Netflix’s Drive to Survive Wins Sixth Sports Emmy for F1 Documentary
Netflix’s acclaimed docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive has secured the "Outstanding Sports Documentary Series – Serialized" award at the 2025 Sports Emmys, marking its second victory in this category following a similar accolade in 2022. This recognition pertains to the series’ sixth season, which chronicled the 2023 Formula 1 season.
The impact of Drive to Survive on Formula 1’s global popularity is undeniable, particularly in expanding its fan base in the United States. Launching in 2019 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the series rapidly captured audience attention despite criticisms regarding its editing techniques and dramatization.
This season, marked by Red Bull’s dominance—Max Verstappen won 19 of 22 races—posed unique challenges for the production team. According to Executive Producer James Gay-Rees, the shift from a competitive title race to a focus on battles for secondary positions required deeper storytelling. He noted, "It’s really good for some of the drivers…having really substantial stories this year."
Gay-Rees emphasized the importance of showcasing other teams, with narratives surrounding the challenges faced by Mercedes and Aston Martin adding depth to the season. The production team contemplated an extended series run due to the wealth of compelling stories.
As the 2023 season unfolded, Drive to Survive continued to highlight key drivers such as Oscar Piastri and Pierre Gasly, while Daniel Ricciardo’s return added a significant layer to the narrative. Gay-Rees remarked, “Even if the headline was pretty written early, there were some interesting and surprising shakes in it.”
As motorsport continues to evolve, Drive to Survive proves to be a critical vehicle for attracting new fans and enriching the sport’s narrative landscape.
