Formula 1 and Netflix have officially confirmed that the highly anticipated eighth season of the hit docuseries Drive to Survive will premiere globally this Friday, February 27. The new season, produced by Box to Box Films, will consist of 10 episodes and offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the dramatic 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. The release is strategically timed to build excitement just one week before the 2026 season opener at the Australian Grand Prix.
The upcoming season is set to chronicle one of the most tightly contested championship battles in the sport’s recent history. A central narrative arc will follow McLaren driver Lando Norris, who secured his maiden World Championship title by a razor-thin margin of just two points at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Viewers can expect deep insights into the internal dynamics at McLaren as they managed the title fight between Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri, who established himself as an early favorite before fading in the standings.
Complementing the title fight is the storyline of Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. The series will document Verstappen‘s remarkable resurgence in the second half of the season, where he mounted a fierce comeback that nearly overturned Norris‘s lead. However, the on-track action for Red Bull is likely to be overshadowed by significant off-track turmoil. The new episodes will cover the departure of long-time Team Principal Christian Horner, with reports confirming the series delves into the circumstances surrounding his exit from the team in July 2025.
Another major focal point for Season 8 is Lewis Hamilton‘s historic first campaign with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion’s move to the Scuderia was the biggest driver market story of the decade, and the cameras have captured the reality of his transition. Early reports suggest the season covers the difficulties Hamilton faced during what has been described as a challenging debut year in red, offering fans unprecedented access to the Ferrari garage during critical moments.
Beyond the veterans, Season 8 places a heavy emphasis on the sport’s new generation. The 2025 grid featured a significant influx of rookie talent, and the series will introduce fans to the “Class of 2025,” including Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto. The narrative will also explore the high-pressure environment facing these young drivers, highlighted by the abrupt mid-season exit of Jack Doohan from Alpine, a storyline that promises to reveal the ruthless nature of the driver market.
Executive producers James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin continue to helm the project, which has been credited with driving Formula 1‘s explosion in popularity, particularly in the United States. The series maintains its signature format of mixing race footage with candid interviews and fly-on-the-wall access to team principals and drivers.
With the 2026 regulations and a new season starting on March 6, this Friday’s release serves as the definitive recap of a transformative year for the sport. All 10 episodes will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
