F1 Drive To Survive series 5: UK release date, how to watch and whether Max Verstappen will return to hit Netflix documentary alongside Lewis Hamilton

The new Formula 1 season is right around the corner, which means Netflix’s hit series Drive To Survive will be hitting our screens soon.

The hugely popular docuseries which feature the biggest stories from every campaign in the world of F1 have been credited with the explosion of motorsport since its debut in 2019.

Twitter

Getty

The 10-part series includes all the build-up from the previous season, race action, major talking points and exclusive interviews with drivers, team principles and other key figures in the sport.

Now in its fifth season, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the next episode which coincides with the return of the 2023 calendar.

Here, talkSPORT.com takes a look at everything you need to know…

Drive To Survive series 5: UK release date and live stream

F1 Drive To Survive Series 5 is set to release onFriday February 24.

This is the first time a series has been released, but there is still a week to go before the start of the 2023 season in Bahrain.

The series will once again be available exclusively on Netflix, with subscription details available here.

Twitter @netflix

Drive To Survive series 5: will Max Verstappen return?

Two-time defending champion Verstappen has been a notable absentee from the hit Netflix series since its first appearance in Season 1.

Verstappen was publicly upset by how he met and refused to participate, saying Drive to Survive “false rivalries that didn’t exist”.

The Red Bull driver was also aggrieved that Netflix made his close friend Lando Norris look like ‘a bit of *** publicity, which he isn’t at all’ during an edited exchange with the former team-mate Briton from McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo.

Verstappen was shown in available racing footage, but during the 2-4 season he declined interview requests.

This has proven to be a growing problem for Drive to Survive, with the Dutchman currently the best driver in the sport and often at the center of the most dramatic moments.

Still, following talks between Netflix and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Verstappen agreed to take part in Season 5.

Getty

Drive To Survive series 5: what has been said?

Former Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen said the sport had “a lot of drama” without needing to be edited.

“I didn’t actually watch it but I read the articles, I saw the headlines,” he said. “I’m more of an old school Formula 1 guy, a kind of Bernie [Ecclestone] kind of guy back then.

“There were some funny stories, but it was a pretty simple kind of business and now it’s a kind of show business coming to Formula 1.

“It’s something that doesn’t excite me that much, but it’s something that in this modern world has to be part of the show.

“But I guess when some pilots start complaining about it and some stories were created with the video editor, I guess we’re getting closer to the border.”

Defending champion Max Verstappen explains why he returned: “Of course I spoke with them before giving an interview.

“I hope they got my message, and I also know that especially as a world champion you have to be part of something like that.

“So I gave them between 30 minutes and an hour of maintenance and I hope they will use it.

“I don’t know when I’m going to watch it, but I hope they’re happy.

“And hopefully I can be happy after watching it – I know it’s also important for F1 for the growth of the sport in general.”

Sports