5 F1 Movies/TV Shows to Watch While You Wait for Senna on Netflix 

So, the countdown’s on. We’re all hyped for the release of Senna, Netflix’s limited series about the legendary Brazilian F1 driver Ayrton Senna, who left a mark on the sport and the world before his tragic death.

Premiering on November 29, this drama promises to give us a deep dive into Senna’s life, his fierce rivalries, his triumphs, and his undeniable passion for racing. The buzz is real, and if you’re looking to pass the time while waiting, there are some epic movies and docuseries that’ll fuel your F1 obsession.

From the intense rivalry of Rush to the behind-the-scenes drama in Drive to Survive, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-packed content to binge. These picks will not only get you ready for Senna’s arrival but also give you an unforgettable ride through the world of F1.

1. Rush (2013)

Rush is the ultimate F1 movie if you’re looking for drama, rivalry, and speed. Directed by Ron Howard, this flick brings to life the intense battle between James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) during the 1976 Formula 1 season.

What really makes Rush stand out is how it doesn’t just focus on the races but dives into Lauda’s recovery after his life-threatening crash at the Nurburgring. You get a raw look at the mental and physical toll F1 takes on its drivers, all while delivering incredible racing sequences that’ll have you gripping your seat.

What’s also awesome about this film is how it doesn’t shy away from showing the personal side of these drivers. Hunt is the charming playboy, while Lauda is the more calculating and serious competitor, and watching their personalities clash on and off the track is what makes this film so compelling.

Watch Rush on Amazon Prime Video!

2. Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019-2024)

If you’re new to F1 or just looking for a deeper dive into the sport, Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix is a must-watch. This docuseries takes you behind the scenes, offering an up-close look at the drivers, teams, and everything that goes on outside of race day.

You’ll get to know the personalities behind the helmets, the team strategies, and the drama that plays out when the cameras aren’t rolling. Even if you’re not a huge racing fan, Drive to Survive is pure entertainment.

The series creates tension and suspense by making each race feel like a high-stakes thriller. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, and Max Verstappen come across as both competitors and human beings, which is what makes the show so captivating. 

The team dynamics are where the real drama lies, especially with rivalries that fuel both on-track aggression and off-track drama. Sure, it might get a little dramatic at times, but it’s all part of the fun.

Watch Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix!

3. Grand Prix (1966)

The 1966 classic Grand Prix is the perfect mix of old-school racing and cinematic drama. Directed by John Frankenheimer, the movie tells a fictionalized story of a Formula 1 season, but what really makes it stand out are its legendary racing scenes.

Shot at real F1 tracks during actual race weekends, Grand Prix brings that raw, high-speed energy to life in a way few films ever have. You’ll feel the intensity of the races, as if you’re right there in the cockpit with the drivers. The movie has a romantic subplot that some people feel is a bit over-the-top, but the racing scenes are incredible.

The Oscar-winning cinematography and direction really stand out, showing the excitement, risks, and danger of F1 racing. If you want to experience the golden era of racing with a classic feel, Grand Prix is definitely worth watching.

Watch Grand Prix on Amazon Prime Video!

4. F2: Chasing the Dream (2020 – Present)

If you’re curious about the future stars of F1, F2: Chasing the Dream is a must-watch. This docuseries gives you an exclusive look into the lives of Formula 2 drivers. With exclusive access to the drivers and teams, the series gives you an inside look at what it takes to reach the top of motorsport.

You’ll witness the hard work behind the scenes, the personal challenges, and the close bonds that form between teammates as they compete for a place in Formula 1. What makes Chasing the Dream so compelling is its raw, real approach.

The drivers are just starting out in their careers, so the pressure is high, and their passion is palpable. We see the highs of victory and the crushing lows of failure, as these drivers experience both the joy and heartbreak of trying to make it in the world of elite motorsport.

Watch F2: Chasing the Dream on F1 TV!

5. Ferrari: Race to Immortality (2017)

Ferrari: Race to Immortality is a documentary that takes us back to the 1950s, when Ferrari was becoming a giant in motorsport. It tells the story of the team’s rise to fame, along with the personal tragedies that marked its history.

Using old footage and interviews, the film gives us a look at legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Alberto Ascari. What makes Race to Immortality so compelling is how it mixes Ferrari’s great successes with the darker side of the sport.

It explores the deadly accidents that affected the team during this golden era. For Ferrari fans or anyone interested in the early days of Formula 1, this documentary is a must-watch. It’s emotional, full of history, and an essential look at the legacy of one of motorsport’s greatest teams.

Watch Ferrari: Race to Immortality on Amazon Prime Video!