‘Drive to Survive’ producer talks about Daniel Ricciardo leaving

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To Emily Selleck

February 19, 2023 | 3:16 PM

The producers of Netflix’s Formula 1 series Drive to Survive have revealed who they think will replace Daniel Ricciardo. The unspoken protagonist of the show.

The 33-year-old Australian sportsman Dropped by McLaren Racing Having failed to secure a seat on the 2023 F1 grid last year, it is unlikely he will appear in the upcoming sixth season.

“Without Daniel, I probably wouldn’t have had the drive to survive,” Paul Martin told The Post.

“He was the first driver we talked about it with and the first driver to invite us to his home in Australia. ”

The co-founder of Box to Box Films believes French driver Pierre Gasly, 27, in the Alpine line-up this season can “close the gap” left by Ricciardo.

“For me, Guthrie has always had that role. The show is on this amazing journey with Pierre and I feel very emotionally attached to him,” Martin explained.

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“We have seen him go through an incredible downturn: the season he was relegated [from Red Bull Racing] and Antoine [Hubert] Died. So it’s great to see him finally get another chance in a competitive car.

“He’s grown as a driver and as a person on screen and I think he’ll be someone who really fills the gap that Daniel left.”

Born in Perth, Ricardo red bull reserve driver for 2023 has long been a fan favorite, but he has catapulted to international stardom after his natural charisma made him the obvious focus of the ‘Drive to Survive’ producers.

“I’m Daniel Ricardo and I’m an auto mechanic,” he joked in the first episode.

8 time race winner, counting dachshund shepherds and Bills quarterback Josh Allen, as close associates, quickly rose to fame with his one-liners.

“Netflix is ​​a real cunning gathering. It’s not,” he said in Season 2, later adding, “I’m the epitome of human high performance.”

F1 itself Soaring popularity Since the docuseries premiered in 2019, Martin has compared sports to classic daytime dramas.

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“This is a soap opera. Characters are killed, they come back, and new characters appear,” says Martin.

He compared Ricciardo’s departure from the F1 grid to something symbolic. Shower scene in “Dallas” Bobby Ewing has risen from the dead.

“I’m a big fan of old ’80s soap operas, so I feel a little like Bobby Ewing. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daniel in the shower at some point this year,” laughs Martin. I got

“He’s a great character…I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daniel back in his seat if some teams don’t work out and drivers don’t feel like they’re doing well.”

“Drive to Survive” Season 5 premieres on Netflix on February 24th.