Netflix has formally confirmed that its Method 1 docuseries Drive to Survive will return for a ninth season. The collection is about to doc the continued 2026 championship, so we’re having a look at what may function within the collection.
Whereas data is but to be launched on the episodes for the ninth instalment of the present, there are already a number of storylines that might type the anticipated 10 episodes.
Kimi Antonelli turns into the youngest driver to guide the F1 standings
In solely his second season in F1, Antonelli turned the youngest driver to guide the championship after back-to-back wins on the Chinese language and Japanese Grands Prix. The Italian’s soar in efficiency was one of many greatest surprises of the primary half of the season, particularly as the main focus had primarily been on his Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
Antonelli went on to safe a complete of six grand prix wins within the opening half of the season and is now properly and actually within the championship combat. He presently leads the standings by 59 factors over Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who’re stage on factors.
George Russell’s string of dangerous luck
Russell was thought of a transparent favorite heading into the 2026 season. He received the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese language dash race, however it all went downhill from there. As he watched his team-mate Antonelli choose up 5 consecutive wins, Russell suffered a number of points, together with automobile points in China and Canada, an ill-timed security automobile that hampered his technique in Japan, and a number of pitlane dashing penalties in Monaco.
The Briton has since bounced again and continues to combat for the championship, however Drive to Survive will possible deal with Russell and the crew dynamics at Mercedes.
The 2026 rules
The introduction of the brand new technical rules, that includes smaller, lighter automobiles, energetic aerodynamics and energy models with an nearly 50:50 break up between inner combustion and electrical energy, can also be prone to function on the present.
The regulation modifications have been met with criticism from some drivers and followers, particularly following Oliver Bearman’s 50G crash on the Japanese Grand Prix. Consequently, modifications have already been launched for 2027.
Aston Martin and Williams’ main points
Expectations have been excessive for each Aston Martin and Williams for the 2026 season. Aston Martin was heading into the primary season of its new energy unit partnership with Honda and its first automobile designed below the management of Adrian Newey, and Williams had been increase the joy round its 2026 mission all through 2025.
Aston Martin arrived at pre-season testing with main points affecting each the automobile and the facility unit and determined to attend till the Hungarian Grand Prix to introduce a B-spec automobile. The Silverstone outfit presently sits tenth within the constructors’ championship.
Williams arrived at pre-season testing with an obese automobile and already on the again foot, having missed the personal take a look at in Barcelona in January. The Grove outfit used the sudden five-week break in April, because of the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix, to scale back the load of the automobile, however it continues to battle. It’s anticipating to realize efficiency with upgrades across the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton’s combat for his eighth championship
After a tough first season with Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton bounced again in 2026. The brand new rules appear to swimsuit his driving type greater than the bottom impact period automobiles, and he got here again from the winter break having had a psychological reset.
He secured his first grand prix podium for Ferrari with a third-place end on the Chinese language Grand Prix, went on to have a good time two second-place finishes in Canada and Monaco earlier than incomes his first grand prix victory with the Maranello outfit at Barcelona.
The seven-time champion presently sits third within the drivers’ standings, stage on factors with second-placed Russell, and 59 factors behind chief Antonelli.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photograph by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Photos through Getty Photos
The not-so-silly season
There have been a number of rumours circulating earlier than and through the summer season break about potential driver actions for 2027.
Max Verstappen was linked with a transfer to both Mercedes or McLaren, in addition to retirement on the finish of the 12 months, however he put these rumours to mattress by signing a contract extension with Pink Bull that can maintain him with the crew till the tip of 2030.
Carlos Sainz was regarded as wanting round after the problems confronted by Williams, however he has additionally since signed a contract extension with the Grove outfit, as has his team-mate Alex Albon.
Fernando Alonso’s future at Aston Martin stays up within the air. The 2-time champion may contemplate retirement, however has additionally been linked to a transfer to Alpine.
Esteban Ocon’s seat at Haas has additionally come below scrutiny. He has constantly been outperformed by his team-mate Bearman all through 2025 and 2026, elevating questions on whether or not he’ll retain his contract for 2027.
Cadillac and Audi’s F1 entry
Cadillac joined the F1 grid because the eleventh crew in 2026 with the skilled driver line-up of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Whereas it’s but to choose up any factors and has suffered reliability points, it has acquired reward for its begin within the championship.
Audi additionally joined in 2026 after its full takeover of Sauber. Whereas the crew began off properly and presently sits eighth within the constructors’ standings, it has not been with out its storylines. Group principal Jonathan Wheatley left abruptly in March.
McLaren’s resurgence
After Lando Norris received his maiden championship title in 2025, the change in rules put McLaren behind Mercedes and Ferrari at the beginning of the 12 months. However after back-to-back wins on the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix and a powerful improve bundle from the Woking outfit, Norris is all of a sudden again within the championship title talks.
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