Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 3: Series Review

You might not know it but we are massive fans of Formula 1 racing and "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" is the one show that has been on our Netflix must-watch list since it was concepted. Like past seasons before it, Season 3 turns out to be highly-entertaining teaser for both avid fans and newcomers to the fastest sport on the planet. But like past seasons also, it has the same flaws that limits our own enjoyment as fans of the sport.

With Covid-19, the Formula 1 2020 was in serious trouble but against all odds and a slightly delayed restart, 17 races were successfully held. Can Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton win their 7th straight championship? Can Red Bull and Max Verstappen find a way to stop Mercedes on their tracks finally? Who will win the midfield team battle as three teams (McLaren, Renault, Racing Point) find themselves in an uncomfortable three way tie - with millions at stake for the victor? 

If you're already familiar with the past two seasons of  "Drive to Survive" then you'll feel right at home with the third season. It's pretty much the same format as before. Each episode focuses on one team or even one driver and shows a deeper look into internal and external strifes between drivers and teams. For fans, it offers the occassional juicy sound bite or interview that they won't get anywhere else while it offers a straight-foward approach for non-fans to get up to speed to the personalities behind the sport. The non-linear format though was jarring at times as viewers won't really see or feel the progress each team makes along the 17 races and it was noticeable that only a handful of races was actually featured throughout the series - probably due to Covid-19 restrictions. Additionally, the 2020 season was one of the most surprising seasons yet and with so much story threads around the podium, some key arcs went totally missing like George Russell's sudden promotion to Mercedes or even the surprise return of Nico Hülkenberg for a few races. But we must admit that the show did well in representing the stories of Sergio Perez and Pierre Gasly - showcasing the emotional highs the sports can offer. For fans, they will also notice the fabrication of some story arcs like the Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris "rivalry" or even simple sound bites being put in on the wrong races to heighten drama. Overall, "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" Season 3 was designed to entice new fans into the sport and just basing it on that regard - it has done another great job in doing that. It's slick, drama-filled, emotional, and a thrilling concise but not-so-accurate experience of Formula 1 racing.

Rating: 3 and a half reels

   

Why you should watch it:

- provides a more intimate and insider look for fans

- a great introduction and concise experience to the drama of Formula 1 racing

Why you shouldn't watch it:

- misses out on some of the bigger stories that happened in the 2020 Formula 1 season

- takes some liberties on its accuracy to heighten its conflicts and drama