The son of F1 legend Michael makes heavy work of keeping up with new team-mate Magnussen, and soon finds himself under pressure.
He’s at the back of the grid during the early season Azerbaijan GP and, having suffered two heavy crashes already, the young German is tentative about pushing the car again – but is slowest of all as a result.
When Schumacher queries his brake temperature, Steiner says “He’s going so ****ing slow doesn’t need the brakes,” whilst unsympathetic team owner Gene Haas describes him as occupying “dead man walking territory.”
Magnussen can be heard suggesting driver alternatives behind the scenes – exactly the kind of thing which makes DtS watchable at its best.
The following two episodes focus on the Vettel/Alonso/Ricciardo/Piastri movements, which is made for delicious viewing – helped by respective Alpine and McLaren bosses Otmar Szafnauer and Zak Brown clearing having no love lost between them.
Netflix catches Alonso promising to sign an Alpine contract to Szafnauer, but the latter knows something is up.
The team goes through possibly the most awkward birthday celebration for the Spaniard in GP history before the Alpine boss shares his suspicions as the race starts.
The Alonso/Aston link-up is soon confirmed, as all-out warfare over Piastri then unfurls. It is essential viewing for even the mildest sports fan.
Elsewhere the series is poor though, as extended race scenes are accompanied by dramatic music feel distinctly dull, uninspiring and cheesy. Watching it live is more exciting, so why would you bother with Netflix?