Formula 1 2024 starts the engines. Although the season formally begins the first weekend of March, with the Bahrain GP, this Friday the last day of pre-competitive testing coincides with the premiere of the most recent edition of Drive to Survivethe Netflix series that since 2019 has achieved the goal of showing fans the ins and outs of the exploits of their favorite drivers.
(We recommend: Sebastián Montoya faces the abyss: 'I no longer know what to answer to my dad.')
On this occasion, after a 2023 marked by the milestones of Max Verstappen (Red Bull), the sixth season of Show uses stories that move away from the asphalt but “portray the essence of motorsport”. This is stated in the run-up to the launch by one of the two producers of the series, Paul Martin—recognized for his work on the Cristiano Ronaldo documentary, the Diego Armando Maradona film, and the Netflix sports series. Break Point and Tour de France: In the heart of the peloton—, in dialogue with EL TIEMPO.
(You can read: Juan Pablo Montoya stokes the fire: 'Formula 1 is much more than Max Verstappen').
Nyck de Vries, Formula 1 driver.
There are those who say that due to Verstappen's dominance, the 2023 season “was boring.” What response do you feel the series is giving in this regard?
In a certain way, the dominance of Red Bull and Max can help us in Drive to Survive because it forces us to stay out of the races, and that's what we always try to do. We present a Show in which people already know who won each race and who was the world champion. Of course, there should have been more of the races when, for example, Mercedes and Red Bull fought for the championship until the last lap, as happened in 2021, but now that Max is dominating in this way, it invites us to look for other stories in the paddock and maintain the success of the series. It may sound strange, but for us, in Drive to Surviveraces almost don't matter.
Red Bull's Christian Horner said last year that he felt that because of the series they have become almost “the Kardashians on wheels.” Do you think that production has conditioned the behavior of the people in the paddock?
I always say it: people overestimate the importance that the pilots and main teams give to the realization of our production. They are really concerned about what they do, strengthening their strategies and winning races. Of course they are aware that there are cameras and microphones everywhere, but this is a sport and they know that if they start to think about how they will look or what will be said about them, then they lose focus, if they say 'Oh, this will come out in Drive to Survive'Well, I think that ends up detrimental to their performances.
What has been the reaction of the drivers and their teams after the previous seasons were published?
I think every year the pilots really support the show. We all know the positive impact that the series has had on the growth of the sport and the emergence of new audiences. It is evident that for some of them it is uncomfortable to be surrounded by cameras… let's see, I hate it if someone is behind me with a camera and a microphone (laughs), but it is exciting. Every year, every person who is involved in the sport understands that the series is an authentic and pure portrait of what life is like in the paddock.
(Keep reading: 'It's a shame': 'Checo' Pérez digs his finger into the sore spot for the Formula 1 GP in Barranquilla).
Paul Martin, in an interview with EL TIEMPO.
'The drama is back', reads the promotion for the sixth season that premieres this Friday…
That's right, sometimes the drama is at its peak, sometimes the egos are out of control and everything that happens with that is what makes this a great sport and also a great series on Netflix.
How do you explain the success that the series has had in Latin America despite the fact that there is only one driver from this side of the world in F-1?
I feel that Formula 1 has a great tradition in Latin America. The audience in their countries is very passionate and that is why you can see the great support that 'Checo' Pérez has in Mexico, or what also happens in Brazil, which is a party. I could even say that the race in Miami is part of the Latin American feeling of Formula 1. We love going to the races there because the passion is incredible, sometimes we thought that if 'Checo' didn't do well maybe the Latins weren't going to follow the production (laughs), but his interest in sports is amazing.
Here in Colombia there was a lot of excitement about the idea of a race in the country. What do you think the impact of said GP would have been for the country and, of course, for the future of Drive to Survive?
Wherever the races are held, the impact is incredible. For our Show It will always be great to go to new countries, see new cities and explore new audiences. The issue is that the calendar is tight and there is not room for so many GPs. A career in Colombia would have been wonderful and I hope one day it can be had.
It is inevitable not to ask him about the impact of the news of the year: Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025…
I think that next season Show It will be great (laughs). The fact that Lewis Hamilton has his last year at Mercedes knowing that he will go to Ferrari in 2025 is great, that's sport. The appeal of the sport is also based on those moves, and we are eager for the season to start and get rolling.
What the new season of Drive to Survive brings
Image from the filming of the sixth season of Drive to Survive.
EL TIEMPO had exclusive access to the first part of the series. In it, the brilliance that Aston Martin represented at the start of the season is addressed, amid the success of Fernando Alonso and the injury of Lance Stroll. Then, the drama moves to other teams.
These are the mouth openers the 10 episodes that make up the sixth season of 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive'.
Episode 1: He who pays rules
Lawrence Stroll will do whatever it takes to make Aston Martin world champion. But his dreams could end before the new season even begins.
Episode 2: Losing Face
Hopes are high for Nyck de Vries in his first opportunity in Formula One. With the pressure mounting, he is struggling to keep up the pace.
Episode 3: Under Pressure
McLaren has a lot to prove after last season. When star driver Lando Norris's car disappoints him once again, he begins to consider his options.
Episode 4: The last chapter
It's a battle behind between Haas and Williams. While one team sticks to tradition, the other is ready to make bold new moves.
Episode 5: Civil War
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, from Alpine, have competed since their childhood. Can they overcome their rivalry now that they are on the same team?
Episode 6: Leap of Faith
Lewis Hamilton has been loyal to Mercedes for 13 years. But winning comes first, and with his contract up for renewal, he has a difficult decision to make.
Episode 7: C'est la Vie
An investment from Hollywood stars increases pressure on Alpine's management. Between frustrated drivers and disappointing results, something has to give.
Episode 8: Go Ferrari!
In Italy, Ferrari is a religion. As the team arrives at Monza, all eyes are on new manager Fred Vasseur to make fans' prayers come true.
Episode 9: Three's a Crowd
Daniel Ricciardo is finally back on the circuit. But when an accident sidelines him once again, a rookie reserve steps in to take his seat.
Episode 10: Red or Black
With the season nearing its end and the winner already secured, rivals Mercedes and Ferrari are locked in a fierce battle for second place.
Official trailer for 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive'
ANDRÉS FELIPE BALAGUERA SARMIENTO
LEAD JOURNALIST OF BREAKING NEWS EL TIEMPO
[email protected] / @balagueraaa
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