F1 documentaries have been popular since before Netflix. Documentaries are a favorite form of home entertainment for many. F1 documentaries make it even more fun. There are so many F1 documentaryaries available, we have listed them all for your enjoyment.
The top F1 documentaries to view are Schumacher and Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Senna and Lauda tell the story. McLaren, Life on The Limit and Rush Williams.
We have more than three months before the 2022 F1 season starts so we have compiled a list of the top F1 documentaries to keep us entertained while we wait for the F1 racing season.
If you’re looking for some F1 merchandise, check out the awesome stuff at the official F1 store here.
Top F1 Documentaries
Schumacher (2021).
With great archival footage and exclusive interviews, this documentary about Michael Schumacher’s life and racing career paints an intimate portrait of the seven-time F1 champion.
With millions of fans globally, Schumacher’s triumphant fight and strong will to win against all odds placed Michael Schumacher in the middle of global attention.
Schumacher’s career captured the admiration of millions, but this very private man has a lot more to offer than only F1 racing. Michael Schumacher is a person because of his relentless pursuit for perfection and unwavering fighting spirit.
His insecurity and self-doubt sometimes revealed a more sensitive side. At the center of Michael’s story are Corinna, his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, children, and parents. This documentary tells Michael Schumacher’s life story really well.
He was a seven-time F1 World Champion and won five consecutive victories while driving for Scuderia Ferrari. His 1994 F1 championship title was dedicated to Ayrton Senna. This documentary/bio is the first to be made since Senna’s skiing accident on 29/12/2013.
Cast
Michael Schumacher (archive footage), Corinna Schumacher,Ralf Schumacher, Mick Schumacher, Ross Brawn, Flavio Briatore, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, David Coulthard, Bernie Ecclestone, Piero Ferrari, Damon Hill, Mika Häkkinen, Eddie Irvine, Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber and Jean Todt.
Directors / Writers Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, Michael Wech
Run Time: 1 hour 52 min
Date of release: 15 September 2021/ Netflix
Formula 1: Drive for Survival (2019)
This series covers the FIA Formula One World Championship, which spans several seasons. It is a wonderful watch. This series not only focuses on Ferrari and Mercedes, but also gives you a glimpse into the world of F1.
Formula 1 Drive to Survive features personal stories from drivers and teams. For F1 fans, highly recommended.
Cast
Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Niki Lauda, Will Smith, Daniel Craig, Alain Prost, Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel, Will Buxton, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Douglas, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen, Charles Leclerc, Valtteri Bottas, Tom Brady, Jackie Stewart, Mick Schumacher, Sergio Pérez, Kevin Magnussen, Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, George Russell,
Toto Wolff, Romain Grosjean, Nico Hülkenberg, Alexander Albon, Antonio Giovinazzi, Daniil Kvyat, David Croft, Christian Horner, Günther Steiner, Cyril Abiteboul, Zak Brown, Marcus Ericsson, Stoffel Vandoorne, Brendon Hartley, Sergey Sirotkin, Robert Kubica, Claire Williams, Gene Haas,
Martin Brundle, Maurizio Arrivabene, Otmar Szafnauer, Geri Horner, Joe Ricciardo, Frank Williams, Carlos Sainz, Vijay Mallya, Eric Boullier, Matt Solomon, Helmut Marko, Anthony Hamilton, Tony Stewart, Mansour Ojjeh, Beat Zehnder, Onur Han Besen, Gizem Besen, Franz Tost, Paddy Lowe.
Run Time: 40 minutes
Date of release: 8 March 2019/ Netflix
Senna (2010)
This film is an engaging documentary about the tragic life and death of legendary F1 Champion Ayrton Senna. He won the F1 championship three times, and he tragically died during a race at age 34.
This documentary features Senna’s struggles on and off track and against his arch-rival, Alain Prost, the French World Champion at the time.
It also showcases Senna’s fight against politics which is evident in F1. Senna became a worldwide F1 celebrity. Senna was inspirational, spiritual, and sometimes ruthless, but privately, he was humble, patriotic, and donated millions of dollars to Brazil.
Ayrton Senna was killed in his prime, on the worst day of F1 history. Senna’s tragic accident was viewed live by 300 million people on television. Decades later, Ayrton Senna is still considered F1 racing’s greatest driver and, in his home country Brazil a Saint. Ayrton Senna has been called the greatest F1 driver of all time.
Cast
Ayrton Senna (archive footage), Neyde Senna, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Reginaldo Leme, John Bisignano, Richard Williams, Nelson Piquet, Rubens Barrichello, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Roland Ratzenberger, Bernie Ecclestone,
Emerson Fittipaldi, Gerhard Berger, Damon Hill, Murray Walker, Galvão Bueno, Bussunda, Claire Chazal, Itamar Franco, Adriane Galisteu, Luiz Fernando Lima, Paulo Miklos, Adrian Newey, Riccardo Patrese,
Mili Okada. Ron Dennis. Viviane Senatora. Pierre Van Vliet. Vera Lucia Caixeta. Arnaldo Jabor. Xuxa. Jean-Marie Balestre. Martin Donnelly. Jackie Stewart. Sid Watkins. Frank Williams. Patrick Head.
Asif Kapadia is the Director
Writer: Manish Pandey
Running Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Date of release: 2010/11
A Life of Speed: Juan Manuel Fangio’s Story (2020).
This documentary film is about Juan Manuel Fangio from the 1950s. He was a four-team F1 driver who won five championships. This documentary is the first to document Juan Manuel Fangio’s life and career.
It is also known by Fangio: The Man Who Tamed the Machines
Cast
Juan Manuel Fangio, Fernando Alonso, Mika Häkkinen, Toto Wolff, Jackie Stewart, Alain Prost, Nico Rosberg, Pablo Posada Ávalos, Horacio Pagani, Andrew Bell, Hans Hermann, Carlos Reutemann
Director: Francisco Macri
Running Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Date of release: March 2020 /Netflix
Lauda: The Untold History (2014)
Niki Lauda, a F1 driver, survived one of the worst crashes in F1 history in 1976. Lauda: The Untold Story features previously unreleased footage. This documentary shows what happened at the Nurburgring on that fateful day.
The film features Niki Lauda’s courageous journey to recovery after that near-fatal crash. It gives the viewer a glimpse into Niki Lauda’s struggle and his miraculous comeback in Monza a few weeks later.
It also investigates the impact that Lauda’s crash had on his life and F1 as a whole.
It examines safety improvements made from the 1900s through today. You will have exclusive access to Lauda and team Mercedes interviews. F1 motor-sport icons, past and present, include Sir Jackie Stewart and James Hunt, Marc Webber and Lewis Hamilton.
Cast
Niki Lauda, Mark Weber, Jochen Mass, Hans Joachim Stuck, Daniel Audetto, David Coulthard, Lewis Hamilton, James Hunt, Nico Rosberg, Jackie Stewart.
Director: Hannes Michael Schalle
Running Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Date of release: October2014
McLaren (2017)
McLaren shows how even a humble man can make a mark in the world of motor racing. McLaren is the story of one man’s dream turned to reality and will inspire generations of F1 fans.
The inspiring documentary tells the story of Bruce McLaren, who created McLaren Motor Racing New Zealand. McLaren is the story of McLaren’s pioneering spirit and unwavering determination. The story of Britain’s famous motor racing empire is a compelling tribute to never giving up on a vision.
Cast
Chris Amon, Ruth McLaren and Jan McLaren. Jim Anderton. Mario Andretti. Emerson Fittipaldi. Marilyn Fox Halder. Howden Ganley. Dan Gurney. Bruce Harre. Robin Herd. Phil Kerr. Gary Knutson. Patty McLaren–Brickett
Director: Roger Donaldson
Running Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Date of release: August2017
Michael Schumacher: The Making of a Legend 2019
This is the story of the man who set almost all F1 records. He rose from humble beginnings to become a global celebrity with his extraordinary achievements. This book tells his story, his relationships with his friends and former colleagues, as well as their opinions on what made Schumacher so successful.
Cast
Michael Schumacher (archive footage), Ross Brawn Martin Brundle
Running Time: 50 minutes
Date of release: January 2019,
Rush (2013)
The film’s central point is the fierce rivalry between F1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. Ron Howard did an amazing job of recreating F1 races and the era.
The film takes place against the backdrop of the 1970s’ glamorous F1 racing. Based on the true story by Hemsworth about James Hunt, an English playboy, and Niki Lauda, an Austrian genius, played by Bruhl.
They are clearly seen in the film as distinct personalities on and off the track. The film shows the 1976 season, in which both drivers put their lives on the line to win the world championship. F1 enthusiasts will enjoy this film.
Cast
Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Pierfrancesco Favino
Director: Ron Howard
Written by: Peter Morgan
Running Time: 2 hours and 3 minutes
Date of release: September 2013
1 – Life on the Limit (2013)
This film focuses on F1. The danger, excitement, history, and the people behind it. Interviews with Jackie Stewart, Martin Brundle and Mario Andretti, Lewis Hamilton and Bernie Ecclestone are included.
The film depicts F1’s golden era and the stories of professional drivers who risked everything to win during its most violent period. The film includes the stories of F1 racing’s pioneer drivers.
Cast
Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Michael Fassbender, Niki Lauda, Sebastian Vettel, Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart, Bernie Ecclestone, Jenson Button, Nigel Mansell, Max Mosley, Damon Hill, Sid Watkins, Eddie Jordan, John Surtees, Martin Brundle, Robert Kubica, Emerson Fittipaldi.
Director: Paul Crowder
Running Time: 1 hour 52 min
Release date: October 2013.
Williams, (2017)
Williams is an engaging film about Sir Frank Williams’ life, family and career. His obsession with speed inspired him to create one of the world’s most fascinating F1 racing teams. In 1986 a near-fatal car accident at the peak of this success left Williams fighting for his life and the team’s future undecided.
Cast
Jamie Berry Brother of Ginny Williams, Emily Bevan as Ginny Williams, Keith Botsford, Valtteri Bottas, David Brodieas, Frank’s Best Friend, Roger Bunting Frank’s Friend and Flatmate, Pamela Cockerill,
Piers Courage Frank’s Friend and F1 Driver, Frank Dernie Former Williams Engineer, Jenny Funnell as Pamela Cockerill, Howden Ganley Williams Driver 1973, Lewis Hamilton, Sir Patrick Head Former Williams Engineering Director, Alan Jones Williams Driver 1978-1981, Charles Lucas Frank’s Friend, Nigel Mansell, Felipe Massa, Patrick Nève.
Director: Morgan Matthews
Running Time: 1 hour 49 min
Date of release: August 2017
Weekend of a Champion (1972).
Roman Polanski spent a weekend in Monaco with Jackie Stewart, the world champion driver. He was trying to win the 1971 Monaco Grand Prix. The film gives us extraordinary insight into Jackie Stewart’s life as a skilled driver at his peak.
It showcases a surprisingly in-depth look at Stewart’s race during the Monaco Grand Prix in 1971.
Stewart is close friends with Roman Polanski, who makes it possible for Stewart to be honest and open. Weekend of a Champion was produced before Stewart’s safety crusade got underway. Jackie lost many of his closest friends in fatal racing accidents.
The film shows how Stewart’s interest in improving driver safety during his interviews with Polanski grows.
Cast
Jackie Stewart, Roman Polanski & Grace Kelly Prince Rainier de Monaco, Helen Stewart. Joan Collins. Graham Hill. Maureen Starkey. Ringo Starr.
Director: Frank Simon, Roman Polanski
Running Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Date of release: September 1972
Crash and Burn (2016)
This movie shows the rise and fall F1 driver Tommy Byrne. For but a second in the 1980s, this bad boy was the world’s greatest F1 driver.
Before his temper got him into trouble, Byrne was often likened to Senna. This film captures the true legend of Byrne.
Tommy Byrne came from a humble background in Ireland, to be considered one of the most promising drivers of 1980’s F1, but somehow Byrne did his best to crash and burn without reaching success.
He was offered numerous opportunities to succeed but he never stopped his bad behavior or changed how he viewed the world.
As the film progresses, it portrays the message that Byrne has feelings of bitterness and resentment in the past, but in reality, that doesn’t seem to be true.
This film features the aggressive, intelligent driver who scared everyone on the youth circuits through his aggressive driving.
The brazen, arrogant Irishman fought with everyone. He got into an altercation, infuriated friends and created enemies. He took drugs, drank lots, made enemies and ended up on a Mexican race circuit. His life was all about women and partying.
He was never completely at home in F1 and never welcomed into the world. His reckless behavior led to him being expelled.
Ferrari: Race to Immortality 2017
Ferrari: Race to Immortality is the story of Enzo Ferrari’s Scuderia Ferrari team.
This film depicts Scuderia Ferrari’s fight to stay on top during the darkest and deadliest decades in F1 racing history during the 1950s.
Drivers and cars were continuously pushed to their limits. In the race for world championship, driving was on a razor-edge.
Enzo Ferrari, the towering figure at the centre of everything, was driven to win at any cost. Mike Hawthorn of Britain and Peter Collins from the United Kingdom placed friendship above championship in the middle a tough competition.
Ferrari: Race to Immortality features the losses, loves, tragedies, and triumphs of Ferrari’s legendary drivers in an era where it was winning or dying on any given Sunday.
Cast
EnzoFerrari, Peter Collins, Lin Gallagher, Mike Hawthorn.
Director: Daryl Goodrich
Running Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Date of release: November 2017,
The 24 Hour War (2016)
Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari, car magnates, formed a fierce rivalry while they were fighting on the battlefield at 1966 Le Mans.
The 24 Hour War is a film that documents the famous rivalry between Ford and Ferrari. The film captures the thrilling competition in a compelling way.
Henry Ford II attempted to purchase Ferrari to save his failing company in 1963. This was the most famous battle in racing history.
GM and Corvette were destroying Ford’s dealerships and at the track. Ferrari was at that time the most successful racing team.
Enzo Ferrari refused to sell after months of negotiations. Ford refused to buy Enzo Ferrari’s creations, which he loved more than anything.
Henry Ford was furious, and promised to build a racecar to defeat Ferrari. Ford started production on the GT40. At Le Mans, the fight between the two racing team will always be remembered as one that was fiercest at a race track.
This film is ideal for those who love vintage movies and racing history.
Cast
Henry Ford, Charlie Agapiou, Piero Ferrari, Mario Andretti, Edsel B. Ford II, Peter Brock, Mauro Forghieri, Dan Gurney, David Hobbs, John Horsman, Bob Bondurant, Preston Lerner, Peter Miles, John Morton, Ralph Nader, Jackie Oliver, Brian Redman, Jack Sears, Carroll Shelby, John Surtees, Carlo Tazzioli, A.J. Baime, Gordon Chance, Brian Laban, Lee Holman, Alan Grant,
Director: Adam Carolla, Nate Adams
Running Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Date of release: 2016
Le Mans: Racing Is Everything 2017
Le Mans is an endurance racing car race that takes place each year in the vicinity of Le Mans, France.
The world’s oldest endurance race lasts 24 hours and is like no other. It is an endurance test for drivers as well as cars. In 1923, the first race was held.
You have unprecedented access the best racing teams, professional drivers and high-tech vehicles.
Racing is Everything takes you on a journey to test tracks around the world and visits team shops to provide a glimpse at the preparations leading up to the race. The documentary also covers the highs and lows of the race to give viewers a detailed look at the drivers who risk everything for victory.
This series offers an insider’s view of the almost century-old race that pushes drivers and cars to the limit. F1 fans must see Le Mans: Racing is Everything.
Cast
Louis Mellis – Narrator, John Hindhaugh, Shea Adam, André Lotterer, Jim Roller, Mark Webber, Jann Mardenborough, Darren Cox, Brendon Hartley, Timo Bernhard, Claire Hayden, Sébastien Buemi, Chris Reinke, Marcel Fässler, Bart Hayden, Andreas Seidl, Steve Mardenborough, Kyle Wilson-Clarke.
Running Time: Episodes / Series
Date of release: 2017
Additional F1 Documentaries You Should Watch
- Motorsport Heroes
- Jochen Rindt: Uncrowned Champion
- Uppity: Willy T. Ribbs Story
- The Formula One Drivers, also known as The Quick and the Dead
- Stirling
- If You’re Not Winning, You’re Not Trying
- The Race to Perfection
- Michael Schumacher, The Red Baron
Senna Mini-Series to be released in 2022 is one worth keeping an eye on
A Fictional Mini-Series On Ayrton Senna/Netflix
Netflix has announced the release of a new eight-part biopic series about Ayrton Senna, F1’s icon, for 2022.
The mini-series have Senna’s family’s approval, Produced by Gullane for Netflix. It will showcase Senna’s journey to global superstar. It shows his arrival in England for Formula Ford 1600 and ends with his tragic death at Imola, San Marino Grand Prix 1994.
Ayrton Senna’s official website stated that the Netflix series is an opportunity to explore the family relationships and personality of the three-time F1 champion. Ayrton Senna’s family is committed to making this series unique.
Conclusion
F1 racing has seen many stars emerge, but there is something special about a racing car driver that makes fans happy. F1 fans flock to the films and documentaries to keep them going until the next race season.
A great F1 documentary, series or film can keep F1 obsession alive. This article lists some of the most outstanding F1 documentaries, series and films. We hope you enjoy them all.
