The Gentleman Driver

Thought this would be more about how challenging it is to drive a race car as amateurs.

Instead there was about 45+ minutes footage of some extremely wealthy men getting to plug their businesses and how driven and determined they are, and how everything is about winning and making money etc etc. Pretty loathsome stuff.

It's really dull listening to people you can't relate to, bragging about how amazing they are.

I hoped it would reveal how they have to train physically and practice in sims etc. This documentary didn't suggest it was very hard at all, except you need to have money and turn up to the races on time.

Not a good image for motorsport unfortunately.

The phrase "gentleman drivers" is very outdated as well. If a young girl was watching this documentary it's hardly promoting a sport that is accessible to them.

I know it's not these guys' fault that they're called gentleman drivers, but still, it's the 21st century and I think this sort of documentary will just alienate more people from motor racing than it will do to promote it.

As a race fan, I really enjoyed learning the off-track stories of these gentleman drivers that I have followed through their racing careers. However, you don't have to be a racing fan to enjoy this movie. It is really about how these men pursued their dreams and reached high levels of success through hard work, persistence, and dedication to be the best, both on and off the track.

(Flash Review)

For those who like auto racing, specifically European auto racing, that is where gentleman drivers are found. What is a gentleman driver? They are very good and very wealthy amateur race car drivers who race endurance races alongside the highly skilled professionals. They bring the lion's share of the funding for their teams in order to compete. There is some decent insight into that lifestyle and how they hone their skills to not embarrass the team during races as well as some good racing footage. Each gentleman driver interviewed talks about their background and how they can afford to race. Yet there is a bit too much of product or company plugging. But they are businessmen so I bet they angled for that. Cinematically, it is ok and informative yet not super creative.

Motor racing is not my thing but this film had me engrossed from start to finish. I loved the psychology inserts and the personal stories of the drivers were so genuine and interesting. It was a very slick production with great camera work and commentary that made it immersive in the racing and the business lives of the drivers.

When you bring successful entrepreneurs together in a sport, each of whom can afford the best technology in race cars, the only thing left that sets them apart is individual skill and determination. Their team dynamic also comes through and exemplifies why they are successful in their careers outside of motor sports.