February 22nd 2024.
The much-awaited sixth season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive is finally here! This popular Netflix series is known for giving a behind-the-scenes look at the world's fastest sport and has been credited with significantly increasing F1's global popularity. As we gear up for another thrilling season, let's take a look at some of the intriguing storylines from the 2023 F1 season.
Despite being dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the 2023 season still had its fair share of drama and plot twists. While this new season of Drive to Survive may not be as revealing as its predecessors, it still sheds some light on the biggest stories from last year. So, let's dive in and see what we learned from series six.
One of the most talked-about storylines from last season was Lewis Hamilton's frustration with Mercedes. In the episode "Leap of Faith," we see Hamilton expressing his disappointment over the team's decision to ignore his suggestions and stick with a flawed car design. He even goes as far as calling his car the "evil sister" to the equally disastrous 2022 car. We also get a glimpse of his hurt feelings when the team engineers dismissed his doubts and told him he was wrong. This episode gives us a better understanding of why the seven-time champion eventually decided to leave Mercedes for Ferrari.
Speaking of team changes, the season also highlights the departure of Haas team principal Guenther Steiner. In the episode "The Last Chapter," we see a more subdued Steiner, possibly hinting at his knowledge of the team's decision to let him go. After a disappointing weekend in Mexico, team owner Gene Haas tells Steiner that it's a waste of time and the same story will repeat next year. An exasperated Steiner can only reply, "I've had enough. I'm done with this." In a conversation with his friend and former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, we get a sense that this might be the end of Steiner's time in F1.
Another surprising moment from the 2023 season was when Alpine sacked team principal Otmar Szafnauer midway through a race weekend. In the episode "C'est la Vie," we see a shocked Szafnauer being forced to leave the paddock immediately. As he's packing his things, a friend tells him that the decision was not a mutual agreement and that the situation seems like a "shit show." This revelation provides some context to Szafnauer's departure and hints at the chaos within the team.
Moving on to the driver lineups, we see a disappointed Liam Lawson in the episode "Three's a Crowd." Despite delivering impressive performances, the young Kiwi is passed over for the AlphaTauri seat, which is given to Yuki Tsunoda. Christian Horner assures Lawson that he'll get his chance soon, but it's of little comfort to the frustrated driver. "It's tough, you know? I just beat the guy [Tsunoda] who's getting the seat. I don't know how to f***ing answer that. It should be me," says Lawson.
The return of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was a highlight of the 2023 season, with a thrilling race on the streets of Sin City. However, the opening ceremony was not as well-received by the drivers. In the episode "Red or Black," we see the drivers' reactions to the event, with Verstappen even joking, "Can we hide?!" It's safe to say that the drivers found the whole thing a bit cringey.
Finally, the series also features a very awkward moment with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. In the episode "Fall From Grace," we see Father Christmas asking the Horner family if "Dad has been good this year." This moment is particularly uncomfortable given the recent allegations of Horner's inappropriate behavior towards a female employee.
As we eagerly await the start of the 2024 F1 season, Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 6 gives us a glimpse into the ups and downs of the 2023 season. With its usual mix of drama, emotion, and humor, this series is a must-watch for any F1 fan. So, mark your calendars for February 23, when the new season drops on Netflix!
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