Amidst the high-pitched revs and cut-throat competition of Formula 1, Netflix’s [1mDrive to Survive[0m has taken pole position at the Sports Emmys, snagging the award for Outstanding Documentary Series – Serialized.
The series, which has captivated viewers since its debut in 2019, zeroes in on the spectacular highs and grinding lows of Formula 1, focusing each season on a particular year’s championship. This time, it chronicled Max Verstappen’s charge to a third world title during the 2023 F1 season.
The documentary has not only redefined sports storytelling but has also become a global sensation, gathering an impressive audience of over 700 million. Despite concerns that the 2023 season might lack drama due to Red Bull’s dominance, executive producer James Gay-Rees assured fans that the series delivered an engaging narrative. “We were worried it might be a bit thin with Red Bull’s dominance,” he admitted, “but it wasn’t. We managed to unearth plenty of compelling stories.”
The return of popular driver Daniel Ricciardo was one of those captivating arcs. His comeback added a refreshing dynamic to the series, highlighting the personal and professional battles of drivers who aren’t always in the spotlight. Meanwhile, teams like Mercedes faced their share of struggles, depicting a roller-coaster year that saw them fight to regain their competitive edge.
A recurring theme has been viewers’ appreciation of Max Verstappen’s talent. Despite his repetitive wins, fans get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes him an exceptional driver—navigating a challenging car that his teammate Sergio Perez couldn’t master as effectively. “Max can drive it no matter how difficult the car is,” remarked Gay-Rees. “That aspect of his skill will likely be more appreciated over time.”
While the show accentuates the on-track exploits, it doesn’t shy away from the off-track drama, offering a comprehensive view of the F1 world. However, Verstappen himself has expressed reservations about his portrayal, describing it as ‘very sad.’
With a Sports Emmy now in its trophy case, [1mDrive to Survive[0m continues to influence the global perception of Formula 1. As it gears up for more seasons, fans look forward to new stories emerging from the ever-evolving landscape of high-speed racing.
