'F1: The Academy' takes women in motorsport to new heights but falls short of expectations

Written by Meghana Sree

The Netflix docu-series promising exclusive action from 2024’s F1 Academy season just dropped, and while fans await the next round of the championship in Canada, we give our thoughts on whether F1: The Academy should be your next binge. Catch the verdict down below!

F1: The Academy is now streaming on Netflix | Credit: F1 Academy

Acclaimed as F1 Academy’s spin on the Netflix global phenomenon Formula 1: Drive to Survive, the streaming giant’s latest motorsport docu-series F1: The Academy pulls back the curtain on the all-female championship in support of Formula One.

Packed with seven episodes of racing drama, touching backstories and heartwarming moments of support for F1 Academy drivers, the docu-series is commendable for taking long-time fans closer to the trials and triumphs of their favourite drivers. The series also seamlessly introduces newer audiences to the empowering world of F1 Academy, expanding the publicity for women in motorsport.

While the series delivers on its promises of dramatic tension, vulnerable moments and impressive cinematography, a few episodes in, it’s evident that the spotlight only extends to limited drivers. 

The drivers with stronger media presence like Bianca Bustamante and the Al Qubaisi sisters have the most screentime, while personalities like Maya Weug, Nerea Martí or Carrie Schreiner come off as missed opportunities, being scarcely mentioned in the narrative. Moreover, F1 Academy’s unique element of having Wildcard Drivers was completely forgotten, giving those new to F1 Academy only half the story.

However, for all the drivers that were given their time to connect with viewers, the storylines and moments captured truly tugged at the heartstrings. Chloe Chambers’ incredible maiden win, Lia Block’s fond memories with her father, the late Ken Block, and Abbi Pulling’s emotional recollections of her grandmother’s support are a few that come to mind. 

Chloe Chambers' maiden win in Barcelona was a touching moment in the series | Credit F1 Academy

On the flipside of these sentimental scenes were the times when dialogues often felt fabricated just for the sake of raising stakes or establishing camaraderie. Episode 2 was a particular offender of dialogue authenticity, with some scenes feeling forced or otherwise set up just for the camera’s sake. 

Comparing this to Formula 1: Drive to Survive – where the series' brand is defined by instances that are spontaneous, animated and devoid of the media training polish we often see from drivers – F1: The Academy can certainly develop in the authenticity department to give audiences a more natural insight into the relationships that shape a season.

While this didn’t overshadow the series, it does take the viewer out of the moment and disrupts the episode’s movement. Also upsetting the flow was the almost excessive use of upbeat tracks with empowering lyrics to essentially narrate the scene. If Formula 1: Drive to Survive had exaggerated slow-motion shots accompanied by dramatic silence, then F1: The Academy’s equivalent is a punchy pop ballad that certainly wouldn’t be out of place in reality television as the soundtrack to most scenes.

The docu-series redeems itself with F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff’s impeccable insights that guide us throughout each episode. We see her own journey to F1 followed by her unwavering support for F1 Academy’s promising stars, as she speaks from a place of true understanding of the brutal stakes for each driver. 

The series also offers many gems with Wolff going around the paddock to boost morale or lending kind words of encouragement to drivers. The grid speaking fondly of Wolff and her strong loyalty to F1 Academy’s mission was especially moving.

Susie Wolff's on-point observations across all episodes were highlights of the series | Credit: Formula One

While the series’ backbone is Pulling’s dominant title chase, the rising pressure for drivers in their second year to perform coupled with the rookies’ determination to impress predominantly shape the narrative. 

Amidst these scenes framed by rising tension, F1: The Academy does also provide refreshing moments of lightheartedness. Block’s fabulous birthday party in Singapore where the drivers let their hair down and got to know each other, Doriane Pin’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the camel riding in Qatar, and Lewis Hamilton’s visit to the F1 Academy paddock stand out as exclusive moments from the series.

Brimming with breathtaking cinematography of the championship's host cities and inspiring stories, F1: The Academy is a great watch for casual audiences or those looking for a fun introduction to F1 Academy. 

F1: The Academy gave us plenty of wholesome moments between the drivers | Credit: F1 Academy

Meanwhile, the eagle-eyed fan would be quick to spot questionable choices made in the series such as depicting Miami as the first round and entirely overlooking the season opener in Jeddah. As the episodes progressed, the storylines also felt repetitive, especially those involving Bustamante, Block and the Al Qubaisi sisters. 

Considering Pulling’s domination and not much in terms of on track drama in 2024, the series definitely has potential for bigger narratives in 2025. The three-way battle between Weug, Pin and Chambers for the 2025 F1 Academy title has fertile ground for higher stakes, which F1: The Academy can benefit from.   

While there are certainly areas for improvement, the docu-series’ first season is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. Adding to all ten F1 teams supporting F1 Academy, this Netflix series provides even more exposure for females in motorsport. 

Credit: F1 Academy

Our final verdict is that F1: The Academy might not impress those expecting attention to detail and authentic framing of narratives, but it is the perfect family watch, especially for younger fans interested in motorsport. The series proves to a global audience that women too have what it takes to excel on track, and will no doubt inspire an upcoming generation of young girls determined for a career in single-seater racing.

Complete with exciting moments, wholesome sequences and emotional wins, the support shown for female drivers through F1: The Academy makes this Netflix venture an invaluable instrument in F1 Academy's mission for the development of female drivers.

F1: The Academy is available to stream on Netflix now, before the F1 Academy title fight resumes in Montreal, Canada on 13th-15th June.