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Netflix’s Formula 1 Drive to Survive
Racing drama meets reality tv
Formula 1 Drive to Survive is in its third season and filming its fourth. The Netflix original has made many new fans to F1 in the US. With its characteristic drama, this series is as bingeworthy as it gets. It even comes with a curse; you can’t get more dramatic than that.
What is Formula 1?
For those who are new to motorsport Formula 1 has been an international favorite for decades. Starting in 1950 the sport has increased in size and popularity. With long-standing teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, Williams, and McLaren still racing and new teams like American owned Haas joining Formula 1 more recently. Races are held in various locations throughout the season which starts in March and ends typically in November. There are ten teams on the grid, with two drivers per team.
Each race week starts on Friday with two practices. Saturday there is a final practice and a qualifying session, to determine grid positions for the race. Sunday is race day. Traveling to a new circuit each race means there are new variables introduced to the drivers. Some tracks are particularly challenging. Spa (Belgium), Circuit de Monaca (Monaco), and the newly opened Jeddah track in Saudi Arabia were some of the toughest this season.