Netflix Sets February Release for Drive to Survive Season 8

Netflix has officially set the premiere date for the eighth season of its hit docuseries, Drive to Survive. Slated for a February 27 release, the upcoming installment will chronicle the dramatic 2025 Formula 1 season, including Lando Norris's championship battle against Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated debut with Ferrari.

Why it matters:

As the 2026 season approaches, this release serves as the perfect primer for fans, reigniting rivalries and storylines just before the cars hit the track in Australia. It also marks the final documentation of the current ground-effect regulations, offering a definitive look at this specific technical era before the sport undergoes massive changes in the coming year.

The details:

• Release Timing: The season drops on February 27, strategically placed a week before the 2026 season opener at the Australian Grand Prix on March 6.
• Championship Drama: The series is expected to focus heavily on the Drivers' Championship, which culminated in a razor-thin two-point margin. The internal dynamic at McLaren between Norris and Oscar Piastri will likely be a focal point.
• Hamilton's Ferrari Move: Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is set to be a central narrative, providing behind-the-scenes access to the seven-time champion's integration into the iconic Italian team.
• Red Bull Friction: The ongoing drama between drivers and management at Red Bull is expected to feature prominently, adding another layer of off-track intrigue.
• End of an Era: This will be the final Drive to Survive season to feature the current ground-effect cars, capturing the swan song of this aerodynamic concept.
• Underdog Stories: Nico Hulkenberg's emotional podium finish is expected to be one of the season's heartwarming highlights.

What's next:

With the documentary set to whet appetites, all eyes turn to the upcoming 2026 campaign. The new season brings significant regulatory changes, and how teams adapt to the new rules will determine if the narratives established in 2025 carry over into the next chapter of Formula 1.