Addicted to Drive to Survive? Here’s 11 of the best racing documentaries

Addicted to Netflix’s Drive to Survive? Need your fix for more motorsport content? We have compiled some of the best racing documentaries out there.

This list has you covered.

From Formula 1 to Endurance Racing and Formula E, there’s something here that will definitely get you hooked.

1. Schumacher

We’ve got a real tear jerker to start off with.

Undoubtedly one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, this documentary was always going to be made.

But it hits even more difficult to watch following Schumacher’s skiing accident back in 2013. Containing interviews with people from across Michael’s life, including his son Mick, Schumacher is a must-see.

You can’t often mention Ferrari without mentioning Schumacher, and for those Drive to Survive fans reading this, you’ll understand why everyone on the current F1 grid looks up to him.

2. Uppity: The Willy T-Ribbs Story

The next film in this article is an absolutely brilliant one that shines a spotlight on a driver who
a lot of people might not have heard of – Willy T. Ribbs.

This film tells the story of how he made his way in the world of motorsport, from highs to lows and everything in between.

Ribbs dominated races in the UK before returning to America and having to overcome a host of issues along the way in order to succeed.
Everyone loves a good underdog story and this definitely fits the bill.

3. Senna

Love him or hate him, Senna is one of the most prolific characters that Formula 1 has ever produced.

And this is one of the best racing documentaries ever made.

This film gives you a good look into his story and wets your appetite for wanting to know more.

With an 8.5/10 rating on IMDb and 93 percent on Rotten Tomatos, this film is truly one of the best.

Plus, Niki Lauda hailed Senna as ‘one of the best drivers who ever lived’ – so really, what more incentive do you need?

4. Williams

Made a few years ago, this documentary is a must watch for any Formula 1 fans.

This is especially the case for those new to the sport who might be wondering why everyone else loves
Williams so much.

This film will give you the answer.

Moving, touching and really well made, the film takes you right to the heart of the team and how much racing means to the Williams family.

Although word of warning, you might need a box of tissues for this one.

5. McLaren

Ever wondered about the origins of McLaren?

Well fear not, I have you covered.

McLaren tells the story of Bruce McLaren – a young man with a dream who stopped at nothing to make it reality.

With McLaren looking resurgent in 2022 so far and supporting the classic papaya colour scheme on its cars, what better time to go back and see where it all began.

6. Endurance

Available to watch free on YouTube, follows the story of the Porsche GT team that took on the double challenge of racing the 24h of Le Mans and the 24h of the Nürburgring back to back.

Apart, both are seen as two of the toughest endurance races in the world. Together, saying they would be incredibly difficult is an understatement.

This documentary is a great insight into both the worlds of Porsche and Endurance racing. You don’t need to have followed the sport before either in order to enjoy it.

This is just what the motorsport doctors ordered.

7. And We Go Green

This is an awesome documentary on Formula E.

Free to watch on YouTube, this will fuel your flame for Formula E.

It’s well worth a watch and if you’re not 100 percent about what to think about Formula E yet, it might just win you over.

8. Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans

This is a truly one of the best racing documentaries for die hards.

It showcases Steve McQueen’s love for motor racing – and how far he was willing to go to make the perfect motorsport film.

The film contains interviews with those who knew him, drivers from the time and previously unheard audio from the man himself. It’s an absolute treat to watch, regardless of whether you’ve watched “Le Mans” or not.

Go check it out.

9. Mosley – It’s Complicated

Given Max Mosley’s tragic passing last year, this documentary takes a look at the many key moments of his life.

It goes in depth into Max’s origins and his rise into the world of Formula 1 – and how freeing he found it.

It also details what Max was up to in the last few years prior to his death as he fights to establish stricter privacy laws and to reduce the number of road related deaths each year, especially in India.

It’s an absorbing documentary that I thoroughly recommend to both fans of motorsport and
general documentary lovers.

10. A Life of Speed – The Juan Manuel Fangio Story

Go back to the very beginning to find out about the man who set the benchmark for
everyone else to come.

Juan Manuel Fangio is quite simply one of the best Formula 1 drivers of all time and if you’re not that familiar with him, then I must insist that you go and check this out as soon as you can.

It’ll make you really appreciate how much F1 has evolved over the decades and what it took to operate at the highest levels back in the 1950s.

11. 1

It seems fitting to end this list with a film called 1.

It gives you a nice insight into the world and history of all of Formula 1.

With interviews from several drivers and key figures behind the scenes, it’s a great jumping in point for any new F1 fans.

It will also satisfy those who call Formula 1 a staple.

Oh and it’s narrated by Michael Fassbender who is now trying his hand at racing himself.

So that’s our list of the best racing documentaries, so get watching!

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