Drive to Survive Season 7: A Refreshing Yet Flawed Take

Drive to Survive Season 7: When Reality Meets Netflix’s Script

So far, so good! Season 7 of Drive to Survive was a breath of fresh air compared to previous seasons. This time, the show actually gave us more behind-the-scenes content, making it feel more real and less like a scripted drama. One of the best parts was seeing the rise of the vlogging and influencer era with drivers like George Russell, Pierre Gasly, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, and Lando Norris. Watching them document their lives gave us a proper look into what goes through a driver’s mind during a race weekend and how they handle the pressures of F1 life.

Lando, in particular, had a solid storyline. We got to see his true personality, his mindset heading into the season, and how he deals with everything that comes with being an F1 driver. The show made him more relatable, showing that, at the end of the day, he’s just a guy trying to figure things out—just like the rest of us.

Another major talking point was Toto Wolff and how he had to deal with the massive hole left by Lewis Hamilton’s departure. The chaos at Mercedes was real, and the series did a good job of showing just how tough it was for the team to move forward. It gave us a proper insight into the behind-the-scenes struggles at a top team when things don’t go to plan.

But as much as this season was an improvement, Drive to Survive still had its usual issues. The biggest problem? Netflix’s obsession with making Max Verstappen the villain. The way they edited clips out of context just to fit their narrative was honestly a joke. Hardcore fans who follow the sport week in, week out can see right through the unnecessary drama. But at the same time, we get it—this show isn’t really made for us.

Drive to Survive has always been over-dramatized, which is why a lot of die-hard fans don’t enjoy it as much. We already know every detail of what actually happened during the season, so when Netflix twists things for the sake of entertainment, it can be frustrating. But from a new fan’s perspective, it’s brilliant. The drama, the rivalries, the cinematic storytelling—it’s what gets them hooked. And dropping the series just a week before the new season? That’s no coincidence. It’s a smart move to keep new fans engaged so that as soon as they finish binge-watching, real racing is waiting for them.

Flavio Briatore is back in the paddock, and honestly, the man has an aura that demands attention. But let’s be real—he’s also so intimidating that if I ever saw him walking towards me, I’d probably run in the opposite direction. With his history and influence, his return is a significant moment for the sport, yet Drive to Survive didn’t even touch on it. The man who once orchestrated some of F1’s most controversial moments is back in the mix.

Now, let’s talk about the real Drive to Survive main character—Christian Horner. As Jack Doohan hilariously put it, "Carlos is the paddock slut," but when it comes to Drive to Survive, Horner takes that title hands down. The man had more screen time than half the grid combined.

Overall, Season 7 was a step up. It gave us more raw, personal insights and felt less fake than previous seasons. But at the same time, it still had its usual flaws—forced drama, dodgy editing, and the usual narrative manipulation. What did you think? Let’s discuss!

In the next issue, we'll dive into the storylines that Drive to Survive completely missed—ones that deserved just as much, if not more, attention.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Lights Out!