Drive to Survive 5: Is it success or failure?

As the fifth season of Drive to Survive, the popular Formula 1 docuseries, aired on Netflix earlier in 2022, fans eagerly tuned in to their favourite teams and drivers compete on the world stage. But with the show deviating from its successful formula, the question arises: is Drive to Survive 5 a success or a failure?

The winning formula of the first four seasons Drive to Survive’s first four seasons were a huge success, captivating audiences and introducing new fans to the high-octane world of Formula 1. The show’s success was due in part to its innovative storytelling, which followed the teams and drivers through their ups and downs of the season, offering viewers an inside look at the world of motorsports. The show’s popularity skyrocketed, and it quickly became a must-watch for any F1 fan and those new to the sport. The series was praised for its cinematic production, gripping storylines, and behind-the-scenes access, providing fans with a more intimate view of their favourite teams and drivers.

The departure from the successful formula However, in season 5, Drive to Survive seems to have abandoned its winning formula. Instead of focusing on the season’s overarching narrative, the show opts for a more disjointed approach. It jumps back and forth between races, providing only a cursory glimpse into the storylines that develop over the season. The show also focuses on some questionable storylines, such as Lewis Hamilton’s disagreement with the Hungarian Grand Prix’s podium celebrations. While these stories may be of interest to some fans, they don’t offer much insight into the bigger picture of the season. The show’s treatment of certain teams and drivers has also raised some eyebrows. Season 5 heavily features McLaren and Alpine, while other teams like Haas and Williams are given little to no screen time. While it’s understandable that the producers want to highlight the more exciting teams and storylines, this approach comes at the cost of leaving out crucial parts of the season.

Is it a failure? So, is season 5 a failure? Not necessarily. Despite its shortcomings, the show is still an enjoyable watch, providing a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of F1. The production value is as high as ever, and the interviews with the drivers and team principals are still insightful and entertaining. But for fans who were hoping for the same level of storytelling and character development that made the first four seasons so successful, season 5 may disappoint. The disjointed approach and questionable storylines make it harder to become invested in the season’s narrative and the individual journeys of the teams and drivers. However, the show’s continued popularity suggests that even if Drive to Survive 5 isn’t a home run, it’s still a hit with audiences. With a new generation of fans tuning in to  watch F1 live from anywhere, the show’s success will likely continue for years to come.

Final thoughts In the end, Drive to Survive 5 may not be a perfect season, but it’s still an enjoyable watch for any F1 fan. The show’s departure from its winning formula may be a misstep, but it doesn’t overshadow the series’ strengths, such as its production value, behind-the-scenes access, and insightful interviews. While some fans may be disappointed with the show’s approach to the season’s storytelling, it’s clear that Drive to Survive is still a hit with audiences. With the continued growth of F1 and the sport’s global fanbase, the show’s success will likely continue to thrive, even if the show takes a different approach in the future. As F1 continues to evolve and attract new fans, Drive to Survive will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in the sport’s popularity. And with the show’s continued success, we can expect to see more seasons in the future, providing fans with even more behind-the-scenes access and intimate looks into the world of Formula 1.

So, F1 fans, give Drive to Survive 5 a watch and decide if it’s a success or a failure. While it may not be perfect, it’s still an entertaining, fascinating, and insightful look into the world of motorsports.

The editorial unit