Formula 1 fans around the globe have marked their calendars for February 27, 2026, as Netflix and Apple TV joined forces to launch the highly anticipated eighth season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive. This season, which was released simultaneously on both platforms at midnight Pacific Time (3 a.m. Eastern Time), is already generating buzz for its unprecedented access, dramatic storylines, and the unique collaboration between two streaming giants.
For the first time, Apple TV subscribers in the United States can stream the series alongside Netflix’s worldwide audience. According to Apple’s announcement, this partnership is just the beginning of a broader, five-year deal that will see Apple become a major player in Formula 1 broadcasting, starting with exclusive F1 programming and live race coverage. Meanwhile, Netflix continues to offer the series globally, maintaining its reputation as the home of the motorsport’s most gripping docuseries.
All eight episodes of Drive to Survive Season 8 dropped at once, giving fans the opportunity to binge-watch the entire saga before the 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off. The timing couldn’t be better: the release serves as a perfect bridge between the excitement of the 2025 season and the anticipation of what’s to come on the track.
The release times were carefully coordinated for audiences worldwide. Netflix launched the season at midnight Pacific Time, which meant viewers in London could tune in at 8:00 a.m., while fans in Sydney had to wait until 7:00 p.m. on February 27. For those unsure of their local time, Netflix’s interface made it simple—once the show went live in their region, it was available to stream instantly.
This season, the docuseries dives deep into the events of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, a year that many are already calling one of the most unpredictable and dramatic in recent memory. The spotlight is firmly on a new generation of drivers, with rookies like Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), and Jack Doohan (Alpine) stepping into the global spotlight. Their journeys—marked by rapid promotions, sudden replacements, and intense pressure—form the emotional backbone of the early episodes.
One of the most talked-about storylines involves Jack Doohan, who was replaced by Franco Colapinto after just six race weekends. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson found himself demoted back to Racing Bulls after only two weekends, and Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to Red Bull, shaking up the team dynamics and adding fuel to the competitive fire. As the cameras followed these young drivers, audiences were treated to an unfiltered look at the challenges and triumphs that come with breaking into Formula 1’s elite circle.
But the rookies weren’t the only source of drama. The 2025 championship battle was a nail-biter, with McLaren boasting the fastest car on the grid. However, internal rivalry between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri meant that neither driver was given a clear edge—opening the door for Max Verstappen, who managed to stay in the title hunt despite piloting a less competitive car. The tension within the McLaren garage was palpable, and the series doesn’t shy away from showing the strategic dilemmas and emotional toll that such close competition brings.
According to the coverage, one of the most pivotal moments of the season came during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. In a stunning turn of events, both Norris and Piastri were disqualified, handing Verstappen a crucial 25-point gain and reigniting the championship fight. This dramatic twist is explored in detail, with behind-the-scenes footage and candid interviews that capture the shock and disbelief that rippled through the paddock.
The final episode, aptly titled “Call Me Chucky,” references a cheeky remark Verstappen made to McLaren boss Zak Brown during the height of the title race. The episode not only chronicles the season’s dramatic conclusion but also offers a window into the personalities and rivalries that define the sport at its highest level.
Apple TV’s involvement in the series is part of its broader strategy to become a destination for Formula 1 fans. As reported by Apple, subscribers in the US will also gain access to live F1 races starting with the 2026 season opener—the Australian Grand Prix on March 6. This move follows Apple’s exclusive five-year deal with Formula 1, a partnership expected to reshape how American audiences experience the sport. In addition, Netflix will broadcast the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix from May 22 to May 24 for its US subscribers, further expanding the reach of F1 content on streaming platforms.
Drive to Survive’s popularity continues to soar. Netflix reported that the series attracted over 10 million viewers in the first half of 2025, cementing its status as a global phenomenon. Its unique blend of on-track action and off-track intrigue has brought a new generation of fans to the sport, many of whom were drawn in by the human stories behind the helmets and the high-stakes drama that unfolds both in the garage and on the grid.
Season 8 sticks to the formula that made the show a hit—insider access, candid interviews, and a willingness to explore not just the victories but also the setbacks, controversies, and personal struggles that shape the championship. From the chaotic driver market to the razor-thin margins that separate triumph from disaster, the series offers a front-row seat to the world’s most glamorous and dangerous motorsport.
For those eager to tune in, a few practical notes: Drive to Survive Season 8 is available only on Netflix and Apple TV (the latter for US viewers). Both platforms require an active subscription, with Netflix no longer offering a free trial. New and returning fans alike are encouraged to catch up before the 2026 season begins, as the series is sure to shape the conversations and rivalries that will define the year ahead.
With its global release, compelling storylines, and the added excitement of Apple’s entry into F1 broadcasting, Drive to Survive Season 8 is poised to be the most-watched—and most talked-about—installment yet. The world of Formula 1 has never felt closer, or more thrilling, than it does right now.