Max Verstappen has confirmed that, despite his participation in Season 7 of Drive to Survive, his criticism of the Netflix series remains unchanged. The four-time world champion accuses the production of distorting reality to create nonexistent rivalries and dramatizing situations that do not reflect what truly happens in the paddock.
In 2021, Verstappen surprised fans by announcing that he would no longer take part in the series: “They show rivalries that don’t exist. This is fake.” The Dutch driver stated that he did not want to be part of a forced narrative:
“I understand the need to create a spectacle to increase Formula 1’s popularity in America, but as a driver, I don’t want to be part of it.”
Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris also shared the same concerns, complaining about how certain situations were exaggerated for no reason. With the series’ growing success and its strategic importance for Formula 1, CEO Stefano Domenicali worked behind the scenes to mend the relationship between Max Verstappen and Netflix.
Miami 2024: the case of Max Verstappen’s alleged depression
The driver eventually agreed to return in Season 7, on the condition that he had more control over his image: “I spoke with the producers, and we reached an agreement on how to work together. I want to be able to say: ‘I don’t want to be represented this way.’” However, after the release of the new season, Verstappen once again criticized the series for distorting reality in recent episodes.
One of the most controversial episodes of the new season revolves around the 2024 Miami GP, where Lando Norris claimed his first Formula 1 victory, defeating Verstappen. In Drive to Survive, the narrative contrasts Norris’ triumph with a seemingly dejected Max Verstappen. The episode even includes a comment from Jenson Button suggesting that the Red Bull champion was struggling mentally.
But Max Verstappen denied this portrayal in a recent Twitch stream: “Apparently, after Miami, I was devastated. Some of the footage shown isn’t from after the race in Miami but from a different moment. In fact, I had a great time on Sunday night, so I don’t know where they got that idea. But maybe it’s better if I don’t say anything else.” – he pointed out.
Despite the series’ success and its key role in Formula 1’s growth, the debate over the accuracy of its content remains open. Max Verstappen continues to argue that the series manipulates the narrative, emphasizing nonexistent rivalries and taking situations out of context. While he has agreed to return to Drive to Survive, his distrust of the production remains: “I can control how I’m represented, but I can’t say the same for others.”
With these controversies still ongoing, the Netflix series will continue to divide fans—between those who enjoy the entertainment and those, like Verstappen, who would prefer a more faithful representation of reality.
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