Your guide to Drive to Survive Season 8
10 March 2025Netflix’s Drive to Survive has become essential viewing for Formula 1 fans, offering unrivalled behind-the-scenes access to the sport’s biggest personalities, rivalries and controversies.
Season 7 covered the defining moments of the 2024 F1 season, including Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Lando Norris’ maiden grand prix victory in Miami and a tightly contested championship battle.
With the 2025 Formula 1 season delivering even greater drama, attention quickly turned to Drive to Survive Season 8. Here’s everything we know so far, including confirmation, release date and what fans can expect from the latest instalment.
Has Drive to Survive Season 8 been confirmed?
Yes, Netflix has officially confirmed Drive to Survive Season 8.
The documentary series will once again follow teams and drivers throughout the Formula 1 paddock, continuing its partnership with the sport and cementing its place as one of Netflix’s most popular sports series.
When is Drive to Survive Season 8 released on Netflix?
Drive to Survive Season 8 will be released on 27 February.
The release date follows the established pattern of previous seasons, arriving just ahead of the new Formula 1 campaign and offering fans a final deep dive into the drama of the previous year before the lights go out in Melbourne.
What season does Drive to Survive Season 8 cover?
Season 8 of Drive to Survive focuses on the 2025 Formula 1 season.
From a grid stacked with rookie talent to major team shake-ups and a drivers’ championship that went down to the final race, the season provided no shortage of storylines for Netflix’s cameras.
What to expect from Drive to Survive Season 8
Several major themes are likely to run throughout the series:
- A new generation of drivers fighting to establish themselves in Formula 1
- Internal tension at McLaren during a title challenge
- Red Bull’s leadership change and late resurgence
- A three-way drivers’ championship battle decided in Abu Dhabi
Below is an episode guide outlining what each episode of Drive to Survive Season 8 is likely to cover.
Episode 1: New Kids on the Track
Six drivers begin 2025 without a full F1 season behind them, as rookies and newly promoted talents face the pressure of proving they belong at the sport’s highest level.
Episode 2: Strictly Business
Brutal mid-season decisions see Jack Doohan dropped by Alpine and Liam Lawson demoted at Red Bull, underlining how quickly opportunity can disappear in Formula 1.
Episode 3: The Number 1 Problem
McLaren’s refusal to prioritise between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fuels tension, especially after their clash in Canada allows Max Verstappen to stay in the title fight.
Episode 4: A Bull with No Horns
Christian Horner’s shock departure after the British Grand Prix triggers a reset at Red Bull, before a late-season resurgence revives Verstappen’s championship hopes.
Episode 5: The Sky’s the Limit
A season of unlikely podiums sees rookies shine, Williams return to form, and Nico Hulkenberg finally claim his first career top-three finish at Silverstone.
Episode 6: The Duel
Norris and Verstappen trade blows through the autumn stretch of the calendar, closing the gap to championship leader Piastri and setting up a three-way fight.
Episode 7: What Happens in Vegas
Drama erupts at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as both McLarens are disqualified, handing Verstappen a crucial points swing in the title battle.
Episode 8: Call Me Chucky
Verstappen’s late charge takes the championship fight all the way to Abu Dhabi, with Norris, Piastri and the reigning champion all still in contention.
Why Drive to Survive Season 8 could be one of the most dramatic yet
With championship momentum swinging late in the season, unexpected podium finishers and off-track decisions proving just as decisive as on-track performance, Season 8 looks set to encapsulate everything modern Formula 1 has become.
