James Gay-Rees, executive producer of *Drive to Survive* and co-founder of Box to Box Films, the company behind the popular Netflix documentary series, has shared intriguing insights with The Hollywood Reporter about what viewers can anticipate from the upcoming season.
Impact of *Drive to Survive* on Formula 1 Fans
Since its premiere in 2019, *Formula 1: Drive to Survive* has garnered critical acclaim, credited with attracting hundreds of thousands of new Formula 1 enthusiasts. The series delves into the competitive landscape of the sport, focusing on the ten teams vying for the Constructors’ Championship and the twenty drivers, including prominent figures like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, who are contending for the Drivers’ Championship.
Season Highlights and Changes
Recently, Red Bull Racing has experienced remarkable success, with Verstappen clinching four consecutive World Drivers’ Championships. However, excitement mounted towards the end of last season as Norris and the McLaren team emerged as formidable competitors, adding unpredictable dynamics to the races. While Verstappen ultimately secured the Drivers’ title, McLaren took home the Constructors’ trophy, highlighting a season with seven different winners – a rarity in the sport.
“It was a really interesting season to get stuck into compared to some of the previous seasons which have been pretty procession-ish, with Max and Red Bull being so dominant,” Gay-Rees tells THR about the next installment of the show, dropping Friday, Mar. 7 on Netflix. “There was more to work with, which is a blessing.”
Emerging Narratives for Season Seven
The seventh season promises to showcase notable moments, including Leclerc’s victory in Monaco, Norris’s near-miss in securing his first World Driver’s Championship, and Carlos Sainz’s search for an F1 seat following Hamilton’s surprising move to Ferrari. Moreover, the season will also delve into off-track controversies, such as the misconduct allegations involving Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was later cleared after an internal investigation. The situation escalated when leaked WhatsApp messages between Horner and the complainant circulated throughout the paddock.
“The show has never been out to bury anybody and bury any of the team principals,” Gay-Rees acknowledges regarding the handling of the Horner controversy. “But it was a big story. So you can’t pretend it wasn’t there.”
Innovative Approaches in Storytelling
In a rare interview with THR, Gay-Rees elaborates on what fans can expect this season, noting an evolving dynamic with drivers which alters the way the series depicts their stories. Notably, this season will feature two or three episodes that take a more experimental approach to storytelling.
“We didn’t throw the baby out of the bathwater, but there are definitely two or three episodes which are a departure for us in terms of how they’re constructed and the narratives we tell,” says Gay-Rees. “I feel really proud of those episodes because they’re all very different — they feel like *Drive to Survive*, but slightly left of center.”
Driver Access and Relationships
Access to drivers has shifted over the seasons. While veterans like Hamilton and Alonso are less eager to participate, newer drivers, particularly the six rookies this year, display a greater openness and ease with media interactions. This evolving dynamic enriches the narrative tapestry of the show.
“Max is his own man,” Gay-Rees reflects. “The way he approaches the whole sport and the whole circus of Formula One is very much on his own terms.”
Navigating Controversy
A significant aspect of this season is the controversy surrounding Christian Horner. Preservation of balance in their coverage has been a priority. Gay-Rees emphasizes the importance of acknowledging significant stories without sensationalizing them.
“You’re a bit, ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t.’ So you just got to do what you think is right,” he states.
Future Prospects and the Impact of *Drive to Survive*
As the series has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, Gay-Rees expresses surprise at the show’s extensive impact and its solid retention of audience interest. With the potential for future seasons, the creators aim to continue innovating while celebrating the milestone achievements of the show.
“It’s our eldest child, you know? So it has a special place in the company’s heart,” he shares concerning the show’s ongoing journey.
Conclusion
Season seven of *Drive to Survive* is now available for streaming on Netflix, bringing fresh excitement, narratives, and insights into the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing.