Review: Plucky Formula E deals F1 Drive to Survive genuine blow

Formula E has attempted several documentaries over its near 11-year existence, yet none have come close to rivalling Netflix's F1 docu-series Drive to Survive (DTS).

Unplugged almost hit the mark, but was replaced after three seasons. Now we have 'Formula E DRIVER', to be released on Amazon Prime on Friday, May 2. 

RacingNews365 was granted exclusive access to view the documentary ahead of its release, with this review containing spoilers. Beware! 

To sum up the four-part documentary in eight words: A fascinating twist which will make DTS think. What Astronaut Films has done is very clever, picking four of the sport's biggest personalities and following them across Season 10. 

Rather than covering stories from the entire grid, which DTS has done since its creation, FE's new documentary follows just Dan Ticktum, Mitch Evans, Antonio Felix da Costa and Jake Dennis. 

Each of the four 50-minute episodes includes other drivers, notably Norman Nato and Nick Cassidy.

It is similar to episode seven in the most recent series of DTS, which followed just Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly, George Russell, Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon at the Singapore Grand Prix.

A description of each episode can be found below with individual ratings for each; however, the overwhelming feeling is that FE has discovered a niche style it can build on. 

No stories were twisted, no fake rivalries created. It felt very genuine and accurate to what was witnessed last season. One area of disappointment was the opening title sequence, which felt a bit like watching the intro of an archive motorsport show. Only a minor point!

If a second season is approved, it can either continue following the journey of the four drivers or take on four completely different names. The selection of Ticktum, Da Costa, Evans and Dennis is very clever, with each of their raw sides on display. 

Emotions run high throughout, with tears present in the dramatic London season finale. The producers have done well, very well, and could make DTS think about how to build upon its offering. 

No motorsport series has ever come close to DTS, but Formula E DRIVER is the closest yet. 

RacingNews365 overall series rating out of 10: 8.5

FULL REVIEW OF EACH EPISODE BELOW

Formula E DRIVER is released globally on Amazon Prime on Friday, May 2. 

Episode One

The first episode begins with a quick intro of the four main drivers, before a flashback to the end of Season Nine and Dennis winning the title. 

This is followed by Dennis discussing the "relief" of winning the crown, before looking ahead to his title defence and having another new team-mate in Nato. Immediately, the pair's bond is visible and makes for comical viewing in a Mexican mini-bus.

It is a similar case for Evans and Cassidy, whose childhood and progression to being Jaguar team-mates is looked back on before cutting to the pair working together in Diriyah.

A prominent destination in the documentary is Da Costa's home in Portugal, with a large storyline being his early-season struggles and crumbling relationship with Porsche.

Episode one focuses on Mexico City, Diriyah and São Paulo, with Ticktum only featuring in the opening introductory sequence. 

Overall, the first episode gets the job done, although does feel rushed and unusual given Ticktum's absence. What saves it, is the volume of archive footage and the immediate recognition that the drivers raw emotions are captured and displayed. 

Episode One rating out of 10: 7.5

Episode Two

Two words describe the second episode: Utterly brilliant. Ticktum's absence from the first episode is immediately made up for in the opening minutes of episode two, with him hilariously telling a group of heckling Londoners that "my life will always be better than yours". 

The second episode has a heavy focus on Ticktum, in what is, arguably, one of the greatest individual episodes of any sporting documentary. Ticktum is a unique character, but one who makes for excellent viewing. 

His childhood is reflected on and the difficulties facing ERT, whilst an emotional look back at his 2015 incident which saw him banned for two years is discussed by his family. 

Ticktum's mum breaks down during an incredible segment discussing what Ticktum has been through over recent years, and the angle he has often been portrayed by the media.

Elsewhere, Da Costa's struggles are picked up in Tokyo, with a tense radio conversation after he lost a podium. Misano also features in the second episode, with Da Costa outlining his displeasure at being asked about his future, before the cameras kindly cut to yours truly! 

It is a tense second-half to the episode, with Da Costa's disqualification and race two accident further portraying the Portuguese driver's difficulties. Dennis has a small part in episode two, whilst Evans rarely features.

Episode Two rating out of 10: 9.5

Episode Three

Similarly to Ticktum's absence in episode one being made up for in episode two, Evans' episode two absence is recovered by him being the main discussion in episode three. 

The episode has a heavy focus on the Monaco E-Prix, and Evans finally claiming a victory at home. It features his family, and staggering archive footage of his father's horrific accident in 1996 at over 300 km/h. 

Family is a key factor which is continually returned to throughout the documentary. As for Evans, his displeasure at often being described in FE as the "bridesmaid" is addressed. 

Following his win, the episode switches to Dennis' difficulties driving a "fucking shed" in Berlin, and his brotherly relationship with race engineer Sean McGill. It also features a disagreement between Dennis and Da Costa, following an on-track clash at the first corner.

Da Costa is later seen discussing the incident with Andretti team boss Roger Griffiths in the Andretti garage, before his Berlin and Shanghai wins see the episode end with his unexpected title charge starting.

It is an episode where again emotions are on centre stage, although given it starts in Monaco and ends in Shanghai, it is the episode with the most races covered. The start is very strong, although the second half feels rushed. 

Episode Three rating out of 10: 8

Episode Four

The season finale is based on the final four races, with Cassidy heavily included. It begins with Jaguar's disastrous Portland double-header, and Da Costa's disbelief at Cassidy's spin from the lead on the penultimate lap.

Likewise, Evans' feelings at his controversial five-second time penalty, which cost him the win following his team-mate's error, are displayed. As for Ticktum, his future is reflected on over a beer and a pizza with close friend, Billy Monger.

It all builds into the final double-header of the season in London. Da Costa's title hopes ending is a fascinating moment, given what happened in the last race of the campaign between him and Cassidy.

Whilst da Costa was deflated, Wehrlein's elation at winning the first race of the double-header is documented. Evans' annoyance is also clear.

The documentation of the final race is incredibly emotional, especially with Evans' anger at Jaguar's strategy being focused on. 

The radio messages aired and Jaguar's panic is extraordinary. It then switches to Cassidy's anger with the team and his accident with da Costa, featuring an emotional behind-the-scenes embrace between the pair. 

The closing minutes of the series paint two pictures - a triumphant Wehrlein becoming world champion, and Cassidy answering if he has the "killer instinct" to win a title. That will not be spoiled.

It leaves you wanting more. The question is, will we get a second series?

Episode Four rating out of 10: 9