MELBOURNE, 27 February 2026 – The wait is over for motorsport enthusiasts as the eighth season of the hit docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive officially premieres today. Dropping just nine days before the 2026 World Championship begins at the Australian Grand Prix, the new season offers an all-access look at the dramatic 2025 campaign, which many analysts have dubbed one of the most competitive in the sport’s recent history.
Global Release and Streaming Partnership
In a significant shift for the franchise, Season 8 marks the first time the series will be available on a platform other than Netflix in certain regions. While Netflix remains the global home for the show, a new partnership with Apple TV allows U.S. audiences to stream the series on both platforms. This collaboration precedes Apple TV’s expanded coverage of the 2026 F1 race season.
For Australian viewers, the series remains available exclusively on Netflix, continuing the 12-month production cycle led by Box to Box Films. Executive producers James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin return to helm the project, with Sophie Todd serving as showrunner.
What to Expect in Season 8
Season 8 focuses on the 2025 Formula 1 season, a year defined by a three-way title fight and significant off-track movement. Key storylines include:
- The Three-Way Title Battle: In-depth coverage of the championship tension between Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari.
- The Verstappen Power Dynamic: Early reviews highlight a specific episode where George Russell discusses the significant influence the Verstappen family holds within the paddock.
- Hamilton’s Final Mercedes Chapter: Behind-the-scenes footage of Lewis Hamilton’s emotional final year with the Silver Arrows before his historic move to Ferrari.
- Emerging Talents: The rise of young drivers and the pressure of the “silly season” as teams finalised their 2026 line-ups.
Production Facts and Figures
The following table outlines the core production details for the series as it enters its eighth year:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Production Companies | Box to Box Films, Formula One Management |
| Executive Producers | James Gay-Rees, Paul Martin |
| Showrunner | Sophie Todd |
| Episode Runtime | 27–51 minutes |
| Primary Platform | Netflix (Global) |
| Secondary Platform | Apple TV (U.S. Only) |
Public Reception and Critical Insight
While the series continues to be a powerhouse for attracting new fans to the sport, long-term enthusiasts remain divided. Recent public insights suggest that “purist” fans are increasingly critical of the show’s dramatised narratives. However, early reviews of Season 8 suggest a more balanced approach, with particular praise for the raw access provided during the high-stakes 2025 title decider.
Industry insiders have also noted that this season feels like the end of an era, as the sport prepares for radical technical regulation changes in 2026. Lewis Hamilton recently expressed optimism for the upcoming year, stating that the 2026 season is going to be “a damn good season” following positive winter testing results in Barcelona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Drive to Survive Season 8 in Australia?
In Australia, Season 8 is available to stream exclusively on Netflix starting today, 27 February 2026.
Which F1 season does Season 8 cover?
Season 8 covers the events, races, and behind-the-scenes drama of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship.
Why is Drive to Survive on Apple TV?
For the first time, Netflix and Apple TV have entered a shared-rights deal, but this currently only applies to the United States market. This move coincides with Apple’s increased involvement in F1 broadcasting for the 2026 season.
When does the actual 2026 F1 season start?
The 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship begins on 8 March 2026, with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.