Best films and documentaries about Formula 1 to watch on Netflix

Formula 1 continues to be in the spotlight on Netflix with films and documentaries worth watching.

Drive to Survive has certainly boosted the popularity of this sport, expanding its audience. The docuseries, also available on the same streaming platform, will return in February with its sixth season.

Whether you’re looking for pure Hollywood-style entertainment or want to delve into the lives of some Formula 1 legends, we recommend some films and documentaries on Netflix that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Rush
One of the most famous films set in the world of Formula 1. The historic rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt is depicted in Ron Howard’s blockbuster. Rush is adrenaline-pumping, an action movie, but also a human drama, where Daniel Brühl and Chris Hemsworth (who is also a Formula 1 enthusiast) engage in breathtaking duels on the track, portraying Formula 1 of the past when the driver mattered, not technology.

The two are fierce rivals, but they respect each other until the end. Howard also tells the dramatic story of Niki Lauda’s accident at Nürburgring and how it marked a significant point in the history of Formula 1.

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Schumacher
Netflix cautiously opens a window into Michael Schumacher’s life with a documentary released on September 15, 2021 (coinciding with the thirtieth anniversary of the legendary German champion’s debut in Formula 1). For those expecting to discover something more about the Kaiser, they will be disappointed.

The documentary film Schumacher (the title chosen by the streaming platform) reveals nothing new, except for some insights into the extraordinary career of the driver. The film includes interviews with the family (notably with son Mick) and behind-the-scenes details about the tragic accident in the French Alps in December 2013 that forever changed Schumi’s life.

Senna
Ayrton Senna’s death marked a turning point in the history of Formula 1. That terrible May 1, 1994, remains indelible in the minds of fans of the great Brazilian champion, but not only. Almost thirty years after his passing (Imola has already started a traveling exhibition to remember him), what has ‘Magic’ left us?

The documentary film Senna tries to explain just that: his legacy, which still lives on in all of us and in Formula 1 drivers who grew up with his feats, trying to emulate “the rain man.” A must-watch for F1 enthusiasts. The film, released in 2010, was awarded at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in the Best Documentary category.

Fangio – The Man Who Tamed Machines
An essential documentary for new generations wanting to explore the figure of Juan Manuel Fangio. In the 1950s, the Argentine driver was the King of Formula 1: five world titles, won in an era where safety was not a priority, and deaths on the track were much more common. Fangio considered himself one with the car: perhaps that was the secret of his incredible success. In reality, he was a great expert in engines because, from a young age, he was involved in the repair sector.

The Argentine driver raced in F1 with Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes, and Ferrari, winning championships with all these teams. A characteristic that demonstrated how, at the time, it was a matter of human talent rather than machinery.”