The TRUTH About F1 DRIVE TO SURVIVE Season 7

For the most part, F1 can seem like a boring sport—cars going round and round in a circle. Yet, every now and then, something exciting happens. Drive to Survive takes those moments and condenses them into a spectacular piece of television. I’ve just binge-watched all ten episodes of Season 7 at 1.5 times speed, and I want to share my thoughts with you.

As an F1 photographer, I attend every race and witness everything at the track. Still, I learned a lot from this series, and I want to discuss some standout moments.

Kym’s Initial Thoughts on DTS Season 7

In my opinion, the best episode was Carlos Sainz signing with Williams. I loved how we were brought into the actual moment where he was about to sign the contract—twice! I didn’t realize that Alpine was such a strong contender until I watched this series.

During the Spa race, I was chatting with Jack Doohan in the paddock and saw Carlos Onoro, Sainz’s manager, leaving the Alpine hospitality suite. I now understand that this was a pivotal moment, where Carlos likely hinted to Jack about his future with Williams.

The editing in this episode was brilliant, building up to that moment effectively. For new viewers, it would have been thrilling, even though seasoned fans knew he was going to Williams.

Drive to Survive serves as a promotional tool for the sport, aimed at attracting new fans. When those viewers see how James Vowles introduces Carlos to the team, they’ll likely feel a tingle of excitement.

Insights from F1 Team Interviews

Fred Vasseur often speaks in French, and when Mattia Binotto led Ferrari, he only spoke in Italian. It’s interesting how some drivers and team principals open themselves up for this series. In the first episode, Christian Horner revisits his drama from Bahrain, which adds pressure as he relives past events.

All teams receive the Drive to Survive series a few days before publication, allowing them to prepare for media inquiries. However, they can’t request any changes at that point, which adds to the authenticity of the show.

If you watch all ten episodes, you’ll notice that Lando Norris is among the most open and honest drivers about his experiences. His reflections on giving back the race lead to Oscar Piastri were particularly insightful.

Production Quality and Behind-the-Scenes Access

The production quality of Drive to Survive is first-class, enhancing the sport’s appeal. Crofty and Martin Brundle provide audio snippets, often recorded in a voice booth to tie stories together. While it may seem like they have numerous cameras at the track, they usually have 2 to 4 camera crews, accessing thousands of hours of footage to tell their stories.

One surprising omission was Franco Colapinto’s story, who came into Williams this year. His name wasn’t mentioned, despite being a significant story. Likewise, I felt Daniel Ricciardo’s departure deserved more focus, but it didn’t receive the attention it warranted.

Unexpected Moments and Personal Insights

Some random surprises included Flavio Briatore’s surprisingly white teeth—either he’s had work done or takes exceptional care of them! Lando Norris revealed he hates walking into the paddock every morning, which adds a relatable element to his persona.

George Russell’s comment about his body hitting 40 degrees Celsius after the Singapore race was eye-opening, reminiscent of past heat dramas. Charles Leclerc humorously referred to drivers as the “Kardashians of Formula One,” highlighting their immense popularity.

The Appeal of Drive to Survive

If you’re a die-hard F1 fan, you might not find as much value in watching this series, especially if you’ve kept up with every race. However, for newcomers, it serves as a fantastic entry point into the sport. The last season saw a slight drop in viewers, and I’m curious to see if Season 7 can regain that audience.

Without a doubt, Drive to Survive is a seven-hour advertisement for Formula One, and with the upcoming F1 movie set to release in June, it could attract millions of new fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Drive to Survive?

Drive to Survive is a Netflix docuseries that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Formula 1 racing world, focusing on team dynamics, driver relationships, and the drama that unfolds throughout the season.

2. Is Drive to Survive scripted?

No, while some elements are edited for dramatic effect, the series is not scripted. It captures real events and interviews with drivers and team principals.

3. How has Drive to Survive impacted F1 viewership?

Since the launch of Drive to Survive, Formula 1 has seen a significant increase in viewership, particularly among younger audiences and new fans.

4. Where can I purchase signed F1 prints or merchandise?

You can find signed prints and merchandise at the Signed Prints – Kym Illman and Store – Kym Illman.

5. Where can I view high-quality F1 images?

For high-quality images from F1 races, visit Pro Star Pics.