Russonelli Year One and Toto in the Gym! What To Expect in DTS Season 8

It is highly likely the sight and sound of the 2026 F1 cars hitting the track in Bahrain has left you more eager than ever to see the racing get going in Australia in two weeks’ time.

Thankfully, there is one final pre-season staple that all F1 fans look forward to before Melbourne – the release of Season 8 of Netflix’s fly-on-the-wall docuseries, Drive To Survive.

This year, as in previous years, there was no shortage of headlines and drama behind the scenes.

We have been given a sneak peek of what is to come when the latest season drops this Friday, 27th February, and here is what you can expect from Mercedes.

Russonelli Year One

The team had a new driver line-up for 2025, and fans were quick to give our new duo a nickname after seeing the strong bond that George and Kimi formed in their first campaign together as team-mates in Brackley.

Take a train journey with Russonelli as they use the London Underground to get to the F175 Launch event at the 02 Arena, as F1 kicked off its 75^th anniversary season in style.

Follow George and Kimi from the dressing room to the main stage and get a taste of what life was like on a special night for our sport.

Ciao, Kimi!

A first year on the grid means only one thing, a first year fully followed by the Drive To Survive cameras.

From juggling schoolwork with his F1 schedule, to go-karting with his dad and learning to drive with his Mum, there is no stone left unturned in the efforts to portray Kimi’s debut F1 season.

You will see how important family is to the 19-year-old, and watch his relationship with team members such as Toto, Bono, and trainer Sergi grow, too.

From Bologna to Melbourne, come with Kimi through his first weekend as a Grand Prix driver, and get all the highs and lows of an incredible opening race in Australia, recovering from P16 on the grid to P4 at the flag in treacherous conditions.

In Brazil, you will live every blink and every breath of the Italian’s defiant drive to P2, holding off a charging Max Verstappen in the final few laps to claim his best-ever result.

Kimi’s 2025 had so many highs and lows, and you will have a front-row seat to it all.

George at Home

On track, 2025 was George’s best season in F1 to date. Nine podiums (more than in any other season), two wins, and his highest-ever points tally meant GR became one of the standout drivers of the campaign.

But it is off track where we get to know George a little better in Season 8, spending time with girlfriend Carmen off the coast of Monte-Carlo, unwinding away from a hectic schedule, and discussing his first season as a lead driver at the team.

What About the Boss?

Ah yes, Toto. Fans need not worry about a lack of their favourite Team Principal in Season 8.

As the battle for P2 in the Constructors’ heats up around the summer break, Toto breaks down the three-pointed star’s long-standing battle with Ferrari and takes a trip around Monaco in a Mercedes 300SL with wife and F1 ACADEMY director Susie.

Relaxed as ever off the track, but locked in and determined when at it, you will see how Toto works with George and Kimi individually and collectively to strive for maximum performance in our Constructors’ fight.

It will not be all meetings and conference calls though; there will be plenty of hugs and laughter along the way too!

In Las Vegas, there is a chance to hit the gym with Toto and eldest son Benedict, as they compare workout routines and chat about what is to come in F1.

You also will not want to miss Toto’s departing message to former Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, either!

The Team…. Featuring a Special Guest!

Nothing beats the feeling of winning in F1, and thanks to George in Canada and Singapore, the team got to experience that twice in 2025.

You will be in the garage for George and Kimi’s double podium celebrations in Montreal, and down in the pit lane to watch Kimi and the team celebrate with George after P3 in Melbourne.

From our current family members to a very special previous one.

As the 2025 championship battle develops between team-mates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who better to tell the tale of fighting the one you share a garage with for glory than 2016 champion Nico Rosberg?!

Lights out in Australia cannot come soon enough but Drive To Survive Season 8 will be the perfect starter to Melbourne main course when it pops up on your Netflix this Friday.