F1: Drive To Survive Season 6 Ultimate Episode Guide
Netflix unveiled the much-anticipated trailer for "Drive to Survive" Season 6 yesterday, followed by the detailed episode guide. The latest season is set to premiere on 23 February, a week before the 2024 F1 season's opening race.
Key Takeaways:
- Netflix releases the episode guide for "Drive to Survive" Season 6, launching on 23 February.
- The season explores key F1 moments from 2023, including driver moves, team dynamics, and intense rivalries.
- Highlights include Lawrence Stroll's ambitions for Aston Martin, Nyck de Vries' challenges in F1, and Lewis Hamilton's pivotal contract decision.
The anticipation for the sixth season of "Drive to Survive" reached its peak with the release of its full trailer by Netflix, setting the stage for an enthralling dive into the behind-the-scenes drama of the 2023 Formula 1 season. Here is a breakdown of each episode.
Episode 1: "Money Talks"
"Lawrence Stroll will do whatever it takes for Aston Martin to become world champion. But his dreams could be over before the new season even starts."
The opening episode throws us into the world of Lawrence Stroll and his unwavering determination to elevate Aston Martin to the pinnacle of F1. The narrative is set against the backdrop of Fernando Alonso's high-profile switch to Aston Martin and Lance Stroll's battle with a pre-season injury, underscoring the team's tumultuous start to the year.
Episode 2: "Fall from Grace"
"Hopes are high for Nyck de Vries as he takes his first shot at Formula 1. With the pressure mounting, he struggles to keep up the pace."
Nyck de Vries' journey into F1 is marked by early promise and subsequent challenges. His rookie season, filled with anticipation following a stellar debut in 2022, takes a dramatic turn as AlphaTauri opts for a mid-season driver change, highlighting the ruthless nature of the sport.
Episode 3: "Under Pressure"
"McLaren has a lot to prove after last season. As star driver Lando Norris’ car lets him down yet again, he starts considering his options."
McLaren's struggle for competitiveness is laid bare, with Lando Norris facing recurring reliability issues. The episode delves into the team's mid-season resurgence and the evolving dynamics between Norris and his rookie teammate, reflecting on the pressures and loyalties within F1 teams.
Episode 4: "The Last Chapter"
"It’s a battle at the back between Haas and Williams. While one team sticks with tradition, the other’s ready to make bold new moves."
The contrasting fortunes of Haas and Williams form the crux of this episode, showcasing Williams' unexpected leap in performance and Haas' continued struggles, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by teams at the back of the grid.
Episode 5: "Civil War"
"Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly have been competing since childhood. Can they overcome their rivalry now that they’re on the same team?"
Alpine's internal dynamics take centre stage with the pairing of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Their long-standing rivalry and the team's multiple personnel changes add layers to the narrative, exploring the complexities of teammate relationships in F1.
Episode 6: "Leap of Faith"
"Lewis Hamilton’s been loyal to Mercedes for 13 years. But winning comes first — and with his contract up for renewal, he has to make a tough decision."
Hamilton's contract extension was a huge talking point of 2023. The British driver ultimately signed a 1+1 contract extension with the Brackley-based squad. However, it has now been confirmed that Hamilton will now make the move to Ferrari in 2025 to drive alongside Charles Leclerc.
Episode 7: “C’est la Vie”
"An investment from Hollywood stars piles pressure on Alpine’s management. Between frustrated drivers and disappointing results, something has to give."
Alpine's season is further complicated by high-profile investments and management changes, reflecting the intense pressure and high stakes involved in running an F1 team. The main change for the team was the exit of team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane.
Episode 8: “Forza Ferrari”
"In Italy, Ferrari is a religion. So when the team arrives in Monza, all eyes are on new principal Fred Vasseur to make fans’ prayers come true."
The episode captures the fervent passion surrounding Ferrari, especially at Monza, with Fred Vasseur at the helm, striving to meet the lofty expectations of the Tifosi. Vassuer joined the team at the beginning of 2023 replacing the long-standing Mattia Binotto.
Episode 9: “Three’s a Crowd”
"Daniel Ricciardo is finally back on the circuit. But when an accident sends him to the sidelines yet again, a rookie reserve steps in to take his seat."
Daniel Ricciardo's tumultuous return to F1, marked by high hopes and unexpected setbacks, underscores the relentless challenges and the ever-present threat of replacement that drivers face. After losing his seat with McLaren at the end of the previous season and taking a reserve driver role with Red Bull for 2023, replaced Nyck de Vries last minute after just ten races. However, the Australian driver's racing return was initially short-lived after a crash in free practice during the Dutch GP weekend left him with a broken wrist.
Episode 10: “Red or Black”
"With the season nearing its end and the winner already assured, rivals Mercedes and Ferrari are locked in a fierce battle for second place."
The season finale focuses on the intense rivalry between Mercedes and Ferrari for the coveted second place in the Constructors' Championship. Red Bull and Max Verstappen had already secured the win for both the Constructors' and Drivers' Championship, however, the battle for second continued until the end.