Top F1 drivers blast Netflix’s Drive to Survive, accusing it of distorting reality with misleading edits and manufactured drama to entertain fans.
Netflix and Formula 1 have stepped up to defend Drive to Survive after fierce criticism from top drivers, including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and George Russell.
Verstappen has long been vocal about his disapproval of the show, calling it overly dramatic and refusing to participate in certain seasons.
A recent controversy added fuel to the fire when a clip from the latest season showed him appearing frustrated after Lando Norris’ first career win in Miami.
However, eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed that the cap Verstappen was wearing in the scene was one he only wore at Zandvoort—his home race in the Netherlands—months later.
This meant Netflix had spliced unrelated footage, creating a misleading narrative that Verstappen was upset over Norris’ Miami victory rather than his own home race defeat.
Netflix called it an “unintentional mistake.”
Lando Norris, however, wasn’t convinced. He slammed the series for distorting reality, saying:
“I don’t think you should portray someone in a way that isn’t truthful. There has to be a clear line.”
“I don’t want made-up drama or manufactured nonsense—because there’s already enough going on in F1 as it is.”
Even the fans have started to push back, particularly after the show highlighted what appeared to be a panic attack suffered by George Russell after an intense Singapore race. Many also criticized how the series constantly questioned Russell’s status as a top-tier driver.
Russell acknowledged the entertainment value of the show but admitted, “They’re always looking for the best storyline, and that’s just how these productions work.”
Netflix and F1 Stand Their Ground
A Drive to Survive spokesperson defended the show, stating that its goal is to “make F1 more appealing to a wider audience.”
“We tell these stories in a compelling and engaging way, and this approach has helped bring millions of new fans to the sport. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Acknowledging the tight production deadlines, the spokesperson added, “Mistakes can sometimes happen.”
Formula 1 itself also weighed in, backing Netflix despite the controversy.
“We should focus on the positive impact of the series rather than criticizing something that has helped the entire sport grow.”
The Debate Continues
While Drive to Survive has undeniably expanded F1’s global audience, the ongoing debate raises questions about the fine line between storytelling and authenticity. As the sport grows, so does the scrutiny on how it’s presented to the world—whether through Netflix’s lens or on the track itself.
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