities
Just like in the third season, where the intra-team rivalry between Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz was taken to extremes, there is a feeling that the tensions between Norris and Daniel Ricciardo are not portrayed quite right either.
“Drive to Survive” has always thrived on personalities, and this season is no different. Ricciardo finds his way back to old strength, even if his Monza victory episode comes up a little short in places, and the inclusion of people like Susie Wolff and Geri Horner is refreshing.
One of the highlights is when Yuki Tsunoda shows his absolutely unfiltered side in an episode he shares with Esteban Ocon. The two make a special pairing, framed by the battle for 5th place in the Constructors’ Championship between Alpine and AlphaTauri, and could have happily had their own episode each.
Guessing around the last two episodes
Haas and Netflix cult hero Günther Steiner are also in focus again for an episode. This time, however, it’s a somewhat tense affair. The plot focuses on Nikita Masepin’s difficult debut and the influence of his father Dmitry, who threatens to withdraw funding because he fears Nikita will be disadvantaged compared to Mick Schumacher.
The biggest question mark is behind the last two episodes of the season, which have not yet been released to the media. They deal with the conclusion of the World Cup.
It’s a balancing act for Netflix: while the target market for the series may justify some push for more creative freedom, the controversy surrounding the Abu Dhabi decision means it has to be handled really accurately so as not to alienate traditional Formula One fans.
This will be the biggest test for the fourth season of Drive to Survive, which remains essential but somewhat lacking in depth in one of the most explosive seasons in recent Formula One history because of the aforementioned reasons.
