The Shelf · TV Series

Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Released 2019Curated by SPMA Hub because sport culture lives beyond the field.

A documentary series on Formula 1 that goes behind the scenes of the races you watch.

Andres Larranaga
Covered by Andres Larranaga
The Shelf
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
The Gist Of Formula 1: Drive to Survive

At A Glance

A documentary series on Formula 1 that goes behind the scenes of the races you watch.

About This Shelf Item

About Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a documentary series focusing on the races and drivers of Formula 1. Each season takes a look at some of the highs and lows of races and championships from the previous year. In addition to these races, we get a personal look at the lives of some of these racers, who have interesting stories to tell about life outside of the race track. Hear about their troubles, dreams and successes in the world of Formula 1. As the series continues, it's picking up pace and support. It's definitely not one you'll want to miss! 

Why It Belongs

The Sport Connection

Like any documentary, we get a look at the real components of sport in this behind-the-scenes series. Which, aside from the racing, the wins and the losses, goes much deeper. You hear directly from the players on situations they face that can be challenging. Like penalties they face that can affect their qualifications. Or mistakes they make in pits that can end a tournament for the whole team. We just hear or read about these types of events without ever really knowing the details. But hearing from the racers gives us that different perspective that gives us the look into the rules and applying them that we don't get to see often. Among other issues, new leadership is another that Formula 1: Drive to Survive will show. The struggle when teams have to rebuild in ANY sports organization with a new coach, manager or president is never easy. And in this series, that is one part that you will get to hear about. As it continues, we are sure to learn even more about these topics and what each athlete has to say.

Our Recommendation

Why Watch Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Formula 1: Drive to Survive is for sure a must-watch! It's a series entirely focused on the player's side and hearing from them is really interesting. It's not every day that we get that opportunity to get a look into a sport as we do here. Usually, a successful team or athlete gets a special documentary. Here, we eventually see everyone at Formula 1 involved. In the first season, Mercedes and Ferrari didn't allow Netflix to document them, but after its success, they agreed to participate in season 2. Which, makes every team a part of the series. And if it means anything, even those not usually fans of Formula 1 have good things to say about it. Fans of the sport or not, it's worth giving a shot and should be added to your list as soon as possible!