Drive to Survive cut a acene that would have driven fans crazy—but why?
Season 7 of Drive to Survive has landed on Netflix, bringing its usual dose of intense moments and behind-the-scenes drama. But one detail is already intriguing fans: an unseen sequence featuring Daniel Ricciardo, which was reportedly “incredible”, was cut from the final edit. A puzzling decision, especially for a driver who has been one of the show’s most iconic figures since its debut.
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An “incredible” scene left out
From the very beginning of Drive to Survive, Daniel Ricciardo has been one of the most beloved personalities in the series. His trademark smile, humor, and charisma made him a fan favorite—on and off the track. Yet, despite this popularity, a scene showcasing his epic victory at the 2018 Chinese Grand Prix never made it into the show. The show’s producers tried to fit this footage into different episodes, but according to Paul Martin, co-founder of Box to Box Films, “it just didn’t fit in with the rest.” A difficult decision to understand, especially considering how moments like this strengthen the emotional connection fans have with the series.
A controversial farewell to Ricciardo?
This seventh season was also the perfect opportunity to showcase the end of an era for Ricciardo after a lackluster season with VCARB. His return to F1 had sparked a lot of excitement, but he eventually lost his seat to Liam Lawson, a rising star eager to make his mark. And that’s where Drive to Survive seems to struggle with how to tell the story. On one hand, the show presents Ricciardo hoping for a return to Red Bull, and on the other, it portrays Lawson as a young driver ready to do whatever it takesto secure a permanent F1 seat. The contrast doesn’t quite work, and ultimately, neither Ricciardo nor Lawson gets the narrative they deserve. In the episode focusing on Ricciardo, he even hints at questioning his future in F1, admitting there’s something on his mind that he refuses to say on camera because it’s “too vulnerable.” A few scenes later, he openly acknowledges that his dream of becoming world champion may never come true.
Did the edit undervalue Ricciardo’s impact?
There’s an undeniable awkwardness in how the show handles Ricciardo’s departure. At the end of Season 5, Drive to Survive already gave his McLaren exit an emotional farewell before he found a new home at VCARB. This time, his departure feels rushed and unresolved, as if the production didn’t know how to close out his storyline—one that was essential to the show’s early success. Without Ricciardo, Drive to Survive may never have reached the level of global impact it enjoys today. He was one of the first drivers the show spotlighted when it launched, helping introduce F1 to a whole new audience. But instead of a grand send-off, his final moment is a simple handwritten message on a clapperboard:
“From Season 1 to Season 7. It’s been a ride. Arrivederci!”
A turning point for Drive to Survive and Ricciardo?
This season marks a key moment for the series: how does it move forward without one of its most charismatic stars?And more importantly, is this really the end for Ricciardo, or just a pause before an eventual comeback? As F1 continues to evolve, Drive to Survive must find a new, equally compelling figure to keep fans engaged. Meanwhile, Ricciardo leaves behind a lasting legacy in the show’s history—even if his farewell didn’t quite get the emotional weight it deserved.
This article examines Drive to Survive’s decision to cut a major Daniel Ricciardo scene, questioning the show’s editing choices and highlighting the Aussie driver’s crucial role in its success. With Ricciardo stepping away from the spotlight, Drive to Survive now faces the challenge of finding a new fan-favorite to carry the show forward.
Images: © Red Bull Content pool
