Start your engines and brace yourself for a turbocharged ride through the life of one of Formula 1’s most magnetic personalities—Daniel Ricciardo.
Netflix has officially confirmed it will release a brand-new, in-depth documentary charting the career of the iconic Australian driver. Slated for a worldwide release in early 2026, the documentary—tentatively titled “DR3: In Full Throttle”—promises a behind-the-scenes journey through the triumphs, heartbreaks, humor, and resilience that have defined Ricciardo’s remarkable F1 career.
From the boy who grew up dreaming of racing in Perth, Western Australia, to one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in global motorsport, Daniel Ricciardo’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and personality. With Netflix already having introduced Ricciardo to millions through its hit series Formula 1: Drive to Survive, this full-length feature is expected to dig even deeper, bringing fans into Ricciardo’s world like never before.
️ A Long-Awaited Spotlight on the Honey Badger
Fans of Formula 1 and Drive to Survive have long called for a dedicated deep-dive into Ricciardo’s journey. Affectionately known as the “Honey Badger”, Ricciardo is more than just a fast driver—he’s a personality that transcends the sport. His toothy grin, contagious laugh, and fiery on-track persona have made him a fan-favorite from Melbourne to Monaco.
In the official announcement released by Netflix this week, the platform promises a documentary that is “funny, fearless, and full-throttle, just like the man himself.”
The film will explore Ricciardo’s evolution—from rising talent in junior categories to Red Bull Racing star, through his rollercoaster transitions to Renault, McLaren, and most recently, his headline-making return to the Red Bull family with Visa Cash App RB.
What the Documentary Will Cover
While Netflix is still keeping some plot details under wraps, sources close to the production have confirmed several major themes and moments the documentary will cover, including:
- Early racing life in Australia, karting championships, and the move to Europe
- Debut in F1 with HRT and breakthrough at Toro Rosso, including his fierce battle with teammate Jean-Éric Vergne
- Stunning Red Bull career (2014–2018), where Ricciardo took seven Grand Prix victories, beat four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, and established himself as one of the best overtakers in the sport
- Departure from Red Bull and move to Renault, highlighting his bold decision to gamble on himself
- The emotional rollercoaster at McLaren, including his sensational win at Monza in 2021—McLaren’s first victory in nearly a decade
- Struggles, self-doubt, and his sabbatical year in 2023 after losing his McLaren seat
- Triumphant return to the grid, including behind-the-scenes access to his comeback with RB, physical rehab, training, and mindset
- Personal life and passions off-track, from his love of music and wine to his involvement in fashion and podcasting
Expect candid interviews with Ricciardo himself, his family, longtime race engineers, team principals like Christian Horner, Cyril Abiteboul, and Zak Brown, as well as appearances by fellow drivers such as Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Sebastian Vettel.
The Team Behind the Camera
Netflix is teaming up with Box to Box Films, the same production company responsible for Drive to Survive, ensuring that the same cinematic polish and narrative depth fans have come to expect will be brought to this documentary.
The project is being directed by James Gay-Rees, whose previous work includes the Oscar-winning Amy (about Amy Winehouse) and the acclaimed F1 doc Senna. In short: this isn’t a puff piece—it’s a serious, stylish, and emotionally charged look at a man whose career has been anything but conventional.
In a statement, Gay-Rees said:
“Daniel Ricciardo is a once-in-a-generation personality in motorsport. His story is about more than wins and podiums—it’s about risk, reinvention, resilience, and refusing to be anyone other than yourself. That’s the story we’re telling.”
The documentary will also include original music, unseen personal footage, and exclusive behind-the-scenes clips never shown in Drive to Survive.
The Duality of Ricciardo: Fun and Fierce
What makes Ricciardo’s story so compelling is the contradiction at its core. On one side, he’s a ray of sunshine—smiling in press conferences, throwing shakas, hugging mechanics, and pulling pranks on teammates. On the other, he’s a ruthless racer, fearless on the brakes, known for late lunges and daring overtakes.
This duality is central to the Netflix documentary.
He’s faced adversity that might have broken lesser drivers—unexpected team changes, career setbacks, public scrutiny, and self-doubt. And yet, he remains one of the sport’s most hopeful and determined figures.
Expect this emotional complexity to be front and center in DR3: In Full Throttle, as Ricciardo reflects on both his brightest moments and deepest struggles.
Why Now?
Ricciardo’s timing for this documentary is perfect. After a year on the sidelines in 2023, he returned in 2024 with RB (formerly AlphaTauri) and has since consistently outpaced his teammate and shown flashes of the Ricciardo of old.
With speculation about whether he will land a full-time Red Bull Racing seat again, this documentary may serve as both a reflection and a statement of intent—a reminder that Daniel Ricciardo’s story is far from over.
According to insiders, the film’s emotional crescendo may center around his belief that “the comeback is always stronger than the setback.”
Global Release and Fan Anticipation
Netflix has confirmed that DR3: In Full Throttle will release globally in March 2026, ahead of the start of the new Formula 1 season. A teaser trailer is expected to drop in late 2025, with promotional content rolling out across Netflix’s social platforms in the lead-up to launch.
Fans across the F1 world are already buzzing with excitement.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:
“A Daniel Ricciardo documentary? Inject it straight into my veins. The man deserves this. #DR3”
Another added:
“Netflix finally doing a deep dive on Ricciardo? This will be F1’s version of ‘The Last Dance.’ Can’t wait.”
Expect fan screenings, global premieres, and maybe even Ricciardo himself popping up in a few cities to celebrate the release.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Racer
Daniel Ricciardo is more than his race results. He’s a symbol of joy in sport, of bouncing back when counted out, and of authenticity in a world of polished public relations.
This documentary arrives at a moment when F1 is bigger than ever—millions of new fans are hungry for more than lap times. They want stories, heart, emotion. And Ricciardo’s journey delivers all of that in spades.
DR3: In Full Throttle isn’t just a documentary. It’s a celebration. Of passion. Of reinvention. Of choosing joy—even in defeat.
And above all, it’s a love letter to a driver who made us all believe that racing, at its best, can be both fierce and fun.
Are you excited for Daniel Ricciardo’s documentary? What’s your favorite DR3 moment? Let us know in the comments or tag us using #DR3Netflix!
Leave a Reply