Ways to Satisfy Your Motorsport Craving While F1 Goes On Its Summer Break

Courtesy of motorsport.com

Formula 1 just started its summer break and if you are a fan who spends their weekends watching the sport, you now may have some more free time. The break is long though, and you definitely want to find ways to fill it. Here are some motorsport films and shows that you can use to fill your craving for motorsports while the drivers and teams take a much needed summer break.

Courtesy of IMDB

Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Drive to Survive is a documentary series on Netflix that covers each Formula 1 season, providing an inside look into the 20 drivers and their teams. Filled with dramatic moments from each season, the series provides the behind-the-scenes of the Formula 1 teams both on and off the track. Currently, there are five seasons with ten episodes each on Netflix for your viewing pleasure. While there may not be a race weekend for the next month, you can gain an insider view into your favorite driver or team by watching this documentary series.

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Ford v. Ferrari

Starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, this biographical sports drama is about sports car designer Caroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles as they work to build a race car for Ford that could be Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The film is more than just racing, but follows the themes of friendship, family, corporate interference, and passion. This movie, which was released in 2019, documents a momentous event in motorsport history and has something for everyone.

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Rush

A film about one of the most dramatic rivalries in motorsport history, Rush follows the Formula 1 rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt that took place in the 1970s. Starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl, the film follows the careers of the drivers starting with when they met and following as their rivalry grew and they continued to be rivals on and off the track. This sports drama is full of drama and romance, but does have a few laughs, similar to the sport it is about. Though many of us were not alive to view this Formula 1 rivalry, this film transports us into the rivalry that defined the sports in the 70s.

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Schumacher

This Netflix documentary uses archival footage and exclusive interviews to follow the life of seven time Formula 1 world champion, Michael Shumacher. Many drivers make an appearance in the documentary, including Sebastian Vettel. Following his rise to fame, the documentary also covers the ski accident that would greatly impact him and his family's life. This film received raving reviews because of the intimate portrait of the champion’s life it painted.

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Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Though not about Formula 1, this comedy brings a smile to anyone’s face. A favorite film of driver Daniel Ricciardo, Talladega Nights follows number one Nascar driver, Ricky Bobby, played by Will Ferrell, as his career and talent are challenged by a French Formula 1 driver who enters the sport. A satirical film about much more than Nascar, this comedy movie sports an all star cast and a storyline that anyone will love. A much lighter film than the others on this list, watch this when you need a laugh or a pick me up.

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Honorable Mention: IndyCar

Though Formula 1 is taking a break, not all motor sport series are and you can take this time to learn about a similar series: IndyCar. The NTT IndyCar Series has races all but one weekend during the F1 summer break. Follow the success of points leader Alex Palou, or choose to support another driver. The sport also has some familiar faces for F1 fans, including Romain Grosjean, Marcus Ericsson, and former F2 driver, Marcus Armstrong, who is a rookie in the series this year. Though there are quite a few differences between F1 and IndyCar, the series brings the same excitement as any grand prix and can help fill your weekends until the F1 drivers and cars are back in the paddock.

While you sit craving motorsport action, enjoy some of these films or shows. Soon enough, the drivers and teams will be back from their much needed break, but for now, us motorsport fans need to fill our weekends with something else.