Formula 1 Drive to Survive season 4: Release date, time, how to watch and F1 news

Producers Box to Box Films wouldn't have believed their luck given the spectacular events of the 2021 season that saw Max Verstappen crowned king of the grid ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton under extremely controversial circumstances.

• Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 review – one formula but it works

In addition to the Verstappen-Hamilton controversy, other sub-plots bubbling away throughout the campaign included McLaren enjoying a terrific season, Esteban Ocon winning a crazy race in Hungary and Sergio Perez growing into his role as Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull.

Thankfully, there's not long to go before we get to relive the drama ahead of the new season and fans around the world will be desperate to race through the new run of episodes with the new F1 2022 season coming soon.

RadioTimes.com rounds up everything you need to know about Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 release date and more.

• Exclusive: Pierre Gasly Big RT Interview – "I want the second win"

Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 release date

The Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 release date is Friday 11th March 2022, Netflix has officially confirmed.

That means the fresh batch of episodes will drop in the middle of F1 testing in Bahrain.

The new run of the show was confirmed at the end of August by Netflix and Formula 1, and the fourth season was being filmed throughout the 2021 season.

What time is Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 released?

Formula 1: Drive to Survive season is expected to arrive on Netflix at approximately 8am UK time on Friday.

This is in-keeping with Netflix's policy of releasing new shows at that time, which correlates with midnight on the west coast of America, which is where Netflix's headquarters are based, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Fans staying up late for a late-night showing in the UK will be left disappointed, while super early risers may need to wait for the clock to strike 12 in Pacific Time.

How many episodes in Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4?

There are 10 episodes in Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4.

Episode 1: Clash Of The Titans

The 2021 Formula 1 season begins at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where drivers give it everything to take the first chequered flag of the year.

Episode 2: Ace In The Hole

Now racing for McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo sets out to prove that he’s still a force on the track. Meanwhile, Lando Norris puts on the pressure.

Episode 3: Tipping Point

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen pulls off a string of victories. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes struggles to keep pace. Later, an accident leads to controversy.

Episode 4: A Mountain To Climb

The Haas team looks to reverse its recent fortunes with a new sponsor and two new rookie drivers: Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher.

Episode 5: Staying Alive

Down but never out, McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo goes pedal to the metal in hopes of ruining Ferrari’s homecoming at the Italian Grand Prix.

Episode 6: A Point To Prove

With Williams Racing under new leadership, the storied team looks to put its recent troubles in the rearview mirror and return to greatness.

Episode 7: Growing Pains

They have the raw talent, but can they handle the pressure? Now Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon must sink or swim in the rough waters of Formula 1.

Episode 8: Dances With Wolff

Rumours fly about whether an up-and-coming driver will join Hamilton on team Mercedes, potentially leaving Valtteri Bottas without a seat.

Episode 9: TBC

Episode 10: TBC

Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 trailer

The final Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 trailer has dropped and, you guessed it, it's a high-octane, scorchingly loud, rapid-fire sizzle reel teasing the upcoming run of episodes.

The trailer features snippets of exclusive interviews with Red Bull chief Christian Horner and Mercedes megastar Lewis Hamilton, though Max Verstappen is conspicuous in his absence after refusing to take part in the series.

You should expect to see a well-rounded presentation of the 2021 season with a wide focus keeping up with a range of storylines as opposed to just following the Hamilton-Verstappen shenanigans. But that last episode, you absolutely know, is going to be a divisive one.

Will Max Verstappen be in Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4?

Unfortunately, Verstappen has revealed he won’t be taking part in Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4.

Explaining why he won’t feature in the fourth season, he said that he didn’t "like being a part of it", according to the Associated Press, adding: “I understand that it needs to be done to boost the popularity in America. But from my side as a driver, I don’t like being part of it."

He continued: “They faked a few rivalries which they don’t really exist. So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show.

"I am not really a dramatic show kind of person, I just want facts and real things to happen.”

Check out Box to Box Films' response to Max Verstappen not appearing in Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 arrives on Netflix Friday 11th March. Seasons 1 to 3 are available now on Netflix. If you’re looking for something to watch, check out our TV Guide or visit our Sport hub.

The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey.