The Storylines Drive to Survive Completely Missed

"Lights Out on the Truth: The F1 Stories Drive to Survive Ignored"

Season 7 of Drive to Survive gave us plenty of drama, but once again, Netflix cherry-picked its narratives while ignoring some of the biggest, most emotional, and most controversial moments of the season. If you’re a hardcore fan, you probably spent half the series yelling at your screen about what they didn’t show. So, let’s talk about the storylines that actually mattered but got left on the cutting-room floor:

Ollie Bearman’s Breakthrough – 18 and Thriving

Imagine being 18 years old, thrown into a Ferrari at the last minute to replace Carlos Sainz, and delivering like an absolute pro. That’s exactly what Ollie Bearman did, handling the pressure like a seasoned veteran. This performance played a massive role in securing his 2025 Haas seat, yet Drive to Survive barely gave it a passing mention. A teenager stepping into a Ferrari and proving his worth? That’s the kind of real drama we actually want to see.

Franco Colapinto’s Rise – The Underdog Story We Deserved

Franco Colapinto went from being an F3 talent to securing a reserve driver spot at Alpine in a single season. His incredible performances made him one of the hottest prospects in the junior ranks, yet Netflix didn’t even acknowledge his existence. His rise was straight out of a Hollywood script, but instead, we got 20 more minutes of Christian Horner talking to the camera.

Lewis Hamilton’s Silverstone Win – 945 Days in the Making

945 days. That’s how long it took for Lewis Hamilton to stand on the top step of the podium again. And where did it happen? Silverstone. His home race. His last British GP win as a Mercedes driver. The sheer emotion of that moment was unreal—the roar of the crowd, the pure joy on Lewis’s face, the significance of it all. And yet, Drive to Survive barely gave it a moment. This wasn’t just another race win; it was a breakthrough, a moment of defiance, a reminder that legends never fade. But Netflix had other priorities.

George Russell’s Disqualification – A Glaring Omission

One of the biggest post-race controversies of the season was George Russell’s disqualification, but if you only watched Drive to Survive, you’d think it never happened. The entire episode focused on the win, completely ignoring the fact that Russell was stripped of his result. It’s these half-truths that make hardcore fans roll their eyes at Netflix’s version of F1.

Max Verstappen vs. FIA – The Swearing Scandal

Max’s fallout with the FIA at the Singapore GP was one of the spiciest moments of the year. Max Verstappen had been punished by F1’s governing body, the FIA, for using bad language during Thursday’s press conference in Singapore. So, in the most Max way possible, he held his own press conference. Yet, Netflix? Silent. No dramatic music. No slow-motion shots. Just a straight-up missed opportunity.

Max vs. George – Qatar GP Beef Got Personal

We love a good rivalry, and Max Verstappen vs. George Russell at the Qatar GP was chef’s kiss drama. The FIA’s inconsistent penalty system made things even messier, and what started as a racing disagreement turned very personal between the two. Instead of showcasing the tension and calling out the FIA for their questionable decisions, Drive to Survive continued their usual ‘Max is the villain’ routine while ignoring an actual storyline that would’ve added depth to the season.

Max’s Desperation at COTA & Mexico – Vulnerability Exposed

For all of Red Bull’s dominance, there was a period when Max Verstappen was showing real cracks under pressure. His aggressive, sometimes reckless behavior at COTA and the Mexico GP spoke volumes about how vulnerable he and the team felt. This was the kind of moment that shows us who drivers really are when the pressure is on—but of course, Netflix ignored it.

Flavio Briatore’s Comeback – The Aura and the Intimidation

Flavio Briatore is back in the paddock, and honestly, the man has an aura that demands attention. But let’s be real—he’s also so intimidating that if I ever saw him walking towards me, I’d probably run in the opposite direction. With his history and influence, his return is a significant moment for the sport, yet Drive to Survive didn’t even touch on it. The man who once orchestrated some of F1’s most controversial moments is back in the mix—how is that not worth covering?

What’s the Point of Drive to Survive If It Keeps Missing the Good Stuff?

Look, we get it. Drive to Survive is made for new fans, and it’s great at bringing fresh eyes to the sport. But as longtime F1 followers, it’s frustrating to see Netflix butcher the real stories while overhyping artificial drama. The show could be so much more if it actually embraced what makes F1 special—the raw emotion, the unpredictability, and the human side of the sport.

What do you think? Which storylines do you wish had made the cut?

Stay tuned for the next edition of Lights Out!