Netflix’s Drive to Survive on paper is a way for enthusiasts to get behind the wheel themselves and see what their favourite driver’s experience in a day to day fashion, but is it really more than pantomime?
In terms of authenticity, Drive to Survive certainly does have its moments, meeting the family of Christian Horner and seeing the inside of his house provides a sparkling insight into the stern team principal we need yelling and swearing into a microphone each weekend.
While touching moments like Daniel Ricciardo opening up about his mental health feel like a genuine vent and the honest truth.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite these seemingly authentic portions, it’s largely agreed upon in the F1 community that the show thrives off its over dramatic storytelling which then overpowers and outstays the more honest moments and everything the fans want to see is washed away.
When talking about accessibility, the show continues to divide, I believe the show succeeds in this area with its regular one-on-ones with the camera providing the perfect outlet to break up the documentaries content.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis sees the show model The Office in terms of structure as we see team principals, drivers and journalists (most notably Will Buxton) sit in front of the camera and give you their “honest” thoughts on what had just happened.
Final score: 4 out of 5