Drive to Survive Season 8 will hit the screens on February 27 (Friday), covering all the dramatic events from the intense three-way battle of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
This edition will have 8 episodes, two fewer than previous seasons. That means all the chaos, rivalries, and major changes will be packed into a shorter, sharper format.
The series will be released just nine days before the 2026 Formula 1 season begins on March 8 in Australia.
Before the high-class drama unfolds on screen, here’s what fans can expect — in true cinematic style.
McLaren’s internal battle
The main storyline of the season follows McLaren’s journey from strong contender to the dominant force on the grid.
“The Number 1 Problem,” which is the title of episode 3 focuses on the intra-team tension inside the Papaya camp.
The so-called “Papaya Rules” managed the rivalry between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, when the two drivers were chasing the same dream. Both deserved to win. But only one could.
The season will also highlight the dramatic three-way championship fight between Norris, Max Verstappen, and Piastri, which went down to the final race in Abu Dhabi.
Norris secured his maiden world title. However, much of the discussion centered around Verstappen’s loss. After the summer break, the Red Bull driver reduced a 104-point deficit to just 12 points before the final race. He won in Abu Dhabi, but ultimately lost the championship by just 2 points.
The official episode titles for Drive To Survive, Season 8!
Launching this Friday, only on Netflix.#F1 pic.twitter.com/hjpYz8vWpI
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 24, 2026
The Mid-Season Turning Point
Up until the summer break, the 2025 season was defined by a major power shift. McLaren ended years of Red Bull dominance and became the benchmark team.
By Round 14 in Hungary, McLaren had secured nine wins and had built a strong Constructors’ Championship lead. Piastri was leading Norris by 9 points.
Red Bull’s struggles were under spotlights. But after the summer break, the team found a new technical direction following the Dutch Grand Prix.
From there, Verstappen won 6 of the final 10 races, including a run of five victories in eight Grands Prix leading up to the finale.
Also Read: ‘I’m Not Going Anywhere’ — Lewis Hamilton Makes Ferrari U-Turn After 2026 Formula 1 Rule Changes
The Sacking of Horner
The removal of Christian Horner on July 9, 2025, was one of the biggest leadership changes in Formula 1 history. It ended his 20-year tenure as the only Team Principal Red Bull Racing had ever known.
He was immediately replaced by Laurent Mekies, who had been serving as Team Principal of Racing Bulls.
According to team advisor Helmut Marko, the decision was the result of “various factors,” mainly a sharp decline in on-track performance.
What those “various factors” were is expected to be explored in Drive to Survive.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari “Nightmare”
The long-awaited Ferrari debut of Lewis Hamilton is portrayed as a season of struggle.
For the first time in his career, Hamilton failed to secure a single Grand Prix podium and finished 6th in the standings.
The series captures his frustration, public disagreements, and visible tension with Ferrari management, including miscommunications with his race engineer.
Welcoming the Rookies
The 2025 season introduced four official rookies to the grid, including Kimi Antonelli with Mercedes, Gabriel Bortoleto for Sauber, Isack Hadjar in Racing Bulls and Jack Doohan for Alpine. All had their own shares of controversy and drama.
Las Vegas Controversy
The Las Vegas Grand Prix became a cinematic turn of the season. Both McLaren cars were disqualified due to excessive plank wear. It was a technical infringement that nearly cost Norris the championship. The incident allowed Verstappen to close the gap just before the finale.
Netflix Drive To Survive Season 8 Episode List:
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New Kids on the Track
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Strictly Business
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The Number 1 Problem
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A Bull with no Horns
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The Sky’s the Limit
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The Duel
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What Happens in Vegas
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Call Me Chunky
