Netflix has officially confirmed the release date for the highly anticipated eighth season of its groundbreaking Formula 1 documentary series, Drive to Survive. The new instalment, which will be available to stream globally from February 27, promises an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the dramatic 2025 F1 campaign, featuring some of the sport's most seismic storylines.
Key Storylines from the 2025 Season
The production crews from Box to Box Films, who shadowed the paddock throughout the 2025 season, captured a wealth of compelling narratives. The series is expected to delve deeply into the circumstances surrounding Christian Horner's shocking departure from Red Bull Racing after two decades in charge, an event that sent reverberations throughout the Formula 1 world.
Championship Drama and Team Turmoil
Viewers will also gain fresh insight into Lando Norris's maiden Drivers' Championship victory, a triumph achieved despite trailing his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, for much of the season. The narrative will explore how Red Bull's late-season car development and strategic errors from McLaren enabled Max Verstappen to mount a fierce title challenge, pushing Norris to the final race.
Additional major plotlines set to feature include:
- The driver market chaos that dominated headlines, including Red Bull's line-up changes.
- Legendary designer Adrian Newey's first year with the Aston Martin team.
- Lewis Hamilton's difficult debut season with Ferrari.
- The Alpine team's controversial decision to replace Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto.
Release Schedule and Production Details
Netflix and Formula 1 confirmed the February 27 release date via social media, maintaining the show's traditional scheduling. The new season will drop nine days before the 2026 season opener, the Australian Grand Prix, on the first weekend of March. The series has been widely credited with dramatically increasing F1's global fanbase, though it has not been without its critics.
Praise and Criticism for the Series
While celebrated for showcasing the sport's biggest personalities—including now-departed figures like the self-styled 'villain' Christian Horner and popular driver Daniel Ricciardo—Drive to Survive has also faced scrutiny. Some prominent figures, including reigning champion Max Verstappen, have publicly questioned the show's editing, suggesting it sometimes creates a misleading portrayal of events.
The future of the series beyond season eight remains officially unconfirmed. However, Netflix cameras have continued filming during the off-season, indicating preparations are underway for a potential ninth season covering the 2026 campaign.
