As Formula 1 fans eagerly await the return of racing action in 2026, they can indulge in nearly 80 episodes of Drive to Survive available on Netflix. Recently, F1.com spoke with Tom Rogers, the Co-Executive Producer of the acclaimed series, who shared his standout episodes from the show’s eight-season history.
Standout Episodes from Drive to Survive
Boiling Point (Season 2, Episode 2) – Steiner Makes His Mark
In this episode, Guenther Steiner’s memorable “**** slam my door” moment encapsulates the pressure he faces in his role. Rogers highlights a scene where Steiner, cooking pasta at home, struggles with a rattling lid, symbolizing the stress of his job. “Guenther is great, really great, and he was a very important character for us,” Rogers noted, emphasizing the authenticity of Steiner’s portrayal throughout the series.
Dark Days (Season 2, Episode 4) – Mercedes’ Home Nightmare
This episode chronicles Mercedes’ decision to participate in Season 2 after initially opting out. They filmed at the Hockenheim race, where the team faced their worst result in recent memory while dressed in fancy attire. Rogers praised Mercedes for allowing the filming to continue despite the disastrous outcome, calling it a brave move that contributed to a compelling narrative.
Blood, Sweat & Tears (Season 2, Episode 9) – Williams’ Pre-Season Struggles
This episode focuses on Williams’ challenges as they failed to make it to the start of pre-season testing in 2019. Rogers remarked on the episode’s portrayal of the extensive effort required from the entire team to deliver a competitive car, highlighting the dedication of hundreds of individuals involved in the process.
Man On Fire (Season 3, Episode 9) – Grosjean’s Terrifying Accident
Rogers described this episode as memorable for Romain Grosjean’s crash, but also for the dramatic story of Sergio Perez’s remarkable comeback to win the Bahrain Grand Prix. This episode won the show’s first Emmy, showcasing the blend of high-stakes drama and racing excitement that Drive to Survive is known for.
In The Heat of The Night (Season 7, Episode 7) – The Drivers Take Over
This unique episode features drivers creating their own content, offering a more personal glimpse into their lives. Rogers noted the positive feedback received, emphasizing that the more teams and drivers engage with the show, the richer the viewer experience becomes. The episode reveals the often lonely existence of drivers on race weekends, providing fans with insights they typically wouldn’t see.
For fans looking to relive these moments and more, the complete series of Drive to Survive is available for streaming on Netflix. To explore Tom Rogers’ insights further, visit F1.com.
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