UK release date, how to watch and if Max Verstappen will return to hit Netflix documentary alongside Lewis Hamilton

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

The hugely popular docuseries that showcases the biggest stories from each campaign in the world of F1 has been credited with the explosion of motorsport since it’s 2019 debut.

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

Now in its fifth season, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the next instalment that 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

Series 5 of F1 Drive To Survive is set to be released on Friday, February 24.

This is the earliest a series has been released but it is still one week before the the 2023 season gets underway in Bahrain.

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

Drive To Survive series 5: Will Max Verstappen return?

Reigning two-time champion Verstappen has been a notable absentee from the hit Netflix series since his first appearance in season 1.

Verstappen was publicly upset with how he came across and refused to take part, claiming Drive to Survive ‘faked rivalries that didn’t exist’.

The Red Bull driver was also aggrieved that Netflix made close friend Lando Norris  ‘look like a bit of a d***, which he isn’t at all’ during an edited exchange with the Brit’s former McLaren teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

Verstappen was shown in available race footage, but during season’s 2-4 declined requests for interviews.

That proved to be an increasing problem for Drive to Survive, with the Dutchman currently the sport’s leading driver and often at the centre of the most dramatic moments.

Yet following intervening talks between Netflix and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Verstappen agreed to take part in season 5.

Drive To Survive series 5: What has been said?

Former Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen has said the sport has ‘plenty of drama’ without needing to be edited.

“I haven’t actually watched it but I’ve read the articles, I’ve seen the headlines,” he said. “I’m more of an old school Formula 1 guy, kind of a Bernie [Ecclestone] era kind of guy.

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

“It’s something that I’m not that keen on, but it’s something that in this modern world, it has to be part of the show.

“But I guess when some of the drivers are starting to complain about it and some of the stories have been created with the video editor I guess we’re getting close to the borderline.”

Defending champion Max Verstappen on why he returned: “I spoke with them of course before I was going to give an interview.

“I hope that they understood my message, and I also know that especially being a World Champion, you have to be part of something like that.

“So I gave them like 30 minutes to one hour of an interview and I hope that they are going to use it.

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

“And I hope that I can be happy after watching it – I know it is important to F1 as well for growing the sport in general.”