Television
The biggest talking points from Season 5 of Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’
The new season of ‘Drive to Survive’ is finally here, and there are plenty of talking points for fans sink their teeth into over the course of 10 episodes.
Season 5 of Netflix’s ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ is finally available on the streaming service after premiering on Friday, February 24.
As always, the docuseries isn’t short on drama and juicy storylines. Read about some of the best moments to look out for in the new season.
Ferrari’s up and down campaign
Ferrari began the 2022 Formula 1 season as a title challenger. After a one-two finish at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix that saw reigning champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez falter, it all looked so promising for the team in red.
However, that optimism fades as the season progresses. Team principal Mattia Binotto looks increasingly worried as Ferrari see several wins slip away from them, noting that there is a “heavy air of worry” surrounding the team.
It isn’t all doom and gloom however, as the series shows Carlos Sainz’s maiden win at the 2022 British Grand Prix, which stands in contrast to Charles Leclerc’s deflated look.
In the end, the Scuderia manage to secure second in the constructors’ championship in the final episode.
Mercedes’ struggle in F1′s new era
After dominating the sport for several years, Mercedes failed to defend their constructors’ championship in 2022.
The W13 proved a difficult car to come to grips with, and ‘Drive to Survive’ does a great job of showing the team coming to terms with their struggles.
Mercedes don’t hide their frustration and disappointment, but as the British Grand Prix rolls around, things start to turn around, and Lewis Hamilton manages to secures a podium at his home race.
That joy continues when George Russell takes his maiden win in Brazil in a Mercedes one-two.
Verstappen makes his ‘Drive to Survive’ debut
After previously opting against appearing in ‘Drive to Survive’, Max Verstappen finally sits down and talks to the camera in the latest season.
The Dutchman is in the spotlight in the penultimate episode, which focuses on races in Singapore and Japan. Red Bull’s cost cap investigation also a major talking point.
With Verstappen on the verge of his second World Championship, the camera follows him as he loses out in Singapore before setting his sights on victory in Japan.
The race, which takes place in the rain, sees Verstappen come out on top, before switching to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner tell the camera: “It looks like we’ve breached the budget cap for 2021.”
The Oscar Piastri saga
The contract saga between Oscar Piastri and Alpine is also shown. The young Australian becomes part of a tug-of-war with McLaren over who would land the talented driver.
‘Drive to Survive’ covers all angles of the saga, which takes place over two episodes. The drama only increases when Sebastian Vettel announces his retirement, which comes as a shock to Sergio Perez.
This prompts Fernando Alonso to announce he’s leaving Alpine to replace the German at Aston Martin, while Piastri grins while telling the camera: “I’m a McLaren racing driver now.”