Bottas confirms Drive to Survive contact after Cadillac F1 deal

Valtteri Bottas has confirmed that Netflix's Drive to Survive producers reached out to him shortly after he signed with the Cadillac F1 team for the 2026 season. The highly anticipated new entry, set to be the grid's 11th team, is expected to be a focal point in the documentary's eighth season, which will cover the 2025 campaign.

Why it matters:

The arrival of a new manufacturer team is a major event in Formula 1, and Drive to Survive has become instrumental in showcasing the sport's behind-the-scenes drama to a global audience. Featuring Cadillac's build-up provides a unique narrative of a team's inaugural journey, while Bottas's seasoned perspective offers a compelling driver storyline as he transitions from an established midfield squad to a brand-new project.

The details:

• Cadillac F1 will debut in 2026 with an experienced line-up: Bottas and former Red Bull race winner Sergio Perez as primary drivers.
• The team's management will be led by Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, with Zhou Guanyu and IndyCar's Colton Herta serving as reserve and third drivers, respectively.
• Bottas revealed the contact in an interview, stating, "They want to start planning... Will they use it or not? That's what they decide later on." He acknowledged that while footage is being gathered, its inclusion in the final cut is never guaranteed.
• The Finn expressed optimism about their featuring, adding, "I would be surprised if they don't do anything with the new team joining the sport."
• Drive to Survive Season 8 is scheduled for release on Netflix on February 27, 2026, and is expected to consist of around 10 episodes.

What's next:

While Cadillac's preparations will be a key plotline, Season 8 is anticipated to cover several major stories from the 2025 F1 season. These likely include Lando Norris's maiden Drivers' Championship campaign, Lewis Hamilton's first year with Ferrari, the intense intra-team battle at McLaren, Max Verstappen's efforts to reclaim the title, and Nico Hulkenberg's long-awaited first podium finish. The series will also document the aftermath of Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull and the ongoing search for his replacement.