Get ready, F1 fanatics! Netflix's Drive to Survive is back for its eighth electrifying season, promising to pull back the curtain on a truly unforgettable 2025 Formula 1 championship. This docuseries has dramatically fueled F1's global surge in popularity, especially in the US, and Season 8 is set to deliver more unmissable action and behind-the-scenes drama.
### Key Highlights for Drive to Survive Season 8:
- Drive to Survive Season 8 launches exclusively on Netflix on February 27, 2026.
- Expect 10 gripping episodes covering the dramatic twists and turns of the 2025 F1 season.
- Key storylines include Lando Norris's maiden Drivers' Championship and Christian Horner's Red Bull departure.
- Lewis Hamilton's challenging debut at Ferrari and Max Verstappen's incredible comeback will also feature prominently.
Buckle Up: When Does DTS Season 8 Drop?
The wait is almost over! Drive to Survive Season 8 is officially slated for release on February 27, 2026. Fans worldwide can mark their calendars for another deep dive into the world of Formula 1. The series has become a crucial gateway for new audiences, and its impact on the sport's reach is undeniable.
Your All-Access Pass: Netflix Details
As always, Drive to Survive Season 8 will be available exclusively on Netflix. A subscription to the streaming giant is your ticket to all the high-octane drama, emotional triumphs, and crushing defeats that define an F1 season. Details on subscription tiers can be found directly on Netflix's platform.
What High-Octane Dramas Will DTS Season 8 Unpack?
The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered a staggering array of storylines, from championship battles to seismic team changes. While episode names are kept under wraps until closer to the release date, we can anticipate coverage of these monumental moments that defined the year:
The Papaya Showdown: McLaren's Internal Battle
The intra-team rivalry at McLaren between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for their first championship victories was a constant highlight. With Red Bull's Max Verstappen initially struggling, the McLaren duo often found themselves battling head-to-head for race wins. Expect Netflix to highlight the intense "papaya rules" discussions and the raw ambition of both young talents.
Red Bull's Seismic Shift: Horner's Departure
Perhaps the biggest shock of the 2025 season was the departure of **Christian Horner** from his long-held roles as CEO and Team Principal of **Red Bull Racing** on July 9, 2025. **Laurent Mekies**, formerly of **Racing Bulls**, stepped into the void. This dramatic change, after two decades of **Horner's** leadership, is a guaranteed centerpiece for the docuseries, exploring the internal dynamics and external pressure that led to such a significant handover.
A Champion is Crowned: Lando Norris's Triumph
The 2025 season culminated in a historic moment for British motorsport as **Lando Norris** clinched his maiden Drivers' Championship title. The battle went down to the wire at the **Abu Dhabi Grand Prix**, where a hard-fought third-place finish was just enough to edge out **Max Verstappen**. **Drive to Survive** will undoubtedly capture the sheer emotion and pressure of **Norris's** journey to becoming a world champion.
The Prancing Horse's New Rider: Hamilton's Ferrari Odyssey
The much-anticipated move of **Lewis Hamilton** to **Ferrari** for the 2025 season brought immense expectations. While the seven-time champion worked tirelessly to adapt to the Maranello outfit, his season was more challenging than many predicted. A sprint race victory in China offered a glimpse of his potential, but a Grand Prix podium proved elusive. The series will explore the immense pressure and unique challenges **Hamilton** faced in his quest to revitalize the legendary Italian team.
Unlikely Hero: Hulkenberg's Podium Breakthrough
A moment of pure jubilation saw **Nico Hulkenberg** finally secure his first-ever F1 podium finish at the 2025 **British Grand Prix**. After an astonishing 239 race starts without standing on the rostrum, the German driver's gritty performance in treacherous wet conditions, starting from 19th on the grid, delivered one of the feel-good stories of the year. **Netflix** will surely capture the raw emotion of this long-awaited career milestone.
Verstappen's Rollercoaster: The 2025 Comeback
**Max Verstappen**, a dominant force in recent years, faced an uncharacteristically difficult first half of the 2025 season plagued by car issues. However, the Dutchman mounted an incredible comeback after the summer break, dramatically closing the gap to championship leaders **Norris** and **Piastri**. Finishing second in the championship after battling back from adversity will showcase a different side of **Verstappen**, portraying him in an unusual underdog role.
The Red Bull Driver Carousel: A Team in Turmoil
The second **Red Bull** seat became a revolving door in 2025, providing ample drama for **Drive to Survive**. **Liam Lawson** initially replaced **Sergio Perez**, only to be replaced himself after just two races. **Yuki Tsunoda** then stepped in alongside **Max Verstappen** ahead of his home **Japanese Grand Prix** and held the seat until season's end. This chaotic situation, culminating in **Racing Bulls** rookie **Isack Hadjar** signing for 2026 and **Tsunoda** moving to a reserve role, highlights the intense pressure and ruthless nature of F1's top teams.
