Formula 1 fans your favorite behind-the-scenes peek is back! Drive to Survive Season 7 is dropping this Friday and things are shaking up in the paddock. We are saying goodbye to some big personalities and hello to a fresh batch of faces. So who are the heroes and villains this year? And does the show still have its magic? Let's break it down.
Fresh Faces and Farewell Favorites: Season 7 Marks a New Chapter for Drive to Survive
Season 7 of Drive to Survive feels like a turning point. Two major figures who became famous thanks to the show Guenther Steiner and Daniel Ricciardo are not front and center this time around. Steiner's gone from Haas and Ricciardo while still around takes a backseat. But don't worry there is plenty of fresh drama to fill the gap. We have got rookies new team bosses and storylines focusing more tightly on the on-track action.
Meet the Cast: Heroes and Villains Emerge in the Latest Season of Drive to Survive
Every season needs its good guys and bad guys right? Drive to Survive Season 7 is no different. Here are some of the figures getting the hero and villain treatment according to early reviews:
- The Villain: Flavio Briatore. No surprises here. Alpine's new executive advisor Flavio Briatore is set up as the main antagonist. Expect dramatic music whenever he is on screen and quotes like "I'm strong enough I'm wealthy enough to tell everybody to stay away from me." He is shown being critical of Alpine's performance and drivers especially Esteban Ocon.
- The Hero: James Vowles. Williams' team boss James Vowles seems to be the season's golden boy. He is portrayed as humble humorous and dedicated especially in his pursuit of signing Carlos Sainz. Reviews highlight his "very good hair" his "heart of gold" and his funny lines making him a clear fan-favorite in the making.
- The Unlucky One: George Russell. Poor George Russell seems to be catching stray bullets this season. From jokes about balding to awkward moments and questions about his leadership skills Drive to Survive does not shy away from showing Russell's less flattering moments. Was it intentional? Maybe.
- The Lovable Rival: Lando Norris. Lando Norris is getting the "Daniel Ricciardo treatment" meaning he is being presented as the relatable and likeable counterpoint to Max Verstappen's intensity. Expect puppy moments fan interactions and candid talks about mental health all painting Norris in a very positive light.
- The Ambiguous Figure: Christian Horner. Christian Horner's storyline is tied to the controversy surrounding him. While the show does not dive deep into the details it acknowledges the scandal and presents Horner as defiant and still taking digs at rivals and other team principals. Whether he is a villain or just controversial is left somewhat open.
Episode Highlights and Format Tweaks: What to Expect in Drive to Survive Season 7
Season 7 is experimenting with the formula a bit. Here are some episode highlights and format changes to watch out for:
- Driver Vlogging in Singapore: One episode features drivers like Norris Russell Leclerc Gasly and Albon using vlogging cameras to film themselves during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Mixed reviews on how effective this actually is but it is a different approach.
- Monaco Focus on Leclerc: The episode centered on Charles Leclerc's Monaco victory is being praised as a standout a self-contained story that is almost documentary-like in its quality.
- McLaren Team Dynamics: Episodes delving into the rivalry and team orders within McLaren particularly between Norris and Piastri are highlighted as compelling viewing.
- Less Crash Focus More Personal Stories: Reviews note a welcome shift away from over-emphasizing crashes. Season 7 is leaning more into personal stories off-track moments and character development.
- Staged Banter and Exaggeration: Be aware Drive to Survive is still Drive to Survive. Expect some staged conversations overdramatization and moments played up for TV. Some storylines might be simplified or focus on drama over complete accuracy.
Is Drive to Survive Season 7 Worth Watching? The Verdict is In
Overall reviews suggest Drive to Survive Season 7 is still watchable and entertaining especially for casual fans. Hardcore F1 enthusiasts might still find some moments cringe-worthy or oversimplified but the show retains its core appeal: behind-the-scenes access off-track stories and solid interviews. While some miss the raw energy of Steiner and the spotlight on Ricciardo Season 7 brings new characters and storylines to keep things interesting. If you are looking for your F1 fix before the 2025 season kicks off Drive to Survive Season 7 on Netflix is ready to stream starting March 7th.