“We’re Going to Go Deeper”- 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' 9 Arrives Early With New Promises for Fans

Published 08/24/2026, 8:42 PM EDT

Credits: Netflix

The lights are far from going out on Formula 1’s biggest behind-the-scenes hit as Formula 1: Drive to Survive is officially back for Season 9 in early 2027. The Netflix docu-series, produced by Box to Box Films, first aired in 2019 and has since become a huge part of F1’s global popularity, particularly with newer audiences. Executive producers James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin are also back to delve deeper than ever into the sport's hidden spaces.

Now, it is pulling back the curtain on the franchise once again with Drive to Survive Season 9. 

Formula 1: Drive to Survive returns for season 9 with a deeper look at F1

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Formula 1 has confirmed that Drive to Survive will be back for a 9th season in 2027. The announcement came via F1’s official X account, which posted a picture of the full 2026 driver grid. The executive producers of Box to Box, Drive to Survive’s production company, James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin, said via their official Formula 1 website that Season 9 will focus on the hidden sides, bringing viewers closer to the sport. 

“This year we’re going to go deeper than ever before into the hidden spaces of this fantastic sport,” they said, noting that the new season will offer a deeper look into the lesser-seen side of Formula 1. 

Credits: Netflix

The executive producers further said via the same Formula 1 website that they are excited to be returning for another season of the hit series, but fans will have to wait until 2027 for its debut. While there is no official release date yet, Season 9, which is set to be on Netflix, will take place during the 2026 Formula 1 season and its major new engine and technical regulations. Meanwhile, the second half of the 2026 season should provide plenty of on-track drama. 

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As F1’s global fanbase grows, Formula 1: Drive to Survive remains central to the sport’s modern story. 

2026 F1 championship promises plenty of drama for season 9

Season 9 will be about the 2026 championship, which has already given the series plenty of interesting storylines to explore. Kimi Antonelli became the youngest points leader in Formula 1 history and the fierce development race between the top teams has kept the competitive order in a state of constant flux. Additionally, Max Verstappen’s future has also been decided off the track, and most of the current grid looks to be staying in their seats for the 2027 season. 

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via Imago

Now that Season 9 is confirmed, Drive to Survive is about to turn another chapter of Formula 1 into must-watch TV. The new regulations add another layer of intrigue, but there is already plenty for the series to unpack in 2026, like plenty of rivalries, championship drama and off-track goings-on. If the show lives up to its promise to go deeper into the sport than ever before, fans can look forward to another revealing look at the personalities, pressure and competition that help define Formula 1. 

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With the 2026 season already packed with twists, which F1 storyline do you most want Drive to Survive Season 9 to explore? Let us know in the comment section. 

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Bias Sinha

440 articles

Bias Sinha is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie, where she dives into Hollywood and all things celebrity culture with a sharp, timely lens. Previously, she covered pop culture and wrote on NBA for The Times of India. With a double Master’s degree in English and Education, and over 7 years of experience across creative writing, editing, proofreading, and academic content, she blends structure with storytelling ease.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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