Season 7 of “Drive to Survive” takes fans deeper into the high-stakes world of Formula 1, offering an unvarnished look at the drivers, teams and the politics of the paddock. This latest season delivers even more intense rivalries, personal struggles and moments of triumph, in what I believe to be the most exciting season in recent Formula 1 history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, Season 7 is packed with all the excitement, tension, and emotion that makes “Drive to Survive” a must-watch. Here are some of the biggest moments and storylines that stood out to me:
The heavy pressure on team principals during the 2024 season is vividly shown in Season 7. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, faced allegations of inappropriate behavior, leading to intense media scrutiny and internal challenges. At Alpine, Flavio Briatore, who was banned from Formula One in 2008 following the Crashgate scandal, returned as executive director introduced a “democratic dictator” leadership style, placing significant demands on drivers like Esteban Ocon and Jack Doohan, highlighting the intense challenges and constant pressure that come with managing a Formula One team. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff dealt with the departure of his star driver Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, requiring strategic decisions about the team’s future and adding to the weight of his leadership responsibilities. These narratives shed light on the undying scrutiny and high-stakes decision-making that are part of the roles for Formula One team principals.
McLaren’s year started off slow, with them struggling to keep up with the front-runners. But after the mid-season upgrades Lando Norris won his first-ever race in Miami, and Oscar Piastri followed with a victory in Hungary. Norris is still doing great, but Piastri really showed up this season. At first, he seemed quiet and unsure, but by halfway through, he was a serious competitor. Oscar Piastri wasn’t a rookie in 2024 – this was his second season, and he definitely proved that his strong debut year wasn’t a fluke. In Season 7, Drive to Survive shows how much more confident and competitive he became. His victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix was a huge moment, not just for him, but for McLaren, proving he could win on pure pace and strategy. The series also dives into his growing rivalry with Lando Norris. The show highlights how both drivers pushed each other, while keeping things mostly respectful. By the end, McLaren had gone from underdogs to serious Red Bull challengers.
Red Bull Racing dominated in 2024, with Max Verstappen winning his fourth straight World Championship. But the team wasn’t all smooth sailing – there was some drama off the track. Christian Horner, the Team Principal, was accused of misconduct with a female employee, but those claims were later dropped. When Horner was asked questions about these accusations by the media he referred to it as “Business as usual,” which then became the title for the first episode of “Formula One Drive to Survive:” season 7. The show portrays Verstappen contemplating his position in Red Bull Racing and shows him wrestling with his father about if he should continue amidst all the drama. Even with all the distractions, Red Bull stayed focused, and Verstappen kept winning race after race. The show gives us a peek at how Verstappen, Horner, Red Bull Racing, and the whole of F1 reacted to the behind-the-scenes drama. It’s interesting to see how Red Bull’s success on track differed from the challenges they faced off the track.
Carlos Sainz’s remarkable comeback proved his resilience and determination. Following emergency appendicitis surgery, which forced him to miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Sainz set his sights on returning for the Australian Grand Prix. Despite initial doubts about his ability to race, Sainz returned at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Taking advantage of Max Verstappen’s early retirement due to a brake failure, Sainz seized the lead on lap two and maintained it throughout the race to secure his third-career victory. This win not only ended Red Bull’s dominant streak but also marked Ferrari’s first 1-2 finish since 2022, with teammate Charles Leclerc finishing second. Sainz’s extraordinary recovery and pole position are spotlighted in Season 7, showcasing his resilience and journey from hospital bed to the top step of the podium.
This season explores the growing rivalry between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, filled with a bit of chaos. It starts off with Norris finally breaking his winless streak at the Miami Grand Prix, where a perfectly timed safety car helped him secure a victory from Max–putting an end to all the “Lando No Wins” jokes. At Imola, Lando almost did it again, chasing Max down in the final laps but falling short by less than a second. Things really blew up in Austria, where the two collided while fighting for pole, which dropped Verstappen in the ranks and forced Norris to retire. This collision resulted in a win for George Russell.
Ferrari faced a mix of struggles and difficult internal dynamics that shaped their performance this season. Despite their strong start, the team found themselves dealing with inconsistency, especially in terms of strategy and race pace. The rivalry between teammate Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz grew, with both drivers competing to be the favorite within the team, pushing each other to deliver stronger results. However, this rivalry never overshadowed the bond they shared as they worked together to get every bit of performance out of their car. The tension was noticeable in key races such as Monaco and Silverstone, where Sainz favoured an aggressive race strategy, while Leclerc relied more on calculation. While Ferrari continued to chase their first championship in years, it became clear that their internal rivalry would be a critical factor in their 2024 journey, as both drivers pushed their limits, yet shared a mutual respect for each other and a beautiful friendship. The season showcased Ferrari’s ongoing struggle to balance team unity with individual hopes, with the goal that their combined efforts might one day lead to a return to the top of the ranks.
The final races of the season transpire with intense drama and high stakes as teams and drivers fight for championship glory. Max Verstappen’s drive from 17th to 1st place at the Brazilian Grand Prix was a standout moment, a display of his resilience and precision under pressure. This victory played a pivotal role in securing his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title, which he clinched days later at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Mclaren’s late season surge led to a tense battle with Ferrari for the Constructors’ Championship. The season finale in Abu Dhabi saw Mclaren emerge victorious, claiming their first Constructors’ title in 26 years, a testament to the combined efforts of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. These episodes encapsulate the tension, strategic maneuvering, and emotional volatility that define the climax of a fiercely contested Formula One season.With intense rivalries, unexpected twists, and jaw-dropping performances, Drive to Survive brings Formula One racing to both die-hard fans and newcomers. The behind-the-scenes drama revealed in the series added layers to the on-track action, allowing viewers to see a more human side of these high-performance athletes and teams. From fierce battles for the championship to dramatic moments of triumph and heartbreak, this season reminds us why Formula One continues to be the pinnacle of motorsport. While some drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, have previously voiced concerns about the show’s dramatization and selective storytelling, I believe this series has had a crucial role in expanding F1’s global fanbase. As we wrap up another unforgettable year, Drive to Survive has once again proved its ability to bring the intense sport of F1 to audiences across the world.
